Shorty’s: Long on good food

Posted on 22 October, 2019

Ever wandered into Shorty’s for a quick drink with friends that ended up leading to an impromptu meal? Yeah, we have too.

The long bar tables lend themselves to holding a stack of share platters, while upstairs, more intimate table settings provide the perfect corner of the city to slow down and soak up some of Shorty’s much-loved hospitality. Possibly with a glass of bubbles.

Having been in operation now for nearly seven years, Shorty’s has become a favourite haunt for many Canberrans, including city workers who want a meal that goes beyond any of the fast food places in the near vicinity.

While undoubtedly one of the city’s favourite drinking holes, Shorty’s is also increasingly known for its broad menu—which goes well beyond standard pub fare and burgers (not that it doesn’t serve excellent pub fare or burgers—including beef, Nashville fried chicken, vegetarian and fish burgers).

It’s just that Shorty’s puts effort into making sure everyone can enjoy a good meal.

The new menu includes a focus on share platters that promise to satisfy a diverse range of tastes.

From Joe’s Karaage chicken to five-spice and caramel squid, green pea hummus and soft-shell crab, there is plenty on offer to ensure that if you go for a quick lunch, you won’t get hungry again that afternoon.

Similarly, a beer after work has never been more suited to staying on for a delicious dinner when Shorty’s promises everything from a grilled scotch fillet to a yellow eggplant curry or grilled chicken with fennel, zucchini and a yoghurt and sumac dressing.

For those of you who relish Shorty’s atmosphere—it has a classic curved bar, lots of funky artwork, neon and a curated collection of retro features to make it feel comfortable and friendly—there’s little doubt that its weekly specials will also bring a smile to your face.

We’re talking schnitties or parmis on a Tuesday at just $18, rump steaks on a Wednesday for $20, and burgers on Thursdays for $15.

But if your palate veers towards the more healthy side of the bar, then there’s a salad with your name on it. Like the Levantine (pea fritter, cucumber, tomato, yoghurt, egg, cabbage, radish, onion and hummus) or a Vietnamese chicken (herbs shiso, ginger and chilli) or duck Caesar (duck, bacon croutons, cos lettuce and egg).

Staying on for dinner would not be quite as enjoyable if you didn’t also stay on for dessert. And we have four words for you: Deep. Fried. Golden. Gaytime. You read that correctly.

But if perhaps, that sounds a little too much to get your mouth around, a more demure ice-cream sandwich with vanilla bean ice-cream and mango sorbet may be more your thing.

It goes without saying that Shorty’s has an impressive bar, stocked with everything you need to quench your thirst, but next time you’re there, take a look at the menu, and settle in for something good.

Some other thing to note before you go? Shorty’s has no TVs, so get ready to talk to people and actually mingle. And if you’re shy, book in for their monthly speed dating night. There are drink specials and themed merchandise to break the ice.

the essentials

What: Shorty’s
Where: 29 Garema Place, Canberra City
When: 10 am–12.30 am
Web: shortysbar.com.au

Photography: Anisa Sabet

This editorial was created in partnership with Shorty’s. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.