Canberra

10 Yards

formerly Bolt Bar

A stylish, dimly lit neighbourhood wine bar operating out of the architectural, mid-century Aranda shopping block. The establishment places an intense focus on strict regional sustainability, drawing ingredients directly from its own surrounding multi-tiered urban farm courtyard, beehives, and fruit orchards. It is highly celebrated for its curated list of boutique Canberra-district wines, local independent craft taps, and seasonal share-style grazing plates.

Tue–Thu 4–9PM, Fri–Sun 2–9PM (closed Mon)·Small plates $14–24, local wines from $11

Ainslie Football & Social Club

This expansive community and sporting club has been a landmark of the inner north since 1927. Highly popular with local families and sporting fans, it features a massive main lounge, a busy sports bar with giant television screens, and a relaxed, spacious outdoor courtyard. The main bar pours very affordable draft beers and local wines, while the on-site "Limestone" restaurant serves up a great range of club favorites, wood-fired pizzas, and gourmet schnitzels.

Sun–Wed 10AM–midnight, Thu–Sat 10AM–2AM

Assembly

Located on the buzzing Lonsdale Street strip in Braddon, this massive and highly popular venue functions as a bustling neighbourhood hotspot from early morning until late at night. Boasting a beautiful, tree-shaded beer garden that is exceptionally popular for weekend drinks, the bar features a great list of local wines, seasonal cocktails, and craft beers. Serving a double duty as a popular breakfast cafe in the morning, the kitchen transitions into serving elevated pub classics, gourmet burgers, and sharing plates by lunch and dinner.

Mon–Thu 7AM–11PM, Fri 7AM–2AM, Sat Sun 7:30AM–2AM

Badger & Co

Located in the Kambri precinct on Joplin Lane, this massive, high-energy tavern is the official social anchor of the university campus. Boasting a massive footprint with multiple spacious indoor lounges and a vibrant outdoor deck, it features all-day free pool tables and a great casual atmosphere. The bar pours an extensive range of local craft beers and ciders on tap, while the kitchen serves up highly satisfying pub favorites like chicken parmigianas, loaded chipotle bowls, and hand-stretched pizzas at student-friendly prices.

Mon–Wed 8AM–11PM, Thu–Fri 8AM–midnight, Sat 11:30AM–midnight·beer from $8

Bar Beirut

This energetic venue in the heart of Garema Place is a love letter to the vibrant nightlife of Lebanon. Steered by charismatic owner Soumi, who cut his teeth in the underground club scene of Beirut, it serves up exceptional Middle Eastern mezze alongside some of the capital's most creative cocktails—including their signature cucumber and vanilla-infused Wasabi Martini. The vibe is highly social and feels like a sophisticated house party, topped off with live belly dancers and burlesque performers on Saturday evenings.

Tue–Sat 5PM–2AM·Cocktails from $20

Bar Rochford

Hidden upstairs on the first floor of the iconic 1920s heritage Melbourne Building, this acclaimed venue is a former winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Bar of the Year. Seamlessly blending industrial-chic concrete beams with stately green leather booths, the bar operates with a cool, unpretentious confidence. The exceptionally dynamic wine list focuses heavily on clean lo-fi, organic, and biodynamic producers from around the globe. The open kitchen serves up premium, Euro-leaning bistro dishes, while the bar staff spin vintage vinyl records late into the night.

Tue Wed 5–11PM, Thu 5PM–midnight, Fri Sat 5PM–1AM·Cocktails from $22

BentSpoke Brewing Co.

Bicycle-themed bar serving a range of beers brewed on site. Owner and master brewer occasionally runs free tours.

Bentspoke Brewing Co.

Located in the heart of Braddon on Mort Street, this multi-award-winning brewpub was founded in 2014 by champion brewers Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain. The venue heavily embraces a bicycle theme throughout its industrial design—matching the name and its famous canned beers. Spanning two floors with towering, gleaming steel brewing tanks, it offers 18 taps of beer and cider brewed entirely on-site (such as Crankshaft IPA). The kitchen serves up a fantastic menu heavily infused with beer ingredients, featuring hop-salted potato chips and grain-crusted hot wings.

daily 11AM–midnight·Beers from $6

Blue Eyes

Upstairs overlooking Garema Place, this opulent lounge transports guests to the mid-century golden age of Frank Sinatra and old-world Hollywood glamour. The bar features a concave red-brick ceiling that creates an intimate, illicit speakeasy atmosphere, complete with glittering chandeliers, plush velvet curtains, and deep leather Chesterfield booths. It is a premier destination for champagne, classic cocktails, and smooth live jazz sets which play on the floor from Wednesday through Saturday nights.

