The best watering holes to pull up a pew in Far North Queensland revealed
A hard-earned thirst needs a big, cold beer and there are plenty of pubs and watering holes in the Far North delivering. Discover the Top 10 pubs in the region with our list, as voted by you.
Cairns
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A good watering hole is the stuff of legend.
A place to unwind and relax after a big week or let your hair down.
After calling for nominations and putting the leaders in a poll to the vote, we reveal the top 10 pubs, as voted by you.
From nearly 1700 votes, the winners are revealed.
10. BARRON RIVER HOTEL
35-37 Stratford Parade, Stratford
Rounding out the top 10 is the Barron River Hotel which was originally built as a lodging house in 1887 and then opened as a hotel in 1927.
When enjoying a drink or a meal from the veranda, patrons are treated to truly unique views of the old timber mill and the Kuranda Railway as it journeys past every day. Geri Holgate enjoyed her night at the Barron River Hotel.
“Ollie and his staff at the Barron River Hotel are an amazing bunch of people, just love that place, can’t wait to get back there again!! Thank you guys for a great night out.” Judy Lui says: “The food is great and the service is fast and friendly.”
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9, ELLIS BEACH BAR AND GRILL
Lot 13 Captain Cook Hwy, Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach Bar and Grill is a popular wedding destination and has become well known for its casual, friendly laid-back feel, but most notably for the $1 oyster Sunday sessions. Not just any old bar, staff pride themselves on minimising their impact on the environment. Dana Keenan says: “Love this spot. One of my favourites. The peeps here are tops, the food, coffee and drinks are excellent and they even bake their own goodies on premises. So many reasons I love this place.” Sue Schreiber was also impressed. “Great brekky to be had with great service and food, and what a view of course!”
8. BALACLAVA HOTEL
423 Mulgrave Rd, Earlville
The Balaclava Hotel is known as the official home of UFC in Cairns and one of the city’s leading sports bars.
Long-serving patron Steve Savage says: “I’ve eaten here regularly for 10 years. It’s my go-to place for an inexpensive steak lunch. There’s not a scrap of meat left on my plate once I’m finished and the crunchy chips and freshly made caesar salad that come with the steak are great as well. Amazing specials for the kids too ... I sometimes bring my little boy who spends most of his time in the play room. Looking forward to my next steak at Balaclava Hotel ... might be today actually.”
7. MOUNTAIN VIEW HOTEL
864 Gillies Range Road, Little Mulgrave
Located at the foot of the mountains, Mountain View Hotel might just be the perfect place to stop in after your Sunday drive down the Gillies.
This iconic hotel was constructed in 1926 and is a true country pub with a beer garden and river deck which overlooks the Little Mulgrave River. Jamie-Leigh McDonald says the pub provides great value and a fun atmosphere.
“Proper good old Aussie pub. Cold drinks, good food and great service. Will be back.” Renee Croft-Pitcher says: “Treated the kids to cheeseburgers from the Mountain View Hotel and a swim down the river next to it.”
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6. RED BERET HOTEL
411 Kamerunga Rd, Redlynch
Labelled as “the Redlynch local’s favourite”, the Red Beret Hotel has become iconic for its massive wraparound veranda.
This hotel caters for everyone with its separate dining deck, bistro, sports bar, function room and even an indoor playground. Wayne Spencer reckons it doesn’t matter that the Red Beret Hotel is the only pub at Redlynch.
“Best pub in Redlynch! So it’s the only one, still the best!” Kali Robertson and Chris Cave both gave the hotel five stars and shared their thoughts. “Love it,” they both said. JoJo Taylor says: “Great food and great service.”
5, HEMINGWAY’S BREWERY FNQ
Wharf St, Cairns City and 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
With two locations in the Far North, Hemingway’s was always going to be a popular choice. After their craft beer grew in popularity among the Port Douglas locals, a second venue was opened on the waterfront in Cairns.
