12 Best Bars in Canberra
Canberra's bar scene spans everything from craft cocktails to neighbourhood hangouts. Whether you're after a sophisticated drink in Civic or exploring Braddon's growing venue strip, here are the standout bars worth visiting.
- 1Bars Civic
1. Loquita
Start here for a polished cocktail experience in Canberra's heart. Loquita ranks highest among the city's bars and sits in the Civic precinct where the action happens.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.8(1,339)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Bars Civic2. The Pearl Hotel
A Civic institution offering consistent quality and a welcoming vibe. The Pearl Hotel is a reliable choice whether you're after a casual drink or something more planned.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.9(693)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Braddon3. Rizla
Braddon's bar scene is worth the short trip, and Rizla represents the suburb's growing reputation for good venues. Less crowded than central Civic, with distinct character.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(357)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Braddon4. Volstead Repeal
Another strong option in Braddon for those wanting to explore beyond Civic. Volstead Repeal matches Rizla's standing and gives you reason to make an evening of the neighbourhood.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(390)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Civic5. Molly
Civic venue offering a different energy from the top two. Molly's worth a visit if you want choice and variety within the same precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(1,005)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Civic6. Paloma's
A Civic bar that rounds out the mid-tier options. Visit Paloma's when sampling multiple venues or looking for somewhere specific to your mood that evening.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.8(286)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Civic7. Hippo Co
Located in Civic with a strong enough profile to deserve a visit. Hippo Co offers another distinct option in the city's main bar zone.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.6(552)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Civic8. Devil You Don't
A Civic bar for those wanting to explore beyond the obvious top choices. Devil You Don't contributes to the variety across the precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.8(299)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Civic9. Bar Rochford
Civic's Bar Rochford is solid enough to warrant inclusion, particularly if you're bar-hopping and want comprehensive local coverage.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(572)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Civic10. Blue Eyes
A Civic venue that rounds out the city's bar offerings. Visit Blue Eyes as part of a wider Civic bar crawl or when it suits your itinerary.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.8(237)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Civic11. Squeaky Clean
Another Civic option for completing your bar exploration. Squeaky Clean adds to the choice available across the precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.9(107)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars Civic12. Capital Brewing Co - Airport Taproom
A unique option if you're already at the airport or looking for a brewery-focused experience. The taproom location makes it distinctive among central Civic bars.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(404)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loquita | 69/100 | 4.8(1,339) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Pearl Hotel | 68/100 | 4.9(693) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Rizla | 65/100 | 4.8(357) | — | Braddon | Open 7 days |
| Volstead Repeal | 65/100 | 4.8(390) | — | Braddon | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Molly | 65/100 | 4.6(1,005) | $$ | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Paloma's | 64/100 | 4.8(286) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Hippo Co | 64/100 | 4.6(552) | $$ | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Devil You Don't | 64/100 | 4.8(299) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Bar Rochford | 64/100 | 4.6(572) | $$ | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Blue Eyes | 63/100 | 4.8(237) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Squeaky Clean | 62/100 | 4.9(107) | — | Civic | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Capital Brewing Co - Airport Taproom | 61/100 | 4.5(404) | — | Civic | Open 7 days |
Frequently asked questions
Are all these bars in Civic?+
Most are, but Rizla and Volstead Repeal are in nearby Braddon. Braddon's worth exploring if you want a different neighbourhood feel.
What's the difference between the top-ranked bars?+
Loquita and The Pearl Hotel rank highest overall. The distinction between mid-tier venues often comes down to specific drinks, vibe, and your personal preference rather than quality difference.
Can I get food at these venues?+
We don't have detailed food information for each bar. Check individual venues before visiting if dining is important to your visit.
What are the opening hours?+
Opening hours vary and change seasonally. Contact venues directly or check their websites before heading out.
Is Capital Brewing Co only at the airport?+
This listing covers their Airport Taproom location. Check if they have other Canberra locations directly with the venue.
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