The Best Bars in Hobart for an Unforgettable Night Out

On an island with serious a reputation for wine, beer, whisky and gin production, it’s no surprise that Tassie's capital has pulled together one very solid bar offering. In fact, Hobart boasts a vibrant and burgeoning bar scene that beckons both locals and travellers alike.

Embark on a spirited journey through the best bars in Hobart, where mixology meets ambience, and every sip is an adventure. From cosy speakeasies and rooftop gems (with views to boot) to historic taverns that exude timeless charm, raise a glass and explore the city's finest watering holes.

Cascade Brewery Bar

At the oldest working brewery in Australia, you’ll find the Cascade Brewery Bar. Aside from serving the brewery’s own beers, there’s plenty of local spirits and wines on the bar menu, as well as small and large plates. The gardens outside are a joy to explore while you wait for your food, complete with a resident rooster and pademelon. A stunning view of the brewery and kunanyi / Mt Wellington beyond tops it all off.

140 Cascade Road, South Hobart

Institut Polaire 

Boasting an award-winning wine list of more than 100 wines, this upscale bar is one for the vino aficionados among us – although Institut Polaire also makes its own gin, too. Kitted out in cool grey leather and white marble, Institut Polaire is designed to be an homage to the cooler things in life – embracing cool-climate produce and Tassie’s proximity to Antarctica. Order an icy-cold wine or cocktail and something delicious from the a la carte bar menu for the ultimate bougie date night.

1/7 Murray Street, Hobart

The Winston

North Hobart institution The Winston is a delightfully divey corner pub decked out with vintage signs and American license plates. A favourite with locals, it’s laid-back but usually pretty chock-full of drinkers and diners, who flock to the Winston for its extensive range of beers on tap and outrageous burger specials. Cosy in winter and a vibe in summer, the “Winnie” is a must visit for a drink and a (large) bite to eat, and one of our favourite bars in Hobart. 

381 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

IXL Long Bar 

Enjoy a classic night out at IXL Long Bar, one of the best bars in Hobart. Set against the striking Henry Jones backdrop of heritage architecture and innovative design, it really is the perfect place to begin or end your evening. Intimate and inviting, it's home to some of Hobart’s finest cocktail masters.  Simply add some live jazz tunes, specialty cocktails, prizewinning spirits and liqueurs, craft beers and ciders as well as fine wines, and choose a small plate or three from the locally-inspired bar menu. 

The Henry Jones Art Hotel, 25 Hunter Street, Hobart 

Gin(bar) by Forty Spotted

Open Fridays and Saturdays only, Gin(bar) is a completely unique Tasmanian experience from start to finish. It offers locals and visitors the opportunity to experience Tasmanian gin like never before.

Used for special gin blending workshops and cocktail classes throughout the day, the bar carries the full Forty Spotted Gin range as well as an exceptional selection of rare and hard-to-find gins from Tasmania and beyond. If you're dating a gin fan, this is the next date night spot for you. 

Level 1, 30 Argyle Street, Hobart

Void Bar

A cocktail bar buried seventeen metres underground, Void Bar is where to go to nurse a martini at the bar, hang out with friends or a date in the lounge over a bottle of wine or cold beer, and kick back and relax in truly unique surrounds. 

Cocktail-wise, you need to try the Jaffa Milk Punch (whisky, dark chocolate liqueur, dry curacao, milk, orange and rooibos tea) or the lemon curd margarita. They even serve up agave flights.

It is located in the MONA museum, so you’ll need to book museum entry to visit - but it's all the more worth it to experience one of the best bars in Hobart, alongside some of the finest collections of art in the country. We call this a win-win situation. 

Inside MONA, 655 Main Road, Berriedale 

Mary Mary

A portal to a world of fine drinking hidden behind the sandstone walls of the old St Mary's Hospital building in Hobart, Mary Mary is a cocktail bar housing a curious library of spirits. Pick your poison and escape into the luxurious old-world depths of this moodily lit space, with leather detailing and marble table tops adding to its allure.

Sourcing local fruits and indigenous botanicals, the clever team behind Mary Mary create locally inspired cocktails using "rare, curious and artisanal" spirits from Tassie and beyond.

