Must-see nightlife in Australian Capital Territory

  • Entry into Bar Rochford, Level 1, 65 London Circuit, Civic

    Bar Rochford

    Canberra

    Bearded barmen concentrate earnestly on their cocktail constructions and wine recommendations at this sophisticated but unstuffy bar in the Melbourne…

  • Capital Brewing Co

    Canberra

    Out in industrial Fyshwick are straight-from-the-tap local craft beers served in a stylishly fitted-out taproom. Get your bearings with a tasting paddle…

  • Joe's Bar

    Canberra

    Colourful glass and draped metal beads add to the glitzy boho ambience at this attractive Italian wine bar attached to the East Hotel. The extensive…

  • Molly

    Canberra

    The doorway to this little gem, hidden away down quiet Odgers Lane, is illuminated only by a light bulb. It may take some courage to push through the…

  • Kyō Coffee Project

    Canberra

    In a little courtyard just off Lonsdale St, achingly hip Kyō serves coffee just as good as its slick, minimalist fit-out promises. Options are limited to…

  • Ona

    Canberra

    Locally owned and roasted Ona coffee beans are the drawcard at this excellent cafe on the pedestrian mall in Manuka. Coffee-lovers should make a beeline…

  • Entry to Hippo, level 1, 17 Garema Pl

    Hippo Co

    Canberra

    This cosy upstairs lounge-bar is popular with young whisky and cocktail slurpers who file in for Wednesday-night jazz – the turntable rules other evenings…

  • Staircase leading up to Highball Express, Level 1, 82 Alinga St, Civic

    Highball Express

    Canberra

    You'll need all your travel nouse to find this louche tropical take on a 1920s Cuban rum bar. Among the barrels and the palms are Canberra's smoothest…

  • Entrance to Smith's Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Civic

    Smith's Alternative

    Canberra

    Smith's is an arty cafe-bar and performance space, with a makeshift stage in one corner and cakes in the cabinet. In the evenings, expect to be bemused by…

  • Seating inside Lonsdale Street Roasters, 7 Lonsdale St, Braddon

    Lonsdale Street 7 Roasters

    Canberra

    In trendy Braddon, this grungy-chic cafe serves up damn fine coffee along with tasty pastries and paninis. Head upstairs for a spacious, light-filled…

  • Canberra Wine House

    Canberra

    Hidden inside the Tradies complex (enter via the Quality Hotel reception) you'll find this small, sleek wine bar that feels more Brooklyn than Dickson…

  • 88mph

    Canberra

    Party like it's 1985 at 88mph (named for the speed the DeLorean had to reach to time travel in Back to the Future). A neon pulsing dance floor, cocktails…

  • Old Canberra Inn

    Canberra

    Coming and going a few times over the last 160 years, Canberra's oldest pub is once again thriving. Today it pours a changing roster of craft beers in…

  • Ritual

    Canberra

    In the bottom of Little National Hotel (but entered through a separate door) this sleek cafe does a roaring trade with local public servants and office…

  • Ostani

    Canberra

    Tucked around the back of Hotel Realm, superchill Ostani has quickly become a favourite gathering spot for Barton residents. Drop by for an end-of-day…

  • Hopscotch

    Canberra

    An upmarket pub at the centre of Braddon's growing fine-dining strip. The front beer garden is the place to be on summer nights, where regular live-music…

  • Capital Wines

    Australian Capital Territory

    Drop into this tiny cellar door for a wee taste of Capital Wines extensive range. Highly recommended is the Epicurean Tasting (per person $40, including…

  • Coffee Lab

    Canberra

    Tired shoppers seeking a caffeine fix near the Canberra Centre should look no further than Coffee Lab, where smooth brews are dispensed to clamouring…

  • Public Bar

    Canberra

    Hanging ferns and potted plants make this airy corner pub feel more oasis-like than its busy Manuka location would suggest. Street-side tables brim with…

  • Kingston Hotel

    Canberra

    The 'Kingo' is an old Labor Party stalwart and an easy place near leafy Manuka to have a few frothies either in a neat, busy beer garden or among the…

  • Parlour Wine Room

    Canberra

    Modern banquettes share the polished wooden floor with well-stuffed chesterfield lounges at this contemporary take on a Victorian smoking lounge. Stop in…

  • Black Market Bar

    Canberra

    Descend in the lift to the basement below Parlour to find Black Market, a dimly lit and atmospheric basement bar with killer cocktails and a speakeasy…

  • BentSpoke Brewing Co

    Canberra

    Bike-themed BentSpoke is one of Australia's best craft brewers, with some 18 excellent beers and ciders on tap. For a crisp refreshment, go for the Mort's…

  • Local Press

    Canberra

    Fabulous coffee is just the beginning at this lush foreshore cafe. Hanging plants and nautical decor bring the outside in, while fabulous veggie-heavy…

  • Barrio Collective Coffee

    Canberra

    Small but mighty, this wood-and-concrete space is a favourite with locals, who duck in at all times of day for a caffeine hit. The toasted sandwiches are…

  • Phoenix

    Canberra

    The studenty Phoenix is a staunch supporter of local music, with bands playing around four nights a week. On other nights you might strike a comedian, a…

  • Knightsbridge Penthouse

    Canberra

    Just behind the main Braddon strip, this quirky place offers good DJs, excellent cocktails and a mellow ambience. Come on Fridays before 8pm for 'Happy…

  • Brew Nation

    Canberra

    The interior might look a bit stark (some might say modern) but this friendly bar has nine local beers on tap and many more in cans and bottles besides,…

  • Dock

    Canberra

    This popular foreshore pub is packed to the brim with locals during happy hour (5pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday). There's a big screen for sports fans and…

  • Mr Wolf

    Canberra

    Electronic music lovers gather here late around a thumping sound system in this dark and wonderful corner of Civic.

  • Piccolo Market Coffee

    Canberra

    Fuel your shopping with an ubersmooth espresso from Piccolo, a new coffee outlet in the Niche Market.

  • Walt & Burley

    Canberra

    At the northern tip of the Kingston foreshore precinct, this cosy pub is a popular spot for an afternoon drink. The wood-burning fireplace is a hit in…

  • Tilley's Devine Cafe Gallery

    Canberra

    People of all ages breeze in and out of Tilley's old-fashioned, darkened interior, with its scuffed furniture, dusky mirror glass and eclectic roster of…

  • Cube

    Canberra

    Canberra's one and only gay club has been lurking in this basement for practically forever. These days it seems to attract as many straight women as gay…

  • Street Café

    Canberra

    Out the front of the NGA main entrance, this little coffee stand pumps out excellent coffee as well as sandwiches and other portable snacks. Grab a flat…

  • Wig & Pen

    Canberra

    Tucked away at the side of the Australian National University's School of Music, this long-standing Canberra brewpub is a little atmosphere-deficient…

  • Transit Bar

    Canberra

    Tucked under the YHA hostel, this bar hosts regular events including trivia, karaoke and live music. Look forward to a good range of Aussie craft beers.

  • Durham Castle Arms

    Canberra

    A cosy village-pub wannabe in the middle of cafe-filled Kingston, the Durham is known for its craft beer, competitive Tuesday-night quiz and live music on…

  • Duxton

    Canberra

    A surprisingly swish-looking pub with a wide range of beers on tap, including many local brews. The food can be hit and miss. Head upstairs for slightly…

  • Honky Tonks

    Canberra

    Canberra's compadres meet here to eat tacos, drink margaritas and listen to eclectic sets from the DJ. It's loads of fun.

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