This former sleepy holiday region has grown into a hub of hospitality, providing cultured options for the adults among us. And while a slew of restaurant openings have 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.
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 views across Broken Bay to its namesake, 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 four on-tap rosé and nab an alfresco seat in the bar to soak up a picture-perfect sunset.
The Box On The Water is situated on the newly developed Ettalong Beach foreshore.
Caribbean-themed Mumbo Jumbo is more than just your classic rooftop bar. Founded by four local childhood friends, the space oozes chilled island vibes. 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 the classic wines and beers.
Climb the stairs to Mumbo Jumbos for great food, booze and views. (Image: Destination NSW)
The interiors at Mumbo Jumbos deliver Caribbean vibes. (Image: Destination NSW)
There is a chef that cooks on the rooftop barbeque, and music is turned up so you can actually hear the tunes. Wherever possible, recycled materials have been used: tables are made from old timber fencing and the bar is made from upcycled wood.
Situated a stone’s throw from Terrigal Beach, Pocket Bar serves as the Central Coast’s sister venue to Sydney’s Stitch Bar and Button Bar. Inside, they combine modern mixology techniques with classic cocktail recipes – alongside fun snacks, of course. The funky loft space is lined with big couches and tables. There are plants hanging overhead and a wall of spirits to gaze at.
Like its city counterparts, the cocktails are the big-ticket item at Pocket Bar. The Penic(h)illin features a double dose of Dewar’s White Label, homemade spiced honey syrup, fresh ginger and a small spoonful of Laphroaig 10-year-old scotch. Or perhaps a punchy Rhinestone Cowboy (Cazadores Blanco, Del Maguey, hibiscus, vanilla, lime, ginger beer and burlesque bitters) is more your speed. Dial it back with a relaxed wine or beer from the ever-expanding list paired with a tapas plate and watch the locals pass by.
The funky loft space in Pocket Bar is lined with big couches and tables.
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.
Avoca Beach House has front-row beach views.
If you read any New York newspapers, you might recognise Rupert Noffs and Matty Bennett’s names from The Village Voice. Their Manhattan venture, The Lucky Bee, was the toast of the town. So there was a bit of an adjustment when they swapped the Big Apple for Woy Woy on the Central Coast. The partners in life and business relocated The Lucky Bee to Hardy’s Bay and brought their unique blend of Asian flavours that made them so famous in the first place. Bao Buns are stuffed with twice-cooked pork hock, mapo tofu comes in cups of iceberg lettuce and fish of the day is coated with Sichuan pepper and salt then fried.
The international influences continue at the bar. A wine list comes by way of German Riesling, French Champagne and Brut Etoile from the Loire Valley. Locally, try a Sauvignon Blanc from Tasmania or a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa. All packaged within a lively atmosphere (book in advance!) right on the shores of Hardy’s Bay.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of The Lucky Bee right on the shores of Hardy’s Bay.
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 is one of Umina’s most upscale hangouts, with sandy shores and endless waterfront right at your 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. Socialising is encouraged from sunrise to sunset so take a seat at this window to the Central Coast.
Socialise from sunrise to sunset at Margarita Daze.
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 mere minutes from the beach, this rooftop gem is packed with punters sporting sandy feet and wet hair.
With superb cocktails, great food and a rooftop bar, Rhonda’s is easily one of the best bars in Terrigal. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun makes its way toward the horizon, feel the sea breeze and sip on a house-made Limoncello or Aperol Spritz. The comfortable linen lounges are tucked between table settings, separated by contemporary artworks in whitewashed frames. The rooftop vantage point stretches the entire length of the frontage. It also overlooks the Crowne Plaza’s popular beer garden for ample people-watching opportunities. You’ll find solace well into the evening once the DJ gets started.
Feel the sea breeze and sip on a house-made Limoncello or Aperol Spritz at Rhonda’s.
It’s clear that Central Coasties are partial to a good rooftop tipple, and few bars or pubs shine at bright as their first: Frankie’s. Make the climb for views of Brisbane Water and a shot of whiskey. There are 40 varieties to choose from, dangerously placed alongside 15 gins and 12 rums. However, it’s the Chartreuse that has the town buzzing. It was originally created as the ‘elixir of life’ by French monks back in the 1600s. To this day, only a couple of people know the secret 130-botanical recipe, which is sourced from all corners of the globe. Frankie’s is one of only a handful of bars in Australia to offer the whole Chartreuse range – it’s worth the drive to Woy Woy. Consider the party started.
Indulge in a rooftop tipple and feed at Frankie’s. (Frankie’s Rooftop Bar)
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 is the Coast’s cocktail king. The list will transport you straight to the Mediterranean – the Italian classics like Negroni’s, Aperol’s and Garabaldi’s 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.
Bar Toto’s well-crafted cocktail list will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
Six String Brewery began as a home brewing 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 over 12 taps in rotation at any given time at the bar; are all preservative-free, unpasteurised and unfiltered.
Six String Brewing Co. is the first home-grown craft brewery and tasting room on the Central Coast.
Donnie Eats sling their mouth-watering burgers on site. Tours of the brewery are run on Saturday mornings and Brew Days are run once a month, where you can learn the craft of brewing. You will also find Six String available at many establishments across the region.
Book a guided tour of Six Strings Brewery to really get the most our of a visit. (Image: Destination NSW)
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Love the article, but you must try Sorrentos Pizza at Empire Bay when you’re next up. Truly the best!