From harbourside beers at Honeysuckle to live music in Hamilton and a kids' play area in Merewether. What to order, when each pub opens, and when it's busiest, built from what locals say in their reviews.
By the Made in Newy deskChecked 7 October 202616 pubs, grouped by the night you're after
Each pub's tip comes from what reviewers mention most, and the busy times from Google's busy-hours data, read in October 2026. Within each group, pubs run from the most Google reviews down.
Hungry earlier in the day? Our breakfast guide groups 16 spots by the kind of morning you're after.
Pubs by the water
Three on the Honeysuckle waterfront, and one across the harbour at Stockton.
15 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the tapas
A light-filled pub on Honeysuckle Drive with harbour views, outdoor tables and tapas to share.
What locals say
"Great experience. Loved the lamb shank absolutely delicious highly recommend"
Five-star Google review
"The Lamb Shank was devine. The bar staff on Thursday night were very welcoming and helpful. It looks like this will be a new favourite spot to eat and drink after work."
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Tapas15 reviews
Salt and pepper squid9 reviews
Pork belly9 reviews
Busiest
Weekends around 6pm, weekdays around 7pm
Address
Unit 13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Hours
Mon to Thu 11.30am to 10pmFri and Sat 11.30am to 11pmSun 11.30am to 10pm
21 of the latest 300 Google reviews mention the live music
A sprawling art deco pub on Scott Street with pool tables, a jukebox, trivia and live music.
What locals say
"Nicely renovated pub, close to the foreshore and the mall. $16 lunch specials Monday to Friday. The chicken schnitzel was delicious. Friendly, efficient service."
Five-star Google review
"Great atmosphere, food is beautiful & the staff and always so welcoming and friendly"
Five-star Google review
What locals order most
Schnitzel16 reviews
Busiest
Weekends around 7pm, weekdays around 7pm
Address
83-89 Scott St, Newcastle
Hours
Mon to Thu 10am to 1amFri and Sat 10am to 3amSun 10am to midnight
Guide spots are chosen by us and are never for sale. If you run a Newcastle pub, you can claim a free Made in Newy listing, keep your hours and photos current, and tell us when something new is happening.
It depends on the night. For a beer by the water, Queens Wharf Hotel or the Honeysuckle Hotel. For a band, the Great Northern on Scott Street or The Exchange in Hamilton. For pizza, the Oriental Hotel in Cooks Hill. With kids, The Prince of Merewether.
Which Newcastle pubs are on the water?
Queens Wharf Hotel, the Honeysuckle Hotel and The Dockyard are all on the Honeysuckle waterfront, and the General Washington Hotel looks over the water at Stockton.
Which Newcastle pubs have live music?
Live music comes up most in the reviews of Queens Wharf Hotel, the Honeysuckle Hotel, the Clarendon Hotel, the Great Northern Hotel and The Exchange Hotel in Hamilton.
Which Newcastle pubs are good for kids?
The Prince of Merewether has a kids' play area, The Greenroof Hotel in Hamilton a kids' play room, and the General Washington Hotel at Stockton a playground. Reviewers of The Maryville Tavern often call it kid friendly.
Where can I get craft beer in Newcastle?
FogHorn Brewery on King Street brews its own and serves tasting paddles. The Happy Wombat in Newcastle West has a long list of craft beers on tap.
How we made this guide
We started from the pubs that come up in Google Maps searches for pubs in Newcastle, chose 16 across the city and its suburbs, and read each pub's Google listing and its latest 300 Google reviews on 7 October 2026: what reviewers mention most, opening hours, busy times and amenities. Within each group, pubs are listed by how many Google reviews they have, most first. Ratings and hours change, so check the pub before you go. We have not been paid by anyone in this guide. If something has changed, tell us.
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