Aimee O'Keefe
16 Best Bars in Canberra | Man of Many
LIFESTYLE
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!
1. Molly
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.
2. Hippo Co
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.
3. High Jinks
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.
4. Bar Rochford
Canberra’s got you covered with another cool, mysterious speakeasy to add to the list of must-visit bars. Located within the QT Hotel, Lucky’s is decadent, cosy and sexy. With dark and shadowy interiors, there’s something about this place that feels that little built naughty, just like prohibition times. The ambience is complemented beautifully by the delicious drinks menu and excellent tunes.
5. Lucky’s Speakeasy
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.
6. Joe’s 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.
7. Blackbird Bar
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.
8. 5th Avenue
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.
9. Sideway
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!
10. White Rabbit Cocktail Room
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.
11. Dear Prudence
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.
12. Bacaro
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.
13. Monster
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!
14. 54 Benjamin
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.
15. Beirut Bunker Bar
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.
16. Parlour
Join our exclusive community
(