Hobart Bars and other night spots
Created | Updated Nov 4, 2002
Hobart (Tasmania, Australia) has one of the highest bar-per-square meter densities of any city in the world (or so I am told). There is a huge range, from real stinkers and slobber holes to some great little spots to linger and mingle, or eat or just relax. I'm not going to review them all (as there are far too many for the time constraints that I have), but I hope to shed some light on the best and the worst. This is a subjective analysis, so if you've been to Hobart or live here, and disagree with my opinions, then thats just fine, and please let me know.
SWANK LITTLE NUMBERS
There are a few bars appearing now that are pitched at the young professionals, and are quite stylish. these include:
All Bar One- a cocktail bar, come wine bar, come resteraunt (try the pizza's) come just about anything, located in the salamanca square. Although not especially cheap, has a great atmosphere, with bar-radiators in strange very red colours, lots of wood, old convict built sandstone walls, and a loft where the resteraunt continues. with a broad menu it all adds up to an eclectic mix that can be quite pleasent, although unusual (and can be sort of scary if you are intoxicated). A top venue for going out to as a start to the night, but not really all that 'relaxing' or laidback.
T 42- an new bar out on Elizabeth Pier, with a similar type of clientel to All Bar One, but is much more a place to chill. With great views of constitution dock, and many couches (although dissapointingly vinel) this is a great place for coffee and cake or a meal or just to get pissed. The decor is in a contempory style, with steel tables, lots of blue and surrealist pictures.
HOBART PUBS
The type of places that can be found almost anywhere in the world, styled on those so prevalent in London and the UK in general, although naturally without the history and often the décor is simply what ever works. They serve a wide variety of local beers, such as Boags Strongarm, Draft, Classic and Premium, Cascade Draft, Pale Ale and Premium, and more recently things such as the local Hazards Ale. Many other beers can be found, although imported beers are likely to be expensive.
Montgommeries- Attached to the Hobart Hotel, Monty’s is a smaller pub, equipped with a Karioke device, and is generally stock standard, although is clean and civilised. Attached to a bistro, I don’t think that meals are available outside its opening hours.
Irish Murphies- a larger pub located on Salamanca, it is typical of Irish Style pubs everywhere, although it can be a bit dark and dingy. Tables outside are a good option, as inside is really not all that pleasant.
Knopwoods- also on Salamanca, this place is usually so crowded that one gets all sorts of funny sensations as you try to push you way in. It has tables outside, as well as inside, and standing area is usually crowded. Atmosphere really depends on when you go- on a Saturday night it is often quite impossible to breathe.
The Victoria Arms- Has a tendency to be grotty. Interesting front windows but that’s about all. Claustrophobic, good luck getting a word in over the din of the music. Possibly a place to avoid.
Customs House- I think that it is just more of the same but m not really all that sure as by the time I end up here I am usually non-compass.
The New Sydney hotel- the loud music tends to destroy the atmosphere here, as it is neither a socialising venue (cannot talk) or a dance venue (as the floor is too small), but rather an awkward combination.
MISCELLANIOUS DRINKING VENUES
Juice- several floors of entertainment at Salamanca. They charge for admission, so I suppose it likes to believe that it is a club. Do not ask for water here, as they charge. The music is Techno / Dance, and the upstairs bar is a renowned gay haunt, which is fine if that’s your thing, but if you are like me and don’t enjoy being groped by people of the same gender then possibly a place to avoid.
Spinnaker bar- attached to the hotel Grand Chancellor, this bar is carpeted, which speaks volumes about the type of cliental (usually civilised), the security (don’t even bother trying to get in if you are under aged or without ID) and the fact that the hotel subsidises breakages and damage to the bar. not usually that well patronised by students et cetera.
Hadlee’s- couches and open fires, as well as the quiet make this ostensively hotel bar a good venue to go to if you like to talk. Pitched at an older market than your typical university student, it is generally uncrowded and is a good place to retire to after a nice dinner.
Mangoes- Hard to find as it is actually in an old basement or dungeon from the convict era, this bar purports to be a cocktail bar (although they serve all the old favourites- eg Beer). The poor ventilation means that this is a very smoky place, and oft tends to be hot. When crowded it is hard to move, as its not very big, and can be very loud. Worth a look, but perhaps not too much more.
Bakers- located up from the village cinema, Bakers offers a pleasent surrounding, and is really a Resteraunt/Bar. offering fresh pizza's, coffee, steaks and all manner of other delights, bakers clean and sane surroundings make a pleasent change to many of the stinky grot of some of the others. with dulled music and subdued lighting, certainly a place where one can talk. Negatives- the newcaslte Brown i was served was not given with a glass, when this beer is (disputedly) one best poured. Also, the latte's and hot chocolates took about 15 minutes, as at midnight the machine had been turned off.
