Intro: Why You’re Here (And Why You Should Care)

If you’ve ever wandered into Hobart at 7pm on a Thursday and thought, “I need a drink, but not the sad Solo cup kind,” then congratulations—you’ve come to the right place. This guide isn’t for the average tourist who just wants to Instagram a pint. No, this is for the bar-hopping elite who want to sip, slum, and maybe accidentally start a debate about whether IPAs are the worst invention since the invention of the worst invention.

Let’s get one thing straight: Hobart’s best bars aren’t just about the drinks (although they are excellent). They’re about atmosphere, weird trivia, and the kind of bartenders who will remember your name but not your credit card number. So grab your metaphorical satchel, and let’s dive into the trenches of Tasmania’s most beloved watering holes.

The Salamanca Ale House: Where Time Travels (and the Pints Do Too)

Location: 17 Salamanca Place, Hobart
Why You’re Here: Because you’ve heard the phrase “historic bar” and immediately assumed it means “no music, bad lighting, and a guy who looks like he belongs in a Shakespeare play.” Wrong. The Salamanca Ale House is like a time machine that drops you into a cozy 19th-century pub where the only thing older than the bricks is the guy at the bar who’s been there since the ’90s.

Best For: History buffs, people who like to pretend they’re in a BBC period drama, and anyone who wants to order a steak pie without it being the cheapest item on the menu. Pro tip: Ask for the “Tasmanian Stout” and prepare to be confused by how rich it tastes like a black hole.

Want to recreate the Salamanca Ale House vibe at home? We’ve got a guide on how to brew your own beer, just don’t blame us if your roommate hates the smell of hops.

Henry’s: Because You’re Not Just Any Regular

Location: 67 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Why You’re Here: If you want a bar that’s equal parts art gallery, music venue, and “why do I feel so artsy right now,” Henry’s is your new best friend. The lighting is dim enough to hide the fact that you’re still wearing your work clothes, and the bartenders know your name before you’ve even ordered your first drink.

Best For: Pretentious foodies, aspiring poets, and anyone who thinks “craft beer” is a lifestyle. The “Henry’s Hefeweizen” is a local favorite, but if you ask us, it’s just regular beer with a fancy name and a $10 price tag. Still, it’s worth it because the cheese board is basically a Michelin star waiting for permission.

Dreaming of a bar named after you? Custom beer is the future, and we’re here to help you make it happen—no Michelin stars required.

The Regattabar: Where the Pints Flow Like the Tides

Location: 107 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Why You’re Here: If you want to feel like you’re at a maritime-themed bar run by retired sailors who still wear their lifejackets as fashion statements, this is your spot. The Regattabar is a Hobart institution, and the only thing louder than the band is the guy at the back trying to tell a story about his boat that he hasn’t finished in five years.

Best For: Seafood lovers, people who enjoy live music that’s slightly out of tune, and anyone who’s ever said, “I wish I had a boat.” The “Harbor House” lager is a solid choice, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Wharf Rat Porter”—it’s less fancy but more… authentic.

Looking to grow your bar business? We’ve got strategies that won’t involve yelling at your customers about the band’s tuning issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Because You Probably Already Thought of These

Q: Which bar has the best view of Hobart?
A: The Salamanca Ale House wins this one. You can pretend you’re in a painting while sipping a drink that costs more than a movie ticket.

Q: Is there a bar that’s not pretentious?
A: Yes, and it’s called The Regattabar. Just don’t tell them we sent you.

Q: Can I find a bar with live music?
A: Henry’s has live music that’s so bad it’s good. Perfect for air-guitar enthusiasts.

5 Tips for Bar Hopping Like a Pro (No, Really, We’re Not Kidding)

1. Always ask for a sample first. You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it, right? Same with beer.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bartenders are basically paid historians. Use them.
3. Respect the bar’s vibe. If it’s a fancy place, don’t wear Crocs. Unless you’re in The Regattabar, where Crocs are a fashion statement.
4. Tip like you mean it. Bartenders are the unsung heroes of the nightlife world. Support them.
5. Take notes. You might want to remember which bar served you the best “Tasmanian Stout” of your life.

Conclusion: Time to Get Tipsy (Responsibly)

Hobart’s best bars aren’t just places to drink—they’re experiences. Whether you’re at The Salamanca Ale House pretending to be a 19th-century nobleman or at Henry’s trying to sound artsy, you’re in for a treat. So grab a friend, a drink, and maybe a cheese board, and start exploring.

Need help finding the perfect bar for your next event? We’ve got contacts. Literally. And if you’re thinking about selling your own beer, Dropt.beer is your one-stop shop for turning your homebrew into a business. Just don’t tell the bartenders—we’re busy people.