The 16 best bars in Canberra

Want to make a deal with the devil? Descend into Canberra’s best new underground den, which has taken over the former High Jinks space in hip NewActon. The interiors are incredibly devilish, with velvet lounges, candlelit corner books, and red and black finishes. The drink menu naturally splits into two paths: stick to the ‘Devils You Know’ (think Martinis and Old Fashioneds) or risk the ‘Devils You Don’t’, such as the wicked Devil’s Dance made with ice cream-washed vodka, fried banana liqueur, cocoa bitters and a brûléed banana top.

Time Out tip: Every Saturday, Devil You Don’t runs entirely unpretentious cocktail classes for $85 per person – perfect for those who’d rather drink than sit there taking notes

Address: Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra 

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 4-11pm; Thur-Sat 4pm-12am

Shake and shimmy on down to Canberra’s favourite bar (as voted for in Time Out's 2026 Food & Drink Awards), where the welcome is as warm after midnight as it is before sunset. Bar Beirut is a love letter to the nightlife of Lebanon with beats, belly dancing, burlesque and big, bold bevys. The Wasabi Martini has been a menu mainstay since 2019, but you’ll be equally tempted by the boozed-up lassi and house pours from the Martini cart. If you want some nibbles with your tipple, link up your libations with charred chicken, smoked baba ghanoush and grilled octopus from the mostly Middle Eastern menu. If you’re not getting it by now, Bar Beirut’s slew of awards isn’t just for show. The fit-out is as fun as the rest, with fairy lights working their magic and timber-clad walls that are etched with water/wine jugs of all shapes and sizes, adding a bit of pizzazz to the warm-toned dining room. 

Time Out tip: Treat this place like a sophisticated house party, where both casual encounters and groovy moments are welcome. Psst! They have belly dancers every Saturday.

Address: 25 Garema Pl, Canberra

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 6pm-2am

If anyone ever complains about Canberra’s nightlife, just nod quietly and then laugh all the way up the stairs to Bar Rochford, where you will be enjoying a glass or two of top-notch vinos from around Murrumbateman and more. Once you’re up in the cosy confines of this first-floor bar, you could be in Melbourne, Munich or Manhattan. Art Deco touches and eccentric works of art are a feast for the eyes, while arched windows allow soft sunrays to brighten the mostly monotone loft. This is undoubtedly the best little wine bar in the ACT and once you’re here, you’ll never ever want to leave. Let the bartenders guide you on a vinous journey that traipses the world, but if you don’t order food too, it’s a lost opportunity. Follow it all with a port or sherry, especially the ten-year-old Quinta do Vallado Old Tawny from Porto, Portugal, if we may suggest.

Time Out tip: As well as the libations, the pretty edible creations are worthy of a snap. So clean your lens, capture Bar Rochford’s glorious plates and send them to the group chat for safekeeping.

Address: Inside Melbourne Building, 1/65 London Cct, Canberra

Opening hours: Tues-Wed 5-11pm; Thurs 5pm-12am; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am

Inspired by the glamour of old-world Hollywood, Blue Eyes transports spirit sippers to the golden age of Frank Sinatra (yes, "Ol' Blue Eyes") and Fred Astaire. Expect nothing less than smooth live jazz every Wednesday through to Saturday from 8pm, and the occasional burlesque soirée to grace the Blue Eyes’ floor. The upstairs speakeasy is fit with a concave red-brick ceiling that ignites an underground, illicit feeling, along with an exclusive wine room that’s sealed by glass – it’s for looking, but no touching. Chesterfield couches make for cushy seating with the addition of that sweet, timeless charm. Otherwise, pull up a stool at the glittering bar and enjoy classic cocktails, or pop a bottle of sparkling and hit the floor if that’s the vibe. Oh, and you’ll want to swing by for $10 custom cocktails that are served from 4pm till 6pm (happy hour) to get things going. 