THE FOCUS IS BEER
Out of Hobart toward Sandy Bay- these two venues are quite big, and well frequented by students. they delight in serving lots of different Beers
St Ives- with a bottle shop, a motel, an extensive bar section downstairs and the night club held by many as being the best around Hobart above, this is a pretty good all in one. Downstairs there are many home made beers on tap (try the ‘Old B*****d’), and some good sitting areas. Upstairs is a pool hall/bar/dance floor (with an oval and L shaped 8 ball tables), and a big dance area. Usually packed, good for a bit of a rage.
Bridie O’Reilly’s- I think that this is a franchise bar, but it is large, and they have tried hard to make atmosphere. The beers on tap are many and varied, but it can often bring middle aged clientele. Good if you are into mainstream ales and stouts.
SANDY BAY STUDENT SOLACE CENTERS
Located around the University and the Uni housing areas, these places attract and sustain students, some longhaired but not all.
The University Union Bar- a service provided by the university union, it is more of a profit making machine than a vehicle (if anyone went). Usually crowded on Wednesdays and weekends, there is a bit of everything here, although many students will tell you that it is simply a convenient dive.
Dr Syntax- a typical Australian pub, with Keno and the trots on TV. Seems to be a haunt of old men, but its bottle shop is the cheapest around. If you are hungry try ‘Mykanos’ for cheap fast food, although the jury is still out as to whether in the long run it is friend or foe.
The Prince of Wales- red brick on battery point. 3 words best sum up this place- Avoid Avoid Avoid.
Nickelbies- this try hard wine bar is just a (very) late night piss up, therefore a very popular with the students.
The Mayfair- a dive. None of the profits seem to be put back in to the premises, making it very sub standard, seedy and Medieval in its level of filth. Go to Nickelbies or St Ives.
THE CASINO
The Wrest point casino, once a diamond in Tasmanian attractions has lost its sheen since Crown Casino in Melbourne and Star City sprung into existence. With big cuts in expenditure, large sections of the slot machines are sealed off, and some of the bars are now defunct, but some of the bars can be useful. Be focused when you go in, stick to your mission objectives, as its not really a place to admit to hanging out at. A note of warning, I have been thrown out for wearing shorts, however jeans, runners and mullet haircuts seem acceptable. Unjust? You decide.
The Sports Bar- with Cable sports (Fox 1,2 and C7), as well as some big screens and free nuts, the sports bar can be a good place if watching sport is your thing. If you know the TV schedules, they can be bullied into changing the channels for you. On several occasions when the cable in our college has been on the blink, my friends and I have ventured down with study books, and re-arranging tables and chairs have spent evenings studying, watching cricket or rugby, eating their nuts and drinking their fine free water (we are only poor students). On several occasions other patrons, noticing our coveting and dominance over the ‘good’ chairs and position, and our frugal manner have objected to the manager, hoping to have us moved or removed. A credit to the Casino, we were undisturbed (except by the drunk women as they demanded we give up our hard won perches).
The Casino Bar- another cable TV watching post for those who are bereft, located near the tables, the main advantage of this bar is the free Coffee’s and Hot Chocolates.
The Birdcage Bar- A piano/ Cocktail Bar. Very seedy performers, and defiantly not succeeding in culturing the high flier culture that it intends, I have yet to find anywhere else that provides the quantity of free snacks that this place does.
Reigenes- a nightclub that attracts many 35 year old seedy moustache wearing men. Sleazy, with bad décor, bad music, and really not much going for it. A place to stay away from unless you are keen to pick up what ever is going at the time (and gain or ruin a reputation).
Many of my Judgments are coloured by my experiences, but really, if you are getting smashed, it doesn’t matter where you go. Everywhere is pretty safe by real world standards, and you’re probably no more than $10 AUD (4 pounds sterling) away from anywhere by cab. I know that I have neglected to mention many places, either out of ignorance, or from being unfamiliar, but I believe that I have covered the essentials, and hope that that helps anybody who is lost.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN HOBART:
Mt Wellington, situated above Hobart, this spectacular mountain gives an amazing view of the city and surrounding areas. Especially spectacular at dawn, be sure to rug up as it can get damn cold (my Great Great Grandfather Died on top in the 1800’s of exposure- it’s a bit different now, but it can still howl up there.)
Mt Nelson, a little closer but not quite as spectacular as Mt Wellington, certainly worth a visit.
Salamanca 24 hour Bakery is a boon to the city and makes good relief at any time of any day. Especially valuable considering 24 hour licences are near impossible to get here.
The Docks provide the best seafood around, usually very fresh (although I would stay away from the Ling, as it tends to be a bit dodgey). Muers, although not the cheapest, certainly provides some excellent Fish and Cray upstairs, although downstairs can be a bit greasy.
