Drink

The Highball Express

A high-end pub that specialises in American and Central American drinks – not the ordinary kind of pub in Canberra.

Listing from Wikivoyage: Canberra, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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DrinkCivic
Smith's Alternative
Inside the historic, colonnaded Melbourne Building along Alinga Street, this beloved local institution operates as a cozy cafe and art gallery by day before morphing into a highly social, bohemian performing arts bar by night. Serving as a warm, safe sanctuary for Canberra’s creative community, the venue hosts live events nearly every single night of the year—spanning local and international jazz jams, folk, poetry readings, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and life drawing classes. The bar serves up fine coffee and in-house baked treats during the day, transitioning to craft beers, boutique wines, and simple toasted sandwiches as the live gigs kick off.
Mon–Thu 7AM–midnight, Fri 7AM–3AM, Sat 9AM–3AM, Sun noon–midnightDrinks from $8; event tickets vary
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Briscola Italian
Discover some "old fashioned" as dubbed by the restaurant themselves with some good classic Southern Italian cuisine. It won Canberra’s Best Italian Restaurant award in 2015, and it's always been family-owned by traditional Italians.
Lunch: Tue–Sun (closed Mondays); dinner: Sun–Thu 5:30–8:30PM, Fri Sat 5:30–9PM
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Blue Olive Cafe
Famous for their delicious New York-style sandwiches. Great coffee and breakfast menu, wonderful service.
Mon–Fri
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Civic Asian Noodle House
Good laksa and pad thai at reasonable prices (ranging around AUD 18) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Mon–Fri, 5–9:15PM; Sat Sun 5–9:15PM