2. Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut brings colour, warmth and a strong sense of identity to the city’s bar scene. Inspired by the food, music and nightlife culture of its namesake, the venue is best known for its bold cocktail menu.

Located in the city and open until late, the atmosphere is lively yet feels intimate, making it a popular choice for smaller groups seeking conversation and good music. Make sure to get to know the bartenders, who can whip up your favourite cocktails and spruce up any of the mixes on the menu.

3. Badger & Co.

Badger & Co. is our very own university pub located on the ANU campus. It has all the familiar staples, from pool tables and comfy couches to regular live music, making it an easy place to spend time between classes or later in the day with friends.

Open from breakfast through to late evening, the pub is an easy option for a meal or a catch-up at any time of day. Trivia nights and panel events also run regularly, which is why Badger & Co. continues to be an iconic meeting place for students, staff and the wider Canberra community.

4. Edgar’s

Edgar’s is located at the leafy Ainslie Shops and is well known for its busy dining room and relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for evenings that centre around food and conversation, with a steady buzz that’s felt as soon as you arrive.

The menu complements a strong drinks offering, featuring a well-curated wine list and classic cocktails. Within the same venue group, you’ll also find Mama Dough Pizza around the corner, known for its delicious sourdough-based pizzas and The Inn upstairs, which offers a more refined dining experience alongside Edgar’s.

5. Bar Rochford

Bar Rochford has built a loyal following in Canberra for its carefully considered cocktails, distinctive interiors and delicious menu. Tucked along London Circuit in the Melbourne Building, it is known for doing things with intention, from the drinks menu through to the way the space is put together.

In 2025, Bar Rochford was named in the Tatler Asia Top 100 Bars for Asia-Pacific, marking the first time an Australian bar has been included on the list. It remains a standout in the Canberra bars scene for those looking for something a little more considered.

6. Assembly The People’s Pub

Assembly is a modern take on the pub, located right in the heart of Braddon on Lonsdale Street. The space seamlessly transitions between food, drinks, and events, with a menu that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an upscale pub dinner.

There are plenty of ways to use the venue, whether that is meeting friends over coffee or cocktails, watching the footy, or heading out later in the evening. Inside, you will find a mix of bistro seating, leather booths and high tables, while outside sits one of Canberra’s best-known beer gardens.

With room to host both small and large groups, Assembly has become a reliable choice for events, gatherings and everyday plans alike.

7. Molly

Molly is a hidden speakeasy bar just off London Circuit, tucked behind an unmarked entrance that you would only notice if you knew to look for it. Inside, the space is compact, atmospheric, and low-lit, with timber finishes and booth seating that give it a distinctly 1920s feel.

The drinks list is where Molly stands out. There is a strong focus on whisky, with bottles from around the world, alongside a cocktail menu that leans towards classic rather than flashy styles. Live jazz and piano sets are performed on select nights, adding another layer to the atmosphere without overwhelming the room.

For those seeking a quieter experience within Canberra's nightlife, Molly offers a different pace while still located in the city.

8. The Old Canberra Inn

The Old Canberra Inn is one of Canberra’s classic pubs, known for its heritage setting and welcoming, local feel. Inside, you’ll find an open fireplace that becomes a natural gathering point in winter, giving the space its reputation as one of the cosiest places to meet up when the weather cools down.

The pub offers a solid food menu alongside drinks, making it just as suited to a proper meal as it is to a casual catch-up. Weekly trivia nights bring a regular crowd through the doors, adding to its role as a dependable meeting place for friends looking for something familiar and low-key within Canberra’s pub scene.

9. Blackbird

Blackbird sits downstairs in the city and leans into a late-night energy that blends cocktails with a super fun dance floor. It’s known for its polished drinks list early in the night, before the space shifts into something more upbeat.

Karaoke nights add to its reputation as a fun, social spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Blackbird sits somewhere between a cocktail bar and a dance club, making it the perfect place to spend your evening if you want a mix of everything.

10. King O’Malley’s

King O’Malley’s is a classic Irish pub right in the heart of the city. Inside, it leans into that traditional cosy pub feel, with a busy main bar, familiar comfort food and a crowd that’s always ready for a good time.

The dance floor is always full, with music and energy making it a popular destination for groups looking to end the evening on a high. Central, lively and unapologetically fun, King O’Malley’s is a go-to for nights out that call for something easy to match the mood.