Character-filled drinking dens plus budget-friendly bites equal epic holiday revelry at the best Port Macquarie bars and Port Macquarie pubs.

From boutique bars pouring crafty local drops to much-adored pubs with all the bells and whistles, the best Port Macquarie bars and pubs unleash excellent holiday memories. Just add pristine river glimpses, inspired live music and generously plated feeds and what you’ve got is the stuff of laidback holiday dreams. Here, we round up the cream of the crop to get you kicking back sooner rather than later.

Port Macquarie Bars

1. Little Shack

Soak up river views over a cocktail or a few at Little Shack . It’s a morning magnet for caffeine seekers but the team dial up the revelry come sunset o’clock when the Port Macquarie bar’s garden is aflush with cocktail jugs (choose from classic hits including Long Island Iced Tea, mojitos and caprioskas), frozen cocktails and all your favourite picks of poisons do the rounds.

Indulge sensibly by lining your belly with snacks that start from midday. Think guac and dip, French fries, fish tacos, prawn rolls and more. It’s relaxed, beautifully positioned overlooking the water and flat-out fun — don’t leave town without experiencing this sunset session.

2. Bar Florian

Drop into Bar Florian for a classy ambience set to the beat of chilled tunes. The scene is retro-cool as the interiors are inspired by 1960s Italy so it’s all big-bodied wine, mouth-watering charcuterie and deep belly laughs. Rushing your vino selection isn’t advised as the Port Macquarie bar’s impressively stacked menu is filled with expertly sourced drops. Keen for something special? Cocktails are never a bad idea.

Antipasto is also embraced with authentic flair as baked camembert, French brie with ciabatta, dips and spiced nuts dot a short but sweet food menu.

2. Stick Bar

Did you know Port Macquarie boasts its own laneway life? True story. Rub shoulders with the cool kids at Stick Bar , a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar specialising in Yakatori skewers (hence the hot spot’s name) and beautifully crafted beverages. Signature creations include the elegantly executed Tokyo Honey Whiskey Sour, the Smoked Maple Rye Old Fashioned utilising apple and cherry wood, and the Flissy Foo with homemade blueberry and butterfly pea flower (don’t ask, just devour) coulis.

Spooky Island is another high-five menu offering, presented in a ceramic tiki mug and delicately blending Fireball and spiced rum. Save room for the sticks which span the harissa chicken, sticky pork belly, traditional yakitori chicken thigh fillet, fried tofu and more. 

4. Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge

Located above The Westport Club on central Buller Street, Jimmy’s Bar and Lounge is a great spot to unwind after a day of exploration. Recline on one of the chairs, take your pick from 100 whiskeys on offer, or comb the cocktail list for your favourite tipple.

It’s a prime viewing spot to watch sailboats glide along the Hastings River as cushy couches and ample space create a soothing holiday atmosphere. If the view demands classic cold ones, there are 25 beers on tap to choose from.

5. Zebu Bar & Restaurant

Waterfront venues may be a frequent fixture in Port Macquarie, but Zebu Bar & Restaurant is one of the most popular of the bunch. This funky spot has become a fixture for locals, corporate travellers and tourists for its unpretentious, vibrant atmosphere. And that’s just the start of it.

Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and don’t forget that happy hour swings from 5pm until 6pm every day. There’s an extensive selection of beers, wines and spirits, and the menu heroes seafood. With spectacular views over the foreshore, it’s an idyllic location that demands you put up your feet.

6. Black Duck Brewery

If you’re keen to get your hands on a locally brewed lager, Black Duck Brewery is the place to go. It’s home to the best craft beer in the region, with inspired creations streaming steadily on tap.

Work your way through a tasting paddle or request a tour to experience exactly what goes on behind the scenes. Head brewer Al Owen knows all the ins and outs, and he might show you around between all that malting and mashing. The space regularly hosts live entertainment (check the website for what’s coming up) and dishes up epic food platters alongside those fantastic brews.

7. Florence Jones

Named after the owners’ beloved cattle dog, Florence Jones is a homely wine bar right by the river. Let shimmering water views and the afternoon light set the perfect scene as an expert edit of boutique drops reliably dazzle — particularly when the team, made of cheese aficionados, roll out their latest dairy discoveries.

Just as alluring as the wine itself, the cheese menu is thoroughly researched, making for a perfect pre-dinner treat as the sun slowly sinks over that magical view.

Port Macquarie Pubs

8. The Local Flynn’s Beach

A little out of the centre of town lies The Local Flynn’s Beach, home to one of the most chilled beer gardens in Port Macquarie. There are also plenty of screens streaming live sports so if there was any question as to where you can sneak off to catch the game, consider it sorted.

The bar menu will sort out rumbling tums as pub classics spanning chicken wings, chicken schnitzel, pizzas and light snacks are dished up all day. There’s also a bistro menu (but you can take your meal wherever you can find a table) offering steaks, pan-seared barramundi and curries. Check out the Port Macquarie pub’s Instagram to see what’s on when you visit as live music and stand-up comedy is staged regularly.

9. Tacking Point Tavern

Speaking of beer gardens, you’ll need to check out the one at Tacking Point Tavern . Fitted out with a jumbo screen and dotted with dining tables and umbrellas, it’s an epic space to kick back and let the day get away from you. Live music flows over the weekend, as does a decent roll call of cocktails including coconut margaritas, apple lychee martinis and everyone’s beloved Aperol spritz.

Make it a night to remember (or forget) with a range of cocktail jugs, too, and there’s always a food special on offer so check out the website for up-to-date highlights.

10. Settlers Inn Hotel

Every town needs a local and around this neck of the woods, it’s the Settlers Inn Hotel . The Port Macquarie pub prides itself on being the best family-friendly spot around and their huge playground facilities are always a hit with the kids. Daily specials keep crowds flocking and every day provides a new opportunity, including the standout $15 meals on Monday.

Additionally, it’s home to one of the biggest screens in town for live sport, so you can always expect a lively atmosphere on game night.

11. The Beach House

Part cafe, part pub, The Beach House offers the best seat in Port Macquarie for steady sunset gazing. Located on Town Green, overlooking the Hastings River, the iconic venue is one of the most visited spots around – partly thanks to being within walking distance from the city centre. Many use it as a pit stop along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall coastal walk as this place is stacked with delicious rewards including the $18 cocktails from 4pm until 6pm every Friday. That’s discounted pina coladas, espresso martinis and other fruity specials for anyone needing further enticement.

Originally written by Eliza Sholly with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

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