Time Out tip: Every Thursday at 6pm and 7pm, Blue Eyes plays host to cocktail masterclasses where you can get up close to your tipple and give the whole bartending thing a go.

Address: 1/5 Garema Pl, Canberra

Opening hours: Thurs 4pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

There’s nothing normal about this friendly Canberra bottle-o and wine bar. The ever-so funky Paranormal Wines lies in the quiet suburb of Campbell – a seven-minute drive from the capital’s Northbourne main drag – but we promise it’s well worth scootin’ out of town for. The side-street wine store is as contemporary as it gets with its polished concrete floors and minimalist furnishings. It does what it says on the box too – it sells wine, and it invites you to sip your drop if you want, no pressure. The shelves are stocked with fizzy, orange, sour, small-batch and sustainable things, including their very own cloudy Italian fruit-bomb 'Paranormal Rosato'. The colourful array of bottles makes for a pleasant backdrop to the otherwise plain sailing store (with the addition of a few eye-catching works of art). You can grab a bottle to go on your way to your mate’s place, or sit in and sip (for a small corkage fee) if you’re in no rush. If you opt for the latter, you’ll be accompanied by a zippy menu of well-suited snacks to boot, including cheese, charcuterie and top-quality tinned fish.

Time Out tip: Paranormal Wines don’t take bookings; you’ll just have to turn up and trust the process.

Address: G27/6 Provan St, Campbell

Opening hours: Wed-Thur 12-8pm; Fri 12-9pm; Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 12-7pm

Hidden behind an unassuming door and up an inconspicuous stairwell, Molly is a speakeasy-inspired bar where you can easily lose your sense of time or place. From the bar to the walls and even the ceiling, the majority of the haunt is timber-clad, which quite nicely reflects the warm-toned mood lighting. Wooden barrels sit atop the bar, which ensures a non-stop supply of pre-made cocktails with the likes of Negroni and Old Fashioned – bygone vibes, check. You can also take a round-the-world trip without even leaving the bar thanks to more than 300 bottles, from surprising locales like India, France and Italy – as well as the usual suspects: Scotland, Japan and the United States. Escapism at its finest. Stop by on a Wednesday for anything from smooth jazz to a masterclass in whiskey appreciation. 

Time Out tip: Being right around the corner from Bar Rochford, it’s not a bad idea to hop from one venue to the other if you’re in town for just a bit and planning to cram in as many nightlife experiences as possible. Just sayin’.

Address: London Building, 35-37 London Cct, Canberra

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4pm-12am; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 5pm-12am

You may not have heard just yet, but hidden in the backyard of Pilot, one of Canberra's top restaurants, is a small but mighty secret. Meet: That Other Place. This petite pop-up bar lives in Pilot's courtyard and started out being open only during the warmer months because winter is too chilly, but nowadays, they stay open for people wanting a group booking. The outdoor seating area is set against a fragrant garden backdrop, and their "food" consists of bar snacks. Their cocktails are shaken by a one-person tender (so be patient) and include curious concoctions like the Banana Rizz of banana juice, basil, white chocolate and white wine that we sampled when we visited. We also ate some yummy small snacks like raw milk manchego, oysters with tabasco and lemon, as well as a choc brownie sundae with salted butterscotch for dessert. 

Time Out tip: Head in for happy hour on Thursdays, where you can snag $2 gildas, $10 sundaes, $6 tins, $12 wines and $14 topeadors.

Address: 1 Wakefield Gdns, Ainslie 

Opening hours: Thur-Fri 6-10pm; Sat 12-10pm; Sun 12-9pm

When it comes to the watering hole with the best view of Canberra’s skyline, you can’t go past The Howling Moon. Boasting unobstructed, panoramic views that span all the way out to the city’s rolling hills, it’s not only one of the best bars in Canberra, but it doubles as one of the best sunset spots, too. You’ll want to ascend to this leafy rooftop bar in the bustling Braddon precinct bang on opening for the best seats in the house, and stay until the stars come out to play. Sip on seasonal Spritzes, fruity mocktails, plus local beer and wine, while you wolf down nibbles like baked mussels, crispy spiced squid and woodfired pizzas. Say no more.

