In Australia, there’s a pub for everyone. Visit these friendly locals for exciting menus, great value and a good old chinwag at the bar.

A proper Aussie pub, no matter how jazzed-up or rebooted, should always offer punters a sense of community. While many establishments are evolving by bringing in big-name chefs or completing glamorous renovations, there are plenty more that remain focused on the essentials: well-pulled beers, hearty feeds and a welcoming vibe. In a changing economy, the impact of the country’s public houses is more important than ever, offering a place to connect, relax and dine out for an affordable price.

Not many can claim to do it as authentically as the circa-1854 St Andrews Hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne (Naarrm). The current publican, Jasmin Vujic, is only 28 but few know the hotel better – she grew up here. “There was no separate entry to our place so you’d come home from school and walk through the pub to go upstairs. All the regulars would be there and you’d have to stop and say hi to everyone,” says Vujic. “Every birthday and christening and special occasion was celebrated in the function room. It was like a huge family gathering every day.”

Vujic worked at the St Andrews in one way or another from as early as she can remember. While she didn’t plan to continue into adulthood, she and her partner, Rob Turner, knew they wanted to keep the business going when her parents decided to step down from running things in 2022.

Keen to make a few changes when she took the reins, Vujic introduced parma and steak specials, plus weeknight happy hours, that are helping to attract a new crowd, though most of the regulars remain as regular as ever. One of them, Malcolm, is even honoured with a cocktail. The description of The Regular reads: “Malcy is part of the history, heart and soul of our hotel and will always have his seat at the bar.”

In WA’s Great Southern region, the 100-year-old Denmark Hotel has undergone an update that includes a refit of the pub’s accommodation, a reworked menu and the addition of a bottle shop that makes more space for local and artisanal products. But its heart hasn’t changed and its promise is simple: “Cold beer, local wine, fresh produce and the easygoing company of Denmark’s own community.”

On a site that was first licenced in 1878, Taphouse Sydney in Darlinghurst relaunched in late 2023 with an interesting twist on the classic bistro menu. “We want to celebrate that Sydney is a melting pot,” says head chef Sam Ng, formerly of Ho Lee Fook in Hong Kong and Stanley in Brisbane. Sidestepping burgers and schnitties, the aim is to explore what Chinese food means to people living in Australia.

“A Chinese grandma will come in to have a pork chop curry that’s nostalgic from when she grew up in Hong Kong. There’ll be an Aussie family having Mongolian lamb and fried rice. Next table along will be Irish backpackers going to town on Guinness and spice bags.” Other times, Chinese expat families hire the private dining room to feast on special Cantonese dishes, such as drunken abalone and smoked pigeon.

Ng loves the character these disparate groups bring to the pub and the sense of togetherness that he’s managed to build through food. “We just want people to eat however they want to eat.”

Here are more top pubs to check out around the country.

Image credit: Gavin Green

White Horse, Surry Hills, NSW

1/14

The idea behind the 2024 reboot of the White Horse in Sydney’s Surry Hills was to bring a fine-dining lens to traditionally casual food at an affordable price point. The menu is by WA chef Jed Gerrard (Wills Domain), whose passion for native flavours is evident in the deep amethyst petals of a jewel-box-like beetroot entrée, dotted with native thyme and muntries, and in the signature chicken skin and Davidson’s plum snack. The 100-bottle-strong wine list by James Audus is also worth a huddle over, focusing on organic and biodynamic producers.

Image credit: Kristoffer Paulsen

The Daughter’s Arms, Melbourne, Vic

2/14

This central Melbourne favourite bills itself as a “British-Indian gastropub”. There’s a proper roast dinner complete with spuds, Yorkshire pudding and gravy that’s on the pass every day alongside a parma that comes with butter chicken sauce. The venue’s take on pizza, or pijja, is more Indian than Italian, with toppings such as Goan pork sausage and spinach and paneer.

The Cremorne Hotel, Unley, SA

3/14

Already one of the most likeable pubs in Adelaide, The Cremorne has something for everyone, from kingfish sashimi with yuzu kosho to traditional schnitzel and an extensive plant-based menu that features tofu tikka masala. Now it’s elevated things to another level with the opening of Bar 1854, a “suburban speakeasy” directly upstairs. Taking partial inspiration from Tokyo’s late-night drinking dens, expect Japanese-style snacks including chicken karaage and sake-marinated olives alongside a grand champagne selection and a glamorous cocktail list (the barrel-aged Black Manhattan is as sultry as midnight). Kick things off with a Wagyu beef and bacon cheeseburger and a pint downstairs then end the evening with a sophisticated nightcap on the upper floor.

