Get your cocktail fix at these stand-out Newcastle bars
On the hunt for a standout cocktail in Newcastle? Thankfully, our city has a host of excellent cocktail bars where you can enjoy your cocktail fix.
From the classics through to modern concoctions, you can find them all at Newcastle's best cocktail bars – read the guide below to find your new favourite.
5 Sawyers
Darby Street’s original cocktail bar has generated a number of iconic cocktails over the years, like the The Weis Bar and the Kit Kat Gold Martini. The menu is extensive, so no doubt you'll be finding it hard to decide what creation to order. Need help choosing? Perch yourself at the front window to people watch and order the $10 cocktail of the week.
Where: 115 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Âpé Yakitori Bar
Brought to you by the experienced team behind Nagisa and Susuru Japanese restaurants, and the cocktail menu curated by Chris Wilson of The Koutetsu, you can be assured Âpé Yakitori Bar will deliver a multi-sensory drinking and dining experience.
Where: 3n/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Battlesticks at Scratchley’s
Taking full advantage of its 180-degree views, Battlesticks makes for the perfect pre- or post-dinner drinks location, or, order some share plates and settle in for the evening. Happy Hour happens all weekend, every weekend, with $17 Espresso martinis, French martinis, Cosmopolitans, and Caipiroskas.
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
Bar Romeo
If you’re a lover of music, natural wines, and good vibes you’ll be excited to head to this new disco social club, Bar Romeo.
Where: 97-107 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Bartholomew's
One of Newcastle’s most beautiful buildings is home to Bartholomew's, a 1920s-style bar and restaurant with a sophisticated cocktail menu. Sit up at the bar or recline an alcove while you sip on one of the team's concoctions. You'll find an extensive whiskey collection at Bartholomew's too, so make sure you chat to the team and try a few – you might even find your new favourite.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle
Bernie’s Bar
A leafy mural adorns the back wall and naturally, rainbows are dotted throughout the venue. While Bernie’s Bar is a hub of events (think makeup masterclasses, gin and jazz nights, burlesque shows and more), it’s also a place where people can enjoy a colourful, share-style food menu with wild cocktails to match.
Where: 410 King St, Newcastle
Charlie’s Rooftop
The cocktail list at Charlie’s Rooftop traverses the classics as well as some new inventions by the team. The selection of Fizz cocktails – all made on Usher Tinkler prosecco – are a fun take on the spritz, with options like Berry Fizz (featuring Chambord plus cranberry and raspberry puree) and Peach Fizz (with St Germain and peach puree). The food menu is full of tasty share plates, and the Palm Springs vibes are high across Charlie’s two levels – time to get yourself down for a drink stat.
Where: 529 Hunter St, Newcastle
Coal & Cedar
Finding Prohibition-style speakeasy Coal & Cedar may be a bit of a challenge, but once you're inside, you'll discover a bar that's worth the effort it took to locate it. Winning Australia's Best Regional Bar in 2016, Coal & Cedar has been a favourite with locals since 2014. Want something that's not on the menu? Ask the talented team to whip something up just for you.
Where: 380/382 Hunter St, Newcastle
Earp Distilling Co.
Run by one of Newcastle's oldest family businesses, Earp Distilling Co. distils gin, rum, vodka, brandy, limoncello, and absinthe on site at its Carrington distillery. Naturally, the cocktail offering shows off Earp's premium spirits, with plenty of twists on your favourites. Expect creations like The Junipepper with Earp's Just Juniper gin, house habanero extract, mango, lime, and agave, and Spill the Beans, featuring Earp's Vodka Pure, house wattleseed extract, cold brew coffee, and agave, paired with an Asian-influenced food menu.
Where: 41 Darling St, Carrington
Ginger Meg's
Each of the cocktails at Ginger Meg's continue the Asian fusion flavours the venue is known for, with ingredients like kaffir lime, chilli, and lychee all making an appearance. You can even grab $14 cocktails on Wednesday and Thursday nights down at Gingertown Bar – date night anyone?
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle
Granddad's Bar
There’s a bit of a twist at Granddad’s Bar – it only serves up spirits by Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery. The distillery has a core range of three gins, a vodka, a coffee liqueur, and a whiskey, plus limited-edition releases each month, so spirit-lovers will always have something to look forward to. Grab a seat up at the bar and chat with the super friendly bar staff while you sip your cocktail.
Where: 515 Hunter St, Newcastle
Jam’s Karaoke & Bar
Immerse yourself in an authentic karaoke experience, with private, fully-serviced rooms and modern karaoke machines. Sip on Jam’s selection of cocktails made with imported Japanese ingredients, including the house favourite Yuzu Margarita, or Nagoya Malt Sour.
