Launceston might be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to top spots to savour craft beers, crisp wine, gourmet food and historic charm.

While Hobart soaks up a good deal of the Tassie spotlight, charming Launceston is home to vibrant breweries, beautiful wine, and an abundance of heritage landmarks. This makes Launnie (or Lonnie depending on your preference) an ideal spot for sipping beverages while surrounded by antiques and artefacts.

Whether you’re looking for craft brews, a unique cocktail or great pinot noir, Launceston’s best pubs have you covered.

1. Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall

Housed in a former camping supply store and named after the Du Cane mountain range on Tassie’s iconic Overland Track, Du Cane is a brewery and dining hall celebrating local bushwalking culture. Connections to the wilderness run throughout this sprawling venue, with huge hand-painted maps showing local hiking routes on the walls and a rock-climbing area for the kids. Is this the most family-friendly pub in Tasmania?

Accompanying and elevating the beers is a straight-out-of-Italy woodfired pizza oven, which churns out delicious regulars (shout out to the Margherita) and unique offerings, with toppings including wallaby salami and local truffle oil. Why not grab your Tasmanian Parks Pass or Tasmanian fishing licence from the counter while you’re at it?

Address: 60-64 Elizabeth Street, Launceston

2. Havilah Wine Bar

Sitting pretty opposite Princes Square Park, Havilah is a stylish, compact wine bar offering an exceptional selection of vino and craft beers. Along with its bar, kitchen and bottle shop, Havilah is home to two labels: Havilah Wines (self-described as “fun stuff, fizzy stuff, orange stuff") and the Two Tonne Tasmania (“Tamar Valley pinot noir").

Havilah is a stylish, compact wine bar next to Princes Square Park.

You can peruse the glorious wine wall and pick from the thoughtfully selected collection of bottles from near and far. Some opt to take their wine home, but no doubt you’ll want to drink in and stick around, thanks to the cosy vibe, flattering lighting and the rustic meals, like mozzarella cabbage rolls and wallaby bourguignon with buttery polenta.

Dine on hearty meals paired with a selection of vino.

Address: 178 Charles Street, Launceston

3. Barrel Collective

Devoted entirely to handcrafted Tasmanian spirits, beers and wine, think of the Barrel Collective as a place of endless invention with well-crafted cocktails, a huge range of Tasmanian gin and meticulous bartending techniques. Try a refreshing fig and honey sour, a warming hazelnut martini or a fruity Clover Club.

The Barrel Collective feels more like an intimate bar than a pub with dim lighting.

Owner and operator Michael Bernhagen is friendly and knowledgeable about all things spirits and can perfectly recommend a tasting if you can’t make up your mind. Maybe it’s the flatteringly light, the seamless indie tunes playing at the perfect volume, the cosy wood-panelled room or the 80-plus different types of gin that lure you to stick around for just one more. Oh is that the time?

Pull up a chair for cocktail o’clock at The Barrel Collective.

Address: 63A Brisbane Street, Launceston

4. Stillwater

Occupying a beautifully restored 180-year-old flour mill on the edge of the Cataract Gorge with dreamy views of the Tamar River, Stillwater has been a leading advocate for showcasing Tasmanian wine and local free-range and hormone-free produce for over two decades.

Dining on a perfectly paired meal and vino while watching boats glide by is at the heart of this waterfront gem, but dropping in for a glass of wine or a coffee is just as welcome.

Dine with dreamy views of the Tamar River. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

Open for lunch and dinner, their award-winning wine list showcases the highly respected local tipples alongside some of the best sourced from around Australia and the globe. With warm service, crisp wine and those views, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to dine in Tasmania.

Enjoy fresh oysters and world-class wines at Stillwater. (Image: Nat Mendham)

Address: 2 Bridge Road, Launceston

5. The Royal Oak Hotel

Punters have loved this pub adjacent to City Park since it began serving in the 1850s and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere else, anytime soon. Expect gorgeous antique timber tables and bentwood chairs in the bistro room, a swanky cocktail bar with board games upstairs, a bush-lined rooftop bar with a firepit and a pumping band room that is dedicated to supporting Aussie talent.

