Eat & Drink

Cocktails? Here's our guide to the best cocktail bars on the Central Coast

Every hour is happy hour with these Central Coast venues shaking up delicious cocktails right across the peninsula. Here's our guide on where to get the best cocktails on the Central Coast. 

Pocket Bar

The OG cocktail bar of Terrigal. Owned by well-seasoned industry name Karl Schlothauer behind Pocket Bar Darlinghurst, Stitch Bar, and Button Bar, you’re guaranteed the inner city vibe whilst remaining firmly planted on the beachfront of Terrigal. Or as Karl puts it “the experience without the bullshit”. Coming from such high stock you can be sure to get a top notch rendition of your favourite cocktail, or choose from a Pocket Bar signature like the Devil's Child - white rum, infused with chilli & red skins classic! 

Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-12am 
Where: 74 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Prices: Cocktails from $17-25
More Info: click here

pocket bar terrigal central coast nsw

Mumbo Jumbo’s Beachhouse

The Caribbean paradise. Take a seat on the balcony under a palm frond umbrella and you’ll feel like you’re hanging in Jamaica. They boast an extensive cocktail list of Caribbean classics, alongside a slew of intriguing creations such as the Yellow Mallow - toasted marshmallows, rum, pineapple and a dash of lime. But while you’re relaxing with the reggae rhythms and ramshackle beach hut interior, you might as well get at home with the Rumble in the Jungle - spiced rum, grapefruit and lime. 

Open: Tue-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10pm 
Where: 92 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Prices: Cocktails from $19-24 
More Info: click here

The Joker & The Thief

The rock and roll decadence. Allow yourself to lavish in the velvet upholstery, brass details, soft pink walls, and Instagrammable neon signs of The Joker & the Thief. With the name inspired by Bob Dylan lyrics it’s no wonder some of the signature cocktails share names with rock and roll fame such as the Purple Haze - Moores Dry Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Hibiscus, Lemon, Rose Petals. There is almost nothing you won’t find on their extensive drinks list, including shots and jugs, and be sure to check out their unique Gin Journey, partnered with local Distillery Botanica in Erina.

Open: Tue-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am
Where: Shop 6/90 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Prices: Cocktails from $19
More Info: click here

Shady Palms Avoca Central Coast

Shady Palms 

The endless summer. You come to Shady Palms for the Hawaiian Beach Bungalow vibes, beautifully decked out in white wood and rattan furniture. From the same owners of Mumbo Jumbo’s, the cocktail menu again includes some bespoke twists on the classics in unique ‘Shady’ style. Ride the waves with the Shark Punch - a mix of Tequila, Basil and Vanilla or the Island Hopper - Sailor Jerry spiced rum, mango and passionfruit.

Open: Wed-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-12am
Where: 366 Avoca Dr, Kincumber
Prices: Cocktails from $19-$23
More Info: click here


Bar Toto Trattoria and Bar

The Italian escape. Be whisked away to the streets of Rome and the romance of times gone by as you nestle into a couch in the transformed foyer of an old cinema complete with movie posters and marble columns. Part owned by Peter Clarke, once named in the Australian top 100 cocktail craftsman list, you’re in for some quality concoctions. The menu of course features Italian classics and a whole section of coffee based cocktails, but it’s the Negroni variations that Bar Toto is most famous for. We also love the whisky dominant section of “Spirit Forward Cocktails” with names like Kentucky Campfire and Suits & Cigars - you’ll feel like you’re in an old Italian movie. 

Open: Thu 3pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 3pm-10pm
Where: 83/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach 
Prices: Cocktails from $19-$26
More Info: click here

bar toto trattoria and bar ettalong beach nsw central coast

Margarita Daze

The sunrise to sunset spot. Overlooking the endless horizon of Umina Beach, Margarita Daze is a chic hangout to spend a balmy summer's eve. Get stuck in to one of eight Margarita variations including coconut, apple & basil, passionfruit or jalapeno, or if you’re in for the long haul share in a jug of classic mojito, punch, pimms, or sangria. This is a spot you will soak up the sun all day and the island vibes all night. 

Open: Web-Thu 6am-3pm then 5pm-8.30pm, Fri 6am-3pm then 5pm-9pm, Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6am-8pm 
Where: 345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach 
Prices: Cocktails from $17-$22, Jugs $40
More Info: click here

Frankies Rooftop

The rooftop bar, with a view. Looking out over the Brisbane Water all the way to Gosford, Frankie’s Rooftop has a reputation both for its location, its classy yet relaxed atmosphere, and its cocktails. This is the place for your nightcap or a deluxe Sunday session. For the sweet-tooth you might like the Jam Doughnut - Strawberry Liqueur, a dash of Malibu combined with strawberry syrup and pineapple juice, served with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. If you like things a little spicier try the Spice Runner - Spiced Rum muddled with fresh lime, shaken with apple juice and topped with ginger ale. 

Open: Fri 5pm-12am, Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 12pm-12am
Where: 2 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy  
Prices: Cocktails from $16-$18
More Info: click here

The Bon Pavilion

The urban ‘local’. Walking into The Bon feels a little like a trendy hotel in downtown Manhattan with its leather features, fireplace, mood lighting, and trendy-industrial vibe. It’s the place to come for an after work drink or a classy cocktail hour. With a raft of classic cocktails plus seasonal additions and regular feature menus - there’ll always be something new to try at The Bon. 

Open: Wed-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-12am, Sun 11.30am-5pm
Where: 159 Mann St, Gosford 
More Info: click here

the savoy long jetty central coast nsw

The Savoy

The old school hangout. The Savoy cinema closed in 1976 laying disused and dormant for 40 years, until it was recently reborn in its current form as a bar, with weekly DJ's, old-fashioned table service, movie nights, and a community vibe. Take a seat in the refurbed theatre and enjoy a classic cocktail, or one of The Savoy’s signature bottled cocktails like the Bloody Shiraz Negroni - gin, campari and orange; or The Tropical Zombie - banana spiced rum, white+dark rum, pineapple, passionfruit, vanilla, cinnamon and orange. 

Open: Wed-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am, Sun 3pm-9pm 
Where: 2/391 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty 
Prices: Cocktails from $14-$18
More Info: click here