Broken Hill is a historical mining town, but it’s also home to a wonderful array of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit any occasion.
Whether searching for a morning coffee, seasonal delights or locally brewed spirits, you don’t have to look far. Check out this list of the best places to eat and drink in Broken Hill for all our favourite spots.
The Silly Goat
Conveniently located on the main street, The Silly Goat is a popular cafe serving silky coffee and fresh-baked treats for your morning stroll.
The seasonal menu is regularly changed to reflect local produce, with current specials including maple roasted pumpkin and korean braised pork belly. However, they also serve all the breakfast favourites such as eggs, bacon and toast.
Bells Milk Bar
Stepping into this 1950s-themed milk bar feels like a trip back in time. First opened in the 1890s, this Broken Hill institution has perfected the art of milkshakes. Using homemade syrup, creamy ice cream and fresh milk, they serve drinks so refreshing and sweet you’ll be coming back time and time again.
Bells also makes all the milk bar classics including soda spiders, hot dogs, waffles and ice cream. They produce all their own syrup and cordials on-site for an authentic taste, using a recipe dating back to the 1950s. This milk bar is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The Deli
The Deli may not be a cafe, but it does sell fresh, seasonal, gourmet produce including a wonderful selection of meats and cheeses. Here, the owners prioritise artisanal and handmade products, sourcing the best local recipes you won’t find at the supermarket.
The Deli has built strong relationships with local farms, helping to maintain small-scale agriculture and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long distance travel. When entertaining guests or looking for a picnic menu, this is the place to go.
The Old Salt Bush
The Old Salt Bush is a sleek and stylish restaurant set within a heritage building characterised by sandstone features and art deco style. Year round, head chef Lee Cecchin sources the best regional produce to create a delicious menu of modern Australian cuisine.
This restaurant is the ideal place for a date night or dinner with friends. Start the night with gin cured salmon and warm cheese souffle, before moving on to a mouthwatering main course of the signature saltbush dusted lamb rump. When eating here, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.
Broken Hill Distillery
Any visit to Broken Hill Distillery should start with a tour of the facilities, led by a knowledgeable staff member who will provide a first-hand look at the distilling process. Those who join the tour are also treated to a tasting flight, which includes a sample of all the best spirits.
Or, for those wishing to stay a little longer, you can head to the outdoor seating area to enjoy a drink from the bar and a light bite to eat. We recommend trying the Outback Strength gin, modelled after Broken Hill’s long mining history. The spirit is an explosion of flavour, distilled using orange citrus and ginger for a unique and impactful taste.
Broken Hill Outback Resort
Dig into a traditional pub feast at the Broken Hill Outback Resort. This heritage-listed hotel was first built in the 1860s, and now offers an authentic outback dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, the resort serves all the classic pub meals including bangers and mash, chicken schnitzel and steak. However, the menu highlight has to be the home-style pizzas topped with fresh ingredients. Plus, the bar serves all your favourite brews on tap.
Sufi Bakery
Nothing beats freshly-baked pastries, and Sufi Bakery is dedicated to giving locals the best. All its products are made on-site, with artisan breads and pastries for every occasion. Sufi also supplies to local cafes and businesses, helping to support the community and keep things running.
Kids will love the gourmet pies and cinnamon scrolls, while the grown ups should keep an eye out for warm loaves of bread and coffee scrolls. While here, we suggest purchasing jars of homemade lemon curd, apricot jam and apple jelly. Breakfast will never be the same again.
Petrichor Bar
This boutique bar serves fine wines, Australian spirits and local craft beers in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
At Petrichor Bar, you are invited to unwind in Broken Hill’s only heritage courtyard, stop by for one of the regular cultural events and listen to live music. The bar also serves a delicious menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes to pair with your drinks, meaning there’s no better place to spend a night out in town.
Can’t get enough of all the places to eat and drink in Broken Hill? Check out more things to see and do in this iconic rural town by clicking here.
