31 of the Top Newcastle Pubs, Bars and Breweries

Newcastle pubs, bars and breweries have come of age – let’s raise a glass.

Newcastle pubs are a dime a dozen. From gritty pubs that are all blue-collar cool to others that feature potted palm trees and DJs. A few decades ago, the option for knock-off drinks in Newcastle was limited to a few full-strength schooners at the pub on a Friday arvo. But oh, how the Steel City has evolved. In addition to its old-school pubs, Newcastle now has everything from ambitious bars to clubby waterfront hangs and atmospheric breweries. Here are a few of Newcastle’s best pubs, bars and breweries.

The best bars in Newcastle

1. Coal & Cedar

Coal & Cedar in Newcastle, NSW — Slip into this dimly-lit speakeasy for a tipple or two. (Image: Destination NSW)

Text a special code to a number on the wall outside this hidden gem to gain entry to Coal & Cedar , a dimly lit speakeasy-style whisky bar with scuffed-up walls and dark timber tones. Here, the drinks are made with attention to detail and the customers look like they’ve all filed in from The Lincoln Room Barbershop & Shaving Parlour next door.

Address: 380 Hunter St, Newcastle

2. Granddad’s Jacks Bar

people chitchatting and drinking inside Granddad’s Bar, Newcastle — Hit up Granddad’s Bar to sip on signature cocktails.

If Granddad’s Jacks Bar looks like it has been decorated with heirlooms donated by a beloved family member, that’s because it has been. The bar only crafts cocktails with spirits made at its Gold Coast craft distillery, Granddad Jack’s. Both the bar and the distillery pay tribute to founder David Ridden’s whisky-loving grandfather, Jack. Toast to the old man and his penchant for artful excess with one of the bar’s expertly made cocktails.

Address: 515 Hunter Street, Newcastle

3. The Koutetsu

a glass of drink at The Koutetsu — The Koutetsu is a small speakeasy that’s big on vibes. (Image: Jordan Reynolds @PhoenixMediaProductions)

The Koutetsu is a small speakeasy bar located on a ho-hum section of Hunter St. Koutetsu means ‘steel’ in Japanese and is a nod to both the bar’s decor and the city’s history as a site for steelworks. Look for the neon sign that whispers ‘TK’ to passers-by and head in past the original window filled with junk and ephemera that celebrates the building’s past as a pawnbroker.

Address: 555 Hunter St, Newcastle West

4. Market St Basement

Step inside Market St Basement and you will feel like you have fallen into one of your nonna’s sepia-toned photographs from life back in Rome. Located in Newcastle’s hip and happening East End, Market St Basement is all framed photographs and hanging greenery. Bunker down in the basement bar for pizza and a glass of wine.

Address: 1/2 Market Street, Newcastle

5. Earp Distilling Co.

Earp Distilling Co. in Newcastle, NSW — Earp’s facade is a nod to its tile-making history. (Image: Destination NSW)

Earp Distilling Co . is a destination unto itself. It’s the kind of place you go to spend a lazy afternoon taking a distillery tour or geeking out at spirit school. The distillery bar is in harbourside Carrington, known colloquially as Carrodise. Take a selfie in front of the botanic-themed mosaic tile facade, which winks back to the Earp family business, one of the oldest tile manufacturers in Australia.

Address: 41 Darling Street, Carrington

6. The Falcon

the interior of The Falcon, Newcastle — A vibrant atmosphere meets Southern US-inspired cuisine at this hot spot.

The Falcon has landed. And it’s via Florida in the US, where co-owner and chef Brendhan Bennison hails from. Create a Venn diagram of all that The Falcon offers and you’ll find common elements such as food, drinks and vibes intersecting in the circles. The popular Newcastle East haunt has a sister venue, Ship Inn , which is also a top spot to sink a few cold ones.

