Dickson Taphouse, one of Canberra’s most recommended pubs. Photo: Thomas Lucraft
Everyone loves a good pub feed, a refreshing beer, or simply catching up with mates in a laid-back environment. Being able to head to the pub for a refreshing pint or a satisfying meal is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes, and Canberra’s no exception.
Canberra is home to countless amazing pubs, in the CBDs and the outer suburbs. There is something for everyone, from busy and energetic venues to quieter locals, all of which provide our city with the priceless comfort of knowing there’s always a pub down the road.
Maybe you’re branching out from your local watering hole, or you’re visiting town and you want to know where to go. With so many options available to you, picking one can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of what makes a great pub, and a guide to a handful of the best ones Canberra has to offer.
What makes a great pub?
Pubs are simple and laid-back, always with something for everyone to enjoy, but there’s a handful of things that can make or break a venue. Here are a few things you can look for in a truly great pub:
- Atmosphere. Whether it’s the good decor, live music, sports on screens, a nice location or a friendly crowd, your enjoyment of the pub relies on a lot more than just good food and drink – you have to feel good there too!
- Good food. Just because we call it “grub” doesn’t mean it can’t be high quality! No-one wants a dry burger or greasy chips. Great pubs take pride in their menus, locally source their ingredients, and make sure that while their menu sticks to the classics, there’s still something for everyone.
- Good drinks. What’s a pub without its drinks? The best pubs in town are the ones with a wide range of quality wines, low prices on the house beverages, and an interesting selection of beers on tap and in bottles.
- Family-friendly. The pub is a great place to take the kids on the weekend if you don’t feel like cooking, and a great venue will be able to cater to your children’s needs, perhaps by offering colouring-in books and games to distract them, or by having a kids’ section on the menu to keep them satisfied.
The best pubs in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Dickson Taphouse
The Dickson Taphouse is a classic Canberra pub, known throughout town for its selection of more than 100 beers and a rotating menu of craft beers on tap, as well as a great menu serving up pub classics and a gluten-free menu to cater to customers' needs.
Fun special events include Trivia Night and daily Happy Hour. While weekly specials, live music on Fridays and Saturdays and bar games like darts and pool put Dickon Taphouse a cut above the rest.
"I always enjoy a trip to the Taphouse! Spacious venue with a diverse craft beers list and consistently excellent food. If you want a good pub feed with options for every taste, the Taphouse is a great choice for dinner or drinks. There's nothing not to love!" Lauren says on Google.
Find out more about Dickson Taphouse.
The Old Canberra Inn
The Old Canberra Inn is a living piece of Canberra's history, older than the city itself, it offers a pub experience like no other, providing the kind of atmosphere that most pubs can only dream of.
A pub is nothing without a great selection of beer and the Old Canberra Inn prides itself on only rotating independent Australian craft beer and cider, giving its patrons plenty of choice in picking their brews.
A classic menu featuring all the staples as well as some unexpected but welcome vegetarian and gluten-free options, making for a complete pub experience. Patrons can nurse their craft beer while enjoying free-range schnitzels, lamb kofta, barramundi, steak, burgers and plenty of sides.
Every weekend, the Old Canberra Inn welcomes live music to its rustic scenery. This, combined with their great food and local beer, is why the Old Canberra Inn is a staple for Canberra's punters.
"Such a picturesque little pub, full of character and charm. Plenty of seating options outside and in. Staff are friendly and helpful and service is quick (even when they're busy). Prices are very competitive and food was delicious," Lee says on Google.
Find out more about The Old Canberra Inn.
Cornerstone CBR
Cornerstone CBR, or “Gungahlin’s Pub,” is an excellent place to settle in for a beer and some classic pub grub if you’re up the top end of town. With regular specials, a featured cocktail of the week and plenty of live sports, Cornerstone brings energy, enthusiasm and quality to their service.
Tycho Petrie writes in their Google review, “Absolutely great place. Great food and well-priced. The food was quickly ready, and the general vibe of the place was perfect.”
Kingston Hotel
The Kingston Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Kingo’, is one of the capital’s original watering hotels. With heritage rustic charm and an elegant, homely interior, The Kingo offers boutique beers on tap, live sports, well-priced food and a friendly environment. Enjoy two lively bars, two bistros and a huge outdoor garden seating area.
On Google, Paul Isaks wrote, “Great pub atmosphere. Private room available for group functions, which also doubles as part of the restaurant dining room. Excellent smart pub food.”
The Alby
The Alby is Woden’s largest local for dining, drinks, entertainment and games. On the ground floor of the Albemarle Building, The Alby’s spaces include bar dining with a chef’s table. The Beer Garden is perfect for open-air gatherings, and the Basement features 85-inch screens, Australia’s first Duckpin Bowling, pool tables, pinball and more.
On Google, Rohan Fuhrman wrote, “Great to see more decent pubs opening in the Woden area and livening the place up. This has a great outdoor seating area ... and a cool downstairs sports bar."
If you’re looking for more relaxed dining options, you might like our articles on the best gastro pubs, the best steakhouses and the best bistros Canberra has to offer.
For more sparkle, our articles on the best restaurants and the best fine dining in Canberra may help. And, should you fancy a tipple, our guides to the best cocktail bars or the best wine bars may also be of interest.
Your experience with pubs in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you been to any of the pubs listed above? Did we miss your favourite pub in town? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Canberra pubs dog-friendly?
When there is outdoor seating other than an internal courtyard or beer garden, the majority of Canberra pubs are dog-friendly - as long as you keep your furry friend on a leash and it doesn't cause too much of a bother for other guests!
Can I watch pay-per-view sports at pubs?
Yes, but not all. While almost every pub will have sport playing on a TV somewhere, it's usually the free channels that everyone has access to. However, some pubs in Canberra will play pay-per-view sports regularly, so keep an eye out for those.
Can I bring my kids to the pub?
Absolutely! Pubs are generally very family-friendly places - there's comfy seating, great food (often with a kids' menu), and since pubs expect that people will bring children, they often have colouring-in books and games to keep your little ones occupied.
What is craft beer?
Craft beer comes from smaller, independently owned breweries that make smaller quantities of their product and allow themselves to experiment with flavours and techniques in ways that larger companies can't.
Can pubs serve cocktails?
All pubs stock spirits as well as beer and wine, so yes, they can do cocktails. However, pubs tend to prioritise beer over cocktails, so if you're looking for a good cocktail, you should probably look around for a cocktail bar instead!
