The Best Bars in Canberra for Drinks with Friends

Canberra’s thriving bar scene is a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered. With an abundance of trendy wine and cocktail bars scattered throughout the city, there’s no shortage of options to indulge in a night out with friends or a romantic aperitif before you head to one of Canberra’s best restaurants for dinner.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt or a visitor to the city, read on for the best bars that Canberra has to offer.

The Best Bars in Canberra in 2025

11e Cave

You’ll find this petite bar tucked away underneath one of Canberra’s best restaurants, Onzieme. You can expect a relaxed ambience, excellent wines and a tight curation of delicious snacks. Think cave-aged cheddar and cornichons paired with a jazzy pet nat. Perfecto. 

Corner of Eyre & Kennedy Streets, Kingston 

Bar Rochford 

Bar Rochford is the place to be when you’ve had a long day of work and you feel like a glass of good wine and vinyl beats with a sexy vibe. The wine bar serves some of the best local and Aussie drops, as well as bottles from France, Italy, New Zealand and a myriad of other exotic wine regions. Curl up in a booth, get cosy and enjoy sippin’ the evening away. 

1st/65 London Circuit, Canberra City 

Paranormal Wines 

Tucked away at the bottom of Campbell is Paranormal Wines, a funky little wine bar cum retail store. Perch yourself atop a stool and try wines from around Australia and the world, with a focus on unique pink, orange, fizzy and bright drops. If any take your fancy, you can also purchase a bottle (or two or three) to take home. 

G27/6 Provan Street, Campbell 

Highball 

Highball is the bar to head to if you’re channelling vibrant hues, punchy bites and incredibly aesthetic (and delicious) cocktails. Think crab tostadas, empanadas and guac paired with punchbowls, daiquiris and tropical cocktails. We recommend swinging by on Latin Tuesdays for a salsa or booking in for one of Highball’s much-loved cocktail classes. 

Level 1, 75 London Circuit, Canberra City 

Peacemaker Saloon 

Every now and then, a bar pops up and nails the brief, and that’s exactly what Peacemaker Saloon has done. With experienced folk behind the bar (we’re talking one of Drink World’s top 100 bartenders in Australia), you can expect a superb curation of bevvies and crafty cocktails. The space itself is a take on the classic Wild West saloon with a laidback atmosphere, loads of comfort food and craft beer on tap. 

26 Mort Street, Braddon 

Wakefield’s Bar and Wine 

Perfect for people watching with a buzzy feel and a rich drinks menu, Wakefield’s Bar and Wine is the ideal place to shield yourself from the cold on a chilly Canberra night. The space is anchored by a large walk-in wine room, which is well-stocked with over 100 Australian wines on the menu, including local drops from Canberran wineries, plus beers and spirits. 

1 Edgar Street, Ainslie 

Leyla Bar

Leyla Bar’s serene interiors, featuring natural light and textured surfaces, are a delight for the senses. Next time you’re looking for somewhere to unwind in style you’ll do well to pop this rooftop bar in the diary. On the food and drink front, you can look forward to sampling Leyla’s elegant bites and fresh cocktails. Think prawn brioche rolls, gin and tonic cheesecake and olives in abundance.

Level 7, 1 Burbury Close, Barton

Molly 

Top secret and serving up top-shelf food and booze, Molly does things a little differently. Specialising in the classic combo, whiskey and jazz, this covert spot requires Google Maps, so you’ll need to be on its A-game to find her: 35°16’44.5”S+149°07’42.0”E. This speakeasy gem will give you all the prohibition-era vibes – in a good way. 

Coordinates as stated above.

Fun Time Pony 

Live music lovers, this one’s for you. Fun Time Pony doesn’t even open its doors until 8pm, and from then on, it’s rollicking good times. Serving late-night pizza, free pool, and scattered with pinball machines, it’s grungy New York vibes all around. They get some fantastic musicians through their doors, so be sure to keep an eye on their socials to keep up. 

122 Alinga Street, Canberra City 

High Jinks 

With warming flavours like fig, honey, rhubarb, ginger and spice, High Jinks is tantalising our tastebuds. Surrounded by marble walls, polished concrete floors, an array of rugs and dim lighting, High Jinks promises an evening of delicious sips and a chill ambience. 

Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra City

Bar Beirut 

The Paris of the Middle East has set up shop in the capital. Bar Beirut is one of Canberra’s edgiest cocktail bars, with dark hues, wooden bar-tops and live DJs spinning French rap and mushroom jazz. For an experience with a twist, head down to the bunker as the nights become cooler and enjoy a glass of their boozy bubble tea. 

25 Garema Place, Canberra City 

Dear Prudence 

A popular addition to Canberra’s wine scene is Dear Prudence, a member of Verity Lane Market. Wines and alcohol on this bar’s shelves hail from France, Germany, Italy and all around Australia. Dear Prudence has a cool European flair to it paired with contemporary charm. 

Sydney Building, 100 Alinga Street, Canberra City 

Parlour 

Parlour at New Acton is hands-down one of the most intimate wine bars in Canberra. Decorated with vintage furniture and cute little marble-topped tables, Parlour is sophisticated, and its wine and cocktail menu expansive. Plus, there are lots of tasty share-type plates, including chorizo, hummus, oysters and crispy cauliflower florets. Enjoy a cheeky late-night tipple or make an evening of it with the girls – Parlour has something for all. 

16 Kendall Lane, Acton 

Rizla 

Love your Riesling? You’ll love Rizla, a Braddon wine bar almost entirely dedicated to this bright white. There are Rieslings from around the Canberra region, Australia and the world here, plus a bunch of other wines and a few beers, ciders, cocktails and spirits. The booze is paired with a stellar food menu full of delicious share plates. 

Unit 146, Mode3, 24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Sipped your way through the best bars in Canberra and ready for a little more? Check out our guide to the best pubs in Canberra, or if you’re still a little peckish take a look through the best cafes in Canberra.