The Best Bars in Canberra for a Night out with Friends
From inventive cocktails to craft beer and top-notch wine, these are the best bars in Canberra
Nestled in the heart of Australia's Capital Territory, 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.
From chic and sophisticated venues to laid-back, rustic spaces, Canberra's bar scene caters to every taste and mood. Whether you're a local looking for a new haunt or a visitor to the city, explore some of the best wine and cocktail bars that Canberra has to offer.
Margot
We adore a bar we can pop by for espresso in the AM and wine and cheese in the PM and when it’s placed right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, even better. At Margot, the beverages are the star of the show with a highly curated selection of accompaniments on offer for the peckish. We adore their minimalist approach. You can look forward to Wildflower Pastries with your morning coffee and a selection of cheeses, olives and locally sourced nuts with your evening tipple.
West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Luna
Elevated street food meets art deco-inspired interiors at this new Canberra bar. If you’re looking for an indulgent night out, this is it. Enjoy shared plates that range from the comforting (try the fried lemon grass chicken wings) to luxurious. Their raw bar is an absolute delight and features ceviche, sashimi and steak tartare. As for the cocktails, they’ve got all the classics plus a selection of Luna signatures. We recommend the one night in paris – a herbaceous concoction featuring homemade lavender and Davidson Plum syrup.
99 London Circuit, Canberra
Cabo
Hallelujah! Canberra has just scored its very own dedicated tequila bar and life is looking good. Expect light and bright interiors with pops of terracotta and plenty of greenery. Super fresh Mexican bites are paired with an impeccable drinks list that includes pages of tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits.
Keeping things extra fun, you can also order Cabo's taco platter any day of the week or book in for agave tasting flights, bottomless sangria or build your own margarita sessions.
27 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City
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
Corella
Right across the road from their sister, Assembly, Corella offers fine dining, elegance and blow-your-mind cocktails. The décor is chic and inviting, with soft pastel greens and a pop of blush. Inside seating is intimate, with only 30 seats - perfect for date night.
Your taste buds are in very good hands with head chef, Nemanja Babic, and assistant chef, Brandon Hardiman. Together, the pair have had an extensive foodie career in Australia, including at Courgette and Edgar’s Inn. I mean, we go simply for the dessert it’s that good – think cherry ripe and creamy coconut ice cream.
14 Lonsdale St, 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
One of the newest kids on the block, Molly is Canberra’s latest secret. Specialising in the classic combo, whiskey and jazz, she requires Google Maps 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.
High Jinks
With warming flavours like fig, honey, rhubarb, ginger and spice, High Jinks is tantalising our tastebuds this autumn. Surrounded by marble walls, polished concrete floors, an array of rugs and dim lighting, High Jinks promises an evening of delicious nips and a chill ambience.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra City
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
‘Off with their heads!’ is most likely the first thought you will have when walking through the doors of the White Rabbit Cocktail Room. Whimsical, playful and decadent, this cocktail bar features drinks such as the ‘Tweedle Rum’, ‘The Caterpillar’ and ‘Wonderland’. Friendly and inviting, snuggle up for a night of fun.
65 Northbourne 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 ‘boozy bubble tea’.
25 Garema Place, Canberra City
Dear Prudence
A recent 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
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
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. Enjoy a cheeky late-night tipple or make an evening of it with the girls – Parlour has something for all.
16 Kendall Lane, Acton
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
Sideway
If you’re looking for something a little more intimate – a Canberra date night venue, perhaps? – look no further than Sideway. Located in the Sydney Building, Sideway is dark, moody and very cosy, and stocks a wide range of tasty wines, seasonal cocktails, Australian craft beers and pizzas by nearby Italian restaurant, Solita.
Level 1/21 East Row, Canberra City
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 foodies getaway guide to Canberra.