2a Salamanca Place, Hobart

Manky Sally's

Manky Sally’s is Moo Brew's new home, part of the MONA family and one of the coolest bars in Hobart to settle in for a cracking night out. A winning combination of nano-brewery, taphouse and luxuriously styled dive bar, it's sitting pretty right on Salamanca Place. Come in to marvel at the carpet, grab a pint with friends (or a Moorilla Estate drop), and devour a menu brimming with Tassie scallop skewers, Sichuan spiced olives and okonomiyaki, delving deep into its charismatic, moody surrounds. 

25 Salamanca Place, Hobart

In The Hanging Garden

Encompassing nearly an entire city block in the centre of Hobart, In The Hanging Garden is an extensive tiered beer garden and cultural precinct, with outdoor dining, bars, markets and live music. Enter the garden of earthly delights and get ready for all the good times to be had within its alfresco dining space, cascading with hanging plants and lighting. It's ready for all occasions, no matter the season.

Two onsite kitchens include Mother Mexico and Orzya, serving Mexican cantina specialities and pan-Asian delights, plus a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

112 Murray Street, Hobart

Grinners Dive Bar 

As a place where you can snag $5 tacos in low-key, funky surrounds, Grinners Dive Bar is one of the best bars in Hobart. Serving up tasty Mexican street food, cheap beer, wine and cocktails to hungry and thirsty Hobart locals, there's also the occasional opportunity for groovin' out to live blues music here. Whether you're after pet nat and poppers (jalapeno, of course), local brews and loaded fries, there are margs and a whole lot more where that came from, including the very necessary Sunday session offering of $15 burritos and $18 jugs from 3-5pm. Cheers to that!

132-134 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

La Sardina Loca

Serving all things spritz and tapas, La Sardina Loca is an aperitivo and share plates bar found down a carriageway in midtown Hobart. Set within one of the city's oldest sandstone buildings, pull up a stool in the courtyard and listen to music while sipping cocktails with friends, or step inside and get comfy in a converted horse stable.

Slinging food and drinks that make them (and you) happy, the menu of small plates is influenced by the cuisines of Spain and the Mediterranean, where food is the centrepiece of every good time. Built on tasty flavours to enjoy alongside your favourite libations, the La Sardina Loca spread champions plenty of great Tassie seafood and local produce. Boomer Bay oysters and a Mussel flatbread with chive, garlic and white wine butter served alongside a glass of Anim wild cider pinot blanc, we see you.

100 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Sonny

Wine bars with a strong focus are Hobart's bread and butter, and one of the best in town (and recently awarded so) is Sonny. This tiny space is dedicated to simple pleasures, with records spinning, bespoke wines pouring and minimalist decor bringing the focus to the vibrant buzz of its intimacy. The blackboard is dressed up as an impressive wine list, with over 45 varieties to select from. If you are after a bite to eat, the signature seasonal pasta dishes are essential eating, as are the simple small plates and epic tiramisu spoons. For walk ins only.

120a Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Ogee

Euro-Italian vibes abound at this little corner shop, wine bar and bistro. With its simple honest food and wines, Ogee has quickly reached cult status among Hobart's slew of impeccable wine bars.

With 26 seats, Ogee encourages intimacy and conversation over a Gatsby style playlist, that parlays into '70s disco as the night discos down. Drop in for a glass of wine and a small plate or settle in for the evening to work your way through the perfectly curated menu and wine list.

374 Murray Street, North Hobart

Evolve Spirits Bar

On Hobart’s historic waterfront within the Macq01 building, Evolve is a cosy spot to get a taste of all the great distilling that is happening in Tasmania. With a slew of awards under their belts, you can expect a solid drinks menu here, from signature cocktails to Tassie whisky flights. Try the Queen Bee, with local Forty Spotted Bush Honey Gin. There’s a snacky food menu to accompany too and the unique surrounds of an interesting collection of fossils.

