The Union
pubA Newtown corner pub with 22 taps pouring everything from cult Australian breweries to overseas oddities, drawing beer nerds and families alike to its pool tables and live music nights.
4.3
(1,463 reviews)$$GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Best For
PubLive MusicOutdoor SeatingTakes Reservations
576 King Street, Newtown 2042
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
Monday10am – 11pm
Tuesday10am – 11pm
WednesdayToday10am – 11pm
Thursday10am – 11pm
Friday10am – 1am
Saturday10am – 1am
Sunday10am – 10pm
The Vibe
- Front and back: The Union splits into two distinct spaces - a classic front bar with large bench seats perfect for groups shooting pool or catching live music and a light-filled back area with sophisticated cocktail lounges opening onto heated courtyards.
- The crowd: Families fill the bistro during dinner service while scraggy-bearded Newtownians queue for pool games. Football fans gather for A League and AFL away games and local bands pack the front bar with their friends and followers every other weekend.
- Energy levels: Despite housing one of Sydney's most impressive beer selections, this doesn't feel like a sterile beer geek destination. The atmosphere stays relaxed and homely, with the kind of mixed crowd that makes neighbourhood pubs work - locals propping up the bar alongside curious beer tourists following the 22-tap rotation.
What People Love
- The taps: Twenty-two rotating taps featuring over 400 different brews annually, with regular tap takeovers by cult producers like Mountain Culture. The annual Dark Nights series - one night dominated by stouts, porters and brown ales - has become a highlight on Sydney's craft beer calendar.
- Beyond beer: Twenty-four gins dominated by Australian distillers and 35 whisky options mean non-beer drinkers aren't left out. Tasting paddles let you explore the range without committing to a full schooner.
- Big Arties food: The in-house kitchen draws influence from Chicago and New York diners, serving Australian and American-themed sandwiches and burgers alongside fresh salads and vegetarian options. The menu constantly evolves based on customer feedback.
- Value and variety: With beer prices typical for Newtown and a bottleshop attached, it's easy to extend the session or grab something special to take away.
The Neighbourhood
- King Street positioning: Sits on the southern stretch of King Street where Newtown's main strip starts to thin out, past the heavier concentration of bars and restaurants closer to the station.
- Local integration: The Union feels embedded in the neighbourhood rather than just passing through it - the kind of place where regulars have their preferred seats and the staff know their usual orders. The attached bottleshop serves locals heading to nearby BYO restaurants.
- Transport and access: A manageable walk from Newtown station down King Street, positioned where you're committed enough to the trip that you'll likely stay for more than one drink. The location draws both dedicated beer pilgrims and locals who've adopted it as their regular, creating the mixed crowd that gives the place its character.
Nearby in Newtown
Ratings from Google