The Supreme Court often has interesting cases on if you have time to kill. Recently there have been some bestiality trials which, although may not be pleasant, certainly provide a talking point.
Get out on the River! The city is completely different when seen from the Derwent, and there are some cheap cruises that operate, giving meals as well.
Enjoy and please feel free to ask me questions or challenge my assertions
SWANK LITTLE NUMBERS
There are a few bars appearing now that are pitched at the young professionals, and are quite stylish. these include:
All Bar One- a cocktail bar, come wine bar, come resteraunt (try the pizza's) come just about anything, located in the salamanca square. Although not especially cheap, has a great atmosphere, with bar-radiators in strange very red colours, lots of wood, old convict built sandstone walls, and a loft where the resteraunt continues. with a broad menu it all adds up to an eclectic mix that can be quite pleasent, although unusual (and can be sort of scary if you are intoxicated). A top venue for going out to as a start to the night, but not really all that 'relaxing' or laidback.
T 42- an new bar out on Elizabeth Pier, with a similar type of clientel to All Bar One, but is much more a place to chill. With great views of constitution dock, and many couches (although dissapointingly vinel) this is a great place for coffee and cake or a meal or just to get pissed. The decor is in a contempory style, with steel tables, lots of blue and surrealist pictures.
HOBART PUBS
The type of places that can be found almost anywhere in the world, styled on those so prevalent in London and the UK in general, although naturally without the history and often the décor is simply what ever works. They serve a wide variety of local beers, such as Boags Strongarm, Draft, Classic and Premium, Cascade Draft, Pale Ale and Premium, and more recently things such as the local Hazards Ale. Many other beers can be found, although imported beers are likely to be expensive.
Montgommeries- Attached to the Hobart Hotel, Monty’s is a smaller pub, equipped with a Karioke device, and is generally stock standard, although is clean and civilised. Attached to a bistro, I don’t think that meals are available outside its opening hours.
Irish Murphies- a larger pub located on Salamanca, it is typical of Irish Style pubs everywhere, although it can be a bit dark and dingy. Tables outside are a good option, as inside is really not all that pleasant.
Knopwoods- also on Salamanca, this place is usually so crowded that one gets all sorts of funny sensations as you try to push you way in. It has tables outside, as well as inside, and standing area is usually crowded. Atmosphere really depends on when you go- on a Saturday night it is often quite impossible to breathe.
The Victoria Arms- Has a tendency to be grotty. Interesting front windows but that’s about all. Claustrophobic, good luck getting a word in over the din of the music. Possibly a place to avoid.
Customs House- I think that it is just more of the same but m not really all that sure as by the time I end up here I am usually non-compass.
The New Sydney hotel- the loud music tends to destroy the atmosphere here, as it is neither a socialising venue (cannot talk) or a dance venue (as the floor is too small), but rather an awkward combination.
MISCELLANIOUS DRINKING VENUES
Juice- several floors of entertainment at Salamanca. They charge for admission, so I suppose it likes to believe that it is a club. Do not ask for water here, as they charge. The music is Techno / Dance, and the upstairs bar is a renowned gay haunt, which is fine if that’s your thing, but if you are like me and don’t enjoy being groped by people of the same gender then possibly a place to avoid.
Spinnaker bar- attached to the hotel Grand Chancellor, this bar is carpeted, which speaks volumes about the type of cliental (usually civilised), the security (don’t even bother trying to get in if you are under aged or without ID) and the fact that the hotel subsidises breakages and damage to the bar. not usually that well patronised by students et cetera.
Hadlee’s- couches and open fires, as well as the quiet make this ostensively hotel bar a good venue to go to if you like to talk. Pitched at an older market than your typical university student, it is generally uncrowded and is a good place to retire to after a nice dinner.
Mangoes- Hard to find as it is actually in an old basement or dungeon from the convict era, this bar purports to be a cocktail bar (although they serve all the old favourites- eg Beer). The poor ventilation means that this is a very smoky place, and oft tends to be hot. When crowded it is hard to move, as its not very big, and can be very loud. Worth a look, but perhaps not too much more.
Bakers- located up from the village cinema, Bakers offers a pleasent surrounding, and is really a Resteraunt/Bar. offering fresh pizza's, coffee, steaks and all manner of other delights, bakers clean and sane surroundings make a pleasent change to many of the stinky grot of some of the others. with dulled music and subdued lighting, certainly a place where one can talk. Negatives- the newcaslte Brown i was served was not given with a glass, when this beer is (disputedly) one best poured. Also, the latte's and hot chocolates took about 15 minutes, as at midnight the machine had been turned off.
THE FOCUS IS BEER
Out of Hobart toward Sandy Bay- these two venues are quite big, and well frequented by students. they delight in serving lots of different Beers
St Ives- with a bottle shop, a motel, an extensive bar section downstairs and the night club held by many as being the best around Hobart above, this is a pretty good all in one. Downstairs there are many home made beers on tap (try the ‘Old B*****d’), and some good sitting areas. Upstairs is a pool hall/bar/dance floor (with an oval and L shaped 8 ball tables), and a big dance area. Usually packed, good for a bit of a rage.