Address: 10 Pacific St, Newcastle

7. Bar Mellow

Bar Mellow is set in a handsome 1920s building known as Bank Corner, notable for its ornate facade and dramatic timber doors. Step inside the intimate bar to find leather booths, murals and an old bank vault. There’s also an enticing menu of snacks such as olives, cheese plates and charcuterie. Bar Mellow is, as the name suggests, a good place to chill. But it’s also where the action happens. Don’t worry, what happens in Bar Mellow stays in the vault.

Address: 744 Hunter St, Newcastle

8. Lock’s Paddock

dinner at Lock’s Paddock, Newcastle — Dine on excellent European fare.

Lock’s Paddock is a beloved local haunt that contains a lot of the Steel City’s history. The go-it-alone bar is named after a nearby plot of land that was known as ‘Lock’s Paddock’. Drink to the town’s history and the story that has been passed down, literally, from paddock to plate. The style of cooking in the homey dining room, which features a collection of hats and a painting of a horse, is seasonally driven European fare.

Address: 16 Watt Street, Newcastle

9. Merewether Surfhouse

an al fresco dining setting at Merewether Surfhouse Bar, Newcastle — Snag a spot under colourful orange beach umbrellas.

Make your way to Merewether Surfhouse after hitting the beach for a surf, walk or swim. The bar has one of the best ocean views in Newcastle and is a great example of how the city is morphing to accommodate a whole new demographic. Order spritzers with a side of pizza then watch the sunset over one of Newcastle’s most beautiful beaches.

Address: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether

The best pubs in Newcastle

10. The Lucky Hotel

Behind the faithfully restored facade of this once hidden-away CBD pub built in the 1800s, is a cosy enclosed courtyard festooned with lights and greenery. The Lucky , which was previously The Lucky Country Hotel, is full of quirky design touches, from brothel-red velvet banquettes to drum-kit chandeliers. The cocktail menu is plenty of fun.

Address: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle

11. The Beach Hotel

the light-filled interior of The Beach Hotel pub in Newcastle — The pub features a light-filled space with a laid-back style.

The Beach Hotel is an Art Deco pub that was given a makeover influenced by its sun-drenched location opposite Merewether Beach. The coastal venue offers big-sky views over Merewether, Dixon Park and Bar beaches: sit and sip on Aperol spritzes with hearty fare such as meatballs with woodfired bread or steak sangas. Time your visit with a gig from the venue’s rotating roster of local acts.

Address: 99 Frederick St, Merewether

12. The Young Street Hotel

The Young Street Hotel is much-loved by locals and gets top billing for its beer garden. Formerly known as Carrington Place, the Young Street Hotel is run by local Luke Tilse, who also heads the Happy Wombat . The regular roster of entertainment – from trivia to uno and live music – fills the pub, which has a 20-tap tower and large-screen TVs.

Address: 132 Young St, Carrington

13. Customs House Hotel

crowds of people outside Customs House Hotel — Soak up the atmosphere at Customs House Hotel. (Image: Daina Marie Photography)

An architecture geek’s guide to Newcastle would surely include a pint and a plate of oysters at Customs House Hotel . Designed in 1877, the Customs House building now houses a bar, restaurant and function centre. Tap into the landmark attraction’s 150+ years in Newcastle over a schooey and burger with the lot.

Address: 1 Bond St, Newcastle

14. The Grand Hotel

lunch at The Grand Hotel, Newcastle — The Grand Hotel offers hearty meals such as steaks, seafood, and various share platters.

You’ll always find a few English expats quaffing lagers in this grand old dame in the heart of Newcastle. This pokies-free pub looks very much the part with comfy couches, a checkerboard floor and a well-stocked bar. But the pièce de résistance at The Grand is the fireplace. Want a change of scene? Head downstairs to The Underground , the pub’s late-night speakeasy.

Address: 32 Church St, Newcastle

15. The Greenroof

Look out for the pots of cascading greenery outside The Greenroof Hotel in Hamilton, an old-timer’s pub that has had a mini makeover extending to its menu. The Greeny is a favourite place for off-duty bartenders to unite on hospo nights. And it’s just as a pub should be in the front room on a Friday – a friendly and unpretentious place for a gatho.

