Discover the best bars in Newcastle
Planning a night out? Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails underground, natural wine, craft beer, rooftop drinks, or a night of karaoke, Newcastle has a bar for just about every occasion.
The city’s bar scene might be constantly growing, but a few local favourites were pouring drinks well before the latest wave of openings. Coal & Cedar is one of the venues that helped set things in motion. Opening in 2014, it brought something fresh to Newcastle’s nightlife and, more than a decade on, it still holds its own as one of Newcastle’s best bars.
Now all that’s left to do is decide where to start – read on for our guide to the best bars in Newcastle.
Coal and Cedar
You’ll need to be in on the secret to find Coal & Cedar. Behind an unmarked entrance on Hunter Street awaits an intimate, New York-style speakeasy filled with exposed brick, dark timber, vintage chandeliers, and plenty of eccentric touches.
Pull up a seat at the timber bar and settle in with something from the extensive whisky collection, order a cocktail, or give the bartenders a few flavour cues and let them work their magic. Dark, lively, and a little bit quirky, Coal & Cedar is the kind of place where one drink can very easily turn into a few.
Where: 380 Hunter St, Newcastle
Bar Romeo
If you’re a lover of music, natural wines, and good vibes, you’ll need to book in a time to head to Darby Street’s disco social club, Bar Romeo.
Where: 97-107 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Image credit: Cluffy
Bartholomew's
Sitting within the old Methodist Mission building, this 1920s-inspired bar boasts an impressive collection of whisky and a sophisticated cocktail menu. The food at Bartholomew's is all about being social, so grab a few bar snacks or a cheese platter and get sharing.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle
Battlesticks
Part of the iconic Scratchley's restaurant, Battlesticks Bar overlooks Newcastle Harbour and brings with it a crisp and contemporary drinking and dining space to Newcastle.
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
Bernie’s Bar
In 2023 Newcastle landed its very own queer bar – and it’s all thanks to the team behind Bernie’s Bar. Drop by over the weekend or keep an eye out on their event lineup.
Where: 410 King St, Newcastle
The Blind Monk
Catering to all crowds, whether it’s with mates or on a date, The Blind Monk has been a staple on the Hamilton bar scene for over 10 years.
Where: 76 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Charlie’s Rooftop
When we think of kicking back with a cocktail in hand while the sun shines outside, followed by partying into the night, Palm Springs certainly comes to mind. Now, you can live out your Palm Springs daydreams right here in Newcastle at Charlie’s Rooftop.
Where: 529 Hunter St, Newcastle
Coyote
Bringing a playful, high-energy twist to Newcastle’s bar scene, Coyote is a Mexican-inspired cantina tucked down Parry Street. Expect margaritas, mezcal, and alongside a punchy snack menu of tacos, ceviche, and chilaquiles from neighbouring Papalote. It’s casual, social and a little bit rowdy, with a pool table, retro cartoons projected on the walls and a nostalgic, mischievous vibe throughout.
Where: 148 Parry St, Newcastle West
Danny’s Pizza
Located behind a secret door, at what was Good Folk Brewing, and disguised as a pizza takeaway shop, Danny’s Pizza offers up some very cool vibes along with the beers, cocktails, and authentic 18" New York pizzas to Beaumont Street.
Where: 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Earp Distilling Co.
Run by one of Newcastle's oldest family businesses, Earp Distilling Co. distills gin, rum, and limoncello onsite at its Carrington distillery. Naturally, the cocktail offering shows off their premium spirits, with plenty of twists on your favourites.
Where: 41 Darling St, Carrington
The Falcon
The Falcon owners Mike and Brendan have a long and varied history in the hospitality industry, bringing with them some spice to the East End dining scene, as well as some smashing good cocktails and a sweet selection of wine and beer.
Where: 10 Pacific St, Newcastle
Ginger Meg’s
Concealed down an unexpected alley on King Street, wandering into Ginger Meg’s feels like you’ve stumbled into a Melbourne laneway bar but with a distinctly Novocastrian identity.
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle
The Grain Store
As Newcastle's first dedicated craft beer bar, it's fair to say that The Grain Store owners Corey and Kristy introduced Newcastle to craft beer. Focusing on 100% Australian and independent craft beer, their 21 taps are on constant rotation to showcase the more than 1000 craft breweries across the country.
Where: 66 Scott St, Newcastle East
Granddad’s Bar
First and foremost, there’s a bit of a twist at Granddad’s Bar – it only serves up Granddad Jack’s spirits. With a core range of three gins, a vodka, a coffee liqueur, and a whiskey, plus limited-edition releases each month, spirit-lovers will always have something to look forward to at Granddad’s Bar.
Where: 515 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Happy Wombat
The Happy Wombat has been a place for the community to gather for over 10 years, and locals can't get enough. With an industrial-style space, a native-inspired menu, and plenty of craft beers on tap, a visit to The Happy Wombat is a must.
Where: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Harbour Bar
Drop anchor at Honeysuckle’s Harbour Bar and experience unobstructed Newcastle Harbour views accompanied by creative cocktails and an extensive range of bar food. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic drink options for those who aren't on the booze.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Jam’s Karaoke & Bar
Jam's Karaoke & Bar offers an authentic karaoke experience, complete with private rooms to get jamming in. There’s something about being in your own private room, surrounded by your best mates, sipping on cocktails, downing beers, and blasting out to the high notes of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Where: 8 Union St, Newcastle West
Image courtesy of Jam's: Karaoke & Bar
The Koutetsu
Head to Hunter Street to get intimate, dark, and moody at The Koutetsu. With a large range of cocktails, spirits, craft beers, and premium wine, there is something to suit everyone's tastes. The Koutetsu prides itself on its large range of Australian gins and Japanese whiskeys that dominate the bar.
