In the land of song, you never run short of three things; Welsh cakes, Gavin and Stacey references and homely places to have a pint. You can’t turn a corner on these potholes ridden roads without finding a welcoming place to have a chat with friends over a couple of cold ones.
According to The Caterer, as of 2022 there were 3,010 pubs scattered throughout Wales. From upmarket bistros and brewery chains to your traditional village pub – there is nothing quite like having a drink in Wales.
If you want the crème de la crème of any Welsh city or big town then you are in luck, as WalesOnline have put together a list of the best pubs in every city and some big towns in Wales, according to Tripadvisor.
While they may not immediately be the pubs that spring to mind, you might just be surprised at what they have to offer.
Read more: The best food pubs in Wales in 2023: 28 places where the food is just as important as the beer
Cardiff
Name: The Blackweir Tavern
Address: 35 North Road, Cardiff CF10 3DX
Rating: 4.5/5 from 274 reviews
This one may surprise you. While Cardiff is famous for many excellent and historic pubs such as the City Arms, it's this student pub which has come out on top on Tripadvisor.
What people said: “Amazing staff who were super friendly. Went to Cardiff on a stag do and been back and forth all weekend. I would highly recommend, if you are looking to go somewhere for a few drinks around Cardiff.”
Swansea
Name: The Village Bar Cafe
Address:5 Swan Court The Precinct Killay Precinct, Killay, Swansea SA2 7BA Wales
Rating: 5/5 from 100 reviews
What people said: "Special place with superb service. On a recent visit to Swansea we were recommended to try the Village. Such a welcoming environment, spotless, charming in its size and mood and hosted so well that we felt immediately like regulars. Food, drink and welcome made this a very warm addition to our fleeting visit. Thank you."
Newport
Name: Potters Pub
Address: 22-24 Upper Dock Street, Newport NP20 1DL
Rating: 4/5 from 288 reviews
What people said: “Great family Sunday lunch. Very busy place with great staff and great food. Reasonable priced too. Recommended but book early!
Wrexham
Name: Nags Head
Address: Mount Street, Wrexham LL13 8DW
Rating: 4.5/5 from 527 reviews
What people said: “Could not be happier!!! I had a party of 21 people, and we all know how badly that can go wrong. The pub was packed! I was booked but had three guests cancel, but it was no problem. Great food, reasonably priced and great service! Can’t wait to go back!”
Bangor
Name: The Tap & Spile
Address: Garth Road, Bangor LL57 2SW
Rating: 4/5 from 330 reviews
What people said: “Great atmosphere and nice selection of drinks. Regular 'pub' selection of food but with good quality. Location itself is perfect.”
Aberystwyth
Name: The Glengower
Address: 3 Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth, SY23 2DH
Rating: 4/5 from 387 reviews
What people said: “Great food, service & ambience. Fantastic beef and expertly cooked. Great portion too! Second visit in two weeks. Consistent and can book online.”
Merthyr Tydfil (county)
Name: Aberglais Inn
Address: Pontsarn Brecon Beacons National Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2TS
Rating: 4/5 from 540 reviews
What people said: “Amazing food. Brilliant staff and excellent price. I can’t say any more than that. I have always loved the location and I will be going back for Mother’s Day.”
Pontypridd
Name: The Pick and Shovel
Address: 17 Fothergill Street Treforest, Pontypridd, CF37 1SG
Rating: 4.5/5 out of 168 reviews
What people said: “Had a get together in Pontypridd and this pub was a warm welcome! Fresh pint and great atmosphere. I will definitely visit again thanks to the staff who went above and beyond for our party. Highly recommend.”
Bridgend
Name: Red Dragon
Address: High View Litchard, Bridgend, CF31 1QJ
Rating: 4/5 from 471 reviews
What people said: "Was a great menu and great food as myself had the cowboy burger was great and son had the burger with hash browns and he loved it also and for a 9-year-old had the whole thing also will definitely be back again soon."
Llanelli
Name: The Half Moon
Address: 71 Wern Road, Llanelli, SA15 1SP
Rating: 4.5/5 from 552 reviews
What people said: “Great steak and wine for me and hubby’s date night. Wasn’t too busy. Reasonable prices too. Thanks team, will definitely be returning every time we have the opportunity.”
Newtown
Name: The Dolfor Inn
Address: Dolfor, Newtown, SY16 4AA
Rating: 4.5/5 from 179 reviews
What people said: “We were in Wales for the Easter break and visited the Dolfor Inn. The service, food and overall atmosphere of the place was fantastic. We would highly recommend.”