Where: 8 Union St, Newcastle West
Light Years
Housed in a stunning art deco building on Darby Street, Light Years Newcastle is a tropical-inspired modern Asian diner buzzing with energy. Expect punchy share plates, inventive cocktails, lush greenery, pastel tones, and that signature party vibe that makes every visit feel like a celebration.
Where: 5-7 Darby St, Newcastle
Maru Hi-Fi
A Japanese-inspired listening café and bar created by Jam’s Karaoke Bar owners Andrew Coughlan and Joel Hillier, featuring handcrafted acoustics, a world-class sound system, and a refined Japanese fusion menu. Blending Japan’s Jazz Kissa culture with local flair, the venue offers an immersive experience of vinyl listening, live performances, and artisanal food and cocktails in a meticulously designed, intimate space.
Meantime
Meantime is the backdrop for your next good time, with a focus on cocktails and tasty, gluten-free food. The cocktail menu is comprehensive, with a balance between classic favourites like an amaretto sour and a spicy margarita and in-house creations. The best (and most unique) offering, however, might just be the cocktail tasting paddle – get four half cocktails of your choice for just $50. What a clever way to take away indecision!
Where: 104 Beaumont St, Hamilton NSW
Merewether Surfhouse
Sip a cocktail while you admire the view at Merewether Surfhouse's terrace bar. It's an ideal place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sunshine, enjoying an espresso martini. You can also head down to the Beach Bar on the lower level for Mexican food and cocktails.
Where: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether
MiiNE
Bringing a slice of New York’s energy to Darby Street, MIINE is where Italian tradition meets playful innovation. Think handmade pasta with unexpected twists, wood-fired pizzas, bold graffiti walls, and DJs spinning late into the night. With creative cocktails and an ever-evolving menu, MIINE is Newcastle’s new go-to for vibrant dining and late-night vibes.
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle
MoneyPenny
Located on the Honeysuckle Boardwalk, MoneyPenny changes its cocktail menu weekly based on what fresh ingredients are available. Don't expect anything too serious here – MoneyPenny is all about simple yet fun cocktails, made to enjoy with friends. Feeling peckish? Order some dishes to share from their food menu full of global flavours.
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
Romberg's
Make your way up to level nine of Crystalbrook Kingsley to experience panoramic views and cocktails with a focus on native ingredients at Romberg's. Heading up to Romberg's is certainly a way to classy-up your evening quick smart – don't miss the sophisticated bar food offering to pair with your cocktail.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle
Roxanne
On entering Roxanne, it’s the extraordinarily high ceilings that initially grab your attention, quickly followed by the refined interiors. The seating preferences are varied, from antique style lounge chairs to bar stools, you can either perch yourself by the window or slide into a cosy nook, ensuring a spot for all occasions.
Where: 73 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Blind Monk
What originally started as a beer-focused bar, has naturally moved into an intimate, yet casual bar with a focus on good cocktails, great beer, and approachable eats.
Where: 76 Beaumont St, Hamilton
The Falcon
Situated in the heart of Newcastle East sits The Falcon Bar & Restaurant – a vibrant hub of community and culture and the winner of Newcastle’s inaugural Bar Awards, Bar of the Year award.
Where: 10 Pacific St, Newcastle
The Koutetsu
Newcastle’s not-so-secret cocktail bar, The Koutetsu is the place to try interesting cocktails that are out of the ordinary. With almost 20 Japanese whiskeys and nearly 40 gins on offer, you know the team is passionate about quality spirits. The cocktail menu at The Koutetsu changes up pretty regularly, so it's a good excuse to go back time after time and enjoy the talents of the bar's mixologists.
Where: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle West
The Rooftop at QT
Dotted with lunar motifs and enjoying gorgeous views over the harbour, The Rooftop at QT transforms the heritage David Jones building into a captivating culinary and cocktail experience. Opt for a Japanese-inspired cocktail or pick from the many gins and Japanese whiskies on offer.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
The Underground
Located underneath The Grand Hotel on Church Street, The Underground is a cosy, intimate oasis for cocktail lovers. The team have non-drinkers covered with non-alcoholic cocktails too, and there's antipasto and pub grub from upstairs available.
Where: Lower Ground, 32 Church St, Newcastle
Uptowns Bar
The 80s and 90s cocktail bar on Watt Street is known for its love of the NBA, sneakers, video games, hip hop and, of course, cocktails. Order a round of their classic with a twist cocktails, and play your bestie at a game on the Nintendo 64.
Where: 6/23 Watt St, Newcastle
