From grub to craft brews – here are the top 6 pubs in Wagga

Whether you’re on the hunt for a cool little indie taproom or a reliable local pub that dishes up all your favourite comfort foods, these six Wagga pubs deliver.

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.

1. Thirsty Crow Brewery

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.

Address:

153 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650

This family owned and operated brewpub ticks a lot of boxes. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern

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.

Address:

68 Hampden Avenue, North Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650

Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern. (Image: Palm & Pawn)

3. Duke of Kent Hotel

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.

Address:

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)

4. Turvey Park 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.

Address:

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)

5. Union Club 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.

Address:

122 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650

This popular watering hole is situated smack bang in the centre of town. (Image: Union Club Hotel)

6. Romano’s 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.

Address:

81 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650

Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar. (Image: Romano’s)

If you’re also looking for the ultimate eating out guide to Wagga, here are the best Wagga restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And don’t miss our insider tips on where to eat, stay and play in Wagga.