There’s something deeply satisfying about a great pub steak. It’s hearty without pretence, timeless yet open to modern interpretation. Whether you’re perched on a stool with a pint in hand or settling into a corner booth with the footy on in the background, a well-executed steak is still the gold standard of comfort dining.
We’ve tracked down four pubs where the grill game is strong, the steaks are premium and the atmosphere hits that perfect mix of local buzz and laid-back hospitality.
Cow and Calf Hotel – Wellington, NSW
At the Cow and Calf Hotel in Wellington, country hospitality meets modern flair. Established in 1863 and thoughtfully revamped in 2013, this pub bistro on Lee Street has shaken off its dusty boots without losing its rural soul. The venue feels both current and nostalgic, boasting sleek interiors and welcoming spaces perfect for a long lunch or casual dinner. With family-friendly vibes and a beer list to match, it's a local icon reinvented for today’s pub-goer.
The menu is classic pub fare reimagined. Sink your teeth into the surf and turf: a juicy Scotch fillet topped with prawns and finished with a silky garlic cream sauce. Served alongside golden chips and a crisp salad, it’s a plate that balances indulgence with just enough freshness to keep you coming back. If you're keen on variety, the salt and pepper squid with lemon aioli is a crowd-pleaser worth starting with.
Book a table and enjoy steak night done right in the heart of Wellington.
The Katoomba Hotel – Katoomba, NSW
Standing proudly on Parke Street, The Katoomba Hotel is as much a part of the Blue Mountains landscape as the surrounding escarpments. With its welcoming front bar, heritage architecture and lively dining space, it’s the quintessential mountain pub: a place where locals rub shoulders with weekenders and day-trippers after a day of trails and lookouts. Expect a bustling atmosphere, a solid drinks list and an honest-to-goodness menu that stays true to tradition.
The steak of choice? A 350-gram grass-fed rump, grilled to perfection and enriched with a classic café de Paris butter. It’s hearty, rich and deeply satisfying - the kind of plate that rewards a long day’s adventuring. Pair it with a local ale or glass of red and you’re looking at the peak of comfort food. Sticky date pudding with butterscotch for dessert? Highly recommended.
Secure your spot and taste the mountains on a plate.
Victoria Hotel Est. 1863 – North Melbourne, Vic
Nestled on Victoria Street, the Victoria Hotel is everything you want in a classic inner-city pub: a little bit retro, a lot relaxed and always dependable. Whether you’re ducking in for post-work drinks or making an evening of it with mates, this North Melbourne institution has your back. From footy replays on the big screen to friendly banter over pool, there’s an old-school Aussie warmth that makes this place a go-to.
If you time it right - say, Tuesday Steak Night - you’re in for a treat. The 250-gram Black Angus striploin comes out grilled just the way you like it, accompanied by chips, salad and a generous pour of house Cabernet Merlot. It’s simple, it’s elegant and it’s just the thing for a midweek reset. Add a Vic burger or meat lover’s parma to the mix if you’re still hungry, but let’s be honest - the steak’s the star here.
Book ahead for Tuesday and make steak night a proper event.
The Bush Inn – New Norfolk, Tas
History buffs and steak lovers alike will find plenty to enjoy at The Bush Inn in New Norfolk. As the oldest pub in Tasmania, built in 1815, this heritage gem is soaked in charm. The brick façade, timber beams and fireside corners speak of centuries gone by, but the energy inside is fresh and inviting. Locals come for the ale and atmosphere, travellers stay for the story and stellar fare.
The surf and turf is next-level. A tender eye fillet anchors the dish, elevated by prawns, scallops and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Paired with golden chips and a crisp salad, it’s the kind of plate that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Start with the salt and pepper squid or popcorn chicken and you’ve built a meal worth writing home about.
Reserve a table and take a bite of Tassie’s pub heritage.
Whether you’re chasing mountain air, a slice of history or just the perfect medium-rare cut, these four venues prove that a great steak is never far away. From paddock to plate, the humble pub steak is still the hero - and when done right, it's unforgettable.
