DrinkCivic

Highball Bar

formerly Highball Express

Perched prominently on the upper levels above London Circuit, this upgraded, sun-drenched cocktail lounge offers views looking out over City Hill. Escaping the ordinary city pace, the venue completely embraces a tropical Cuban and Caribbean resort vibe, loading the space with lush greenery and white timber accents. Rum culture and high-end Central American spirits are the true heart of Highball, featuring exotic liquors, signature sharing punch bowls, and fresh tiki cocktails.

nightlife

Address: Melbourne Building, 75 London Circuit
Hours: Tue–Thu 5PM–midnight, Fri Sat 4PM–3AM
Price: Cocktails from $18; signature punch bowls from $55
Website: highball.bar (opens in a new tab)

Directions Suggest a nearby place

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

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

DrinkCivic
Molly
Hidden deep within the shadowy corridor of Odgers Lane, this incredible 1920s-style speakeasy is a premier destination for spirits enthusiasts. Unmarked by any signs, finding the secret wooden door using its exact GPS coordinates is half the fun. Once inside, you'll find an opulent throwback to the Prohibition era packed with plush leather booths, candlelight, and Canberra's most extensive selection of world-class whiskies. Talented bartenders mix exquisite cocktails while a dedicated stage hosts smooth live jazz musicians several nights a week.
Mon–Wed 4PM–midnight, Thu–Sat 4PM–2AM, Sun 5PM–midnightCocktails from $22
DrinkCivic
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–1AMCocktails from $22
EatCivic
Edo Tori
A modern Australianised Japanese restaurant with the strange slogan "Save Water, Drink Beer" with a strong emphasis on drinks. It's borderline between mid-range and splurge, but the quality is worth the bucks. Oh, and not to forget, if you're a sushi craver, they have sushi; it's somewhat discreet.
Daily 11:30AM–lateFeed me menu: AUD 59; lunch express: AUD 39; Zeitaku feed me AUD 89pp
EatCivic
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