Tenby
Name: Harbwr Tenby
Address: St Julian's Street, Tenby, Tenby, SA70 7AS
Rating: 4/5 from 53 reviews
What people said: “Great place to sample the beers brewed on site. We sat in the beer garden on a lovely sunny April afternoon. Lunch was lovely - fish finger sandwich and rustic chips washed down with a couple of IPAs.”
Haverfordwest
Name: The Pembroke Yeoman
Address: 11 Hill Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1QQ
Rating: 5/5 from 113 reviews
What people said: “Lovely little boozer. Friendly landlady, dog friendly, great locals, good selection of real ales, ciders and cocktails. Dog friendly. Lovely outside area. Cozy, comfortable, quaint, colourful and very welcoming."
Abergavenny
Name: Jolly Colliers Inn
Address: Llanelly Hill Waenllapria, Abergavenny, NP7 0PW
Rating: 5/5 out of 320 reviews
What people said: “Best Sunday lunch!!! A must go to for Sunday lunch. We are from York, and we all agreed it was the best Sunday lunch we have ever had! A must go but book in advance!”
Barry
Name: Cwm Talwg
Address: Plas Cleddau Severn Avenue, Barry, CF62 7FG
Rating: 4.5/5 from 412 reviews
What people said: “Another enjoyable evening. Good company, excellent service. Thanks to chefs Jamie & Julian for fab food & Kat, Ellis & Joe for first class service. Definitely recommend. See you all again soon."
Neath
Name: Charlie's Bar and Grill
Address: 1 & 2 Old Town Hall, Neath, SA11 1RT
Rating: 4/5 from 106 reviews
Review: “The tapas is excellent, with generous portions and a great price. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!”
Maesteg
Name: The Old House 1147
Address: Llangynwyd, Maesteg, CF34 9SB
Rating: 4.5/5 from 471 reviews
What people said: “Visited recently for our anniversary. Excellent food and friendly, helpful staff! Looking forward to going back soon.”
Cwmbran
Name: The Queen Inn
Address: Upper Cwmbran Road, Cwmbran, NP44 5AX Wales
Rating: 4.5/5 out of 5 from 333 reviews
What people said: "Wonderful 100% vegan menu with a wide variety of starters, mains and desserts, and all reasonably priced. Friendly, welcoming staff and a lovely atmosphere."
Chepstow
Name: The Millers Arms
Address: Mathern, Chepstow, NP16 6JD
Rating: 4/5 from 674 reviews
What people said: “Once again, it never ceases to me how incredible this little pub is. The Millers Arms is an absolute credit to south Wales - friendly atmosphere, incredible food that is always beautifully served along with amazing hosts. Well done to the team.”
Monmouth
Name: Lion Inn
Address: Church Street Trellech, Monmouth, NP25 4PA
Rating: 4.5/5 out of 477 reviews
What people said: “Our first time there, but certainly not the last. The food was exceptional. An extensive menu catering for everyone. Lovely atmosphere in an old worldly pub. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. A great place to eat, drink, and socialise.”
Carmarthen
Name: The Forest Arms
Address: Old Forest Arms B4310, Carmarthen, SA32 7RA
Rating: 4.5/5 from 252 reviews
What people said: "We’ve visited the Forest Arms a number of times and always look forward to returning. The food is always superb, home cooked and reasonably priced. We’ve had meals from both the main menu and Sunday lunch, which we’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Relaxed setting and welcoming owners, highly recommended."
Holyhead
Name: The Paddler's Return
Address: Paddlers Return Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead, LL65 2LL
Rating: 4.5/5 from 99 reviews
What people said: “Great food and beer, fairly priced. Lovely staff. I almost always meet old and new paddling friends there."
Caernarfon
Name: Hole in the Wall Inn
Address: 5 Hole in the Wall Street, Caernarfon, LL55 1RF
Rating: 4/5 from 25 reviews
What people said: “Stayed in Caernarfon for a few days and had a great time in here, friendly staff and the locals are easy to chat to. I definitely will be going back!”
Get the latest food and drink news straight to your inbox with our dedicated what's on newsletter here.
Read more:
Au Vodka has opened a pop-up bar
The seaweed 'hot tubs' made out of old whiskey barrels with stunning views of the Welsh coastline
21 beautiful Welsh beaches where you can walk your dog all year round
