Cocktails and fried chicken? Say less.
Nestled in the heart of Midtown, you’ll find one of Hobart’s most loved bars, blending Caribbean-inspired charm with Hobart hospitality.
Welcome to Rude Boy, home to seasonal cocktails that showcase the best of Tasmanian produce, and a menu of share-friendly favourites to keep tables lingering long after the first round.
Don’t let the name fool you – the team at Rude Boy are known for their warm welcome, cheeky charm and laid-back hospitality, creating an atmosphere where strangers quickly feel like regulars.
Nearly a decade ago, Rohan and his wife Khayla, in collaboration with Alexia and the Kalis Group, began the adventure of opening a fun, vibrant rum and cocktail bar – Rude Boy. Inspired by Alexia’s travels to some of the world’s best bars, their dream was to bring the energy of the Caribbean to little ol’ Hobart.
Campbell, now co-owner of Rude Boy alongside Rowan and Kayla, told us the cocktail bar is a place he wants people to feel like they can relax and enjoy a good drink without feeling like they need to dress up or take themselves too seriously.
“We do high-quality service and high-quality drinks. You get an exceptional experience, but it’s not super formal. We have fun with our guests – we’re all here for the same reason: to have a good time.”
Neighbourhood Escapism
Over the years, Rude Boy has evolved while staying true to its original ethos. The kitchen shifted towards its locally famous fried chicken, pairing elevated cocktails with comfort food.
“It’s a classic combination that people love, whether it’s a pre-dinner snack, a late-night meal or dinner itself, fried chicken and cocktails just work.”
Alongside showcasing rums from around the world, Rude Boy has built a reputation for crafting cocktails that are approachable, creative and high-quality without being extravagant or overpriced.
“Our ethos is really about being a neighbourhood bar on holiday, somewhere you can pop into multiple times a week and feel comfortable. Somewhere you can come for a date night, a celebration, or just a casual Tuesday.”
Keeping It in the Family
Campbell’s own journey with Rude Boy began just six weeks after the venue opened.
After spending over three years helping build the bar in its early days, he moved on to pursue other opportunities before the pandemic changed plans, like many others working in hospitality. A few years later, an opportunity arose to purchase Rude Boy from the Kalis Group.
“For the last two-and-a-half years we’ve been running it ourselves,” he says. “I think having owners on the floor every day helps. We can focus on those little one-percenters that make a difference.”
More Than Just Fried Chicken
While fried chicken might be the crowd pleaser, Campbell believes some of Rude Boy’s best dishes are the unsung heroes.
“The secret hits on the menu are actually the chargrill items,” he says.
From jerk chicken to beef brisket and jerk chicken wings, the menu offers a mix of hearty favourites and lighter options, ensuring there’s something for every appetite.
The venue is also known for being highly accommodating when it comes to dietary requirements. “All of our fried chicken is gluten-free, and most of the menu is gluten-free as well,” Campbell says. “We’ve also put a lot of effort into our vegan options because we want everyone to feel welcome.”
Seasonal Sips and Local Flavours
Rude Boy regularly changes its offerings, drawing inspiration from seasonal Tasmanian produce sourced directly from local farmers and growers.
“We’re very dynamic,” Campbell says. “A drink might only be on the menu for a couple of months before it’s gone.”
That flexibility allows the team to experiment with unusual ingredients, ferments and infusions.
“You build trust with people. They come back looking for one drink and discover something completely different. Helping people explore flavours they wouldn’t otherwise experience is part of the fun.”
Hobart Hospo at Heart
Collectively, the Rude Boy ownership team has decades of hospitality experience behind them. While cocktails are a major focus, Campbell says,
“We’re not here to lecture people about drinks. We’re here to help them have the best time possible.”
From hosting visiting bartenders and international pop-up events to pottery-painting nights and community gatherings, Rude Boy is constantly finding new ways to bring people together.
“We love supporting people doing cool things,” Campbell says. “Whether it’s local producers, DJs, artists or small businesses, we want to work with them.”
As a proud Midtown business, Rude Boy is deeply invested in supporting the surrounding hospitality community.
“Midtown has some of the best hospitality experiences in Tassie,” Campbell says.
The team regularly collaborates with neighbouring businesses and is passionate about encouraging locals to support small operators, particularly during the quieter winter months.
That’s why Rude Boy is a participating business in our Hello Hobart Gift Card Program,
“You only get back what you put out there,” Campbell says. “Supporting each other helps keep the whole community strong.”
Make Rude Boy your next bar destination. They are located within the heart of midtown at 130 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
