It's no secret that our city is one hot ticket when it comes to a decent night out, from roaring clubs to sexy cocktail joints. While a cracking watering hole is the norm, there's also a whole host of unusual and unique places to drink. So, whether it's for a birthday party with extra pizzazz or a second date destination, you'll find plenty of cool and quirky bars in Newcastle right here.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 25th July 2024
Fronting a lineup of events, including a choice of bottomless pizza with cocktails, karaoke, bingo or live music, alongside high-tech darts and sports screenings, WonderBar is your one-stop-shop when it comes to fun. Head to The Gate to get your fill of this quirky bar.
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Home to over 31 retro arcade games and fronting neon graffiti scribbled across its walls, NQ64 Newcastle is a must-visit when it comes to alternative bars in the city. It features original PlayStations, Super Nintendo and classics such as Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution and Space Invaders. If you're thirsty, you'll love its themed cocktail menu which includes the Power Star Martini, served short, and the Aku Aku Fruit Punch.
Whether cocktail trees or beer pong is more your thing, River Bar Washington has your back for fun times alongside great drinks. Plus, happy hour is all day Sunday and from 4 to 7pm the rest of the week, where you can expect £3.50 or 2 for £12 on signature concoctions.
The Exchange is a hidden 1920s-themed speakeasy that'll transport you back to the exciting days of the Prohibition era. Sip on delicious cocktails like Gold Rush as you indulge in regional cuisine in an intimate, dimly-lit setting.
When in need of something a little different in the drinks department, head to DJ bar Jalou, as they're set to deliver your taste buds to new heights. From the smoked gingerbread Manhattan to the infamous Cookie Monster cocktail, these are sure to hit the spot.
Bowl and booze your way around this quirky Newcastle bar. Not only is Lane7 decked out with all manner of different spaces available for private hire or casual chilling, but it also offers a fab selection of comfort food and tasty cocktails.
Located in the city centre, The Botanist is a floral cocktail bar, boasting the prettiest cocktails. From lily pad sours to berry coladas and Japanese whiskies, the menu also slings out delicious sharing boards and boozy brunches.
Be sure to practice your aim before giving Point Blank Shooting a go. This fun simulation range is perfect for first dates and friend gatherings alike - from the delicious pizzas to the roster of games and cracking cocktails to try.
From the live music offering to the colourful interiors and street food-style suppers, The Forth is one quirky place to hang out with your mates. To top it off, the cosy open fires will keep you warm in winter, while the roof terrace is perfect for some summer sun.
From live bands through to enjoying the sun on the outdoor terrace, Zarabanda Bing Bing has to be one of the top cocktail bars in Newcastle. Stop by this fun venue to discover live entertainment and gorgeous decor, including incredible chandeliers, lots of plants and exposed brickwork.
If only the best bars in Newcastle will do, head over to The Alchemist for fizzing and popping cocktails. Enjoy the theatrical drinks list served up in swish surrounds, with bottomless brunch and a range of international plates available to boot.
With vintage leather sofas, a cosy fire place and bare brick walls, this charming den is as comfortable as your own living room. But, The Holy Hobo has the added extra of punchy cocktails and an eclectic food menu, alongside all sorts of music from live DJs.
Listen to the sweet sound of blues and rockabilly throughout the week at Billy Bootleggers, an all-American bar laced with vintage memorabilia. Fronting cosy booths as well as wooden panelling, it resembles a quirky cabin full of trinkets. On the menu, there's an extensive iced tea range all the way from Boston to Tokyo, in addition to special moonshine plus grapefruit and ginger rye old fashioneds.
Making our list of the best bars in Newcastle is 97 & Social, which nods to an English heritage theme with baroque fireplaces, floral wallpaper and intricate light fixtures. As well as offering a great happy hour, this spot serves a menu of tipsy teas and bottomless brunches.
Thanks to trendy neon signs, plush velvet seating and decadent hanging lights, Manahatta is a pretty Insta-worthy spot for a few drinks. Take advantage of their two for one cocktail offer from Sunday to Friday, with New York-inspired sips like the Staten Island Iced Tea, as well as American-style eats like classic hotdogs and gourmet burgers.
One of Newcastle's coolest haunts, Verano is a place for late-night libations and all sorts of fun. Then, there's the absinthe-tipped La Fee, ball pit parties at Howlers and something a little different in the form of ChaChaBuchi.
If you're all about quirky retro arcade games, then the Four Quarters Newcastle is the place for you. Step inside this nostalgic venue, where you'll get to compete with your friends on classic machines, all before moving to the bar for those low-key cocktails and beers.
From the pan-Asian plates for pairing with your drinks to the sultry gold and dark toned look, The Muddler is one cool place to grab a tipple. Think Mekong mojitos, sesame old fashioneds and Hanoi sours across the signature cocktail list too.
It may be a pub, but The Town Wall is worth a mention when rounding up the city's quirky bars. Set in a Grade-II listed building, this place was once the home of Thomas Bewick - ideal for history buffs - and boasts a secret cinema room.
Offering craft brews and sourdough pizza in its trendy urban setting, BrewDog is a staple of Newcastle's drinking scene. Next time you need a venue for after-work tipples or a laid-back date, browse its selection of 33 stunning craft creations on tap and fully-stocked fridges
Fronting gorgeous interiors decked out with foliage, floral upholstery and neon signs, Leila Lily's is one of the best cocktail bars in Newcastle if you're looking to nab a pic for your 'Gram feed. Better yet, there's seasonal drinks for sipping and afternoon tea available too.
If cheap bars in Newcastle are what you're after, a trip to Jam Jar won't break the bank. From the notorious drinks through to the hearty bottomless brunches or £5 martinis on Mondays, Jam Jar is all sorts of cute and quirky.
If there's one place you're going to want to get to know a little better, it's Pleased To Meet You. A top watering hole in the city centre, this venue offers something a little different with its cool decor, incredible gin list and scrumptious small plates.
If you're hankering for traditional and full of interesting trinkets, then Lady Greys is the space for you. The topsy-turvy little pub is filled with decorations such as type writers, globes and historic prints, all found alongside an excellent selection of cask ales or tasty bites to eat.
