The best pubs in Darwin

Tourists will call it Shenannigans, locals will call it ‘Shags’, but they’ll both agree that this Irish pub is one of Darwin's best places to catch live music every night and knock back a pint on the terrace. If you can’t decide what pub fare you’re in the mood for, they’ve made your choice easy with a big barbecue plate of ribs, wings, sausages, corn on the cob and wedges. In keeping up with the theme, a good old Irish spice bag of chicken, chips, peppers and McDonnells curry sauce also graces the menu.  

Time Out tip: Sunday is our favourite night of the week at Shags, where you can tuck into $25 roast served with all the trimmings.

Address: 1/69 Mitchell St, Darwin City

Opening hours: Daily 10am-2am

The airy set-up of The Precinct’s beer garden is award-winning, and with front-row seats to the view of the Darwin waterfront and wave pool, it’s not hard to see why. There are three different bars inside, one being the Craft Beer Bar offering 40 specialty beers and ciders on tap, plus more than 100 stubbies. Kick back by day and watch the dancefloor come alive by night. 

Time Out tip: Want to have a fun night out without blowing the budget? Head to The Precinct for $20 burgers on Mondays or $22 schnitties on Thursday. 

Address: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City 

Opening hours: Daily 10am-2am

It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday… and Darwin’s newest hotspot is booming with the sound of not one, but two pianos. As the first addition to the multi-million-dollar Cinema Collective on Mitchell Street, Sweethearts promises to keep the party going until 3am every day of the week, offering live music, elevated pub fare and an all-Aussie drinks list. Start the night with Territorian tucker at Flick’s by MasterChef alumni Dan Lamble, then slide next door to Sweethearts, where the after-party kicks off nightly with talented, local musicians playing between the duelling pianos (from Thursday to Sunday)

Time Out tip: For the sweetest deal, head to Sweethearts during happy hour from 4pm daily, with $6 schooners and wines, plus $12 cocktails.

Address: The Cinema Collective, 74 Mitchell St, Darwin City 

Opening hours: Daily 10am-3am

It’s your steakhouse, beer garden and sports garden all rolled up into one. Catch all of Australia's major sporting events on the HD television and enjoy happy hour from 4pm. As for the grill, a 600-gram ribeye and 350-gram South American rump skewer with chimichurri are just some of the features on the meaty menu, sourced from Malone’s Butchery in town. If you find yourself at the spot on a Wednesday night, sign up for the weekly pool comp for a chance to win cash in hand. 

Time Out tip: Turn your steak into a surf'n'turf with local prawns for just $10 extra. And don't skip on the crispy duck fat potatoes. They're the ultimate side.

Address: 39 Mitchell St, Darwin City

Opening hours: Daily 10am-2am

Lola's doesn't serve up your regular pub grub. In fact, the quirky watering hole puts regular pub pizzas to shame. The eclectic venue at Cullen Bay is known for its carousel horses, charming bartenders and giant eye sculptures overlooking the marina. Oh, and it's pizza. This is pub pizza at its best: wood-fired in a traditional Moretti Neapolis oven with fresh ingredients and genius names. There’s the ‘Italian Stallion’ with sopressa salami, mushroom, basil, fior di latte, olives and honey, and the ‘Not Hugo – Just Boss’ with beef mince, roast capsicum, pepperoni, garlic, fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella. 

Time Out tip: Arrive early to score the best seats in the house – outside on the deck facing the water. Time it right with sunset and you’re in for a truly magical evening.

Address: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah 

Opening hours: Sun-Thur 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-1am