Pubs have a long and colourful history in Newcastle, and they’ve been some of our favourite places to dine, drink, and gather for many decades; some for more than 100 years. 

While we could argue until the cows came home about which pub is objectively the ‘best’ (does such a thing even exist?), we definitely have our favourite Newcastle watering holes that we frequent thanks to their winning combination of tasty pub fare, ice-cold drinks, and a welcoming vibe. So, with this in mind, here are our 15 favourite pubs in Newcastle.

The Beach Hotel

After undergoing a complete overhaul in 2023, The Beach Hotel is back and serving up a hefty dose of surfy nostalgia with plenty of modern touches. We’re big fans of the incredible views from Merewether to Bar Beach from the balcony – having the ocean in eyeshot and a salty breeze just makes a pub feed taste even better.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether

The Bennett Hotel

The Bennett Hotel is Hamilton’s one-stop shop for daily food specials, Sunday sessions, live tunes, and a beautifully-renovated outdoor beer garden. This golden combination results in an atmosphere that’s always convivial – the drinks are flowing, the burgers are hitting the spot, and the beer garden is buzzing. The wine list is also particularly strong here, with plenty of choice and variety.
Where: 146 Denison St, Hamilton

Commonwealth Hotel

Built in 1880, The Commonwealth Hotel is still thriving nearly 150 years later. We’re very partial to trivia at the Commy, as well as stopping by when we’re barracking for the Knights – the sports bar and screens in the main bar offer a lively atmosphere for backing your team. There’s always something on at this Cooks Hill mainstay, making it a prime candidate for your new local.
Where: 35 Union St, Cooks Hill

Customs House Hotel

Customs House Hotel is a pub in a heritage-listed building, offering a relaxed lounge atmosphere and a modern Australian menu. Driving along Newcastle’s foreshore, you can’t miss its stunning facade and striking clock tower. Head in on a balmy afternoon and experience the top-tier beer garden, or cosy up inside with bar snacks and a pint.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle

Grain Store Newcastle

Grain Store Newcastle is a funky gastro pub in a former grain and keg storage warehouse with a focus on craft beer. There’s 21 beers on tap, all of them from Australian and independent breweries, and all of them pairing deliciously with Grain Store’s American-influenced food menu. From stouts and pilsners to pale ales and IPAs, there’s a brew for every beer lover at Grain Store, with the taps changing up regularly to showcase the diverse independent brewing scene.
Where: 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is an iconic and historic venue, conjuring up the vibes of a classic British pub right in the heart of Newcastle. With no pokies, hearty food (like Scotch eggs and Sunday roasts), the fireplace going in winter, and comfy, cosy furnishings, the Grand is guaranteed to make you feel at home. We also love The Underground, the pub’s downstairs late-night speakeasy.
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle

The Hamilton Station Hotel

While The Hamilton Station Hotel has all the hallmarks of a great Aussie pub – an Art Deco facade, meat trays, and cheap drinks – live music is definitely the name of the game at this much-loved watering hole. With gigs on five nights a week, both free and ticketed, plus karaoke every Thursday and Friday night, there's so much variety that music lovers from all walks of life will find something to love at the Hammo Station.
Where: 2/6 Beaumont St, Islington

The Lucky Hotel

There’s plenty of things to love at The Lucky Hotel, from the tasty pub grub and airy courtyard to schmick accommodation and delicious cocktails. The inner city venue is also particularly notable as a hub for events – whether you’re playing two-up on Anzac Day, partying at Made on Sunday, or hosting your own shindig at the pub’s stunning function spaces, there’s always fun to be had at the Lucky.
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Maryville Tavern

This tucked-away gem in the back streets of Maryville is a gem on Newcastle’s pub scene – The Maryville Tavern. Its beer garden received a stylish upgrade in 2022, giving the pub a modern feel complete with plenty of greenery and even a dedicated outdoor bar. We’re very keen on the cocktails that are shaking at The Maryville Tavern, including concoctions like the Lychee Sour, the spicy Devil’s Margarita, and the very tropical Maca Nut Chi Chi.
Where: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

The Oak Tighes Hill

The balance of the old and the new is what we love about The Oak in Tighes Hill. Recently renovated by publican Andrew Dunne (AKA Dunny), The Oak has retained its old-school, local feel while adding some fresh additions, including a small but tasty food menu, live music, and a quality selection of wine and beer. Dunny has injected The Oak with some much-needed fresh air, transforming it into a friendly, quirky, and laid-back pub.
Where: 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill

The Oriental Hotel

In case you’re not already a regular at The Oriental Hotel (or the Ori, as it’s more affectionately known), you might be surprised to find that some of the best pizzas in Newcastle can be found at this unsuspecting Cooks Hill pub. Think crispy yet chewy pizza dough with creative toppings – some of our favourites are the Three Little Pigs (with chorizo, bacon, pepperoni, onion and plum sauce), the fresh and zesty Chilli Prawn, and of course, the classic Margherita.
Where: 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill

The Prince of Merewether

Although we love a classic pub meal, we’re also not mad about all the pubs that have really taken things up a notch dining-wise in recent years. The Prince of Merewether is one such pub, and its menu reads more like a restaurant menu, featuring dishes like kingfish carpaccio with yuzu & citrus ponzu, and blue swimmer crab linguine with chilli, garlic, lemon, and parsley. Typical pub fare is still accounted for, but the Prince has kicked things up a level, doing one of the best steaks in Newcastle and excellent pizzas on house-made dough.
Where: 1 Morgan St, Merewether

The Stag & Hunter Hotel

The Stag & Hunter Hotel is a charming pub that stands proudly on Mayfield’s main strip, and for many years it's been a community hub. With a welcoming atmosphere, a balance of contemporary and classic interiors, quality pub grub, and of course, some of the best live music in town, The Stag & Hunter is a stand-out Newcastle pub.
Where: 187 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Wickham Park Hotel

The Wickham Park Hotel (or The Wicko as it's known to most) is home to one of the best beer gardens in Newcastle. It’s super spacious and chilled out, making it the perfect hang out spot with friends and family. You can expect plenty of live music in the beer garden, plus it’s dog-friendly, so everyone is welcome for a good time.
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington

The Young Street Hotel

Taken on by The Happy Wombat’s Luke Tilse back in 2020, The Young Street Hotel has quickly become a well-loved, family-friendly pub in portside Carrington. Young Street boasts a spacious dining area that backs onto a great alfresco beer garden (with a playground, of course) where kids and furry friends can hang out while the adults sink a few schooners and enjoy a pub feed.
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington