Whether it’s a Wednesday in winter or a pumping Saturday night, cocktail bars know how to shake things up and keep the good times flowing.

Cocktail Bar of the Year champions the best of the best – not only are the drinks delicious in their own right, but they add a layer of personality into an already character-filled space.

These bars leave stuffy and pretentious at the door and make everyone feel welcome, whether they’re cocktail connoisseurs or newbies. The staff are eager to share their passion and help you discover your new favourite drink.

The Cocktail Bar of the Year isn’t just a place to grab a drink – it’s a destination all on its own.

The 2024 Bar Awards finalists have been announced and this year's Cocktail Bar of the Year finalists are:

- Bartholomew's
- Coal & Cedar
- The Blind Monk
- Koutetsu 
- The Underground

We now hand the difficult task of deciding who the winners are over to our esteemed judges. The winners will be revealed on August 5 at the Bar Awards event.

Here are your Cocktail Bar of the Year nominees:

- 5 Sawyers
- Bar Romeo
- Bartholomew's
- Battlesticks Bar
- Bernie's Bar
- The Blind Monk
- Blue Kahunas
- Calamari Kitchen & Bar
- Castle del Mar
- Charlies Rooftop
- Coal & Cedar
- Earp Distilling Co.
- The Edwards
- The Falcon
- Granddad's Bar
- Jams Karaoke & Bar
- The Koutetsu
- Mad Poet
- Meantime On Beaumont
- MoneyPenny
- Ms Mary
- Peregrin
- Romberg's
- Rooftop at QT
- The Underground
- Thynk Cafe + Bar
- Uptowns Bars
- Vecina 

* This award is open to cocktail bars located within the Newcastle LGA.

Thank you to our category sponsor Paramount Liquor for their support.