Time Out tip: Braddon is well known for its dining scene, and here, you’ll be just a hop, skip and a jump from some of the best restaurants in Canberra. Check out Italian and Sons for an extremely saucy plate of spaghetti, EightySix for nostalgic desserts, or perhaps Lazy Su for funky pan-Asian fare.

Address: 6/150 Northbourne Ave, Braddon

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 4-10pm; Fri-Sat 4-11pm

Fyshwick has long been known for a lot of things, but these days it’s refreshing beers that are pulling people to the tap rooms at Capital Brewing Co. The industrial-style warehouse is a fitting sight for the active workspace – mega metallic vats sit tableside working their yeasty magic while fireplaces do their best to keep you toasty in the glorified shed. Being an inclusive bunch, they let you bring your little humans and your four-legged friends to play, while you sink a crisp schooner of Coast Ale or their famously juicy, tropical Rock Hopper West Coast IPA for those who love the fresh bitterness of hops. If you’re partial to a freshly-poured pint, take a squizz at what’s streaming out of the 20 tap beers. Once you’ve made up your mind, kick back in the beer garden with a burger or hot dog from the legends at Brodburger, or laze around on the 2,000 metres of lush garden space – including the only beer river in the world (we’ll take their word for it).

Time Out tip: We’ll have you know that Canberra Airport is a mere seven-minute drive from Capital Brewing Co. So if it’s a pre-flight beverage you’re after, stop by and support local.

Address: 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11.30am-10pm

Edgar’s Inn has been a cherished second home for Ainslie locals since 2001. However, recent renovations have elevated the pub into a popular drinking and dining destination, attracting Canberrans from near and far. This modern pub lives its life in many forms. There’s the downstairs bar perfect for pints and pub fare, an upstairs restaurant specialising in asado grill (Argentinian barbecue) and affogato, an intimate wine bar serving bougie bites and bottles, and a neighbouring pizzeria known for its perfectly blistered rounds. The multi-faceted eating and drinking house invites both the casual weekend diners, late-night tipple enthusiasts and group-outing affairs – there’s plenty of space to go around and choosing/changing your player throughout your visit is on the cards without even leaving the rustic Inn. Sundays are a real highlight at Edgar’s, featuring a roast special, which is best served with live music in the beer garden from 4pm to 6pm. 

Time Out tip: Get in while you can: the upstairs bar’s happy hour spans from 5pm until 6pm, and the cocktail specials are calling your name. They also have heaps of different weekly specials across their many venues.

Address: Ainslie Shops, 1 Edgar St, Ainslie

Opening hours: Sun-Thur 7am-11pm; Fri-Sat 7am-11.30pm

Perched at the top of the heritage Melbourne Building with views over London Circuit, Highball celebrates all things tropical. Here, the food menu takes hints from Spain, Mexico and South America to complement its vibrant cocktails. Try one of the seasonal Daiquiris with a generous serving of guacamole or a red snapper ceviche taquito. They have punch bowls that are perfect for sharing and tiki cocktails that change seasonally. Highball is a good time no matter what day of the week, with salsa classes and dancing for Latin Tuesdays, $16 Caribbean Coolers and 2 for 1 Daiquiris every day, as well as cocktail-making classes and DJs on offer. Nab a seat by the balcony and watch the world go by, or get cosy on the velvet booths for ultimate comfort. 

Time Out tip: If it’s a super late night that you’re headin’ in for, Highball is as late as it gets with a kick-out time of 3am on some nights.

