Best Bars in Newcastle, Hamilton & Maitland
Newcastle and the surrounding region has a solid bar scene worth exploring. Whether you're after craft drinks, karaoke, or a classic pub experience, here are some solid options across Newcastle, Maitland, Hamilton and Honeysuckle.
- 1Bars Newcastle East
1. Grain Store Newcastle
Located in Newcastle East, this venue offers a focused drinking experience in a neighbourhood with good foot traffic and accessibility.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.6(2,072)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Bars Newcastle2. Coal & Cedar
A Newcastle bar worth visiting if you're looking for a venue in the city centre with a strong local following.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.8(636)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Newcastle3. Granddad's Bar Experience (Newcastle)
Offers a distinctive themed bar experience in the heart of Newcastle.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue5.0(146)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Hamilton4. The Blind Monk
Situated in Hamilton, this bar provides an option if you're exploring venues outside the immediate city centre.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(692)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Newcastle5. The Koutetsu
A Newcastle bar worth considering if you want variety in your night out across the city's drinking establishments.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.7(241)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Honeysuckle6. MoneyPenny
Located in Honeysuckle, this venue offers easy access to Newcastle's waterfront precinct and nearby dining options.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.4(590)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Newcastle7. Queens Wharf Hotel
A Newcastle pub-bar hybrid that works well if you want traditional hospitality in a central location.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(2,917)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Maitland8. The Pourhouse
Maitland's bar offering, useful if you're in the region and want a dedicated drinking venue beyond traditional pubs.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(395)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Maitland9. Old George and Dragon
Another Maitland option with what sounds like a classic pub name, worth checking out if you're exploring that area.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.9(96)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Newcastle10. Jams Karaoke & Bar
Choose this if you want to sing—it's Newcastle's karaoke-focused bar option.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(257)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Newcastle11. Maru HiFi
A Newcastle bar with a distinctive name suggesting a music or audio focus; worth visiting if that appeals to you.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.8(95)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars Maitland12. Club Maitland City
Maitland's larger entertainment venue, bridging the line between bar and club atmosphere.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(827)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grain Store Newcastle | 67/100 | 4.6(2,072) | $$ | Newcastle East | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Coal & Cedar | 67/100 | 4.8(636) | $$ | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Granddad's Bar Experience (Newcastle) | 64/100 | 5.0(146) | — | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Blind Monk | 63/100 | 4.5(692) | $$ | Hamilton | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Koutetsu | 62/100 | 4.7(241) | $$ | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| MoneyPenny | 61/100 | 4.4(590) | $$ | Honeysuckle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Queens Wharf Hotel | 61/100 | 4.2(2,917) | $$ | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Pourhouse | 61/100 | 4.5(395) | $$ | Maitland | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Old George and Dragon | 61/100 | 4.9(96) | — | Maitland | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Jams Karaoke & Bar | 60/100 | 4.5(257) | — | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Maru HiFi | 60/100 | 4.8(95) | — | Newcastle | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Club Maitland City | 59/100 | 4.2(827) | — | Maitland | Open 7 days |
Frequently asked questions
Which Newcastle bar is best for a quiet drink?+
Several venues listed focus on seated drinking experiences, but we don't have specific detail on noise levels or atmosphere for each. It's worth phoning ahead to ask about quieter times or spaces.
Are there bars in Maitland worth visiting?+
Yes—The Pourhouse, Old George and Dragon, and Club Maitland City are all in Maitland if you're in that part of the Hunter.
Where should I go for karaoke in Newcastle?+
Jams Karaoke & Bar is your dedicated karaoke option in Newcastle.
Which bar is closest to Newcastle's waterfront?+
MoneyPenny in Honeysuckle is positioned near Newcastle's waterfront precinct.
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