Wed–Sat 4PM–late·Cocktails from $21

By Chance Bar & Bistro

formerly Calwell Tavern

This welcoming neighbourhood bar has been fully rebranded and revitalised from the old Calwell Tavern. It features a relaxed, family-friendly bistro alongside an energetic main bar serving up craft beers and mixed cocktails. Regular local events like karaoke nights, social pool competitions, and live musical performances draw a warm crowd.

Open daily from noon; closing hours vary based on patronage·Mains $15–28

Canberra Irish Club

This legendary club has served as a little piece of Ireland in Canberra since 1975. Famous for pouring the finest, smoothest Guinness on tap south of the lake, the pub boasts a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It is a major hub for live entertainment, hosting regular folk music, open-mic nights, and Celtic choir rehearsals. The on-site eatery, Molly Bloom's Kitchen, serves up exceptionally generous pub classics with Irish and Fijian influences.

Sun-Thu 11:30AM-10PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-11:30PM·Pint of Guinness $12

Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden

This sprawling, modern social club is a beloved local anchor. The venue’s main bar, the Woden Central Clubhouse & Bar, features a warm double-sided fireplace surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs, pouring regional wines on tap and cold craft beers. The venue has numerous screens showing live sports, hosts a highly popular trivia night every Thursday, and offers casual dining at the leafy Patio dining area.

Daily 9AM-4AM

Capital Brewing

Expansive grounds, with lots of outdoor seating and areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon or evening. In winter, they have a large central fireplace. World class micro-brews, and a taste burgers from a burger food truck that's always indoors.

Capital Brewing Co.

Located in the industrial-cool enclave of Fyshwick at the Dairy Road precinct, this massive, world-class microbrewery features expansive grounds with tons of outdoor seating and dedicated areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon, while a large central fireplace keeps things warm in the winter. They pour an exceptional lineup of locally brewed beers alongside gourmet burgers from a permanent Brodburger food truck situated inside the taproom.

Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 11:30AM–10PM·Pints from $11

Caribou Kingston

This cozy, Canadian-inspired watering hole brings a slice of North American hospitality to the inner south. Decorated like a rustic ski lodge, the relaxed pub features large sports screens, pool tables, and comfortable window seats to watch the world go by. The kitchen puts a Canadian twist on home-style comfort food, serving up loaded plates of poutine and maple-glazed bacon alongside a vast range of cold imported Canadian beers, signature cocktails, and local craft brews.

Mon–Thu 11:30AM–11:30PM, Fri–Sat 11:30AM–late, Sun 11:30AM–10PM

Casey Jones

This warm, wood-panelled gastropub offers a sophisticated alternative to the standard local watering hole. The bar boasts a premium beverage list loaded with boutique Australian craft beers, winning local wines, and creative signature cocktails. Food is a major focus here, featuring a unique South American and Spanish fusion theme alongside classic pub fare. It is exceptionally popular for its lively mid-week trivia nights and relaxed weekend drinks.

Mon–Tue 3PM–late, Wed–Sun 11:30AM–late

Cornerstone Pub

This highly social, sports-focused venue serves as a fun neighborhood local. It features free ping pong tables, a relaxing balcony, musical bingo on Thursday nights, lively karaoke on Fridays, and "Pre's at the Pub" drink specials on Saturdays. The menu is casual and centered around stone-baked pizzas and classic finger foods.

Thu–Sat 4PM–late (kitchen open 5:30PM–8:30PM); closed Sun–Wed·$10 weekly cocktail specials

Cube

Canberra's only gay nightclub with a variety of theme nights. Fridays and Saturdays are busiest.

Opens Th 8PM, F 9PM, Sa 10PM, Su 9PM; closes 5AM

Cypher Brewing Co.

Located right next to the Gungahlin Place light rail terminus, this modern, industrial-chic craft brewpub is a standout addition to the northside. It features an impressive line-up of 14 beers on tap brewed directly on-site, ranging from crisp signature lagers to experimental seasonal sours. The open-plan space offers a vibrant community atmosphere with weekly live music, friendly staff, and an eclectic food menu that expertly blends traditional pub classics with diverse cultural flavors.

Mon–Tue 11AM–9PM, Wed–Sun 11AM–11PM·Beers from $9

Dear Prudence

Inside the historic colonnades of the Sydney Building, this intimate wine and aperitif bar brings a slice of European flair to the city centre. Outfitted with beautifully distressed walls, moody candlelit tables, and large arched windows, it mimics a romantic, low-key New York wine lounge. Part of the broader Verity Lane Market food hall precinct, the bar features a highly curated, weekly rotating selection of undiscovered global and local lo-fi wines. It is an excellent, sophisticated sanctuary for dates or quiet conversations over cheese and charcuterie.

