I went to the ball and chain over the holidays. I don't eat red meats so I can't comment on the steaks, however my friends thought theirs were pretty good. I order the trout but they were out of it, so they brought me some other roasted fish which was average, however the best was the all you can eat salad bar, specially the curried chick peas. Most delicious chick peas I've ever eaten.

Approximate cost: $45

Having just walked past and seeing the Ball & Chain we decided to go in, the service was excellent and friendly highly commend them on the promptness , the serving and quite large even the kids meal are large well worth the value though. The Morton Bay Bugs were cooked to perfection. Only downside is limited parking in the parking strip. Other than that no complaints.

Approximate cost: $30.00

I hate making this place only an average rating, because the vibe there is nice and the service is great, the people really make an effort to make sure you have what you want. But that is pretty much as far as the good things go.
We went twice with a table of 4 and each of us received a steak not cooked right. Look I do understand a place being busy, but the fact that both times we have all had mixed up steaks I don't know, it doesn't do it for me.
The salad bar is an all you can eat which I will admit is pretty cool, especially considering the price of the meals. The carrots there are really yummy.
The cool thign about the menu is you can chose the weight/cost of your steak so they vary from between 25-50 each.
I have not been here when it's quiet, like early or a weekday, so maybe it's worth trying? I haven't tried anything except the steaks though.

Approximate cost: $35

I have been taken to Ball & Chain many times by family and do not understand the hype.
Every time I've been there I've found a problem with the meal I order. The chicken is tasteless, the steak is undercooked or had more fat on it than actual meat.
Their salad bar at best resembles something you'd find at a school barbeque and the service is poor.
Will be refusing to visit in the future.

Approximate cost: $25

Really enjoy going to the Ball & Chain, I love the casual style and the grill. Great steaks and plenty of choices for everyone. Had some great oysters here and some of the deserts are just divine.

Recommend this for casual evening with friends, didn't feel it was terribly child friendly (although I have never taken a child there).

Location is great right on Salamanca Place where the wonderful markets are. Oodles of accommodation choices and sights to see in the heritage area of Hobart.

Would I go again - yes!

Approximate cost: $30

I went to the ball and chain for valentines day, we had to wait well over an hour for a table, waited about half an hour for an employee to come and take our order, after we ordered my partner and I waited for about an hour for our meal and finally got our meal at 9.30 as they shut at 10.00, we were rushed to eat our meal and get out before 10.00pm. Besides the long wait the ball and chain fed their two very hungry customers very well!

Approximate cost: $30.00

Great place for a mouth watering steak.
Sensational salad bar which you can go back to time and again.

If you like Peanut Butter, your mind will be blown when you sample their Peanut Butter ice cream cake. Seriously good.

Approximate cost: $25

I have always enjoyed dining at the Ball and Chain. The steaks are top quality and cooked to perfection. There is a fantastic salad buffet/bar which offers a broad range of salads and side dishes to accompany your main meal. All round a great dining experience.

I have always enjoyed my dining experience at the Ball and Chain. The staff are always attentive and the food always first class. The salad bar is one of my favorite aspects of this restaurant, offering a range of salads and side dishes to accompany the fantastic steaks and other dishes available. Beautiful food presentation and interior decoration and seating layout.

we have been to Tasmania about 7 times in the last 10 years and always make sure we have a steak at the Ball and Chain. The best quality and perfectly cooked.

Approximate cost: $30