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16 Best Bars in Canberra
By Aimee O'Keefe - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
Canberra is one of the top Aussie cities to visit if you’re looking for a good night out, and you can thank the bustling student population for that. Luckily, the best Canberra bars aren’t just limited to student hot spots, with everything from fancy cocktail bars, cosy hidden gems and everything in between. Here are the best bars in Canberra, according to our team of experts.
RELATED: Want a condensed list? Here’s how we spent 48 hours in Canberra.
Best Bars in Canberra at a Glance
Our list of the best bars in Canberra goes like this.
- The best bar in Canberra overall: Molly
- If you’re looking for great cocktails: Hippo Co
- If you want to have dinner and drinks: Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant
- If you want a hang out before dinner: Joe’s Bar
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Image: Molly
1. Molly
Molly is one of the new kids on the block, but that doesn’t mean it’s not already one of the most popular bars in Canberra. This speakeasy-inspired bar loves everything jazz and whiskey and all the prohibition vibes you could dream of. In fact, this bar is so true to character, you have to enter coordinates on google maps to find it!
Address: Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra ACT 2601
Contact: (02) 6179 8973
Hours: Monday – Sunday 4 pm – late
Image: Hippo Co
2. Hippo Co
If you’re in the mood for a romantic atmosphere with delicious drinks to match, Hippo Co is the place to go. Located in the heart of Canberra, the dimly lit bar specialises in cocktails and whiskies, with whiskey tastings and even live music on some nights! We recommend bringing your date here; you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday 5 pm – late
Image: High Jinks
3. High Jinks
One of the best bars in Canberra that we guarantee will provide a good time, High Jinks literally translates to ‘rambunctious fun’ in Greek. The popular neighbourhood bar was established in 2019 and is known for its chill ambience and cocktail classes! Crowned the ACT Cocktail Bar of the Year in the 2021 Australian Bar Awards, and with a delicious array of nibbles to accompany your drinks, High Jinks has it all.
Address: Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra
Contact: (02) 6152 0718
Hours: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 12 am, Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 2 pm, Sunday 6 pm – 12 am
Image: Bar Rochford
4. Bar Rochford
This wine and cocktail bar is the definition of effortlessly cool, conveniently located in the iconic Melbourne Building for easy access after a long day at work. The bar loves to celebrate all things fine food, exciting wine producers and good music, with a cool record player constantly bursting out some funky, sexy tunes. The menu for food and wine is constantly changing, so you’ll never get bored.
Address: First Floor, 65 London Circuit, Canberra City
Contact: (02) 6230 6222
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 5 pm – late
Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant | Image: Supplied
5. Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant
Canberra’s got you covered with a great bar-and-grill combination that’s perfect if you’re looking to eat and drink at one location. Found within the QT Hotel, this is the one you’ll want to add to your list with a range of delicious bar bites from 12 pm and a cocktail list that could rival any in Canberra. Our favourite drinks include the classic Espresso Martini and Negroni that takes advantage of Ondina Gin, Campari, and Carpano Antica Formula in it’s ‘Luxe’ format. Of course, it’ll run you a pretty penny, with prices for most cocktails starting at $23 and luxe variants costing upwards of $40. Regardless, this is one of the best bars in Canberra right now, in fact, QT bars are institutions in most Aussie cities.
Located in: QT Canberra
Address: 1 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Tues-Sat 5:30-9pm
Phone: (02) 6267 1261
Capitol Bar & Grill Restaurant Bar Menu
Image: Joe’s Bar
6. Joe’s Bar
Joe’s Bar – located inside East Hotel – is one of the best bars in Canberra (and a favourite amongst the team here at Man of Many). We love this bars relaxed feel, perfect for an intimate drink or two. The small bar boasts a curated wine list, classic cocktails (the Negroni is exceptional) and other contemporary Italian fares. Decor is quirky and fun, which helps create a relaxed atmosphere and one of Canberra’s best Italian restaurants, Agostinis, is serving up delicious eats right next door so we recommend heading there straight after a few cocktails! Is Joe’s Bar the perfect spot for a Friday night drink? We think so.
Located in: East Hotel
Address: 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith ACT 2603
Hours: Tues – Sat 4 pm – 12 am
Phone: (02) 6178 0050
Image: Blackbird Bar
7. Blackbird Bar
Blackbird bar is all about good times, soul, groove and rock and roll. Their drinks menu features a vast range of spirits, cocktails, wine and beer. We can’t go past their fairy boots cocktail, with barsol pisco, select apertivo, yellow chartreuse, grapes, lemon, verjus and egg white. Some form of entertainment is always happening here as well, so make sure to check out what’s on.
