Seven of Canberra’s best hidden bars
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These hidden bars are worth searching for.
Whether you need a change of scenery for a night out or searching for somewhere hidden, nice and quiet, these hidden bars are some of Canberra’s best-kept secrets.
High Jinks (New Acton)
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Nothing is more reputable than being named Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2021 and 2022. If you are curious to find out why, head to High Jinks in New Action for your next night out.
Decorated as a basement hideout, and designed to be your ‘neighbourhood bar’, this venue is definitely one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets. Described as cosy, hidden, cool and full of ‘rambunctious fun’, make sure you make a booking to check out this gem. Come along every Saturday too if you are an aspiring cocktail maker, as High Jinks offers cocktail classes each Saturday at 3 pm.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton | highjinks.bar | @highjinksbar
Parlour (New Acton)
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If you love a place with history, make sure you check out Parlour, located in the historic former hotel Acton. Designed as a replica of the Hotel Kurrajong in Barton, you’ll be dining in a friendly and comfy atmosphere.
With the original hotel opening in 1927, this place is an integral part of Australian history – it helped celebrate the opening of Parliament House when the Mabo legislation was drafted and was once the home of the Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Make sure you check out this icon for not only cocktail hours, which fall between 3 pm to 6 pm Tuesday to Friday, but for its great food too.
16 Kendall Lane, Acton | parlourdining.com.au | @parlourdining
Volstead Repeal (Braddon)
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If you’ve wished to go to a New York bar but haven’t had the chance, don’t worry, Volstead Repeal has you covered.
Hidden down an alley in the Yamaroshi Building in Braddon, this is one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets.
A small and intimate New York-inspired bar, described as a moody ambience of a speakeasy; with over 400 different whiskies to try, you can also book in for your own whisky tasking any Wednesday to Sunday at 6 pm. Head along to see why this bar was a finalist in the Whisky Bar of the Year awards 2023 and 2024.
Shop 7/32 Mort Street Braddon | volstead.com.au | @volstead_repeal
Blue Eyes (Garema Place)
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If you’re after somewhere a bit classy, cosy, and filled with live music, then Blue Eyes at Garema Place is calling your name. Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, this bar will transport you back in time for the night.
Level 1/5 Garema Place, City | blueeyescbr.com.au | @blueeyescbr
Squeaky Clean (Verity Lane)
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Looking for some variety or a reason to go out on a weeknight? Look no further than Squeaky Clean in Verity Lane. Known for its community-focused atmosphere, here you can do trivia on the first Tuesday of each month, listen to live music on Wednesdays and enter pool competitions every Thursday, along with enjoying some delicious food and cocktail favourites. Make sure to give their socials a follow and also to keep updated on any special events.
45 Verity Lane, City | squeakycleanbar.com | @squeakycleanbar
11e CAVE (Kingston)
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If you’re after a hard yet valued find, heading to 11e Cave in Kingston is the place to go. Situated behind a red door, within an old bank vault and inspired by small French cellars, what’s not to love about this funky, fun and classic hidden secret?
Corner of Eyre and, 39 Kennedy Street Kingston | onzieme.com.au | @11e_cave
Molly (Civic)
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Located at coordinates 35°16’44.5″S 149°07’42.0″E, there’s nothing more adventurous than hunting down your next bar visit. Molly Bar (which is located in Civic) is the place to be for fantastic drinks, live entertainment and a dark yet cosy atmosphere. Head along every Tuesday to Thursday night to indulge in some live jazz and have a good time.
Wooden Door, Odgers Lane, City | molly.bar | @mollybarcanberra
Feature image: Blue Eyes. Credit: Adam McGrath @hcreations72.