Address: 77 London Cres, Canberra

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-3am

As one of Australia's longest-running cocktail and jazz venues, Hippo Co is all about slingin' good booze to good tunes with good people. Antiquated knick-knacks and taxidermy fauna linger about the old-timey hideout, exaggerated by stained-glass lampshades and white portraits. You’ll find more than 280 types of whiskey stashed behind the back bar, perfect for enjoying as part of a barrel-aged cocktail in the dimly lit drinking den or sipping alfresco on the balcony overlooking the greenery of Garema Place. Wednesdays are the busiest night of the week – as they have been for the past 20 years – with live jazz music off at 8pm. It’s also worth rallying around Hippo’s whisky tastings at 6pm on Thursday and Saturday nights (bookings essential), where you can sample six special whiskies paired with a cheese platter. Or simply get stuck into the weekly-rotating jaffle specials that’ll set you back just $10 – not bad for a spot of nostalgia.

Time Out tip: Not too keen on a late night? Fear not, Hippo Co are here to support the matinee-preferers with a 3pm opening on Sundays. Early night incoming!

Address: 1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra

Opening hours: Tues 5-11pm; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 3-9pm

Damn straight you’re going to find Canberra’s buzzy, double-storey craft brewery in the heart of Braddon. Unassuming on the outside, a wonderland of booze on the inside, BentSpoke Brewing Co is coming in hot and pouring a whopping 18 beers on tap, all of which are brewed on-site. Like any good brewery, the grand fermenting vats are on show, which, funnily enough, makes for a dinner and a show. It’s a popular spot for an after-work beverage, or even a cheeky late arvo meeting, so long as everyone is amenable to their straight-shooting Australian pale, called the Barley Griffin (natch). Once you get some momentum going, via the sample paddle (a four-taster of their best beers), you’ll need something to keep your spirit on the level, so load up on smoked mac ‘n’ cheese balls, steak sandos and or face-sized chicken schnitties. BentSpoke Brewing Co’s generous opening hours mean that no one is missing out either – both brunch beers and night-owl shenanigans are on the horizon here.

Time Out tip: The vibe here is casual and cool – they're not afraid to say they’re a noisy hangout.

Address: 48/38 Mort St, Braddon

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

Atop the Burbury Hotel in Barton sits Canberra’s classiest rooftop bar. Leyla Bar’s bright, minimalist fit-out with pops of foliage frames stunning views of Canberra from level seven, with Parliament House to Lake Burley Griffin vistas. Martinis are Leyla’s specialty, with classic Martinis to unleash your inner Bond. Wines are a mainly local affair and pair excellently with the bar’s tapas-style menu, which ranges from Italian bites to Spanish plates, as well as greasy classics like cheeseburgers for those extra hungry punters. Work your way through their range of raw things (we rate the tuna carpaccio), then move on to the grilled things (big yes to the Wagyu skewers with chimichurri), and round it all off with a little something-something from the cheese section. Too easy.

Time Out tip: Tune in for sunset hour every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Snag $10 mini cocktails, wines and select tap beers. After-work drinks just got a glow-up.

Address: 1/1 Burbury Cl, Barton

Opening hours: Tue-Thur 3-10pm; Fri-Sat 3-11pm

One of Canberra’s best hotels, Ovolo Nishi, is home to a long-standing crowd favourite restaurant, Monster Kitchen and Bar. The former vegetarian eatery recently changed things up a bit by including an all-encompassing menu for both herbivorous and omnivorous ACT diners to devour – and it draws customers back through the doors with its equally fabulous and unconventional bar. Monster gives the world’s most iconic cocktails a sustainable twist, along with its six signatures and three mocktails that incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables. 'Designed to intrigue, refresh and delight' is the motto at Monster, and that claim lives up to its promise by means of the classic cocktails, whiskies and beers on offer. If you're a teetotaller, the non-alcoholic Aloe No-jito (one guess what that’s a spin on) is awesome. You’ll find lots of charming nooks and crannies to sit and sip back in at Monster, whether that’s next to the Willy Wonka-esque art installation or beneath the grape-like chandelier. 

Time Out tip: If you stay till closing, you may as well check into a designer room at the Ovolo Nishi upstairs.

Address: Ovolo Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-10pm