Henry Blackmore highly recommends the brewery. “Awesome place, love the atmosphere and the staff, very friendly. Great for any time of day or night.”
Gordon Fraser was impressed all round. “Great selection of beer and wine and good prices and all of the staff are helpful and polite.” Jane McKinnon says: “Luv this place, the craft beer is amazing and the staff are super friendly.”
4. THE JACK HOTEL AND BACKPACKERS
Cnr Spence St and Sheridan St, Cairns
Commonly referred to as “The Jack”, this hotel has become the go-to for live music and sports fans. It is definitely one of Cairns’ larger pubs with three bars to choose from and five projector screens throughout.
The Jack prides itself on providing entertainment with monthly visits from world-class artists. Elizabeth Mitchell says: “Great meals, music and atmosphere.”
Carolyn Peace was impressed with the hotel’s vibe. “Great outside area, nice staff and generally great place to have a drink.” Aiden Orr was clearly a fan of The Jack’s fries. “Best sweet potato fries I've ever had anywhere.”
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3. THE BUNGALOW HOTEL
200 Aumuller St, Bungalow
This family owned and operated hotel has undergone a full renovation to provide a clean, modern oasis, allowing its patrons to relax close to the CBD.
The pub’s name was changed to the Westcourt Tavern in 1989 but was changed back when the current owners took on the hotel in 2009, bringing with them 30 years of experience in operating hotels around Queensland.
In voting for The Bungalow, MaryJane Chiarotto says: “Great food and the best house wine I’ve had anywhere.” Letisha Wells says: “Perfect food every time we have been and such a friendly atmosphere.”
2. TOLGA HOTEL
23 Main St, Tolga
It should come as no surprise so see the Tolga Hotel in the top 10 after its chicken parmigiana was voted as the best in FNQ earlier this year.
Well known for their extensive lunch and dinner menus, the Tolga Hotel is an iconic, double-storey, heritage hotel on the Tablelands. Grace McLaren says the Tolga Pub is family friendly and that it’s a “Wonderful local pub with great meals at a great price”.
Karen Elizabeth West also enjoys her meals there, saying: “Great food and hospitality. A great atmosphere for families. Great prices for the meals.“ Dean Steele says: “Great small-town pub. Awesome atmosphere.”
1. MACALISTER BREWING COMPANY
6 Danbulan St, Smithfield
AFTER winning the people’s choice award at Cairns Craft Beer Festival, Macalister Brewing Company has now taken the honours of being recognised as the best pub in FNQ according to Cairns Post readers.
Well known for their Latitude 17 tropical blonde ale, Macalister’s has become popular among patrons for their amazing views and relaxed atmosphere.
“No pokies, no screens, just good beer and a great view. Just sit and have a chat,” says Kevin Ward.
Owner Rob Callin has a degree in chemistry and worked for many years as a plant manager in the chemical industry.
He went on to study a graduate diploma in brewing science and then eventually opened the brewery.
Originally, Macalisters was planned as a brewing warehouse only, however the great views forced Rob to put a bar in as well.
This pub has been labelled as a hideaway by some but is still close to the Smithfield Shopping Centre.
Darren Donaldson who says he works for ale company Coopers, gave Macalister Brewing Company five stars on Facebook, saying he “was very impressed with Rob and his crew and of course his beers”.
“All were spectacular examples of their particular styles, I highly recommend the place to anyone looking for superior beer in the area,” he said. “Well done.”
Judith Hunt made sure to visit this Smithfield bar and brewery on her work trip. “I’d heard a microbrewery had opened in the Cairns area so I had to visit while up here for work. What a great place! The team and customers are so friendly, the views are spectacular and the beers are really good. Definitely worth a visit.”
Peter Bullis said: “There is beer and then there is Macalister beer, best beer I have ever graced my lips with. Also a top view and great staff.”
Macalister Brewing Company provides all-round entertainment with regular food trucks and stand-up comedy nights.
Originally published as The best watering holes to pull up a pew in Far North Queensland revealed
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