February 16, 2023
5 mins Read
While Wagga isn’t coming for Sydney’s craft beer crown anytime soon, this Riverina city does have a number of fine pubs up its sleeve. From family friendly taverns with huge beer gardens to independently owned and operated brewpubs, here are six of Wagga Wagga’s best pubs.
This family owned and operated brewpub, the only one in town, ticks a lot of boxes. Aside from Thirsty Crow’s obvious drawcard (its solid range of house-brewed stouts, as well as rice lagers, fruit-flavoured weisses, and a number of ales) the venue also has a sizable menu that runs the gamut from tacos and nachos to salads, pizzas and burgers, and features options for kids too – making it one of our picks of best places to eat in Wagga too. Plus, live music is a regular weekend fixture. Swing by and try out four of their beers for size with a tasting paddle.
153 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
This family owned and operated brewpub ticks a lot of boxes. (Image: Destination NSW)
Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern, in North Wagga. Known for its vast beer garden, perfect for an al fresco dinner and drinks with friends, as well as its sprawling kids playground and generous portions of reasonably priced pub grub (think steaks, burgers and other protein-heavy dishes), the Palm & Pawn is great for families too. And the budget conscious traveller can exploit the rotating roster of weeknight lunch and dinner specials.
68 Hampden Avenue, North Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern. (Image: Palm & Pawn)
If you’re looking for a somewhat scenic spot for a casual pub lunch, then try the Duke of Kent Hotel out for size. The hotel has a deck that looks out over the Murrumbidgee River and is perfect for a lazy afternoon with friends and cold glass of wine on a hot summer’s day. And come Sundays you’ll find local bands and artists performing acoustic sets here. Expect all the usual suspects when it comes to food – schnitties, fish and chips, steaks and more.
125 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
The Duke of Kent Hotel is perfect for a lazy afternoon with friends and cold glass of wine on a hot summer’s day. (Image: Duke of Kent Hotel)
Among the more sleek and chic pubs in Wagga, the Turvey Park Hotel underwent a total renovation in early 2021. And while, yes, there’s still a betting lounge with walls full of TV screens, there’s also a sizable courtyard where you can lap up the sunshine, G&T in hand, or a bright and inviting dining room where you can enjoy a thoroughly decent (and well-priced) pub meal. Located just a 10-minute drive from Wagga’s CBD, this suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion.
71 Bolger Ave, Mount Austin, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
This suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion. (Image: Turvey Park Hotel)
Situated smack bang in the centre of town, this popular watering hole promises 15 beers on tap, beautiful jarrah wood bar counters, and a wildly spacious wraparound balcony that’s perfect for sundowners. Moreover, vegetarians and coeliacs are well catered to here. The pub’s bistro and steakhouse has a healthy smattering of gluten-free, vegan and veggie options lining the menu. But it’s the Union Club Hotel’s perfectly cooked steaks that routinely receive rave reviews.
122 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
This popular watering hole is situated smack bang in the centre of town. (Image: Union Club Hotel)
There is oh so much to love about this Wagga pub, located on the city’s main shopping street, Fitzmaurice. Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, this Wagga institution (going strong since 1857) has four different spaces to suit your every mood (and every season).
Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar, all tiled floors, ambient modern lighting, and bentwood-style dining chairs. Enjoy summer afternoons in the pub’s shady ‘laneway’ with its picnic tables and benches and wall of greenery.
Kick back in the so-called ‘alfresco area’ come spring and autumn; fitted with both fans and heaters, the space is great whatever the weather. Or make a real night of it at Romano’s separate NYC-inspired cocktail and wine bar The Hampden.
You’ll find all your favourite pub food classics here – parmas, steaks, pies, pastas, calamari and more – plus daily specials too.
81 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar. (Image: Romano’s)
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You left out two of the best for food and atmosphere – The Vic in Baylis Street and the Farmers Home in Edward Street.