These are the best Central Coast bars and pubs for a fun night out or a relaxed Sunday session with family and friends, according to local expert Megan Arkinstall.

This former sleepy holiday region has grown into a hub of hospitality, providing cultured options for the adults among us. While a slew of restaurant openings has certainly fed the hungry, the thirsty have been rewarded with a number of heavy-hitting bars and breweries. Here, we list our favourite bars, pubs, and breweries on the Central Coast.

1. Maew Maew, Terrigal

Climb the stairs at this beachside venue to find kitsch Asian eatery and bar Maew Maew (which means ‘cat’ in Thai), Terrigal’s newest bar and restaurant. Serving Asian eats with funky beats, this is the place to come for some ‘late night noods’ and a cocktail with a view (try and nab one of the high tables that line the front window).

The blushing pink and aqua-hued space is styled with a clash of neon and delicate floral-shaped lights. Come night-time, the bar is packed out with party-goers making their way through the Asian-inspired cocktail list: try the elegant Yuzu and Matcha Slipper topped with edible flowers or the fun-loving Pattaya Punch, which comes with fairy floss and a mini disco ball.

Address: 90 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

2. Hotel Gosford, Gosford

This heritage-listed waterhole was completely reimagined from tired old pub to Art Deco establishment, paying homage to its 1926 roots. Rich dark timbers, ambient lighting, brass accents and leather seating create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Come by for a meal at Earl’s Kitchen, a relaxed dining space with a pub-style menu created around local produce. Or drop in for a tipple from the extensive beverage list – it has 32 tap beers, a whisky vault with optional whisky flights, and creative cocktails (including seven types of margaritas). Come the weekend, this historic hotel is buzzing with people having a good time.

Address: 179 Mann Street, Gosford

3. The Entrance Social Club, The Entrance

A stone’s throw from The Entrance waterfront, this pub-turned-hip hotspot is happening year-round. Mrs May Bistro & Bar is the main eatery, designed with stylish curves, gold accents and soft neutral colours. Its pavilion with fireplace is a coveted spot come winter to relax with a glass of wine. While in summer, the outdoor beer garden is the place to be: its retractable roof lets in the sunshine and good vibes year-round, with live music over the weekends. Sports fanatics will find solace in Taffy’s sports bar, which has booths with personal TVs to watch all the big games from NRL to NBL. The Lager-ita jug is a unique twist to enjoy with friends; tequila, lime, agave and lager.

Address: 87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance

4. Lost Souls, Terrigal

Calling all metal, rock and punk fans. Lost Souls on the esplanade of Terrigal is right up your alley. Black walls are plastered with band posters, skateboards and dark street art. Pick your poison with cocktails such as Bloody Sabbath, Deadly Nightshade and Fear of the Dark and settle in for a night of late-night metal, emo, punk rock – or whatever the theme for the evening is. Lost Souls provides the nostalgia, too, with rock karaoke, pinball machines, Nintendo and Street Fighter comps.

Address: 55 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

5. Motel Mezza, Wyong

Housed in a former 1930s bank on a corner block in Wyong, the elegant Motel Mezza bar and restaurant is resplendent in Art Deco styling and serves a Middle Eastern menu that’s designed to share with friends. But more impressive is its extensive beverage menu – with Mezza Twist cocktails such as the Zaatar Paloma, with tequila, zaatar syrup and fresh grapefruit, and a Pineapple and Saffron Martini. There is live music every Tuesday, which makes for a bit of mid-week fun, and trivia nights and belly dancing nights once a month.

Address: 98 Pacific Hwy, Wyong

6. Jerry Sent Me, Wyong

When we think speakeasy, this is what we imagine. Tucked away in a historic building, complete with timber rafters, barn doors, concrete floors and a pressed-metal ceiling, this dimly lit, vintage-style bar feels like prohibition all over again. Settle into a leather chair, cosy up in front of the log fire come winter and order a whiskey to enjoy with a grazing board.

Address: 14/16 Alison Road, Wyong

7. Bay Road Brewing, Gosford

Like most breweries, Bay Road was built by mates who love beer and good times. The light and bright space in Gosford produces a long list of brews including the Gossy Good Times hazy pale, Coastal Crush pale ale and a White Russian stout, all packaged in cans with bright and funky designs. The taphouse is kid-friendly and dog-friendly so you can bring the whole gang to sample the goods and enjoy a rotating menu of street food such as burgers, fried chicken and baos. Keep an eye out for the regular comedy club nights for a laugh with your lager.

Address: 89 Donnison St, Gosford

8. The Savoy, Long Jetty

An abandoned 1950s theatre was given a new lease on life in 2018 when it was turned into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant. The chic bar serves up craft beers, cocktails on tap and a wine list focusing on natural drops.

While the food menu features casual bites such as pizza and share plates. There is a film screening in the cinema every Thursday night and come weekends a dancefloor comes to life thanks to DJs playing old-school and party tunes.

Address: 2/391 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

9. The Boathouse, Patonga

Hidden away in the seaside village of Patonga, The Boathouse calls for long, lazy lunches in the sunshine. True to The Boathouse Group’s style, the venue oozes a chic nautical theme.

Order a Boathouse Bloody Mary, a Patonga Margarita or a Loveboat (a refreshing blend of vodka, passionfruit liqueur, mint, lime and soda) and nab a seat in the alfresco courtyard under the shady Norfolk pines stringed with festoon lighting. Live music adds to the chilled ambience on weekends.