The Rose & Crown, South Brisbane, Qld

4/14

Nothing says “pub” quite like an English-style menu. The newly revamped Rose & Crown in Brisbane’s South Bank understands the assignment, heroing stalwarts including scotch eggs, fish and chips, Sunday roasts and creamy pints of Guinness. At the same time, the team knows that the city’s balmy weather isn’t always compatible with the best of British so there are plenty of options that match the sunshine, such as barramundi ceviche and duck salad with Asian greens.

Image credit: Telegraph Hotel

Telegraph Hotel, Hobart, Tas

5/14

Unlike many pub restorations that are the handiwork of sleek hospitality groups, this hotel has been in the same family’s hands for more than 30 years and it’s that family – brothers Stephen and Brendan Bourke – who spearheaded its 2022 revamp. Inside you'll find a sleek rooftop bar (with igloo dining in winter), a wine and beer list that celebrates Tassie drops and pub classics made with stellar local produce such as Cape Grim beef and Norfolk Bay oysters.

Image credit: The Claremont Hotel

The Claremont Hotel, Claremont, WA

6/14

Big-name sommelier Matt Skinner leads the revitalised wine list at this historic Perth pub that reopened in 2023 following a staggering $12-million makeover. Choose from a range of producers from as nearby as Margaret River and as far afield as Burgundy or Beaujolais, and share the signature Claremont Fried Chicken – served with bang bang chilli mayo and picles – before digging into the green chilli and basil prawn pizza. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a weekend arvo.

Image credit: Cricketers Arms Hotel

Cricketers Arms Hotel, Surry Hills, NSW

7/14

“Let’s go to the Cricketers” has been a rallying cry of beer-loving, trivia-happy Sydneysiders for decades. But if you head upstairs you'll find this beloved inner-city venue has gone a little bit fancy with the addition of Chez Crix, a French-accented bistro serving up confit duck, flounder grenobloise and Sunday roasts.

Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood, Vic

8/14

Australian pubs have long been incubators for up-and-coming bands and though old-school live-music venues are scarcer than they once were, some, such as “The Bendi” in Collingwood are keeping the speakers turned up to 11. New owners The Mill Brewery book regular entertainment, plus there are bargain Bloody Marys and breakfast tacos by the Dingo Ate My Taco food truck every weekend.

Image credit: Jon Wah

Sussex Hotel, Walkerville, SA

9/14

A thorough transformation of this 19th-century venue in Adelaide’s Walkerville has seen its owners blend the building’s heritage features with Moroccan-style décor – and somehow it just works. Though most of the original detailing from the 1800s was lost in the 1930s, some Art Deco features remain and have now been refreshed with a creative and colour-splashed update across spaces including the dining room and courtyard. The menu is largely traditional with a few Aussie touches, such as Paroo kangaroo loin with red wine jus and chips plus saltwater barramundi with saffron cauliflower purée.

Eltham Hotel, Eltham, NSW

10/14

A jumble of mismatched floral plates, op-shop finds and a rotation of local live music characterises this charming pub, about 30 minutes inland from Byron Bay. Expect elevated classics including beer battered market fish and chicken parmigiana, as well as the more adventurous kangaroo hotdog.

Image credit: The Wickham

The Wickham, Fortitude Valley, Qld

11/14

This proudly LGBTQIA+-friendly Brisbane favourite received a $3 million facelift in 2023 and the old girl is looking grand. There’s a ’70s disco theme to the fit-out: riotous wallpaper, feathered light fittings and even a Jennifer Coolidge print. Tapas and pizzas lead the food offering and there’s a dedicated “pup menu” for four-legged guests.

Image credit: Central Club Hotel

Central Club Hotel, North Melbourne, Vic

12/14

A staunchly all-Australian drinks list is the jewel of this 155-year-old stunner, which reopened with a new, graceful look in 2023. The wines are particularly interesting and lean new wave, while the kitchen serves all the classics: schnittys, burgers and steaks.

Image credit: The Scenic Hotel

The Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit, SA

13/14

The Scenic’s fairytale grounds – all twinkling lights, mature conifers and elms – make it one of the prettiest beer gardens around. And with head chef Jordan Latour (formerly of Tasmania’s Fico and Tom McHugo’s) leading the charge, the menu at this Adelaide Hills beauty is equally special. Expect the likes of oven roasted barramundi drizzled in caper butter, house-made stracciatella and kangaroo loin schnitzel in pepper sauce.