One of the first craft brewpubs to open in the city (2014), Hobart Brewing Co. nails the beer garden vibe, with a mix of wooden pallets and picnic tables seating 300-plus patrons alongside the bright red shed that houses the brewery and taproom. It’s on the waterfront, though it’s closer to MAC01 than Salamanca. On tap you’ll find staple brews such as the excellent Cream Ale and the Little Pine mid-strength, plus limited releases showcasing seasonal fruits. The shed also doubles as a performance space, with regular comedy shows and live bands. 16 Evans St, Hobart; hobartbrewingco.com.au.

This inner-city site is taproom only, with Fox Friday beers made up the road in Moonah. Perth-born brewer Benn Hooper runs the show with wife Sarah. The couple moved to Hobart from Texas in 2019, and a strong southern US influence is evident in both beer list and menu. Ten taps showcase hazy pale ales and pilsners alongside smash burgers, loaded hotdogs and wings. There’s also a shuffleboard table, possibly the only one in the state. Expansion plans are afoot, with construction underway on two interstate Fox Fridays; Richmond, Victoria, and Perth, WA, set to open late 2023. 105 Murray St, Hobart; foxfriday.com.au.

This North Hobart bar does double duty as brewery and whisky distillery, a smart move, considering they’re both grain-based beverages. Opened late in 2022, it’s already gathering a following for its sunny, dog-friendly beer garden and small-batch ales and lagers. It’ll be a while before Overland’s rye and single-malt whiskies are ready for release, but visitors to the tap room can get a measured preview. Food wise, a rotating selection of food trucks has evolved to an in-house offering, expect crunchy, salty snacks such as fried chicken, loaded fries and cheese on sticks. 284 Argyle St, North Hobart; overlandbrewed.com.

In 2016, the shortage of craft beer in Hobart was so real that a group of homebrewing mates quit their day jobs to tackle the problem. The risk paid off – Shambles Brewery is one of the most popular boutique beer bars in town, loved for its enormous US-style burgers and cheekily named brews. The For Rex, for example, sounds like a classy take on XXXX, but it’s really a nod to Rex Mundy, who founded the old butchery in which the brewery now stands. A street-facing outdoor area catches the late afternoon sun perfectly, while roaring fires inside will take off a chill during the colder months. 222 Elizabeth St, Hobart; shamblesbrewery.com.au.

While this historic Tasmanian brand is not quite Tasmanian anymore (it’s currently owned by Asahi), Cascade’s South Hobart taproom is still a very good shout. Set at the leafy base of kunanyi/Mt Wellington overlooking the original 1824 building, the mid-century styled Brewery Bar holds a special place in the hearts of Hobartians for its manicured beer garden and frosty fresh ales, many of which are only available on the island. The food menu runs to pub classics – think parmas, burgers, dips and pastas, while brewery tours run seven days, giving visitors an insight into the beer that Hobart built. 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart; cascadebreweryco.com.au.