Where to find Ballarat’s best game day pub eats

From AFL to A-League, Ballarat plays host to some mighty matches across the year.

We’ve crafted this pub guide with sports fans in mind, so you can find the perfect spot for a post-clash celebration/commiseration.

We are pretty proud that Ballarat is kicking goals in the food game, so we’ve thrown in a few local gems and some honourable mentions that go beyond traditional pub grub.

---

CENTRAL

Near Ballarat Railway Station and Eastern Oval

• The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill | This centrally-located sports bar features over 50 screens throughout the venue and private booths with touchscreens so you won’t miss a moment of the action. There’s no less than nine different takes on the parma, along with comprehensive low-gluten and kids’ menus.
• Aunty Jacks | A key player in the Ballarat craft drinks renaissance, this award-winning brewpub makes its own beer on site. An extensive specials board builds on a classic menu. On weekends, book in for an afternoon tour and tasting experience.
• Hop Temple | Hidden down a photogenic umbrella-filled laneway, this chilled out beerhall showcases over 220 craft beers and ciders. The menu features smoked-in house BBQ and pitmaster plates, tacos, burgers, pizza and nibbles.
• Freight Bar & Rooftop | All the comfortable classics from carbonara to calamari, dine in or takeaway. Open until 1am Friday, Saturday and Sunday if you’re in for the long haul.
• Griller’s Mark | Technically a burger and grill joint rather than a pub, Griller’s Mark will keep the vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free folk happy amidst hearty servings of ribs, steaks and loaded thickshakes (Oreo My God, you have been warned). Opposite The Sporting Globe, so you can roll on across the road.

Central to everything

• The Golden City Hotel | Formerly known as “Gee Cees” (the name has stuck with the locals), this heritage hotel overlooks tree-lined Sturt Street. With around 200 tables, it is one of the largest restaurants in Ballarat. Open from 8am till late seven days a week.
• The Western Hotel | The Western is serious about sport. Seriously. This solid all-rounder on the western end of Sturt Street serves up great food all-day. There’s also a sports bar (a little bit party, a little bit old school) and budget accommodation on site.
• Craig’s Royal Hotel | Thought to be the oldest continuously-operating hotel in Ballarat, this grand beauty sits in the heart of the city on Lydiard Street. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, the hotel features 41 boutique rooms over multiple floors.

NORTH

Near Mars Stadium and Selkirk Stadium

• The North Star Hotel | A grand pub within easy striking distance of Ballarat Railway Station. AFL games are broadcast in the public bar.
• North Britain Hotel | A compact and delightfully local haunt in Soldiers Hill, full of taxidermy and dark wood details. Think English tavern with an all-time favourites menu.
• Black Hill Hotel | Established in 1864, this friendly neighbourhood bar and bistro has been serving Ballarat locals for generations. Live music on Friday nights and $15 cocktails Friday-Sunday (6pm-9pm).
• Hotel Canberra | This revamped corner hotel is far more than just another crossroads watering hole. The century-old stables have been converted into a cafe bar where you’ll find casual eats like beer battered fish, steak sandwiches and Korean chicken burgers. For a fancier post-game twist, head to Bobby’s Bar and enjoy a two-course teaser of the degustation menu from their onsite restaurant Vesta x Jigs. Apart from the sentimental addition of Melbourne Bitter (which was namesake Bobby’s drink of choice), the beer selection ranges from Ballarat brews to interesting new creations from across the state. LGBTIQA+ friendly.

WEST

Near Lake Wendouree and City Oval

• Ballarat Yacht Club | Casual breakfast and lunch at the water’s edge seven days a week (closes 6pm in spring/summer). The Yachty has a good selection for vegans and little tackers.
• The Lake View Hotel | This two-storey beauty with wrap-around verandas dates back to 1875 and offers some excellent alfresco options overlooking Lake Wendouree. Open seven days, with all-day dining and an extensive menu that is sure to please everyone.
• The Boatshed | Sitting picture-perfect alongside the historic rowing sheds, this lakeside restaurant offers all-day dining and boasts a new sheltered deck area. Good for a date night or for those with a taste for oysters, crab croquettes and gourmet pizzas instead of standard pub fare.
• City Oval Hotel| Established in 1910, City Oval has long been a local favourite for a post-cricket drink. Open seven days, the menu is seasonally-focused with an emphasis on Victorian produce.

SOUTH

Near Morshead Park Stadium

• The Flying Horse | Located at the Ballarat and District Trotting Club, this newly-renovated 120-seat bistro is open seven days a week. The Flying Horse features a sporting bar, kids’ play area with playground and games projector, and a dining area overlooking the harness racing track.
• The Royal Oak | Dating back to 1866, this South Street institution is a family-friendly option for a pub meal. With a large beer garden and fully-covered stables, it’s also dog-friendly if you happen to have the pooch in tow.  

SOUTH-EAST

Near White Flat Oval and Llanberris Athletics Reserve

• The Grapes Hotel | A charming brick pub with generously-sized meals just a stone’s throw from central Ballarat. They’re very low-key on the socials but don’t let that fool you as this local favourite has plenty of word-of-mouth appeal.
• The Red Lion | This Golden Point staple is open until the wee hours on weekends. With an on-site restaurant, sports bar and function space, there’s even a playground to keep the kids happy.
• Golden Point Hotel | Family-owned pub opposite Sovereign Hill. The hotel features a family bistro, sports bar, massive indoor playground and an extensive seniors menu.

Main image: Aunty Jacks