Sitting in a harbour cove south-east of Tasmania is Hobart. Dressed-up by boats and surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, Hobart is also commonly known for its fantastic hospitality industry with everything from bakeries to burger joints lining the streets.
A city with a worthy collection of hidden gems, let your tastebuds do the exploring thanks to our list of the best bars in Hobart that you must visit in 2023.
With pubs, cocktail bars and waterfront establishments, there is something for everyone!
Image supplied.
Bar Wa Izakaya
Konnichiwa Hobart! Ogenkidesuka? You’ll be even better when you visit this lovely Japanese bar and restaurant in Hobart that features a grand selection of Japanese and other internationally recognised whiskies and beers. Bar Wa Izakaya have also got a few delectable cocktails up their sleeve, along with a delicious restaurant offering a wide array of Japanese dishes to feast on. From gyoza and sashimi, to a dedicated ramen noodle bar, you will never go hungry here. This quirky bar is a must visit in 2023!
Photographed by Steve Lovegrove. Image via Shutterstock.
The Glass House
Featuring a gorgeous 280-degree backdrop of Sullivans Cove, this stunning waterfront cocktail bar in Hobart is almost a proper glass house that floats atop the calm waters of the River Derwent. At night The Glass House glows, offering a beacon for the boats that dock and the tipplers of Hobart seeking a new spot. It’s the kind of place you want to rock up to the bar and say “surprise me with something bittersweet”, and you know they’ll deliver. That’s not to mention the fresh-as-you-get seafood menu, including the Raw Bar where you can sip your cocktail and watch chefs prepare your food in front of you.
Photographed by Adam Gibson. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Hope and Anchor Tavern
If you’re looking for one of the Best Pubs in Hobart, you’ve come to the right place. Conveniently located just a touch away from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hope and Anchor Tavern is a heritage listed establishment featuring an original, fully-functioning fireplace. One of Australia’s oldest taverns, here you’ll be greeted with a range of memorabilia showcased on the walls. But, apart from the stuffed animals, swords and rifles, Hope and Anchor Tavern also has a fine selection of beers, wines and spirits.
Photographed by Adam Gibson. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
IXL Long Bar
Nestled inside the confines of The Henry Jones Art Hotel is the IXL Long Bar, offering either a connoisseur’s dream or a traditionalist’s nightmare. Their beer, wine and spirits list respects the island of Tasmania, while still managing to traverse the world’s most intriguing destinations. But what makes this Hobart bar extra cool is their dedication to making truly unique cocktails. On a cold day, we recommend nothing better than the blazing Island of Fire cocktail with a warming blend of Deviant Distillery Single Malt, Lark Slainte Whisky Liqueur, aromatic bitters and cinnamon. Can you get any more Tassie than that?
Photographed by Arcade Publications. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Preachers
Preachers is a bar like no other; it is situated in and around a cottage that is heritage listed and serves up some seriously good drinks and food. Their dining menu caters for vegans, vegetarians, coeliacs and good old-fashioned carnivores. Oh, and let’s not forget the bus parked out the back for patrons to sit and tipple in. We told you it was cool! For those who love a good brew, this place has a seasonal list of tap and bottled beer, while serving up tasting events on a randomly regular basis. No need to preach it to us, this is one of Hobart’s best bars!
Image supplied via @rudeboyhobart Instagram.
Rude Boy
Also making our list as one of the Best Rum Bars in Hobart, this quaint tiki bar in the heart of Hobart brings flavour and spice straight from the Caribbean to Tasmania. Renowned for having one of the best rum collections in Australia, the Rude Boy team has a separate Rum Journal menu for you to pick from. As their website states: “Inspired by our founder’s Cuban adventure, Rude Boy is two quarts Cuban passion, one-quart Rastafarian coolness and a generous dash (or two) of rude boy boldness.” Here, you’ll find delicious cocktails as well as an intimate lunch and dinner menu. This is one bar you must visit in 2023!
Photographed by Adam Gibson. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
The Story Bar
Part of the stunning MACq 01 Hotel, one of the Best and Most Unique Boutique Hotels in Tasmania, The Story Bar is pretty fancy in its own right boasting breathtaking views of the River Derwent. One of the best bars in Tasmania, here they focus on the history of state’s people and nature for inspiration, so it’s the perfect place to get to know both. Sip into a locally brewed beer or sample a distinguished cocktail while taking in this stunning setting. It’s the perfect spot for a drink and some proper storytelling. A must visit in 2023!
Photographed by Mona and Jesse Hunniford.
Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Void Bar
A cocktail bar inside of one of the world’s best museums? It’s a rarity for a museum to play host to after-hours festivities, let alone a bar with an extensive list of cocktails, beers, wines, spirits and tasting flights – but that’s Void Bar for you. Intrigued yet? As part of your entry ticket to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), you can travel down to the third floor and grab an intoxicating tipple during your walk around. Considering that they make our list of the best bars in Hobart, they are bound to also make some of the best cocktails. One of our favourite hidden cocktail bars in Hobart, they are sure to not disappoint you!
Looking for something else to drink? Take a dram at one of these Top 5 Whisky Bars in Hobart. Or, start your day right with a visit to some of the Best Coffee Cafes in Hobart for Breakfast.
From hidden speakeasies, cocktails bars to bustling pubs, sip through this list of the best bars in Hobart!