Best & Cool Bars in Portland

"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"

"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."

"Head to Bleachers Sports Bar located on Northbourne Avenue for all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday from 11am-10pm. For $20 per person you can choose from a baskets of Buffalo Wings, Sweet Chilli Wings or BBQ Wings."

"One of Canberra’s finest Korean BBQ restaurants – KorBQ uses Asian and Western fusions to create an unparalleled dining experience. Serving up Korean fried chicken, deep fried octopus and chicken skin crackling, this restaurant won’t disappoint. Whether you choose to dine alone, or with a group, you’ll be welcomed by delicious food and a friendly atmosphere."

"Once you’ve made your way past the instagrammers and bloggers crowding A.Baker, you’re in a unique venue that deserves praise for its ambitions. Head downstairs for the ‘speakeasy’ bar – a dim and striking escape from the activity above ground, the feature piece a row of amazing old marine lights, found in Jodhpur. It’s place to relax after work, or to wait for your table with some olives and nuts…but with a voyeuristic one-way glass window into the commercial bakery, it’s a fun way to pass the time."

"Many think a speakeasy should be underground, but the emphasis is on ‘hidden’ – in this case, Lucky’s is at street level, but you do have to find it via a secret entrance at the back of the hotel’s Barber Shop or a discreetly lit entrance from outside. Those readers of a certain ‘vintage’ may remember the space as its previous incarnation as‘Bobby McGee’s’ but let me tell you, there’s no ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ being played here – it’s all class with a curated DJ set adding atmosphere. It’s sizeable, the space feels sophisticated and intimate, with booths providing privacy."

"ANU School of Art and Design, Cnr Ellery Crescent and, Liversidge St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia. Location: (-35.2814169, 149.1219462). Rating:4.6/5 (15) Reviews"

"They ensure that all their baked goods are a delight to bake and enjoy. Additionally, they promise even more delightful customer service. Moreover, it is considered as Australia’s most successful bakery franchise."

"I liked the generous portion of buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruits, lemon yoghurt sauce, house made honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. I loved the lemon infused yoghurt that thickly coated the pancakes providing tartness to the otherwise sweet dish. The vanilla ice cream, also a generous serve (about 2 scoops!) was served in a small bowl on the side."

"You’re also assured of excellent customer service from their staff. Dobinsons opened its kitchen in 1994. They have been continuously providing quality cakes for Canberrans ever since."

"One of Canberra’s finest Korean BBQ restaurants – KorBQ uses Asian and Western fusions to create an unparalleled dining experience. Serving up Korean fried chicken, deep fried octopus and chicken skin crackling, this restaurant won’t disappoint. Whether you choose to dine alone, or with a group, you’ll be welcomed by delicious food and a friendly atmosphere."

"Head to Bleachers Sports Bar located on Northbourne Avenue for all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday from 11am-10pm. For $20 per person you can choose from a baskets of Buffalo Wings, Sweet Chilli Wings or BBQ Wings."

"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"