Hippo Co

Hippo Co sits on Garema Place in the heart of Canberra's Civic, in the central city precinct. A characterful bar — long known as one of the capital's beloved cocktail-and-jazz spots — it's earned a strong reputation for its quality drinks, intimate atmosphere and, often, its live music, the kind of stylish, in-the-know spot that's become a genuine favourite.

The appeal is that combination of expertly made cocktails, a moody, intimate setting and, frequently, live jazz and music, ideal for a special drink, a date or a relaxed, sophisticated night out. Its distinctive character, quality drinks and live-music heritage give it a real point of difference, and Hippo Co has clearly carved out a devoted following in central Canberra.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 550 reviews, it's clearly delivering on both the drinks and the atmosphere. Cocktail lists, the live-music program, opening hours and any events vary, and a popular bar fills up on weekends, so it's worth checking the current details before you go — particularly for a specific music night — though for an expertly made cocktail in a characterful setting, it's often just a matter of dropping in at Hippo Co in Civic.