Enjoying live music in a beer garden or chatting with friends over a crisp glass of prosecco can be the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon… or Friday evening… or Saturday brunch… or Wednesday (if you need a pick me up to finish the week ahead). As we are dedicated bloggers and care deeply about giving sound advice to our audience, we have spent many tireless evenings ‘researching’ the different bars in Newcastle.
After thoroughly taste-testing cocktails, ranking customer service experiences, and reviewing live music performances despite having no musical abilities whatsoever, we have compiled a list of our favourite bars to visit in Newcastle NSW.
Bartholomews
Based on the vibes and decor alone, Bartholomews will always be a 10/10. The venue is an old 1920’s theatre which has been transformed into a bar and restaurant, complete with a floor-to-ceiling library of spirits. The moody art deco vibes are perfect to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, play a game of pool, or even catch a live jazz band which perform regularly.
Bartholomews also hosts cocktail making classes, whisky tasting sessions, and live shows, so keep an eye on their website to find your next fun night out.
Location: 145, King Street Newcastle, NSW.
Opening hours: 12.30pm to late Wednesday to Saturday, and 12.30pm to 10.00pm Sundays.
Grandad’s Bar
Grandad’s Bar is Grandad Jack Craft Distillery’s first Australian bar space. You can sample gin and whisky varieties created by the Queensland distillery, or enjoy one of their many delicious cocktails. With so many options to choose from, the fantastic bar staff can provide recommendations based on your specific tastes.
The small bar is located in the heart of Newcastle and is fitted out with warm leather and many vintage finds, including old movie theatre seating located in the bar’s outdoor laneway alfresco area.
Location: 515 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to late.
Link: https://www.granddadjacks.com/pages/newcastle-bookings
Vera Wine Bar
Vera Wine Bar is a small wine store and bar located in Hamilton, just 5 mins from Newcastle CBD. Celebrating and promoting small-batch, preservative-free wines, Vera offers handpicked red, white and sparkling wines sourced both domestically and internationally.
With only 12 seats available in the bar, it is a space to quietly relax and savour all the unique wines not usually found in other venues across Newcastle. Hot tip: as the different wines are ordered in small quantities, the menu changes almost daily. If you find a brand you like I recommend taking a photo as it’s likely to not be there next time you visit.
Location: 2/67 Beaumont Street Hamilton 2303
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm
Link: https://verawine.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOorQABqCQy9G-YWUrApS7tzjiWEatO0t5yH29ffPJ_I4-yVtnh8S
QT Bar & Rooftop
The QT Hotel opened its doors in 2022, offering 104 rooms and 3 dining options in one of the CBD’s most central and busy shopping streets. Adorned with space-themed decorations and artworks, the hotel is a unique departure from Newcastle’s usual coastal, beachside vibes.
The open air rooftop bar at the QT gives guests sweeping views of the city and harbour, allowing you to smell the salty sea air and listen to sounds of the busy harbour while enjoying pre-dinner drinks and a cheese board. The menu offers many crisp beers, locally made wines, and a wide selection of delicious cocktails.
Location: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday 3pm to midnight, Saturday 2pm to midnight, and Sunday 2pm to 10pm.
Link: https://www.qthotels.com/newcastle/eat-drink/rooftop-at-qt/
Money Penny
Money Penny is a retro harbourside bar located in Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct. Each time I go there the staff are very friendly and service is on point. They have an extensive menu of smooth cocktails, boutique beers, and delicious share plates, making it perfect for an easy date night venue.
The scrumptious food and bevvies are complimented by the fantastic views; you can easily lose a few hours watching boats (including massive coal ships) cruise in and out of the harbour.
Location: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300
Opening hours: breakfast Saturday & Sunday, 7am to 11am. Lunch & dinner Monday to Sunday, 12pm to late.
Merewether Surfhouse
Looking right over Merewether Beach, the Surfhouse offers unparralled coastal views. Featuring 3 dining options, there is a formal fine dining restaurant and bar located on the top level, and a cafe on the lower level.
I will be honest, I have always found the service to be lacking at the Surfhouse, however the delicious food, reasonable prices and fantastic views make it worth the visit.
Location: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether NSW 2291
Opening hours: rooftop bar- 7 days, 11.30am to late.
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If you have any questions or would like additional recommendations, then we would love to hear from you! Please reach out and send us an email.
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