With the cold of winter well and truly behind us, what better way to spend a sun-drenched afternoon than sitting back in the breeze with an ice-cold beverage? Whether you’re chilling out with a cranberry juice or relaxing with rum, here are five outdoor bars you need to visit right now.
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Rum Bar
Kingston Foreshore
For: the rum drinker
“There is a rum for everyone, they just don’t know it…yet!” That’s the catchphrase of this classy waterside bar, aptly located on the Kingston Foreshore. Hang with the inner-south crowd and take in views of the marina, as the lilting tones from the baby grand piano float through the open glass doors.
As you wander inside to get the next round, you’ll be impressed by the hundreds of rum bottles perched proudly behind the bar. Hardly exclusive to rum fanatics, the bar’s staff are also experts in cocktail mixing and there is an extensive wine list, as well as tapas delights to share.
Honky Tonks
Garema Place in the City
For: the sangria drinker
I have spent many a summer evening sipping on icy sangria and watching the city light fade at this popular inner-north hangout. A Mexican-themed bar in the heart of the city, Honky Tonks would equally suit post-dinner drinks, end-of-the-week chill, or the start of an amazing night out.
Head along for Taco Tuesday and be sure to order one of the signature sangria pitchers. Are you a traditionalist at heart with a love of rich flavours and deep reds? Or a light-hearted socialite after a crisp summer taste? Red or white, these delicious jugs are perfect to share with friends.
Ha Ha Bar
Emu Bank, Belconnen
For: the cocktail drinker
Atmosphere is everything at Ha Ha Bar, but there’s also the view, and the cocktails, and the food…A touch of class is one of many mixers available at this Belconnen favourite. Relax on the outdoor deck as you take in views of Lake Gininderra, and be sure to treat yourself to a drink, some dinner or some tapas.
Those preferring a non-alcoholic delight have a range of delicious options, such as a fresh strawberry drink or a home-made mint lemonade.
Sub Urban
Cnr Wolley and Cape Streets, Dickson
For: the beer drinker
If you like hustle-and-bustle and a lively urban vibe, you just have to go to Sub Urban in Dickson. This bar is often packed on Friday nights, as inner-north folk unwind after a long week. With a range of boutique beers and an extensive wine list, it also has a spacious beer garden which makes for a great outdoor hangout in summer.
Sub Urban’s Italian Restaurant is on hand for dinner, or simply walk a few steps and find yourself in the middle of Dickson’s dining precinct.
Hopscotch
Lonsdale Street, Braddon
For: the whisky (or beer, or wine) drinker
With an enormous outdoor drinking area and a trendy inner-north location, it’s hardly a surprise that Hopscotch has become one of the most popular bars in Canberra. The many unique features of this hip (hop) bar include the outdoor spit and an imported wood-fired Argentine Grill, so you can’t possibly go hungry.
Whether you rock up ready for a night out or turn up in jeans and a t-shirt, you’re guaranteed good vibes and an incredible selection of drinks at Hopscotch.
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Already frequenting the bars above? Here are five more to visit as summer heats up:
The Duxton (O’Connor shops)
Hippo Co (Garema Place)
Little Brookly (Kingston shops)
Walt & Burley (Kingston Foreshore)
The Dock (Kingston Foreshore)
