The Best Happy Hours in Canberra for a Well-Priced Tipple

A refreshing beverage goes a long way at the end of the workday, and it hits even harder when you can snag a bargain. Canberra's bar and pub scene is constantly growing but finding the best deals in town takes a little more research. 

To help whittle down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the loveliest bars in Canberra for you to visit and indulge in while keeping your credit card on the right side of the red. These are the best happy hours in Canberra. Bottoms up!

The Howling Moon

Perched atop Hotel Rex in Braddon, The Howling Moon is a lovely spot to look out over the city and surrounding mountains. This rooftop bar also does a very tasty Italian menu and excellent drinks (think inventive cocktails, beers and an extensive wine list) – many of which are available at a great price during happy hour. You can enjoy $5 house wine and $6 tap beer Monday to Thursday between 4pm and 5:30pm.

Level 6/150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon

Parlour 

Parlour at New Acton is hands-down one of the most intimate wine bars in Canberra so it is perfect for an after-work drink.  Decorated with vintage furniture and cute little marble-topped tables you can enjoy a sophisticated backdrop with your bargain bevvie. Head to Parlour between 4pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday, to score $10 cocktails and $8 beer and wine. 

16 Kendall Lane, Acton 

Cabo

Canberra now has its very own dedicated tequila bar and life is looking good. Head on down Tuesday to Friday, between 4pm and 6pm, for an even better time! Cabo's happy hour will score you $16 classic cocktails, $6 Balter Cerveza and $26 jugs of sangria! Up the ante by ordering one of Cabo's taco platters. 

27 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City 

Leyla Bar

For a luxe happy hour, head straight to Leyla Bar where you'll be greeted with natural light and textured surfaces with a rooftop on which to soak up golden hour. Every Tuesday to Friday, between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, you can score select cocktails for $15, house wine and sparkling for $10 per glass and select tap beer at $10. The perfect place to wind down with a view! 

Level 7, 1 Burbury Close, Barton

Public

Public is an institution in Manuka, with three different zones – a pub, dining room and upstairs bar – depending on what you’re in the mood for. Happy hour takes place at Public’s downstairs bar, offering $6 schooners and $9 pints, between 3 and 5pm, Monday to Thursday. 

Manuka Arcade, 1/33 Flinders Way, Griffith

Wine Room 

A visit to the Wine Room is always a delight but one when the snacks and drinks are discounted is even better. Swing by between 5:30pm to 6:30pm on weekdays and 5pm and 6:30pm on weekends to check out their rotating selection of bargain bites and wines by the glass. 

24 Mort Street, Braddon 

Midnight Bar

Serving up creative and delicious share plates alongside an incredible drinks list, Midnight Bar is a great spot for date night, an evening with friends and happy hour. Between 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Sunday, Midnight Bar does ‘Golden Hour’. Over two hours, you can get excellent local wines for $10, a schooner of beer for $8, the bartender’s special cocktail for $12 and savoury plates for $15.

Midnight Hotel, Ground Floor, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon

Walt & Burley

For sunset drinks overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, you can’t go past Walt & Burley – which is not only one of our favourite Canberra pubs with fireplaces, but also does a really good happy hour.

Between 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Thursday, you can enjoy house wines for just $6 and pints for the price of a schooner, along with yummy bar snacks and a lovely view over Canberra’s stunning central lake.

70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston

The Duxton

Located at the iconic O’Connor shops, The Duxton is a good time. From 3pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday, you can score $5 house wines and selected tap beer. Incredible. 

8 Macpherson St, O’Connor

The Old Canberra Inn

Full of history and a live music haven, The Old Canberra Inn has everything you want from a happy hour - $7 craft beers, $10 buffalo wings and a cosy beer garden in which to enjoy them. A match made in heaven.

Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm 

195 Mouat Street, Lyneham 

Loved this edit of the best happy hours in Canberra and looking for more places to drink and dine? Don’t miss our guides to the best bars in Canberra and the best restaurants in Canberra.