18 Hunter Street, Hobart

The Story Bar

Also located within Hobart's Macq01 hotel, The Story Bar is a captivating haven for locals and travellers alike. This unique bar offers more than just a place to sip and unwind, as well as paying homage to Tasmania's rich heritage. Sit and soak in the stunning water views from their outside deck, or step inside and be transported to another era, with its décor inspired by the stories of the island's convicts and settlers.

Expect a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, the menu showcases the finest wines, craft beers, and top-shelf spirits.

18 Hunter Street, Hobart

Rude Boy

For a taste of the Caribbean and a lively bar scene, head towards Rude Boy located along Elizabeth Street. This fun and easy-going venue offers a great selection of cocktails — for which they were recently awarded best cocktail bar in Tassie - many revolving around the Caribbean’s signature spirit, rum. The interior is easy to love, featuring tropical wallpaper, velvet upholstered booths, and an entire wall dedicated to a gallery of framed Caribbean posters.

130 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

The Den

The Den opened its doors in late December 2017, and to no surprise, has quickly become a favourite with the locals. This intimately-lit bar is located in the city’s historic Salamanca Place, and sets the mood as soon as you step into its luxurious sandstone and timber space. The menu here is short, sharp and tasty, suited for sharing, but it’s their selection of classy cocktails where The Den truly shines. Try the ‘Apple Isle’ option, it won’t disappoint.

63 Salamanca Place, Hobart

Dier Makr & Lucinda

Dier Makr is a boundary-pushing restaurant, ranking up there with the best of them. Hidden within a grand grey building, with sister wine bar Lucinda spilling out into the street, the set menu here is hyper local, ambitious, and subject to daily changes. Many of Kobi Ruzicka's dishes are created using only a handful of ingredients used in each, allowing them to sing. This is mind-bending dining at its very best.

123 Collins Street, Hobart

Gold Bar 

All that glitters is definitely gold at this decadent bar in Hobart. Gold Bar is one of Hobart’s most loved little hideaways, where you can expect to indulge in excellent drinks while conversation flows and jokes and stories are shared. Enjoy their stellar selection of local spirits, and give it up to the talented bartenders - they can tell a few bold tales of the origins and makers as they whip up almost any custom or classic cocktail to your liking. 

Sitchu Tip: Get comfy in the cushioned outdoor bath tub. 

Suite 3, Ground Floor/11 Morrison Street, Hobart 

Preachers

Preachers is a hip bar with a bus parked in the courtyard for seating, that's serving up craft beers, cocktails and burgers. Relaxed and homely with a spacious string light-laden dog and kid-friendly beer garden accompanying the old style pub interiors, this is one of our favourite bars in Hobart for good times, good vibes and great drinks. 

5 Knopwood Street, Hobart 

Bar Wa Izakaya

Equal parts restaurant and bar, this little gem is a sure-fire place for a night (or day) out. A little taste of Tokyo in Hobart’s midtown, Bar Wa Izakaya subscribes to a more-is-more aesthetic, with bright, eclectic interiors and excellent playlists. The team have fused some of the best - and most unique - Tasmanian produce with izakaya inspired dishes - such as the Bruny Island Wallaby Wing-age, confit wallaby “wings” tossed with a pickled plum and shiso dressing. The miso brussel sprouts will convert even the most adamant brussel sprout naysayer.

We’re big fans of the yuzu whisky sour (or any of a number of delicious cocktails - all beautifully illustrated on the menu), while the 22-page drinks list is a thorough exploration of all things beer, wine and spirits, with local gin getting its own section. Book a day sitting to try their lunchtime only ramen special. It’s a moorish take on the Japanese favourite. Bar Wa is one of the few spots of its calibre in Hobart open past midnight seven nights a week.

216-218 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

Willing Bros

With a lean toward the local, Willing Bros is a classic neighbourhood wine bar with an infectious, no-fuss buzz offering an ever-changing menu of 15 to 20 by-the-glass drops. For those wanting a bottle, there's no shortage for choice, with around 300 options on the list. Artisanal beer and spirits are also available.

390 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

Got more time up your sleeve while in Tassie and looking to explore beyond the city? Try our list of cafés to try and things to do in Tasmania for further holiday inspiration.