Address: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton

16. The Prince of Merewether

a close-up shot of food at The Prince of Merewether, Newcastle — The Prince of Merewether serves a mix of traditional pub fare and modern Australian cuisine.

Pubs are as ubiquitous as salty-haired surfers in Newcastle. But they’re not all created equal. The Prince of Merewether , or The Prince as it’s known among locals, has been a much-loved alehouse since 1876. Sink a few schooners on the breezy balcony of the pub while watching much of Merewether go by. The beach is a beautiful backdrop.

Address: 1 Morgan St, Merewether

17. The Great Northern Hotel

No guide to Newcastle’s pubs would be complete without a mention of The Great Northern Hotel . Despite being built in 1864, renovated in 1906 and rebuilt in the 1920s, the Art Deco-style pub has stood its ground. It is a smart space that serves classic pub grub such as beer-battered barra and chips, plus a varied selection of beers, wines and spirits. Lovers of live music are also well-catered for.

Address: 83-89 Scott St, Newcastle

18. The Bennett

a group of men drinking at the al fresco spot in The Bennett Hotel, Newcastle — Spend a sunny afternoon enjoying drinks in the courtyard.

Colourful yellow beach umbrellas, shady picnic benches, breeze blocks, communal tables and potted olive plants are just a few of the reasons to plonk yourself down in the courtyard at The Bennett . The renovated pub stocks a selection of locally brewed beers and Hunter Valley wines. Love your sports? The outdoor projector makes this one of the best pubs in Newcastle for watching sport.

Address: 146 Denison St, Hamilton

19. The Cricketers Arms

In addition to its large, wrap-around bar, The Cricketers Arms in Cooks Hill has one of the best beer gardens in Newcastle. And the cricket-themed menu knocks it out of the park with offerings like proper fish and chips or bangers and bash. Pair lunch with a premium selection of beer and other beverages.

Address: 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill

20. The Grain Store

The Grain Store bar in Newcastle, NSW — The Grain Store is popular among locals and tourists alike. (Image: Destination NSW)

Corey and Kristy Crooks are credited with kicking off the craft beer revolution in Newcastle. After transforming The Albion into Australia’s first 100 per cent craft beer venue, the husband-and-wife team built The Grain Store , which has been feeding and watering Novocastrians since 2013. All up, there are over 20 independently owned Aussie craft beers and ciders on tap.

Address: 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East

21. The Exchange

the pub interior of The Exchange with black and white striped chairs — Expect pub-style cuisine, live music, and a lively social scene at this haunt.

Thirsty to find the best pub in Newcastle? We recommend The Exchange , a character-filled pub established in 1880. Hear about the pub’s history over the past 145 years while chatting to locals on the balcony overlooking Beaumont Street. Come for the good food and extensive beverage list, stay for the trivia, live DJs and musical bingo.

Address: 125 Denison St, Hamilton

22. Commonwealth Hotel

lunch at Commonwealth Hotel, Newcastle — Enjoy plant-based dining and vegetarian meals at the Commonwealth Hotel. (Image: Daniele Massacci)

The Commy is the sort of old-school pub where you can choose your own adventure. Buy a few raffle tickets for a meat tray. Gather with your mates to watch the footy. Or enjoy a few ales in the courtyard on a sunny day. The Cooks Hill local is heaven for pub classics: think chicken wings, beef burgers and crumbed lamb cutlets.

Address: 35 Union St, Cooks Hill

23. The Hamilton Station Hotel

the building exterior of The Hamilton Station Hotel — The classic pub is housed in a heritage building.

It’s difficult to separate the tatted and moustachioed bartenders from the patrons at The Hamilton Station Hotel in the hip hood of Islington. What stands out about this place is not just its Art Deco facade and plethora of plaid-clad punters. It’s the dedication to live music five nights a week. The meat trays, good beer and motley collection of gig-goers make the Hamo one of the best pubs in Newcastle.