Address: Sydney Building, 114 Alinga St, Canberra
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 6 pm – 1 am, Friday – Saturday 6 pm – 3 am
Image: 5th Avenue
8. 5th Avenue
Bringing New York to Canberra, we can’t get enough of this bars Manhatten vibes. Nestled in the historic Sydney building, 5th Avenue is all about providing good times and sophisticated beverages. You simply have to get their version of the Manhatten cocktail, a mix of American whiskey and Italian vermouth, enlivened with a few dashes of aromatic bitters, the very definition of what a cocktail should be.
Address: Sydney Building, 32 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
Contact: +61404260765
Hours: Thursday – Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday 5 pm – 4 am
Image: Sideway
9. Sideway
Sideway is by far one of the best Canberra bars for all those Canberran trendsetters out there. The intimate bar also doubles as a vibrant music venue, with a custom sound system cranking tunes all night long. The menu includes every cocktail under the sun, local beers, exciting wines and pizzas for when you’re feeling peckish.
Address: Level 1/21 E Row, Canberra
Contact: 0410 476 791
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 7 pm – late
Image: White Rabbit Cocktail Room
10. White Rabbit Cocktail Room
The White Rabbit Cocktail Room is a bar with a difference, a strange, unique merging of a fancy high tea room and a bustling cocktail bar. Yet, they pull it off effortlessly, with whimsical decor and a menu with magically named and flavoursome cocktails. They even offer ‘tipsy high tea’ on Sundays, not your average high tea, with alcohol-filled teapots along with your classic cakes and finger sandwiches!
Address: 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
Contact: (02) 6257 7779
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 5 pm – 11 pm, Friday 4 om – 1 am, Saturday 11.30 am – 1 am, Sunday 2 pm – 5 pm
Image: Dear Prudence
11. Dear Prudence
Dear Prudence is only new but is already sitting high on the Canberra wine scene, and it’s no secret why. Their wine menu features drops from France, Germany, Italy and of course, Australia, with something for every ammetuer sommelier out there. Tucked in the centre of Canberra, Prudence offers a cool European flair we can’t resist.
Address: Sydney Building, 100 Alinga Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 6 pm – late
Image: Bacaro
12. Bacaro
Woodfired pizza and wine- name a better combo! One of the best bars down in Braddon, this small bar is one of our favourites. Right next door to Italian & Sons, the speakeasy-style bar is stocked with beautiful wine, cocktails and an enviable selection of cheese and meats.
Address: 7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Contact: (02) 6162 4888
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 6 pm – 10 pm, Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 6 pm – 10 pm
Image: Monster
13. Monster
For all the vegans out there wandering the streets of Canberra, this one is for you! With a delicious modern-Australian menu with plenty of plant-based options made to share, this is the perfect place to come with friends to enjoy delicious food and a quality drop. The vibe is just as chic and cool as the name of this Canberra bar suggests.
Address: Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra
Contact: (02) 6287 6192
Hours: Monday – Sunday 2 pm – 10 pm
Image: 54 Benjamin
14. 54 Benjamin
One of the best bars in Canberra that also serves as a cafe, 54 Benjamin is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. It is a modern, stylish cafe and bar nestled in the heart of Belconnen, offering great quality coffee, brunch and drinks. The smart-casual vibe is perfect for post-work drinks, and you can even bring your four-legged friend, with plenty of outdoor seating available!
Address: 4/54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen
Contact: 0460 035 454
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 6.30 am – 3.30 pm, Thursday 6.30 am – 6.30 pm, Friday 6.30 am – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday am – 2 pm
Image: Beirut Bunker Bar
15. Beirut Bunker Bar
One of Canberra’s edgiest cocktail bars, Beirut Bunker bar will effortlessly transport you to the Middle East. The dark, mysterious interior is complemented by the music spinning all night thanks to the live DJs, everything from French rap to classic jazz. We recommend the boozy bubble tea for something a bit different.
Address: 25 Garema Pl, Canberra
Contact: (02) 5114 3545
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5 pm – 2 am, Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 4 am
Image: Parlour
16. Parlour
Set amongst the historic NewActon precinct, Parlour is a dining and drinking experience like no other in Canberra. Cosy and sophisticated, Parlour has an extensive wine and cocktail menu, accompanied by delicious tapas plates. The vintage furniture and intimate setting the perfect for that last-minute date night spot.
Address: 16 Kendall Ln, Acton
Contact: (02) 6257 7325
Hours: Tuesday 12 pm – 3 pm, Wednesday – Saturday 12 pm – 1 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Bars in Canberra FAQs
Which bar in Canberra serves the best whisky?
Molly serves the best whisky.
What bar in Canberra has the best cocktails?
The bar in Canberra with the best cocktails is White Rabbit Cocktail Room.
Which Canberra bar serves the best food?
The Canberra bar that serves the best food is Parlour.
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