Canberra’s best bars

Drop into a speakeasy-style sofa with a martini in hand, or thumb a list of artisan whiskies as long as your leg in one of Canberra's hip bars.

By Jennifer Pinkerton

Lighting bolts of energy have swept through Canberra’s bar scene over the past few years, resulting in a fresh crop of establishments in the precincts beside and within the city centre. Some bars have set up shop in secretive basement locations in the central district of Civic. Others have landed in the nooks and alleyways of rejuvenated inner city suburbs such as Braddon, New Acton and Kingston.

What unites them is an abundance of charm and atmosphere, not to mention drinks lists to croon over (we recommend you have a glass or two of local shiraz, a signature wine of the Canberra region).

While "new" has pulling power, so too does "classic". Some of Canberra's best bars are those with a story to tell. Vintage Canberra drinking holes tend to offer a lounge room or backyard atmosphere. This city gets chilly during winter, so these bars are cosy – designed to embrace you like a hug.

Chill out or party on at one, or all six, of these exceptional bars in the nation's capital.

Drink up Canberra's coolest bars

Molly

Built inside an old bank vault, Molly likes to keep herself a secret. The bar's website enigmatically includes mere latitude and longitude coordinates for hunting down its location. Its unmarked entranceway – in Hobart Place in the city centre – could be confused with a cleaning cupboard. Yet inside, this cream tiled, golden lit, prohibition era space hums with whisky appreciation nights, cocktail lessons, monthly jazz performances, hidden rooms, and in winter, warming menu treats such as roasted chestnuts (AUD$10) and heated cognac (AUD$20).

Mint Garden Bar

Summer-loving Canberra folk gather among the climbing vines and flower pots at Mint Garden Bar in Braddon. Only open in the warmer months, this bar has a Turkish-tiled bar front staffed by bow tie touting ladies and gents. It sits outside fine dining restaurant Sage in the Gorman House Arts Centre, an Art Deco-style building with open air courtyards. Perch at one of the bar's high tables. Or take a seat around the fairy light festooned tree with a rose and lychee sangria (AUD$16) and a plate of pulled pork croquettes (AUD$9) to keep you company.

Parlour Wine Room

If you're after a drink in a sumptuous space, Parlour is for you. This wine bar was one of the original foodie occupants of the New Acton precinct, and while it's had a makeover following a fire, its timeless and lavish feel remains untouched. Quilted leather adorns the bar area, velvet chairs and chesterfield couches dot rooms, and a leafy terrace out the front carries views over New Acton and beyond. Parlour’s inventive food, especially its tapas, matches the quality of its wine list – the handiwork of Peter Bell, a sommelier previously engaged at lauded restaurant Aubergine.

Hippo Co

Hippo Co’s glass-fronted balcony looks out onto the hustle and bustle of Garema Place – the city centre's version of a public square – while inside, its owners have crafted a world that recalls the American Midwest. Taxidermied creatures feature on wooden walls, vintage light fittings hang from the ceiling, and more than 250 varieties of whisky stand proudly on bar shelves. Catch jazz performances here on Wednesday nights.

Joe's Bar

Both sophisticated and seriously playful, Joe's Bar is tucked inside East Hotel – one of the city’s newest and most popular hotels. The locally sourced Italian food here is a highlight, particularly the mozzarella and pea arancini balls (AUD$15), as is the eclectic decor that combines fuchsia walls with chain-draped lights, bright coloured benches, an assortment of funky and elegant glassware, a marble bar and the occasional fur throw. Step through the floor-to-ceiling concrete curtain at the bar's entrance and treat yourself to a wine from the bar's list of Italian and local blends, selected by Canberra region vigneron Fergus McGhie.

The Phoenix

Arriving in the narrow rooms of The Phoenix in the city's historic Sydney Building feels like entering the hull of a sailing boat decorated by a quirky Irishman with love for miscellany. Pouring jugs, vintage wheels, retro beer posters and crucifixes line the ceiling and walls of this wooden floored bar. A long selection of beer taps, boasting standard brews such as Guinness and Australian label Coopers, runs the length of the hut-like service area. Drinks aside, the best thing about The Phoenix is its dedication to live music and events. These include gigs focused on original music on Monday nights, quiz nights on Tuesdays, and poetry and film nights.