The Best Pub Food in Tasmania

The best pub food on tap in Tasmania, from gourmet hot dogs to slow-cooked-beef pot pies.

The Salty Dog Hotel

The Salty Dog Hotel, a refurbished 1960s motel, is a 15-minute drive south of Hobart. Head out back to the dog-friendly beer garden and saloon bar for a laid-back, ’70s-surf-culture vibe. Or take a seat in the light and airy front dining room and watch pooches frolic on the sand as you devour a hot dog – a Huon Valley pork-and-beef frankfurt with caramelised onion, cheese, sauerkraut, chilli beef, relish and mustard. If you’re feeling healthy, opt for the spiced broad-bean burger with beetroot, carrot and raita. After a brisk walk on the beach, what could be better than sharing slow-cooked roast lamb with hummus, tabouli, paprika potatoes and rosemary jus? There’s also a great selection of local cheeses – try Tongola Billy washed rind goat’s cheese with crostini, fruit and nuts.

2 Beach Road, Kingston Beach; (03) 6229 6185

Weldborough Hotel

This traditional family-run pub in the north-east Tasmanian rainforest has grown even more popular since the development of bike trails and bushwalks through Weldborough and the Blue Tier plateau. Pick from a huge range of microbrew beers and ciders from across the state in the cosy dining room or catch some rays in the stunning beer garden. The menu features locally sourced produce and home-style cooking. Try slow-cooked-beef pot pie or the favourite – Scotch fillet steak sandwich with barbecue sauce, caramelised onion, tomato and salad. Snack on sweet potato fries or panko-crumbed flathead and chips with a cold Rhu Bru, a natural soft drink from a nearby rhubarb farm. Ask about the homemade desserts; they go down a treat with a honey porter.

29722 Tasman Highway, Weldborough; (03) 6354 2223