Address: 6 Beaumont St, Islington

24. The Maryville Tavern

a meal on the table at The Maryville Tavern, Newcastle — Dine on hearty meals and craft ales.

Newcastle has no shortage of great pubs and the Maryville Tavern is a mainstay. Despite having a nip and tuck a few years back, this 1930s Newcastle pub still does a great job of attracting rusted-on locals. The convivial venue now has a dedicated outdoor bar draped in greenery, which serves great cocktails too. Regular Djs and quiz nights contribute to the lively atmosphere.

Address: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

The best breweries and brewpubs in Newcastle

25. Foghorn Brewery

Foghorn Brewery in Newcastle, NSW — Foghorn is housed in a renovated warehouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

Foghorn Brewery is the contemporary equivalent of an alehouse, serving a selection of craft beers from its restored factory floor that travels straight from the gleaming 1800-litre tanks. Embark on a brewery tour around the Art Deco warehouse to learn about the grain-to-glass brewing process at this Newcastle stalwart.

Address: 218 King St, Newcastle

26. The Rogue Scholar

rooftop drinks at Rogue Scholar Brewing, Newcastle — Enjoy live music and craft beers on the rooftop.

Step inside the dimly lit Rogue Scholar and you’ll find it’s as much about the music and open-mic nights as the beer at this Newcastle brewpub. Grab a pie and an amber ale at the swillhouse in Newcastle West, where the walls are plastered with a hotch-potch of faded posters. There are 12 taps and four handpumps on rotation, plus a great cocktail and wine list too.

Address: 4-6 Union St, Newcastle West

27. Thirsty Messiah

The Steel City continues to attract people with ideas, enthusiasm and perseverance. Why waddle to a corporate job in Sydney dressed like a penguin when you can do something you love and have a better work-life balance in Newcastle? We prophesise you will be spending a lot of time at the Thirsty Messiah , heaven on Earth for those who love an amber ale. Enjoy great beers brewed onsite along with handmade sourdough pizza.

Address: 140 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow

28. Modus

friends enjoying beer at Modus Brewing, Newcastle — There are plenty of craft beer taps on offer at Modus. (Image: Destination NSW)

You will soak up a sense of what Newcastle is all about when you mingle with Newcastle’s craft-beer community at Modus Operandi . The best place to try one of the Modus beers is at its Merewether brewery, which has a strong focus on sustainability. Enjoy everything from zero-carb lagers to pale ales and porters, alongside comforting brewpub grub.

Address: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

29. Method Brewing

Method Brewing knows the way to Novocastrians’ hearts: have ‘Independent Bar & Brewery’ as part of your signage. This brewpub is the favourite local in Islington. While the beers on tap are constantly on rotation, the crowd changes on the regular as word gets out about the brewery that began life as a home-brew shop. There’s a Method to the madness.

Address: 18 Maitland Rd, Islington

30. Grainfed Brewing

the brewery at Grainfed Brewing, Newcastle — Grainfed Brewing has a craft brewery on-site.

Don’t miss the family-run Grainfed Brewing , which has been 10 years in the making. It takes a lot to succeed in a thirsty city like Newcastle, but the MacBeans have taken their time to get the formula right, believing beer and community are ingrained in the Steel City. As well as all-day pale ales, the taphouse offers IPAs, porters, lagers, pilsners and more. Rock-solid toasties and pizzas are also made to order.

Address: 1/52 Young Rd, Lambton

31. Shout Brewing

Bring your mate with short hands and long pockets to Shout Brewing in the hope he gets the hint it’s his turn to buy a round. If he’s feeling uncharacteristically generous, he might even plump for a gorgonzilla pizza. The small-batch brewery is dog and family-friendly, inclusive to everyone from hardened hopheads to budding craft-beer connoisseurs.

Address: 22 Clyde St, Islington

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.