Best & Cool Bars in Canberra

"It’s one of those rare places that’s as comfortable for breakfast as it is for midnight cocktails, and you never EVER think you’re sitting in a hotel foyer. There are nooks to hide away in, a fire to warm yourself next to, and the elegant salon right next door, should you decide to head in for something more substantial. The great thing about Monster isn’t Sean McConnell’s inventive cuisine (although it’s amazing), or the carefully crafted cocktails and interesting wine list; it’s that this is a place that transcends generations."

"Within the four separate spaces—the lounge, mosaic room, the salon and dining rooms— of this industrial-chic restaurant in Hotel Hotel, the Modern Australian plates served are designed for sharing, showcasing local and seasonal produce through each one. Sharing plates such as clams, chorizo, samphire and cider, and pressed ham hock with celeriac, apple and mustard are followed by sweet plates such as poached quince with yogurt sorbet, barberry, rose and pistachio. monsterkitchen.com.au"

"Wandering through the ground floor of Ovolo Nishi on Edinburgh Avenue in Canberra, Monster Kitchen & Bar is preoccupied with serving local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing. Spread across four..."

"All Alpine ski lodge in decor, Hippo Co is one of city’s leading bars with a commitment to the craft of making a serious drink. There’s a great collection of whiskey and scotches, plus a balcony to take in the scene over Garema Place in Civic. There are plenty of spots for a chat and conversation-starter objects (awhole pack of taxidermic critters, framed vintage prints and retro light fittings, to name a few) about the room if you get stuck for topics."

"This is one of Australia’s longest-running and most sought out nightclub. The Hippo Co boasts a collection of over 200 choices of Whiskey. It is an amazing location to chat, share a couple of drinks and listen to some of the best Jazz music in Australia."

"One of the best night clubs in Canberra is Hippo Co, which is a cool bar with light lightening. The place offers live blues music every Monday and live jazz every Wednesday. The night bar has a list of fantastic cocktails and whiskeys."

"Treehouse is a great little bar in the Sydney Building on Northbourne Avenue…the fitout is impressive, with a beautiful illuminated tree the defining feature. Spread over two floors (main bar and room for boogying downstairs and a more intimate cocktail lounge upstairs), Treehouse is good for a quiet glass of bubbles or slightly noisier cocktails with the girls. You want to head to the upstairs bit which is a bar within a bar and can be reserved for functions."

"Treehouse is a bar, nightclub, and restaurant positioned in Canberra’s city center. With live music and a lively calendar of events, Treehouse is the perfect venue for dance, drink, or a chilled night out. Make sure you try out this place in order to have drinks food and nightlife entertainment all under one roof."

"Shorty’s is an amazing pub where one can enjoy the best cocktails, delicious burgers and incredible milkshakes. Shorty’s is a fun place to be at, that is beautifully decorated with various bright lights. It does not operate on Sundays."

"I was impressed with the Green House’s ricotta and date pancakes with banana, salted butterscotch sauce, whipped vanilla mascarpone and candied walnuts. The pancakes were fabulously fluffy and soft, lightly drizzled in an amazing sticky butterscotch sauce with a good portion of banana, blueberries and strawberries. The portion was smaller than I would have liked but that just means less calories!"

"Whether you’re in the mood for the perfect espresso, pour over or cold brew, Harvest will sort you out with a solid refuel. It’s been a long-term favourite for coffee fans in Canberra thanks to its range of quality coffee serves. They also sell beans to take home, so you can try to replicate your brew."

"Canberra’s very own place of coffee worship, The Cupping Room is a concept cafe that takes its customers on a flavour journey across a range of coffee blends. The team includes world champion barista Sasa Sestic, so you’re in safe hands here. Coffee comes from sister spot, Ona Coffee, which is a great specialty coffee roaster."

"Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building is crossed by two axis, north–south and east–west, representing the historical progression and legislative progression of Australian democracy. There's plenty to see inside, whether the politicians are haranguing each other in the chambers or not."