When it comes to going out for a drink, Newcastle has plenty of watering holes to choose from, from traditional old-school pubs, to gastro pubs, small bars and live music venues. Here’s our pick of the bunch:

Beer Gardens

The Royal Crown Hotel at Dudley is perfect for drinking outdoors, especially in Summer! Here you can bask in the sunshine, get amongst the greenery and enjoy the fresh salt air.

We also recommend the Commonwealth Hotel in Cooks Hill, the Maryville Tavern, the Greenroof and the wrap around balcony at The Prince of Wales, Merewether.

Live Music

If you love live music then you’ve got to check out the Cambridge Hotel who recently won the AHA Best Live Music Venue in NSW, or there’s the Stag & Hunter in Mayfield, The Lass O’Gowrie and the Small Ballroom in Islington.

Or for a more intimate setting try The Ori or The Star Hotel in the city.

Cocktails

Negroni, martini or manhattan? The guys at Coal & Cedar know what they're doing behind the bar serving up the classics alongside some fresh new cocktail flavours. But it’s not just the cocktails that come to this bar for its the sexy atmosphere, low lighting and great service.

There’s also the secret Koutetsu Bar, Money Penny on the harbour at Honeysuckle, Market St Basement, and 5 Sawyers.

Craft Beer

Newcastle has become the epi-centre of the craft beer revolution, with the Grain Store’s Corey Crooks the instigator of this revolution. Starting with the Albion Hotel which he ran for 5 years, before opening the Grain Store in Newcastle East in 2013, featuring 21 taps pouring 100% Australian brewed, 100% independently owned craft beers. It’s a craft beer lover paradise!

Downtown you’ll find Foghorn Brewhouse where they brew craft beer on site. Don’t forget The Blind Monk on Beaumont Street has a great selection of craft beer and ciders, and newcomer the Mary Ellen who now have 32 beers on tap!

Gastro Pubs

Gone are the days of pubs only serving schnitzels and chips, some of the best meals can be had at Newcastle’s pubs.

The Burwood is renowned for big, juicy Rumps, Sirloins, Scotch Fillets and Rib Eyes, all cooked to your liking and served with hand-cut chips, green beans plus your choice of house-made Café de Paris or Truffle butter, Horseradish crème fraiche, Port jus, Smoky Chipotle BBQ, Chimichurri or Green Mustard sauce. Delicious!

Still hungry? Then try Carrington Place, the Criterion also on Carrington, The Lucky, the Junction Hotel, Sprout at the Crown & Anchor or Goodtime Burgers at The Exchange.

Views

Newcastle has an amazing coastline and these views will let you soak up the views whilst nursing a cold one.

The Beach Hotel is an icon in Newcastle with its views over Merewether, Dixon Park and Bar Beach, their upstairs function space (which is open on Sunday afternoons) is breathtaking.

There’s also Surfhouse with its cracking views down Merewether Beach, the Honeysuckle Hotel, Dockyard or the Queen’s Wharf Hotel all on the harbour. Cheers to that!

Something more?

The Greenroof can best be described as unique. They have a menu of meatballs (plus other meals), Bingo every Wednesday night, Friday Flea vintage clothes markets every month, regular Silent Cinema screenings, you can even have your fortune told by Zoltar.