From old-school pubs that deliver truckloads of charm to those modelled on the famed beer halls of Europe and others with family-friendly beer gardens by the sea, Coffs has a pub to suit.

If you think you’ve seen all Coffs has to offer, we suggest it’s time you take another look. Coffs Harbour, and the greater Coffs Coast region, is morphing into one of northern NSW’s most alluring sun-soaked regions. Abuzz with a burgeoning craft beer scene and breezy waterfront watering holes, it’s a trendy locale for sinking a tipple and savouring local flavours. We collate the most exciting Coffs Harbour pubs to help you plot your next visit.

1. Jetty Beach House

Frozen margaritas with views out to one of NSW’s largest marine-protected marvels? Don’t mind if we do. Jetty Beach House, at the foot of the beautiful Solitary Islands Marine Park, is a chic, coastal dream rolling out killer cocktails, beers and wine. It’s family-friendly (with more than a few kids’ meals on the menu), which means you’ll be politely elbowing extended tribes for tables on the deck or on the grass at this standout Coffs Harbour pub.

Let the kids tire themselves out on the lawn as you soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites including smoked salmon bruschetta, a soba noodle salad, baja fish tacos, a Karaage chicken burger and an elegant ploughman’s platter.

Address: 1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour

2. The Coffs Hotel

One of central Coffs’ best-loved pubs, established in 1937, has undergone a glow-up. The Coffs Hotel, located on the corner of West High Street and the Pacific Highway, has opened Backroom, a space for local and touring entertainment.

If you’re not there for a gig, you’ll likely be hooked on the pub’s regular events, including Air Wave Saturdays with live DJs from 9pm, Trivia Night Wednesday and Cocktail Happy Hour from 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The bistro also dishes up hearty classics, plus there’s a relaxed beer garden and comfortable accommodation onsite.

Address: 135 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

3. Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar

Set on a beautiful slice of real estate overlooking Park Beach, Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is a local favourite, now attracting out-of-towners for its quality meals jazzed with fresh ingredients. Chef Matt Donovan plays with exotic flavours and local produce to deliver a seasonal menu across breakfast and lunch. Think a signature warm Greek seafood salad, seafood chowder, rich curries and epic corn fritters in the AM.

Let relaxed drinks flow freely as you gaze out to serene ocean vistas from the northern deck and the indoor dining room thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: 23 Surf Club Road, Coffs Harbour

4. King Tide Brewing

A Coffs Harbour brewpub to fall for, King Tide Brewing is a colossal 250-seat space fitted out with two bars, a beer garden and glorious tanks of their home brew. Inspired by the famed beer halls of Europe, the team are elevating the Coffs region’s craft brewing chops to all-new heights. There’s always something new to try on tap, but you’ll always find smashing pale ales and lagers plus ginger beer cameos and more. Hungry? Don’t miss the traditional Polish dumplings, paying homage to one of the founders’ Euro roots, and there’s also small plates, burgers and heavy hitters like crispy pork knuckle, Wiener Schnitzel and a sausage plate to devour.

Address: 1 Studio Lane, Coffs Harbour

5. Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

Another craft beer label giving Coffs serious beer cred is Woolgoolga Brewing Co., known locally as Woopi Brewing Co. (the town is more commonly called Woopi). Bringing the Coffs Coast’s most passionate beer aficionados together in a giant shed just 25 minutes from Coffs Harbour, the brewery is set atop a hill that’s dotted with picnic benches and more than enough space to exhaust little ones.

While they’re occupied, taste the brand’s core range spanning ciders, pale ales, a lager and ginger beer and snap up dishes from the lunch and dinner menu including woodfired pizzas, generous share plates, grazing platters and desserts.

Address: 7 Willis Road, Woolgoolga

6. The Pier Hotel

Love your pubs for their cosy meals? The Pier Hotel is a beautiful old Coffs Harbour pub that dates back to 1905 and delivers truckloads of charm within the town’s Jetty strip. Just five minutes from the beach, it retains many of its old-world features, carefully modernised through contemporary furnishings. Order your feed from the bistro menu, which includes delicious pub classics like bangers and mash, battered fish and burgers alongside smaller Asian-inspired dishes like duck spring rolls and Korean chicken.

Address: 356 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

7. Moonee Beach Hotel

Venture just 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour along the coast by car and you’ll hit the fun-loving Moonee Beach Hotel, putting smiles on the dials of sun-seeking locals.

The chilled-out pub is especially family-friendly, catering to little ones through their playground, various games and even school holiday programs. Even fur babies are welcome, plus there’s a huge beer garden for everyone to soak up the salty air.

When it’s time to eat, a lunch and dinner menu features delicious comfort food like sticky chilli wings, cheesy garlic bread, pizzas, burgers, pastas, nachos, seafood laksa and even more.

Address: 2 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach

8. The Coramba Hotel

It’s technically in the Orara Valley, one of the Coffs Coast’s most spectacular tourist trails, but no list of the region’s best pubs can neglect The Coramba Hotel. Located 15 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour, it won’t look like much at first glance but head out the back of the venue to be floored. Backing out over picturesque farmland, it’s a one-of-a-kind beer garden that’s endlessly atmospheric. Let those strong country vibes, especially on the weekends when live music lights the place up, wash over you as an extensive bistro menu keeps you there well into the evening.

Address: 17 Gale Street, Coramba

9. Toormina Hotel

Hug the coastline south for about 15 minutes beyond Coffs Harbour and you’ll get to Toormina Hotel, a popular spot to unwind right near the town’s shopping centre. It’s a familiar setting, all leafy greens against timber tables, but make a beeline for The Palms, its outdoor bar and dining area to seize prime real estate. Filled with cabanas and a fenced children’s playground, it’s a chilled-out spot to savour the bar menu which spans traditional pub favourites and Asian-inspired bites.

Address: Lot 1 Minorca Place, Toormina

10. Sawtell Hotel

Just a short stroll from Sawtell Beach, south of Coffs Harbour, is the Mediterranean-inspired Sawtell Hotel, owned by the same people who have breathed new life into the Moonee Beach Hotel and the Toormina Hotel. This venue first opened its doors in 1932 but their recent remodelling efforts have propelled the old pub to hipster ranks and it’s now a magnet for the young and old.

Climb up a level to perch yourself on its wraparound verandah, offering mellow street views and a sublime spot to laze away an afternoon. Food-wise, there’s great pub classics plus they’ve been nationally acclaimed for their seafood.

Address: 51-55 First Avenue, Sawtell

11. The Seaview Tavern

Located about 25 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, The Seaview Tavern is worth the extra drive, thanks to this pub’s festoon-lit beer garden, kids play area, cocktail bar, live music and endlessly relaxed good times. Didn’t process anything except that award-winning schnitty? The headliner can be ordered off the bistro menu with gravy for $24, a total steal.

Address: 51 River Street, Woolgoolga

12. The Hoey Moey

Arguably the most iconic Coffs Harbour pub, The Hoey Moey is still roping crowds in for its reliably rowdy fun times and laidback, quintessentially Coffs attitude. You’ll find it right by Park Beach and guaranteed to be pumping of a weekend (especially Sundays) when live music draws locals in to effortlessly bump into mates. The extensive bar menu covers everything you’re craving, whether it’s smoked barbecue pork ribs, fettuccini carbonara, pizzas, burgers and more.

Address: 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour