Lee Devlin, 40, from Whitley Bay, died in hospital after being found with head injuries next to a walkway near the town's Metro station on 12 September.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court.
He was bailed to appear before Newcastle Crown Court for trial on 2 March.
A 16-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm remains on bail in connection with the death.
Two men, an 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder, and another, 19, on suspicion of wounding, have been released with no further action, Northumbria Police said.
A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of a North Tyneside man.