Newport’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — and the cocktail bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Remy Place — 237 Murray Parade
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Remy Place gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The upstairs level is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Store — 75 Murray Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Corner pub, proper carpets
The quiet achiever. Store doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. The White Press — 334 Bay Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Small, intimate, conversation-volume Drinks: $19-25
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Remy Place — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($19-25). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.
4. Rex Corner — 326 Lygon Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Pub grub elevated, beer garden out back Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Sunny Store — 160 Murray Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remy Place | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| Store | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | No |
| The White Press | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Rex Corner | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Fri |
| Sunny Store | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Remy Place does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Newport. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Sunny Store skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Footscray Cocktail Bars
- Newport Restaurants — eat before or after
- Newport Things to Do
- All Newport Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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