Address: 6 – 8 Patonga Drive, Patonga

10. The Box On The Water, Ettalong

The Ettalong Beach foreshore offers punters many things: sprawling views across Broken Bay, ample opportunities for dog-spotting, and a pearler seat for sundowners – provided you’re in the right spot, and The Box On The Water definitely falls into that category. Floor-to-ceiling windows grant panoramic water views to Box Head and over to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The Beach Kiosk offers casual dining, drinks and snacks, while the adjoining restaurant serves upscale Australian fare. The BOX bar is for drinks only and they can be enjoyed anywhere within its licensed area, including along the seawall. Grab one of the five spritzes or signature G&T and nab an alfresco seat to soak up a picture-perfect sunset.

Address: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve

11. Mumbo Jumbo’s, Terrigal

Caribbean-themed Mumbo Jumbo’s is more than just your classic rooftop bar. Founded by four local childhood friends, the space in Terrigal oozes chilled island vibes with views over the beach. Reggae rhythms, colourful quirky interiors and an aromatic Jamaican-flavoured food and drinks menu transport guests to the Caribbean. Espresso martinis are served on tap, alongside tropical cocktails and all classic wines and beers.

Wherever possible, recycled materials have been used in the fit-out: tables are made from old timber fencing and the bar is made from upcycled wood, adding to the chilled-out beachside vibe. The weekly calendar is pumping with trivia on Tuesdays, live music on Wednesdays and DJs over the weekend.

Address: 92 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

12. Pocket Bar, Terrigal

Situated a stone’s throw from Terrigal Beach, Pocket Bar serves as the Central Coast’s sister venue to Sydney’s Stitch Bar. Inside, they combine modern mixology techniques with classic cocktail recipes – alongside fun snacks, of course. The dimly lit space is lined with big couches and tables, exposed brick walls, a colourful painted mural and plants hanging overhead.

Like its city counterparts, the cocktails are the big-ticket items at Pocket Bar. Try the Penicillin made with Dewars 12-year scotch whisky or dial it back with a wine or beer from the ever-expanding list paired with a tapas plate and watch the locals pass by.

Address: 1/74 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

13. Avoca Beach House Restaurant & Bar, Avoca

A session at the Avoca Beach House feels quintessentially Australian. The space makes the most of its prime position with panoramic glass walls that face Avoca Beach. And, like any self-respecting beachside restaurant, it offers a hefty seafood menu featuring freshly shucked oysters and fried fish tacos. Barside, spritzes and sparkling wines go nicely with the view. So next time you’re in town, do as the locals do and partake in a Beach House session.

Address: 3/85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach

14. Margarita Daze, Umina

If it’s Hampton’s ambience you seek, the beachy whites and seaside greens of Margarita Daze will more than deliver. This Ocean Beach bar and restaurant has sandy shores and an endless waterfront right at its doorstep.

The Daze Margarita is one of the signature cocktails, with Jose Cuervo, triple sec, fresh lime and sugar, shaken and dumped on the rocks. The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini features salted caramel vodka, Kahlua, espresso coffee and caramel syrup shaken then strained into a caramel-rimmed martini glass – it will put hairs on your chest.

Address: 345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina

15. Rhonda’s, Terrigal

Yes, they nail their wood-fired pizzas and shine by way of classic Italian fare, but Rhonda’s also provides a great spot for a cocktail. Located a short walk from the beach, this funky little gem is perfect for afternoon drinks and balmy nights out.

As the sun makes its way toward the horizon, feel the sea breeze and sip on a house-made Limoncello or Aperol Spritz from the upstairs balcony. It also overlooks the popular Terrigal Beach House for ample people-watching opportunities. On Saturdays, pizza is available by the slice upstairs – the perfect salve after a few sundowners.

Address: 3/5 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal

16. Frankie’s Rooftop, Woy Woy

It’s clear that Coasties are partial to a good rooftop tipple, and few bars or pubs shine as bright as Frankie’s. Head upstairs at The Bayview Hotel – a long-standing pub that underwent an unrecognisable transformation a few years back – for views of sparkling Brisbane Water.

There is a huge selection of whiskey to choose from, dangerously placed alongside a swathe of gins and rums and creative cocktails. Thursdays are for share plates and $14 margs and during happy hour on Fridays you can choose from $10 cocktails.

Address: 2 The Boulevard, Woy Woy

17. Bar Toto, Ettalong

Bar Toto makes a case for elegance on the Central Coast. Since its establishment in 2013, it has brought back the old-world charm of wining and dining with an ode to the best of chic Europe.

Australia’s top 100 cocktail craftsman Peter Clarke has created a list that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean – the Italian classics such as negronis, aperols and garabaldis do it best. The coffee cocktails also shine and provide a kick for those who need it. For food, international pizza competition medallist Jerry Altavilla mans the ovens. Take a seat on a leather sofa and watch the magic unfold before you.

Address: 83/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

18. Six String Brewing Co. Erina

Six String Brewing began as a hobby developed from a genuine love of good beer. And like any good side hustle, it evolved into the first home-grown craft brewery and tasting room on the Central Coast.

Nowadays, the taproom is a popular watering hole that showcases the award-winning brews produced on-site. Lovers and novices can come in and learn about the process – touching, smelling and tasting the ingredients along the way. There are more than 12 taps in rotation at any given time at the bar; are all preservative-free, unpasteurised and unfiltered.

Come for a beer and a bite (burgers, tacos, charcuterie boards and the like) or book a tour of the brewery (run every Saturday morning) where you can learn the craft of brewing. A new taproom is currently under construction just down the road, with an opening date soon to be announced. Watch this space.

Address: 4/330 The Entrance Road, Erina