Savour mains matched with local wines and spirits at The Royal Oak Hotel.

The food at the Oak is pub nosh but dialled up a notch, with the kitchen rolling out the most delicious steaks of utmost quality, succulent herb-crumbed chicken schnitzels with fresh lemon, and fresh market fish and oysters. This heartwarming pub also provides great meal options for kids, with the little ones able to order any of the mains (at a smaller size) for $15. The drink selection is equally impressive, with the Oak pouring quality local brews, wines and spirits. Non-alcohol drinkers needn’t worry, with a foolproof selection of 0% beers, ciders and cocktails also on offer.

The Royal Oak Hotel dates back to the 1850s.

Address: 14 Brisbane Street, Launceston

6. Saint John Craft Beer

Positioned proudly in a historic building on St John Street, Saint John Craft Beer Bar is home to great booze, great food and great vibes. At any one time, they offer 18 taps pouring the best Tasmanian and beyond craft beer and more than 100 bottled beers, craft ciders and spirits.

Seek out good company at Saint John Craft Beer. (Image: Chris Crerar)

Inside you’ll find comfy leather sofas, tall tables with stools and walls adorned with funky picture frames containing bottles. Hungry? Saint John serves up delicious share plates with a South American spin and yummy burgers, including the spicy chicken and the smoky eggplant burger with a corn chip crumb. Top tip: the crunchy fries are legendary.

Saint John Craft Beer serves up great booze, great food, and great vibes. (Image: Chris Crerar)

Address: 133 St John Street, Launceston

7. Three Steps on George

Once a school gymnasium, this gorgeous building on George Street has been lovingly restored and the walls adorned with original photos of former students and sporting teams.

Sip cocktails by the cosy log fire.

Well renowned in Launnie for its inviting atmosphere, friendly service and cosy log fire, Three Steps on George dishes up some exceptional pub food. Kick off your meal with crusty warm cobb loaf straight from the oven and follow it up with baked Tasmanian salmon or the delicious slow cooked lamb shoulder. Make room for the sticky date pudding – a thick, unfussy slab of spongy fruit pudding, wallowing in a pool of butterscotch and crowned with an orb of ice cream.

Three Steps on George is renowned for its inviting atmosphere.

Address: 24 George Street, Launceston

8. Bar Two [TEMPORARILY CLOSED]

The bar’s name – an abbreviation of Tasmanian wines only – gives punters a clue as to what might be inside this cool little bar just up from the mall on Brisbane Street. Venture inside and you’ll find an intimate space filled to the brim with top shelf Tassie wines, beers, whiskies and gins and delicious bites, like fresh oysters and cheese tasting plates.

Bar Two is an unmissable little bar just up from the mall on Brisbane Street.

Pouring six nights a week, wine lovers can either pull up a stool at the bar and chat away with the friendly bartender or head outside to the larger tables, which have umbrellas for the summer sun and toasty heaters for those chilly Launceston winter nights.

Pick from an array of wines and spirits on display.

Address: 47A Brisbane Street

9. Tandy’s Alehouse

If you’re looking for a top-notch beer venue, with reasonable prices and stellar staff make a beeline for Tandy’s near the city centre. With its huge range of ales and ciders, you can easily spend an afternoon or evening enjoying this gem of a bar.

Grab a table in one of the comfy booths, near the fire or outside and challenge your mates to uno cards or a round of Jenga. While Tandy’s doesn’t serve food you won’t go hungry – the alehouse has partnered with a nearby restaurant, Curry Club, to allow patrons to bring in a fabulous beef madras, pepper lamb or chicken korma to be enjoyed at the bar.

Address: 100 Elizabeth Street, Launceston

10. Alchemy Bar & Restaurant

Alchemy offers a charming vibe and a large space filled with wooden tables, comfy leather seats, cosy corners and a beautiful outdoor seating area. This welcoming pub features an innovative cocktail menu, a selection of fine wines and an array of craft beers.

