It’s cuffing season, so here’s your cheat sheet for first date locations in Canberra
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I’ll be honest – I work at HerCanberra and I will still Google ‘bars in Canberra’ when choosing the spot for a first date. There, I said it.
Choosing the location for a first date seems to go one of two ways: you either end up going to the same spot too many times – to the point that the waiter comments that it’s ‘nice to see you two again’ when you’re with someone new (Bar Rochford bartender, I will never forgive you!) – or you struggle to remember the name of a single suitable bar.
Then comes the challenge of remembering the ambience. Was it super noisy? Could you pay at the bar? What’s the chance of running into a bunch of colleagues that will make ‘IS THAT A FIRST DATE YOU’RE ON?’ eyebrows at you across the room?
First dates can suck, so we’re here to make them easier with a snappy (by no means exhaustive!) cheat sheet. Thank us later.
A note before we start: we didn’t include any cafés on this list because honestly, a café would have to be pretty shocking to be ‘bad’ for a date.
‘I want super casual vibes and no awkwardness when the bill comes’
Looking for a casual drinks spot where you can buy each round at the bar?
- Dear Prudence (perfect for wine lovers and very central)
- Brew Nation (pub vibes with a great selection of beers in the heart of the city)
- Tilley’s (suburban vibes meets sleek retro interiors)
- Paloma’s (Cute Braddon spot with garden seating)
- The Alby (sleek gastropub vibes with the bonus offering of games in the basement)
- Old Canberra Inn (casual, relaxed and plenty of outdoor seating – also, a fireplace in winter!)
- Verity Lane (for drinking cocktails in a laneway and if you want to kick on, you can grab dinner at the same table)
- Caribou Kingston (sit outside in Green Square under the trees or split some yummy bar snacks in one of their cute booths)
‘I want to look like I’ve put effort in’
Want to look like you know the sexiest bar in town? We’ve got you.
- High Jinks (subterranean, speakeasy vibes in trendy NewActon with a killer cocktail menu)
- Monster (spacious and endlessly chic interiors + two fireplaces + a great wine list = winter date heaven)
- Volstead Repeal (a clever team with inventive cocktails and intimate speakeasy vibes makes for the perfect cosy date)
- Hippo Bar (live jazz and a balcony are never a bad idea)
- Bar Rochford (sit at the bar next to the record player or by the windows – there is never a bad table for a date at Bar Rochford)
- Bar Beirut (Get a taste of the Middle East at one of Canberra’s most welcoming – and most fun – city bars).
- Leyla Bar (Penthouse views, elegant surrounds and achingly chic cocktails. What’s not to love?)
- Blue Eyes (cosy up on a Chesterfield sofa and drink some whiskey)
‘I want something out of the box’
Well okay, Casanova. If you’re looking for something a little spesh, here are some ideas that require a bit of effort but will come off as completely charming.
- Rent a GoBoat or Love Boat and cruise the lake with a picnic of delish things.
- Pick up their favourite takeaway and find a picturesque spot on one of Canberra’s many hills or mountains or by Lake Burley Griffin (bonus points if you’re there for sunset).
- Take a day trip to Braidwood, Bungendore, Gundaroo or Yass for lunch at one of the many gorgeous cafés or restaurants (make sure they’re actually okay with crossing state lines before you grandly show them your car as the date location).
- Who says dates have to be nocturnal? Head to gorgeous lakeside Margot Bar for a cheese platter and wine lunch as you watch the joggers go by and the leaves turn.
‘I want something else to carry the conversation’
A first date with an activity? Say less.
Sometimes there’s nothing better than letting something (like a gig or a play) do the heavy lifting on a first date.
- Sideway, The Polo, Smith’s Alternative, The Baso and The Polo all have packed calendars of gigs for all tastes.
- Palace Electric (if you have a shared interest in film, this is definitely the most romantic cinema with far less screaming children than other locations).
- Canberra Theatre Centre (a comedy show is a fantastic way to break the ice on a first date, then you can grab a drink after).
- The Durham (these guys have weekly trivia and a chilled pub atmosphere).
‘They’re suggesting a dinner…help!’
Dinners as a first date is a lovely idea if you know the chemistry is sizzling. These spots are casual enough that you can flirt, chat and laugh without feeling self-conscious – and serve food you actually want to eat on a first date.
- Akiba (let the speedy staff and delish menu do the talking for you while you…also do the talking, hopefully).
- Bar Beirut (party vibes and great company make for a relaxed yet vibey dinner spot. They’re amazing for catering for food intolerances too!).
- Cartel (I know tacos are messy for a first date but get over yourself and relax in Cartel’s gorgeous outdoor seating by the river, why don’t you?).
Feature: Dear Prudence. Photography: Lean Timms.
