Newcastle pubs, bars and breweries have come of age. Here are the best places to raise a glass in Newcastle.

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 has everything from ambitious bars to clubby waterfront hangs and atmospheric brewpubs.

Here are a few of Newcastle’s best pubs, bars and breweries.

The best bars in Newcastle

1. The Edwards

The band Silverchair was one of Newcastle’s most successful exports and former bassist Chris Joannou remains one of the city’s most successful sons. When his parents retired their commercial laundrette in Newcastle West, the ex-muso turned hospitality tsar transformed it into The Edwards where locals go to sing themselves hoarse cheering on live bands.

Address: 148 Parry St, Newcastle

2. Coal & Cedar

Text a special code to a number on the wall outside this hidden speakeasy 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

3. Granddad’s Bar

If Granddad’s 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 Queensland craft distillery Granddad Jack’s. The bar and the distillery pay tribute to founder David Ridden’s whisky-loving Granddad Jack.

Toast to the old man and his penchant for artful excess with an expertly made cocktail like the Pasha Bulka.

Address: 515 Hunter Street, Newcastle

4. The Koutetsu

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

5. 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 Bianchi and a glass of Usher Tinkler rose.

Address: 1/2 Market Street, Newcastle

6. Earp’s Distilling Co.  

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

7. The Falcon

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, drink and vibe intersecting in the circles. Order an East End tan with The Schnitt. 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

8. Castle del Mar

The 1993 song named after Ibiza’s Café del Mar in San Antonio may as well be the anthem for this lively lounge in Newcastle. The name Castle del Mar even nods to that hedonistic era. Add a soundtrack of bangers and the former mechanic’s warehouse-turned cocktail lounge has become a city fave for a late night out. Castle del Mar also offers a selection of charcuterie and bar snacks including jaffles.

Address: 31 King Street, Newcastle

9. 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: Ground Floor, 744 Hunter St, Newcastle

10. Lock’s Paddock

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 over Tartufo salami and jamon. 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

11. Merewether Surfhouse Bar

Make your way to Merewether Surfhouse after hitting the beach for a surf, walk or swim. The bar has one of the best beach views in Newcastle and is a great example of how Newcastle is morphing to accommodate a whole new demographic. Order spritzers with a side of pizza during Aperitivo Hour from 3.30pm-5pm Monday to Friday.

Address: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether

The best pubs in Newcastle

12. The Lucky Hotel

Behind the faithfully restored facade of this once hidden-away old 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.

Address: 237 Hunter St

13. The Beach Hotel

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 by the sea on Aperol spritzes with hearty fare such as meatballs with woodfired bread or steak sangas. Head to Homegrown every Thursday, a night that puts the spotlight on local musicians.

Address: 99 Frederick Street, Merewether

14. 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 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 Street, Carrington

15. Customs House Hotel

An architecture geek’s guide to Newcastle would surely include a pint and a plate of Appellation oysters at the Customs House Hotel in Newcastle. 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

16. The Grand Hotel

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 resistance at The Grand is the fireplace in winter. It’s a vibey pit stop in the heart of Newcastle. Want a change of scene? Head downstairs to The Underground, the pub’s late-night speakeasy.

Address: 32 Church St, Newcastle

17. 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 that extends to its menu. The Greeny is a favourite place to gather for off-duty bartenders on hospo nights. And it’s just as a pub should be in the front room on a Friday, which is a friendly and unpretentious place for a gatho.

Address: 71 Tudor Street, Hamilton

18. The Prince of Merewether

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, has been a much-loved alehouse since 1876. Sink a few schooners of Old-School IPA on the breezy Balcony Bar of the pub while watching much of Mereweather go by. The beach is a beautiful backdrop.

Address: 1 Morgan Street, Merewether

19. 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 now 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 and a varied selection of beers, wines and spirits. Lovers of live music are also well-catered for.

Address: 83-89 Scott Street, Newcastle

20. The Bennett

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 to watch sport.

Address: 146 Denison Street, Hamilton

21. 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 such as proper fish and chips with pea puree, chips and tartare paired with a premium selection of beer and other beverages.

Address: 61 Bruce Street, Cooks Hill

22. The Grain Store

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 21 independently owned Aussie craft beers and ciders on tap.

Address: 64-66 Scott Street, Newcastle East

23. The Exchange

Thirsty to find the best pub in Newcastle? We recommend The Exchange, the character-filled pub established in 1880. Hear about the pub’s history over the past 140 years or so while chatting to locals on the balcony overlooking Beaumont St. Don’t miss Sunday Service at the LGBTQI+ friendly Newcastle pub, which includes DJs and drag shows.

Address: 125 Denison St, Hamilton

24. Commonwealth Hotel

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 smart courtyard on a sunny day. The Cooks Hill local is heaven for pub classics: think crumbed lamb cutlets, chicken schnitzels and fisherman’s chowder.

Address: Corner of Union Street and Bull Street, Cooks Hill

25. The Hamilton Station Hotel

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 The Hamilton Station Hotel 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, cheap beer and motley collection of gig-goers make the Hamo one of the best pubs in Newcastle.

Address: 2-6 Beaumont Street

26. The Maryville Tavern

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 comedy nights and quiz nights fill the pub.

Address: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

The best breweries and brewpubs in Newcastle

27. Foghorn Brewery

Foghorn Brewery is the contemporary equivalent of an alehouse, serving a selection of beers from its restored factory floor that travels straight from the brewery to 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 Foghorn Brewhouse.

Address: 218 King St, Newcastle

28. Styx Brewery

Styx Brewery was established in an old coal-testing facility in Carrington and is named after the creek that leads to the old gasworks in Newcastle. The small-batch brewery sold its first keg in 2018 and today produces two core beers, an IPA and Pale Ale without preservatives or additives. Crack open a few cans during a tasting at the brewery (by appointment only).

Address: 97 Wilson Street, Carrington

29. Rogue Scholar Brewing

Step inside the dimly lit Rogue Scholar Brewing and bar venue 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 and there are 12 taps and four handpumps on rotation.

Address: 4-6 Union Street, Newcastle West

30. 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 which is 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

31. Modus 

You will soak up a sense of what Newcastle is all about when you mingle with the Newcastle 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 pineapple-infused ales, XPAs and hazy ales alongside comforting brewpub grub-like burgers and wings.

Address: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

32. Method Brewing

Method Brewing knows the way to Novocastrians’ hearts: have ‘Independent Bar & Brewery’ as part of your signage. This brewpub is the favourite new 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. Discover there’s a Method to the madness.

Address: 18 Maitland Rd, Islington

33. Grainfed Brewing

Want to sink a Sneaky One? Visit the family-run Grainfed Brewing’s Grainfed Shed, 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 ales like the Sneaky One, the taphouse has an Old-School IPA, Well Red and Cool Porter. Rock-solid toasties and pizzas are also made to order.

Address: 1/52 Young Road, Lambton

34. 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 Bar is dog and family-friendly and inclusive to everyone from hardened hopheads to budding craft-beer connoisseurs.

Address: 22 Clyde St, Islington

The post 34 of the best Newcastle pubs, bars and breweries appeared first on Australian Traveller.