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15 Best Bars in Canberra
By Aimee O'Keefe - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
After reviving its nightlife with a healthy dose of uni students, Canberra has become one of the top Australian cities to visit if you’re looking for a fun night out. The best Canberra bars aren’t just limited to student hot spots, with fancy cocktail bars, cosy hidden gems and everything in between. Our team of expert foodies and drinks writers have spent time exploring the capital and rounded up a list of their must-visit places.
Best Bars in Canberra at a Glance
Highlights from our list:
- The best bar in Canberra overall: Molly
- For great cocktails: Hippo Co
- For 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 highlights, let’s check out the complete list.
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.
Located in: Melbourne Building
Address: Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Sun-Wed 4pm-12am, Thur-Sat 4pm-2am
Contact: (02) 6179 8973
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: Unit 1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Tues 5-11pm, Wed-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun 3-9pm
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.
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Located in: Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra
Address: Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri 4pm- 2am, Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 6pm-12am
Contact: (02) 6152 0718
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.
Located in: Melbourne Building
Address: 1st floor, 65 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 5 pm – late
Contact: (02) 6230 6222
5. 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 amateur sommelier out there. Tucked in the centre of Canberra, Prudence offers a cool European flair we can’t resist.
Located in: Sydney Building
Address: 102 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Mon-Wed 3-10pm, Thur-Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 2-6pm
6. Monster Kitchen and Bar
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.
Located in: Ovolo Nishi
Address: Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Mon-Sun 2-10:30pm
Contact: (02) 6287 6192
7. 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 bar’s 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. The 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: Mon-Sun 12-9pm
Phone: (02) 6178 0050
8. 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.
Located in: Sydney Building
Address: 114 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Wed 6pm-1am, Thurs 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3:30am
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.
Located in: Sydney Building
Address: Level 1/21 E Row, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Thur 7pm-12am, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am
Phone: 0404 741 093
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 ACT 2601
Hours: Wed-Thur 5-11pm, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 11:30am-1am, Sun 2-5pm
Phone: (02) 6257 7779
11. The Shaking Hand
Part dark dingy dive bar part classy cocktail bar, The Shaking Hand is one of the newest additions to the nation’s capital and a particularly good spot if you’re seeking a big night out. The menu features a killer menu of freshly made pizza, classic cocktails and your basic mixers. Check out their ‘What’s On’ page to see what DJ sets are coming up, some of which are ticketed events.
Address: 7 Akuna St, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Wed-Thur 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
Phone: (02) 6162 4888
12. 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!
Located in: Belconnen Churches Centre
Address: 4/54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2617
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-6:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Contact: 0460 035 454
13. Bar Beirut
One of Canberra’s edgiest cocktail bars, Bar Beirut 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 ACT 2601
Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-2am
Contact: (02) 5114 3545
14. Parlour
Set amongst the historic New Acton 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.
Located in: Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra
Address: 16 Kendall Ln, Canberra ACT 2601
Hours: Tues 12-3pm, Wed-Sat 12-10pm
Phone: (02) 6257 7325
15. 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 its ‘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: Mon-Sat 6-9pm
Phone: (02) 6267 1261
Your Canberra Bar FAQs Answered
Molly serves the best whisky.
The bar in Canberra with the best cocktails is White Rabbit Cocktail Room.
The Canberra bar that serves the best food is Parlour.
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