Where: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle West
LOLAs
Cafe by day, bar and restaurant by evening – LOLAs is Darby Street’s newest addition to the late-night scene and it comes complete with a refined cocktail offering, share plates, and live records playing.
Where: 171 Darby St, Cooks Hill
The Lost Souls
From the unique fit out to the section of the menu dedicated to cob loaves, there’s plenty to discuss as you sip a cocktail and people-watch from your vantage point at the front window overlooking Darby Street.
Where: 159A Darby St, Cooks Hill
mad poet
Joining the lineup of quality small bars in the west end of town is mad poet, a New York-style hot dog focused dive bar.
Where: 537 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Market St Basement
Dark, sexy, and sophisticated, Market St Basement provides an intimate setting for a date night with your special someone or a cosy catch-up with your besties. Known for its stellar lineup of cocktails and Italian eats, Market St Basement will have you staying well into the night.
Where: 1-2/2 Market St, Newcastle
Maru Hi-Fi
Designed as both a jazz cafe and a Japanese-inspired listening bar, the venue draws inspiration from Japan’s famed Jazz Kissa culture, where people would gather in intimate day and night spaces to listen to records, unwind, and find community outside of home and work. Alongside the music is a food and drink offering that runs from morning through to late-night. The drinks program is equally considered, featuring innovative cocktails to a curated wine list designed to pair with the menu. A highlight is the handshaved ice balls made for those ordering a nip of one of the quality Japanese whiskeys available.
Where: 10 Union St, Newcastle West
Merewether Surfhouse
Whether you grab a margarita or beer downstairs at the beach bar, or a wine upstairs at the terrace, Merewether Surfhouse has you covered for all occasions. And, no matter which spot you choose, you'll have unobstructed views of the ocean – the ideal accompaniment to happy hour.
Where: 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether
MIINE
This New York-inspired Italian fusion restaurant and late-night bar is the brainchild of owners, Thomas Lawson and Pete Haselhurst. Inspired by the creative energy of New York dining, MIINE leans heavily into a distinctive artistic aesthetic. The walls feature bold, eye-catching graffiti reminiscent of street art, with the intent to change and evolve throughout their time on Darby Street.
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle
MoneyPenny
The garden party atmosphere at MoneyPenny makes it the ultimate place to go for a night out with friends. Experience the ocean breeze and laid-back ambiance as you wash your food down with a cocktail.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Newy Fried Chicken
More than just a fried chicken joint, Newy Fried Chicken doubles as a full on bar experience. What started as a cult food favourite has evolved into a bold venue with a retro diner front, and a dedicated cocktail bar out the back. Expect a seriously packed cocktail list featuring nostalgic classics with a modern twist, and a focus on fast, high-quality drinks. Upstairs you'll find an additional 18+ late-night space complete with booths, its own bar, and a neon-lit pool table. It’s fun, a little chaotic, and perfect for a “before or after dinner” spot.
Where: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill
The Rogue Scholar
There’s plenty to keep you entertained at The Rogue Scholar with a line of local musos every Friday and Saturday night as well as all day Sunday. Pull up a stool at the copper-topped bar or choose from one of the refurbed old bus chairs underneath the exposed brick wall out the back.
Where: 4-6 Union St, Newcastle West
Romberg's
Situated on the top floor of Crystalbrook Kingsley, Romberg's is where you can discover expertly crafted artisanal cocktails, locally brewed beer, and an exquisite wine list all whilst you revel in the sights of our city.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle
The Rooftop at QT
Enjoy an extensive cocktail list complemented by a sophisticated local wine offering, and a spirit collection featuring Newcastle’s largest library of Japanese whisky.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is steeped in history – the name references the original name of the 1846 building, and the walls are adorned with historic photographs of Newcastle. Soak it all up while you dine on the gastropub's indulgent menu and sip a beverage.
Where: 102 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Underground
Brought to you by the same team behind crowd favourite venues including Bartholomew's, The Blind Monk, The Whistler, and The Family Hotel in Maitland, The Underground serves up quality cocktails in a space that feels like it could be in London or Berlin. Go through the laneway on Bolton St to get the full speakeasy experience.
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle
Uptowns
Uptowns provides a throwback to the 80s and 90s that will leave you feeling nostalgic. Whether you're sipping drinks in the semi-private basketball booth, hanging out at the hi-top sneaker bar, or getting the perfect selfie for the gram in front of the basketball card wall, Uptowns is the option for the cool kids.
Where: 6/23 Watt St, Newcastle
Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar
A boutique restaurant and wine bar, Urban Restaurant and Wine Bar is your go-to for sophisticated European-inspired dining and quality drinks. The wine bar showcases the best the region has to offer with both local and imported wines taking the spotlight alongside a selection of boutique beer and signature cocktails.
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Vera Wine Bar
The 12-seater wine bar is a natural evolution of Vera Wine’s vision to share unique and hard-to-find wines with the community.
Where: 67 Beaumont St, Hamilton
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