The Durham in Kingston is 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
RiotACT’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 RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
King O'Malley's
A Canberra institution, King O’Malley’s is an Irish pub with true character. Located in the city, King O’Malley’s is the ideal place to grab a meal with mates, listen to live music (including Irish folk), dance the night away, or take in the sights of the city.
With indoor and outdoor dining, King O’Malley’s dishes up great pub food with its all-day menu. Grab a pint of Guinness or a local ale and settle in.
Pub grub includes shares and starters, delicious burgers, snazzy pizzas and the famous O’Malley’s salad. Mains include the favorite home-made pie, hearty steak, chicken schnitty and more. Seafood is also served, and kids’ meals are available.
Venue and function spaces include The Snug Room (up to 25 guests), The Castle Room (up to 45 guests) and The Guinness Room (up to 90 guests). Each space is unique, with its own personality.
Events are advertised on the website and include the pub's famous annual beard competition.
King O’Malley’s is famously named after a colourful politician and former insurance salesman, with a fascinating legacy. Ironically, this character advocated for an alcohol ban across Canberra. The pub features photos, artefacts and imagery telling the story.
On Google, Alfa Fox wrote, “If you're looking for a cozy and authentic Irish pub experience in the heart of Canberra, look no further than this charming establishment. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Ireland.”
The Durham Castle Arms
Located in the heart of Kingston, with a perfect possie in Green Square, The Durham Castle Arms is a relaxed but fun British-style tavern that offers inexpensive but tasty pub grub and great beer on tap.
“The Durham”—as it’s fondly called by its fans—has a welcoming atmosphere with friendly, well-trained staff and a cosy, eclectic and inviting interior. The large outdoor area is surrounded by mature trees.
Regular special events include themed trivia nights and local live music.
The Durham is also home to the Ale Mary Brewing Company, founded in 2023. This microbrewery specialises in small-batch, hand-crafted beers made with quality ingredients and a passion for the art of brewing.
Members get discounts, special offers and VIP invitations to exclusive Durham events and functions.
Adam Smith wrote on Google, “… a welcoming pleasant place, good atmosphere and decor reminiscent of an English pub … with an excellent array of local craft beers.”
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 and a featured cocktail of the week, as well as being one of the best places in town to watch live sports, Cornerstone brings energy, enthusiasm and quality to their service and makes sure you’re leaving impatient for your next visit.
As ‘Local Guide’ 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.”
Dickson Taphouse
The Dickson Taphouse is a classic corner pub with great beer, tasty food, and live music and events. It offers over 100 beers and rotating local craft beers on tap. Wines and cocktails are available, as are quality pub snacks and mains, some with a gourmet twist. Enjoy Trivia Night and Happy Hour.
Simon Hamilton wrote on Google, “Great food and beer. New and interesting meal options added to the regular menu every week. Same with the beer ...”
The Old Canberra Inn
The Old Canberra Inn is a quaint, family-friendly local with hearty pub meals, rotating Australian craft beer on tap, carefully selected wines and spirits, great live music and weekly entertainment. The menu is designed around local ingredients, with something for everyone. Beers on tap rotate. The Old Canberra Inn caters for functions, is family friendly and dog friendly.
Matt Dent on Google wrote, “This place has an awesome vibe ... Super blast from the colonial past.”
The Alby
The Alby is Woden’s largest local—for dining, enjoying drinks and great food, and having fun playing 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. The Basement features 85-inch tvs, 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!
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