As a Sydney local, I’ve spent countless nights exploring the bustling nightlife of Newtown. Known for its eclectic mix of bars, live music venues, and restaurants, Newtown is a hub for those seeking a vibrant and unique experience. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best bars in Newtown, NSW.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, craft beer, or a glass of natural wine, Newtown has something to offer every palate. From dive bars with a grungy, lo-fi feel to chic rooftop bars with stunning city views, the bar scene in Newtown is diverse and ever-evolving. Join me as I take you on a tour of the best bars in this vibrant Sydney suburb.
Where to Drink in Newtown
Newtown is a vibrant suburb of Sydney, known for its eclectic and diverse community. The bar scene in Newtown is no exception, with a range of options to cater to all tastes and preferences. From small bars to beer gardens, there is something for everyone.
Pubs are a popular choice in Newtown, with many offering live music and a relaxed atmosphere. The Courthouse Hotel is a local favourite, with its spacious beer garden and regular events. The Bank Hotel is another popular option, with a large outdoor area and a range of food and drink options.
For those looking for something a bit more intimate, small bars are a great choice. Earl’s Juke Joint is a New Orleans-inspired bar with low lighting and strong cocktails. Continental Deli Bar Bistro is another great option, with a focus on European-style cocktails and charcuterie.
Wine bars are also plentiful in Newtown, with many offering a wide range of local and international wines. Odd Culture Bar is a standout, with a focus on natural wines and funky farmhouse ales. The Union Hotel is another great option, with a wine list curated by an in-house sommelier.
Overall, the bar scene in Newtown is diverse and constantly evolving. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink with friends or a night out on the town, there is something for everyone in this vibrant suburb.
Best Bars in Newtown
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the bar scene in Newtown, and I’ve found some real gems. Here are my top picks for the best bars in the area.
King Street is the heart of Newtown’s bar scene, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. One of my favourites is She Loves You, a cosy bar with a great selection of cocktails and craft beers. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Another great option on King Street is Earl’s Juke Joint. This bar has a real speakeasy vibe, with dim lighting and a great selection of whiskey. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, and they’re always happy to recommend a new drink to try.
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
Continental Deli Bar Bistro is another must-visit spot in Newtown. This bar has a great selection of natural wines and craft beers, and the food is outstanding. The menu is inspired by European delis, with a focus on charcuterie and cheese. It’s the perfect place for a date night or a special occasion.
The Midnight Special
For a true dive bar experience, head to The Midnight Special. This bar is all about the music, with live bands playing most nights of the week. The drinks are cheap and strong, and the atmosphere is always lively. It’s a great spot to let loose and have some fun.
Websters
Websters is another great option for a night out in Newtown. This bar has a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, and the food is top-notch. They also have a great outdoor seating area, which is perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Newtown Hotel
Finally, no list of the best bars in Newtown would be complete without mentioning the Newtown Hotel Bar. This iconic pub has been a fixture in the area for over 100 years, and it’s still going strong. The bar has a great selection of beers on tap, and there’s always something happening, whether it’s trivia night or live music.
Overall, Newtown has a fantastic bar scene, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a cocktail or a lively pub with live music, you’re sure to find it here.
Best Wine Bars in Newtown
As a wine lover, I have spent countless evenings exploring the wine bars in Newtown. Here are some of my top picks for the best wine bars in the area.
The Stinking Bishops
The Stinking Bishops is a cozy wine bar that specializes in natural wines. The staff is knowledgeable and always willing to make recommendations based on your preferences. They also offer a great selection of cheese and charcuterie to pair with your wine. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a date night or a catch-up with friends.
Odd Culture
Odd Culture is a relatively new addition to Newtown’s wine scene, but it has quickly become a favorite among locals. They offer a unique selection of natural wines, as well as craft beers and ciders. The bar also has a small kitchen that serves up delicious snacks and small plates. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for a night out with friends.
The Hive Bar
The Hive Bar is a funky wine bar that has a great selection of local and international wines. They also offer a range of craft beers and cocktails. The bar has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. They also have live music on weekends, which adds to the fun atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a great wine bar in Newtown, these three options are sure to impress. Each has its own unique vibe and selection of wines, so be sure to check them all out.
Best Beer Gardens & Rooftop Bars
When it comes to enjoying a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail on a warm summer day, nothing beats a great beer garden or rooftop bar. Luckily, Newtown has some excellent options for those looking for a relaxing outdoor drinking experience.
