More Than Just A Counter Meal | The Riverina’s Best Pubs
If there’s one thing the Riverina does well, it’s good food and good hospitality.
While the region has long mastered the classic pub feed (think generous serves done properly, with a side of Diane of course), it’s quietly been raising the bar. Think heritage hotels with soaring ceilings and wide verandahs, beer gardens and glass houses with sunset waterfront views, and menus that balance comforting classics with seasonal dishes garnished with fresh local produce.
From proudly no-frills to locals’ favourites and the more refined and relaxed in between, here’s where to raise a glass at the best pubs in the Riverina.
Leeton
Whitton Malt House Bar
A true destination venue set beside a lake, serving craft beer, whisky tasting paddles and cocktails — best enjoyed at sunset.
Where: 783 Whitton–Darlington Point Road, Whitton NSW 2705
The Freckled Duck Bar (Hydro Motor Inn)
Stylish and relaxed, blending regional dining with thoughtful wine pairings and a polished country feel.
Where: 66 Chelmsford Place, Leeton NSW 2705
Leeton Hotel
The locals’ choice, open seven days for lunch and dinner, relax in the newly renovated beer garden while the kids enjoy the huge playground area.
Where: 71 Pine Ave, Leeton NSW 2705
Yanco Hotel
A classic country pub where you’re guaranteed a cold beer, delicious meal and great service. Trns
Where: 1 Main Ave, Yanco NSW 2705
Yanco All Servicemen’s Club
Open 7 days a week from 11am til late, it’s the go-to in town for a taste of real Asian and modern Australian cuisine.
Where: 11 Main Ave, Yanco NSW 2705
Griffith
Area Hotel
A long-time local favourite with a modern edge, the Area is known for its relaxed atmosphere, solid pub classics and a bar that suits everything from casual catch-ups to late-night sessions.
Where: 11–17 Benerembah Street, Griffith NSW 2680
Hotel Victoria
Heritage charm meets contemporary pub dining at this central Griffith icon, offering generous meals, a well-stocked bar and a lively vibe that rolls easily from day to night.
Where: 384 Banna Avenue, Griffith NSW 2680
The Gem Hotel
A classic neighbourhood pub with a loyal local following, serving dependable pub fare, cold beers and an easygoing atmosphere that feels unmistakably Griffith.
Where: 109 Yambil Street, Griffith NSW 2680
Narrandera
The Bidgee Hotel
A true local hub known for its classic Sunday roast, takeaway meals and celebreated community atmosphere, expect hearty pub food, weekly trivia, poker and live music.
Royal Hotel, Grong Grong
Where the beer is always guaranteed cold, this is the epitome of country hospitality. Free camping for grey nomads and a warm welcome to all, this is one of those no-frills little pubs in the middle of nowhere, absolutely worth the drive.
Where: Grong Grong NSW 2652 (you won’t miss it)
Commercial Hotel Barellan
Amazing beer garden and 20 rooms upstairs with a sweeping verandah, counter meals available on Friday and Saturday only, but be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.
Where: 56 Yapunyah St, Barellan NSW 2665
Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Great food, cold beer and a strong community vibe, there are four bars onsite, with regular live music, raffles and themed nights that keep locals coming back.
Where: 41 Bolton Street, Narrandera NSW 2700
Charles Sturt Hotel
A delivering hearty, proper pub meals, friendly service and a dependable range of beers on tap, it’s no fuss, just done right, with a laid-back welcome that makes it hard to leave.
Where: 77 East Street, Narrandera NSW 2700
Temora
Terminus Hotel (The Termo)
A much-loved local institution known for its welcoming atmosphere, rotating chef specials and genuine community spirit.
Where: 136 Crowley Street, Temora NSW 2666
Temora Hotel
Heritage charm meets modern pub dining, with quality steaks, cocktails and a beer garden that’s always buzzing.
Where: 172 Hoskins Street, Temora NSW 2666
Coolamon
Royal Tavern Hotel
A favourite stop along the Canola Trail, serving woodfired pizzas, local brews and relaxed beer garden vibes.
Where: 90 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon NSW 2701
Coolamon Hotel
Recently renovated, this is the new-local favourite for a weekend long lunch. With a refined menu offering (and exceptionally good pizzas), sit in the beer garden or under the stars in the glasshouse, it’s dog friendly too.
Where: Cowabbie Street, Coolamon NSW 2701
Ganmain Hotel
Country hospitality at its best where you can enjoy meals within the beer garden, bar or takeaway. Located in a stunning two-story building on the corner of Ganmain’s main street. Stop in for Happy Hour every Monday, Thursday & Friday night, 5pm - 7pm.
Where: 98 Ford St, Ganmain NSW 2702
Marrar Hotel
A historic pub offering front bar, dining room and large beer garden. Enjoy a meal and drinks with friends and family. Open 6 days Tuesday - Sunday, Bistro open Thursday - Friday - Saturday 6-8pm.
Where: 13 York St, Marrar NSW 2652
Lockhart
Commercial Hotel Lockhart
Family-friendly and full of country charm, with classic pub meals and an open beer garden perfect for warm evenings.
Where: 111 Green Street, Lockhart NSW 2656
Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Open seven days a week, the Club has a range of cold drinks, a Chinese restaurant, barbecue facilities, weekly members draws and a full room of gaming machines.
Where: 85 Green Street, Lockhart NSW 2656
Hay
New Crown Hotel
One of the oldest pubs in Hay, opened in the early 1900’s it boasts two bars, a selection of home-cooked meals and a landscaped beer garden equipped with an outdoor BBQ to relax and unwind in the summer heat. Open 7 days a week, 11am til late.
Where: 117 Lachlan Street, Hay NSW 2711
Riverina Hotel
A relaxed local favourite, home to the Jolly Jumbuck Restaurant. Welcoming, unpretentious and easy to settle into.
Where: 148 Lachlan Street, Hay NSW 2711
West WyalonG
Royal Hotel West Wyalong
A boutique hotel experience combining heritage interiors with craft cocktails and modern Australian dining featuring $15 lunch specials and a Sunday roast.
Where: 173 Main Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671
Metropolitan Hotel
Always buzzing with locals, this pub is known for generous portions, classic pub fare and friendly service.
Where: 156 Main Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671
Tattersalls Hotel West Wyalong
Established in 1894, during the Wyalong gold rush, when gold was discovered in 1893, the main-street local has live music, a bottleshop and restaurant serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week, including a $12 chicken Schnitty on Thursdays and Sunday roast.
Where: 83 Main Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671
West Wyalong Services & Citizens Club
A spacious club-style venue with multiple bars, dining areas and regular live music and events.
Where: 100 Monash Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671