Bridie O’Reilly’s- I think that this is a franchise bar, but it is large, and they have tried hard to make atmosphere. The beers on tap are many and varied, but it can often bring middle aged clientele. Good if you are into mainstream ales and stouts.
SANDY BAY STUDENT SOLACE CENTERS
Located around the University and the Uni housing areas, these places attract and sustain students, some longhaired but not all.
The University Union Bar- a service provided by the university union, it is more of a profit making machine than a vehicle (if anyone went). Usually crowded on Wednesdays and weekends, there is a bit of everything here, although many students will tell you that it is simply a convenient dive.
Dr Syntax- a typical Australian pub, with Keno and the trots on TV. Seems to be a haunt of old men, but its bottle shop is the cheapest around. If you are hungry try ‘Mykanos’ for cheap fast food, although the jury is still out as to whether in the long run it is friend or foe.
The Prince of Wales- red brick on battery point. 3 words best sum up this place- Avoid Avoid Avoid.
Nickelbies- this try hard wine bar is just a (very) late night piss up, therefore a very popular with the students.
The Mayfair- a dive. None of the profits seem to be put back in to the premises, making it very sub standard, seedy and Medieval in its level of filth. Go to Nickelbies or St Ives.
THE CASINO
The Wrest point casino, once a diamond in Tasmanian attractions has lost its sheen since Crown Casino in Melbourne and Star City sprung into existence. With big cuts in expenditure, large sections of the slot machines are sealed off, and some of the bars are now defunct, but some of the bars can be useful. Be focused when you go in, stick to your mission objectives, as its not really a place to admit to hanging out at. A note of warning, I have been thrown out for wearing shorts, however jeans, runners and mullet haircuts seem acceptable. Unjust? You decide.
The Sports Bar- with Cable sports (Fox 1,2 and C7), as well as some big screens and free nuts, the sports bar can be a good place if watching sport is your thing. If you know the TV schedules, they can be bullied into changing the channels for you. On several occasions when the cable in our college has been on the blink, my friends and I have ventured down with study books, and re-arranging tables and chairs have spent evenings studying, watching cricket or rugby, eating their nuts and drinking their fine free water (we are only poor students). On several occasions other patrons, noticing our coveting and dominance over the ‘good’ chairs and position, and our frugal manner have objected to the manager, hoping to have us moved or removed. A credit to the Casino, we were undisturbed (except by the drunk women as they demanded we give up our hard won perches).
The Casino Bar- another cable TV watching post for those who are bereft, located near the tables, the main advantage of this bar is the free Coffee’s and Hot Chocolates.
The Birdcage Bar- A piano/ Cocktail Bar. Very seedy performers, and defiantly not succeeding in culturing the high flier culture that it intends, I have yet to find anywhere else that provides the quantity of free snacks that this place does.
Reigenes- a nightclub that attracts many 35 year old seedy moustache wearing men. Sleazy, with bad décor, bad music, and really not much going for it. A place to stay away from unless you are keen to pick up what ever is going at the time (and gain or ruin a reputation).
Many of my Judgments are coloured by my experiences, but really, if you are getting smashed, it doesn’t matter where you go. Everywhere is pretty safe by real world standards, and you’re probably no more than $10 AUD (4 pounds sterling) away from anywhere by cab. I know that I have neglected to mention many places, either out of ignorance, or from being unfamiliar, but I believe that I have covered the essentials, and hope that that helps anybody who is lost.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN HOBART:
Mt Wellington, situated above Hobart, this spectacular mountain gives an amazing view of the city and surrounding areas. Especially spectacular at dawn, be sure to rug up as it can get damn cold (my Great Great Grandfather Died on top in the 1800’s of exposure- it’s a bit different now, but it can still howl up there.)
Mt Nelson, a little closer but not quite as spectacular as Mt Wellington, certainly worth a visit.
Salamanca 24 hour Bakery is a boon to the city and makes good relief at any time of any day. Especially valuable considering 24 hour licences are near impossible to get here.
The Docks provide the best seafood around, usually very fresh (although I would stay away from the Ling, as it tends to be a bit dodgey). Muers, although not the cheapest, certainly provides some excellent Fish and Cray upstairs, although downstairs can be a bit greasy.
The Supreme Court often has interesting cases on if you have time to kill. Recently there have been some bestiality trials which, although may not be pleasant, certainly provide a talking point.
Get out on the River! The city is completely different when seen from the Derwent, and there are some cheap cruises that operate, giving meals as well.
Enjoy and please feel free to ask me questions or challenge my assertions