Courthouse Hotel
One of the best beer gardens in Newtown is the Courthouse Hotel. This popular pub has a large outdoor area with plenty of seating and a great atmosphere. The beer garden is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for a drink.
Corridor
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar, Corridor is a great choice. This trendy bar has a rooftop area with stunning views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine while taking in the sights.
Bank Hotel
Another great option for a rooftop bar is the Bank Hotel. This iconic Newtown pub has a large rooftop area with plenty of seating and a great selection of drinks. The bar also has a balcony area, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun while staying shaded.
The Marlborough Hotel
For those who want to enjoy a beer garden and a rooftop bar in one location, The Marlborough Hotel is a great choice. This historic pub has a large outdoor area with plenty of seating, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Overall, Newtown has some excellent options for those looking for a great beer garden or rooftop bar. Whether you want to enjoy a cold beer with friends or sip a cocktail while taking in the view, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Sydney suburb.
Best Bars with Craft Beer
When it comes to craft beer, Newtown has a lot to offer. As someone who enjoys a good brew, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the local bar scene. Here are some of the best spots in Newtown for craft beer:
Young Henrys
Young Henrys is a well-known brewery that has been serving up delicious craft beer since 2012. Their Newtown location is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, including their famous Newtowner Australian Pale Ale. If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, be sure to try their Hop Ale. Young Henrys also hosts regular events, including live music and food trucks.
The Union Hotel
The Union Hotel is a classic Newtown pub with a modern twist. They have a great selection of craft beer, including local favourites like Young Henrys and Mountain Goat. The Union Hotel has a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual drink with friends. They also have a great menu, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Overall, Newtown is a great place for craft beer lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a hoppy IPA or a smooth stout, you’re sure to find something you love at one of these local bars.
Best Cocktail Bars in Newtown
When it comes to cocktail bars, Newtown has plenty of options to choose from. As a resident of Newtown, I have visited many of the cocktail bars in the area and have narrowed down the best ones based on their quality of drinks, atmosphere, and service.
Ante
Ante is a trendy cocktail bar that offers an extensive list of creative cocktails. Their bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable, and they take pride in using fresh ingredients to create their drinks. The drinks are a bit pricey, but they are worth the cost. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar
Jacoby’s Tiki Bar is a unique and fun spot that specializes in tiki cocktails. The atmosphere is inspired by Twin Peaks, with red velvet curtains, checkerboard lino, and low lighting. They offer a variety of tiki cocktails, including the classic Pina Colada. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Bar Planet
Bar Planet is a cocktail bar dedicated to the booze-on-booze martini. They offer a variety of martinis, including the classic gin and vodka options. The bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable, and they take pride in their craft. The atmosphere is modern and sleek, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.
Overall, these are the best cocktail bars in Newtown. Each bar has its unique atmosphere and specialty drinks, making them worth a visit. Whether you’re a fan of creative cocktails, tiki drinks, or martinis, you’ll find something to enjoy at these bars.
Most Unique Bars in Newtown
Newtown is known for its diverse and eclectic bar scene, with a range of unique and quirky options to choose from. Here are some of the most unique bars in Newtown that are worth checking out:
Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son is a rock ‘n’ roll bar that pays homage to the music of the 60s and 70s. The bar is decorated with vintage posters and album covers, and the jukebox plays classic rock hits. The drinks menu features a range of craft beers and cocktails, as well as American-style bar food.
Earl’s Juke Joint
Earl’s Juke Joint is a blues bar that offers live music every night of the week. The bar has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and vintage decor. The drinks menu features a range of classic cocktails and craft beers.
Mary’s
Mary’s is a punk rock bar that serves up some of the best burgers in town. The bar has a grungy, dive bar atmosphere, with loud music and a range of craft beers on tap. The burgers are made with high-quality ingredients and are sure to satisfy any burger lover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Newtown is a bustling suburb with a vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. From grungy and lo-fi to sophisticated and upscale, there’s something for everyone.
After researching and visiting various bars in the area, I can confidently say that some of the best bars in Newtown include Earl’s Juke Joint, Corridor, and The Bank Hotel. These bars offer great drinks, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out Earl’s Juke Joint. This New Orleans-inspired bar offers delicious cocktails in a candlelit setting. Corridor, on the other hand, is a petite bar with immense character, offering clever cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. The Bank Hotel is a popular spot with locals, offering a rooftop bar and live music.
Overall, Newtown is a great place to explore and discover new bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink or a night out on the town, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.