If you’re traveling to Newfoundland, you probably aren’t doing so for the nightlife. This province is known for its quaint coastal settings, spectacular landscapes, and unique culture. But the capital, St. John’s, actually has some awesome nightlife.
Since it’s the only decently sized city in Newfoundland, the nightlife on the island is concentrated in St. John’s. In fact, you can find most of the best bars, pubs, and restaurants on two main streets downtown, making it super easy to bar-hop.
Here’s a guide on how to get the most out of the underrated nightlife of St. John’s.
Where to Find Nightlife in St. John’s
The majority of the liveliest spots in the city can be found downtown right near St. John’s Harbour. Water Street, Duckworth Street, and George Street are the hubs of activity. George Street is the most notable, given that it’s home to the highest concentration of pubs and bars in North America. Though just two blocks long, this street is absolutely buzzing on weekends and weeknights. The annual George Street Festival in August attracts more than 100,000 people each year over a six-day period.
Water Street is essentially the “Main Street” of St. John’s. You’ll find several bars and breweries here, but once the sun goes down, most people make their way to George and Duckworth Street a block up the hill.
All nightlife in St. John’s is concentrated in this small area, so you don’t need to a car to bop around. You won’t find yourself walking more than 3-5 minutes to get from one spot to the next.
Best Bars and Pubs in St. John’s
Some of my favorite bars and pubs in St. John’s include:
- The Duke of Duckworth: An institution of St. John’s, known for its massive selection of draught beers, quality pub food, and frequent traditional live music
- Christian’s Pub: Cozy and intimate, with regular live folk music and all the warm Newfoundland hospitality you could ask for
- The Trinity Pub: Traditional downtown pub with live music and a popular patio overlooking George Street
- O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub: Lively Irish-Newfoundland pub with live music, a dance floor, and a high-energy crowd
- The Black Sheep: Popular pub offering live music alongside a wide range of whiskeys and cocktails
- The Rock House: George Street staple known for live bands, loud music, and late-night partying
- Bridie Molloy’s: Energetic spot for live music, dancing, and cocktails, especially busy on weekends
- The Inn of Olde: Located in nearby Quidi Vidi, an iconic pub set in an old cottage, famous for its character, live music, and one-of-a-kind owner, Linda
Locals love to drink and socialize, so it’s natural for visitors to partake alongside them. You’ll be sure to make some friends while you’re out at the bars in St. John’s.
Best Live Music Spots in St. John’s
Locals have a love for traditional Newfoundland and Irish music in St. John’s, so you won’t have a difficult time finding bars and pubs in St. John’s with live music. In fact, it’s the norm for spots to have live music, karaoke, or a dance floor.
- Green Sleeves: Legendary George Street pub with live music nearly every night and a lively crowd
- O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub: Classic Irish/Newfoundland spot with live local and traditional music and a dance floor
- The Rock House: High-energy venue on George Street known for live bands and a party atmosphere
- The Black Sheep: Popular pub with live music and an excellent selection of whiskeys and cocktails
- Erin’s Pub: Water Street favorite with regular live music and a great local vibe
- Shamrock City Pub: Welcoming pub with live music, good food, and a fun crowd
- The Newfoundland Embassy: Downtown staple known for live music and a warm, traditional atmosphere
Where to Get Screeched-In in St. John’s
Getting screeched in is an absolute must when visiting Newfoundland, and St. John’s is the best place to experience it. If it’s your first time in Newfoundland, you’re probably wondering what getting screeched in actually means.
A screech-in is a short ceremony that welcomes outsiders as honorary Newfoundlanders. It involves taking shot of Screech rum, repeating a traditional Newfoundland speech, and kissing a cod fish. It’s lighthearted and a bit ridiculous, but fun and memorable.
Many bars in St. John’s will happily do a screech-in for visitors, often spontaneously if you ask at the bar. You can also call in advance to ensure a bar or pub will screech you in.
Some of the best places to get screeched in are traditional pubs where the ceremony feels authentic rather than overly staged. Christian’s Pub is one of the most well-known spots for it, offering an intimate setting that makes the experience feel personal. O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub and The Duke of Duckworth are also popular choices, especially on busy nights when the energy is high.
I recommend going to The Inn of Olde, an iconic spot in the Quidi Vidi neighborhood, if you can. Linda, the owner, is an absolute character. She’ll tell you about how she’s screeched-in several famous Newfoundland visitors, including Jason Momoa.
No matter where you do it, getting screeched in is less about the ritual itself and more about sharing a laugh with strangers and fully leaning into Newfoundland culture while you are in St. John’s.
In-Summary: Nightlife in St. John’s
Nightlife in St. John’s is lively and social, especially for a city of its size. It’s also incredibly unique, as it feels like a mini-Dublin when you’re in the heart of the action on George Street or Duckworth Street.
Bars and pubs are packed closely together and easy to move between. You’ll be sure to experience live music, which is a big part of the scene. Plus, there’s constant action from Monday to Sunday. No matter when you visit Newfoundland, there’s guaranteed to be action in the capital city.
Incredibly welcoming and curious locals, along with a relaxed atmosphere, make going out in St. John’s feel more like joining a community than just visiting bars.