Order a drink from Alchemy’s innovative cocktail menu. (Image: Chris Crerar)

The restaurant takes you on a culinary journey through the best of Korean, Thai and modern Australian gastronomy. Standout dishes include sticky Asian beef, bao buns with Korean fried chicken and Tasmanian salmon with roasted chat potatoes, smashed mint peas and lemon mint yoghurt.

Have a tipple at Alchemy Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Chris Crerar)

Address: 63 George Street, Launceston

11. Brady’s Tavern at Penny Royal

This handsome tree-lined pub at Penny Royal Adventure Park at the mouth of the Cataract Gorge combines adventure with relaxation and a well-curated selection of local wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Pull up a seat at one of the cosy round tables with green gingham tablecloths or head outside to the large wooden tables with bench seats. It’s atmospheric in winter and blissful in summer.

Nab a seat on one of the wooden tables. (Image: Ryan Farrington/Sileo Media)

For the peckish, there’s parmis and pizzas that cover all tastes, from the regular Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil to the fancy – confit duck leg with hoisin and spring onion.

Pair your pizza with wine at Brady’s Tavern. (Image: Ryan Farrington/Sileo Media)

Address: 1 Bridge Road, Launceston

12. Reggie

At this watering hole in the heart of Launceston, you’ll find dancing and an extensive drink list that includes a range of craft beers, fine wines and signature cocktails, making it a go-to spot for fun seekers.

Pop in on a Wednesday for drag bingo or Thursdays for ‘vino and vinyl’ nights, where you’ll experience music and wine pairings. On Fridays, you can grab snacks from the food truck in the laneway while the cocktails are pouring, while on Saturdays the Reggie is the place to be for Saturday Night Fever dance-offs.

Address: 11 Kingsway, Launceston

13. Bar Urbane

If you’re looking for an upscale bar with elegant furnishings and top-notch food, cocktails and wine, Bar Urbane will tick your boxes. Come down to Seaport Boulevard for a moreish meal of seasonal snacks, wagyu striploin or meatball rigatoni, or drop in and nab a spot at the bar for a couple of wines.

Swing by Bar Urbane for a chilled evening filled with cocktails and wine.

Jazz fans should swing by on Saturdays for a chilled evening of live hass and delicious tastes. Bookings are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Pair your cocktails with a savoury cheese and charcuterie board.

Address: 26 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston

14. Midnight Rambler

For fun honkytonk that will transport you to the American south, head to Midnight Rambler if you can find it. Hidden away in an alley on Earl Street, this speakeasy-style drinking joint has excellent libations, groovy tune and friendly staff.

Hunker down at the speakeasy-style Midnight Rambler bar hidden on Earl Street.

On a winter’s day or evening, this bar offers fantastic respite from the cold with its cosy surrounds, dark walls and retro furniture.

The pub’s interior boasts a funky and retro vibe.

Address: Earl Street, Launceston

15. Bar Stelo

For a glass of Pinot Noir and a delicious dinner head to Bar Stelo, a classy Italian bar right in the heart of Launceston. It’s worth visiting for the décor alone, which includes a bar adorned with beautiful Italian marble tiles, a brass curved foot rail, locally crafted leather bench seats and Tasmanian oak and leather chairs.

Head to Bar Stelo for a classy Italian dinner. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

Stay for dinner and enjoy the likes of handmade pasta, gnocchi, burrata, sourdough focaccia and tiramisu.

Join in the fun at Bar Stelo. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

Address: 88a George St, Launceston

16. 88 George Street

Ideal for a romantic evening or a laid-back drink with friends, this upper-floor venue gives off Manhattan vibes as soon as you walk in. Cinco Passiones is an atmospheric lounge bar boasting a refined selection of Tasmanian whisky, sparkling wine, expertly crafted cocktails, coffee and even cigars.

Pair your drink with a plate of Tasmanian cheese while enjoying one of the city’s best views, and you’ll feel well taken care of.

Address: Level 2/47A Brisbane Street

Need somewhere to rest your head? Check out our list of the best Launceston accommodations.