Smith's Alternative

Smith's Alternative sits on Alinga Street in the heart of Canberra's Civic, in the central city precinct. A beloved, characterful cafe, bar and live-arts venue, it's a genuine fixture of the capital's cultural scene — combining good coffee and drinks with a wonderful program of live music, comedy, theatre, poetry and events, the kind of vibrant, in-the-know spot that's a hub for the arts and a good time.

The appeal is that combination of good coffee and drinks, a relaxed, characterful atmosphere and a brilliant program of live performances and events, ideal for a coffee, a drink, a catch-up or a night of live entertainment. Its eclectic, creative character and great line-ups have made it a treasured fixture, drawing a devoted following.

With a 4.5 rating from more than 850 reviews, it's clearly a much-loved spot. The events-and-performance program, opening hours, drinks and any ticketing vary entirely with what's on, so it's worth checking the current details before you go — particularly for a specific show or event — though for a coffee or a drink in a characterful setting, it's often just a matter of dropping in at Smith's Alternative in Civic.