Mon–Sat 3PM–late, Sun 2–7PM·Wine by the glass from $12

Devil You Don't

formerly High Jinks

Underground in a cozy basement bunker opposite the Nishi Building courtyard in the NewActon precinct, this intimate, luxe cocktail speakeasy opened in early 2026 to replace the old High Jinks. Operated by the award-winning team behind Volstead Repeal, the moody, candlelit lounge features a blood-red and black velvet aesthetic with sleek brass accents. The mixology here is exceptional, focusing on classic cocktails thoughtfully twisted into something entirely new, alongside a rotating menu of delicious bar snacks and cheese boards.

Tue–Sat 4PM–midnight·Cocktails from $22

Dickson Taphouse

Located in the center of Dickson's bustling dining hub on Woolley Street, this classic corner pub serves as a highly social destination. Featuring a warm lounge area, comfortable booth seating, and a busy streetfront deck, the bar proudly pours from 18 rotating taps highlighting local and independent Australian craft beers. The kitchen focuses on hearty, comfort food specials—including delicious homemade pastas, fresh pork schnitzels, and classic pub fare.

Edgar's

Located at the Ainslie local shops on Edgar Street, this beloved neighbourhood tavern perfectly embodies the quiet charm of the inner-north suburbs. Spanning three unique spaces under one roof, visitors can enjoy a casual pint and a legendary chicken parmigiana in the main pub, relax in the cozy tree-lined beer garden, or head upstairs to "The Inn" restaurant for premium wood-fired steaks and sweeping sunset views of the Canberra skyline.

Erindale Vikings

This massive local community club is a southside institution. It features the dedicated Sideline Bar—a sports fanatic’s dream with giant screens, TAB facilities, and multiple pool tables—alongside a spacious beer garden. If you're hungry, head to "The Cookery" for excellent wood-fired pizzas, high-quality steaks, and classic pub fare. On-site amenities also include a kid's indoor play area and the Moo+Brew Cafe.

Frankies at Forde

This warm, charming local hub seamlessly blends a cozy suburban cafe with a vibrant, modern restaurant and bar. Highly popular among local families and small groups, the venue offers a fantastic, relaxed outdoor dining area perfect for evening drinks. The bar list is highly impressive, featuring a great range of craft beers, Australian wines, and beautifully prepared seasonal cocktails, while the kitchen specializes in gourmet sharing plates and hearty classic meals.

Tue 8:00AM–2:00PM, Wed–Sat 8:00AM–8:00PM, Sun 8:00AM–3:00PM; closed Mon·Cocktails from $16

Fun Time Pony

Beneath the historic Sydney Building at 122 Alinga Street, this grungy, high-energy late-night dive bar is Canberra's ultimate rock-and-roll sanctuary. It packs in free pool tables, vintage pinball machines, and a loud, unhinged playlist of punk, indie, and rock. The venue serves as a major live gig space for local bands and touring acts, and serves up delicious New York-style pizza slices late into the night.

Thu–Sat 8PM–late

Gang Gang Cafe and Bar

This friendly, community-run suburban bar and cafe is a hidden gem of the outer suburbs. Spilling out onto a wide, paved plaza, it functions as a relaxed local coffee house during the day before transforming into a vibrant music hub by night. Known for its warm, inclusive atmosphere, the venue hosts regular local bands, open-mic nights, and trivia, while the bar serves up local cold beers, Australian wines, and simple, delicious comfort meals.

Mon Tue 7:30AM–3PM, Wed–Sat 7:30AM–late, Sun 7:30AM–5PM

Gungahlin Lakes Club

The Lakes

Functioning as a giant social hub for the northern suburbs, it features a spacious main bar, a sprawling lounge, and a massive LED screen perfect for catching major sporting events. Guests can grab a drink on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lakes, shoot a round of pool, or head to the Lakes Bistro for classic pub favorites, specialty steaks, and fresh pizzas. Facilities also include an indoor playroom for kids, making it a favorite for family groups.

Daily 10:00AM–2:00AM (stays open late on weekends)

Helix Bar & Dining

A modern, sophisticated architectural lounge bar centred around a striking circular fireplace hub beneath a soaring seven-storey light atrium. Named after the aerodynamic airflow spiral of a propeller, this "landside" lounge serves as an excellent public alternative to standard airport lounges. The bar features a highly creative seasonal cocktail menu alongside an expansive list of regional cool-climate wines from the Canberra District and local craft beers on tap.

Daily 6AM-10PM·Standard upscale hotel bar pricing

Hellenic Club of Canberra

This massive, multi-faceted community club is one of Canberra's largest entertainment venues. It is home to the award-winning Woden Sports Bar & TAB, which features massive LED screens broadcasting live sports, and the relaxed, open-air Woden Beer Garden. If you're looking for local or Mediterranean wines, stop by Kivotos, their sophisticated Greek wine bar. Visitors can easily sign in at reception with a valid photo ID.

Daily 9AM-4AM·Beer from $8