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.

Romanée Wine Bar 

Canberra's newest wine bar, Romanée, offers a chic and intimate experience for wine lovers. Situated in a cosy setting, this wine bar boasts an impressive selection of sommelier-selected wines from around the world and an in-house range of wine-based liquors and bespoke cocktails. Nibble on share plates like watermelon fetta, cornbread and cured kingfish in the buzzy yet relaxed setting. 

Door 105, 16 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Blue Eyes

Taking inspiration from old Hollywood glamour, Blue Eyes recreates the glittering and romantic bars you'd expect to find Frank Sinatra at. As you climb the stairs to this cosy and intimate location, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. Enjoy a curated menu of light bites and cocktails fit for the most fabulous.

5 Garema Place, Canberra

INTRA

If chic, minimalist eateries set your heart aflutter, consider Intra your new go-to for a stylish lunch spot. Both locations boast sleek, monotone interiors and highly curated all-day dining menus.

Rotating regularly, you'll find a selection of brunch and lunch favourites, including bircher, rolls, fresh pastries and scrambled eggs. As for the coffee, you've got options with espresso, pour-over and batch brew, plus an extensive wine list if you want to linger a little longer. 

Braddon & Campbell 

Luna

Elevated street food meets art deco-inspired interiors at this Canberra bar. If you’re looking for an indulgent night out, this is it. Enjoy shared plates that range from 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 

Canberra's very own dedicated tequila bar, you can expect light and bright interiors with pops of terracotta and plenty of greenery from Cabo. 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 enjoy bottomless sangria on Saturdays and $12 margaritas on Wednesdays. 

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 

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

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 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 

Joe's Bar 

Serving up the holy trilogy of cocktails, antipasto and live music, Joe's is the kind of place you can swing by and hang out until the wee hours. Sip on crafty cocktails whilst feasting on antipasto, pizza and tiramisu. Don't want to leave? Head on upstairs to East Hotel for a dreamy stay. 

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, 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 

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 

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 

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.