Hitting the town? From cosy underground nooks and secret entrances to wine and karaoke bars, Newcastle has you well and truly sorted for whatever night you’re after.

Don’t waste time scrolling through Google trying to find the perfect venue – instead, utilise our expertise with our comprehensive guide to the very best bars in Newcastle. 

CARRINGTON

Earp Distilling Co.

Run by one of Newcastle's oldest family businesses, Earp Distilling Co. distils 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

COOKS HILL

5 Sawyers

Kick back, relax, and soak up the history of Newcastle at 5 Sawyers. Enjoy sipping on the fruits of the region with a glass of Hunter Valley wine, a cheeky cocktail, or a craft beer with mates. Don't miss the weekly $10 cocktail special.
Where: 15 Darby St, Cooks Hill

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. Keep an eye on the Bar Romeo Instagram for the venue's event lineup. 
Where: 97-107 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Urban Deli and Bar

A boutique deli and wine bar, Urban Deli and Bar is your go-to for sophisticated Mediterranean-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

HAMILTON 

Meantime

Meantime is the backdrop for your next good time, with a focus on craft beer, cocktails, and tasty food. The kitchen at Meantime is also 100% gluten-free, and there's a vegan menu available on request, so everyone can find a dish to suit them.
Where: 104 Beaumont St, Hamilton

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 nearly 10 years. The Blind Monk specialises in providing a comprehensive craft beer offering, but we can't go past its stand-out food menu – $1.50 dumplings on Tuesdays, anyone?
Where: 76 Beaumont St, Hamilton

HONEYSUCKLE

Harbour Bar

Drop anchor at Honeysuckle’s Harbour Bar and experience unobstructed harbour views accompanied by creative cocktails and an extensive range of bar food. There's even plenty of non-alcoholic drink options for those who aren't on the booze.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, 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. With a new cocktail menu each week, you won't get bored at MoneyPenny. 
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

MEREWETHER

Merewether Surfhouse

Whether you grab a margarita or beer downstairs at the Beach Bar, or a wine upstairs at the Terrace Bar, 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

NEW LAMBTON

Alfie's

The new kid on the block in Regent Street, Alfie's is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and wine bar that's perfect for an afternoon tipple, a friendly catch-up, a family soiree, and everything in between. With more than 100 wines on offer, Alfie's will have you returning time and time again.
Where: 2/52 Regent St, New Lambton

NEWCASTLE

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

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 line-up of cocktails and Italian eats, Market St Basement will have you staying well into the night.
Where: 1-2/2 Market St, Newcastle

Blue Kahunas

Kick back and relax in the tropical heaven that is Blue Kahunas, and let the music, food, drinks, and ambiance make you feel as though you’re on a holiday without leaving the city. The bar even hosts cocktail classes on a Saturday, if you want to up your drinks game.
Where: 3/146 Hunter St, Newcastle

Coal and Cedar

Prepare to be wowed by Coal and Cedar. This dark, sultry, and slightly hard-to-find bar is a New York-style speakeasy with early 1900s influences. The low lighting, exposed brick, eccentric photos, taxidermy, and fab service will leave you wondering where the time has gone.
Where: 380 Hunter St, Newcastle

MEET

Located in the heart of Newcastle is a world-class culinary offering set in an industrial-meets-cool space that belongs on every interior lover's Pinterest board. Head in via Darby Street where you’ll arrive in the dimly lit bar area to start the evening with a bespoke cocktail and nosh on a plate or two from the share menu.
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle

Romberg's

Featuring a lowered 10-metre marble bar that allows uninterrupted views of Civic Park, 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 Falcon

The Falcon owners Mike and Brendan have a long and varied history in the hospitality industry, but following some stints in Sydney and aboard, the pair decided it was time to settle in Newcastle and bring their southern-inspired flavours with them. The Falcon adds some spice to the East End dining scene, as well some smashing good cocktails and a sweet selection of wine and beer.
Where: 10 Pacific 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

The Rooftop at QT

Rooftop revelry meets innovative izakaya at The Rooftop at QT, with 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

NEWCASTLE WEST

Bar Mellow

Small bar duo Prudence and Byron (who also run Blue Kahunas) are behind the helm at Bar Mellow. Bar Mellow is Newcastle’s very own sophisticated wine bar with a focus on all things natural wine, accompanied by an elevated cocktail list and Italian-inspired eats.
Where: 744 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Jam’s Karaoke & Bar

Jam's Karaoke & Bar offers an authentic karaoke experience, complete with private rooms to get jamming in. No expense was spared at Jam's, and from the moment you enter you can't help but be whisked away to downtown Osaka where the idea for bar began for owners Andrew and Joel. 
Where: 8 Union St, Newcastle West

The Edwards

The Edwards has developed a reputation not only as a hub for artistic and cultural events, but for its stand-out food and drink offering. With Akasha Brewing taking over the venue in late 2022, keep an eye out for brewery facility onsite in the not-too-distant future.
Where: 148 Parry St, Newcastle West NSW 

The Happy Wombat

The Happy Wombat has been a place for the community to gather for nearly 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

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

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. The brewery and bar has become a staple of the Newcastle bar scene since its inception. Pull up a stool at the copper-topped bar and chat to the friendly bar staff 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

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