PJs in the City

PJs in the City is your local pub in the heart of Canberra, ACT, where good times, great food, and fantastic drinks come together. Located at 52 Alinga St in the Melbourne Building, just off Northbourne Avenue, PJs in the City has built a reputation as a welcoming gastro pub that blends hearty Australian fare with a lively social atmosphere. The venue is known for its craft beer selection, regularly updated menu of pub classics, and a vibrant entertainment lineup that includes live music and themed events. With a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps from nearly 940 reviews, this casual dining restaurant draws a loyal crowd of locals and visitors alike who appreciate attentive service, generous portions, and the genuine neighborhood-pub feel that the team cultivates every day.

The experience at PJs in the City is built around three core pillars: approachable food, a well-curated bar, and entertainment that makes every visit feel special. The kitchen turns out Australian pub favorites that keep guests coming back, while the bar taps showcase rotating craft beers alongside classic cocktails and affordable wines. Weekends transform the space into one of Canberra's go-to spots for live music, with a rotating lineup of solo artists, duos, and bands covering genres from rock and pop to folk, R&B, and reggae. Whether you drop in for a weekday lunch, a Friday night gig, or a late-night feed, the pub’s commitment to treating everyone like a local ensures you will feel at home as soon as you walk through the door.

Menu Highlights at PJs in the City

The food menu at PJs in the City focuses on well-executed pub classics that satisfy a broad range of tastes without straying into pretentious territory. Google Maps reviewers frequently highlight the kitchen’s steak, chips and salad as a standout, with one guest noting the steak was “perfectly cooked.” The carbonara pasta also earns repeat mentions, as does the highly praised schnitzel, which a Local Guide reviewer called the “best schnitzel” they have had. These dishes sit alongside a rotating selection of daily specials that reflect seasonal ingredients and the culinary team’s creative instincts. The late-night feeds menu, available on Friday and Saturday evenings until midnight, offers a curated list of hearty bites designed to pair with a beer after a gig, ensuring the pub stays lively right through to the late hours.

The drinks list complements the food with an emphasis on craft beer taps, well-made spirits, and easy-drinking wines. Guinness appears repeatedly in customer reviews, suggesting a loyal following for the iconic stout, while the broader beer selection rotates to keep the offering fresh for regulars. Whether you are after a crisp lager on a summer afternoon or a rich ale by the fire in winter, the bar team can guide you toward the right pour. For those not drinking beer, the cocktail list features both classic and contemporary mixes, and the wine list covers reliable Australian varietals that pair neatly with the food. The kitchen and bar operate as one cohesive unit, with staff trained to recommend pairings that elevate the casual dining experience.

The Dining Experience

PJs in the City combines a warm, friendly interior with flexible seating options that adapt to everything from solo lunches to large group gatherings. The interior design leans into the classic Australian pub aesthetic: timber finishes, comfortable bar stools and chairs, and a layout that encourages conversation without feeling overcrowded. A designated outdoor smoking area provides a comfortable space for those who need it, while the main dining room and bar area buzz with energy, especially on live-music nights. Reviewers consistently mention that the venue maintains comfortable seating across all sections, with bar stools, standard chairs, and outdoor benches all rated as pleasant places to settle in for a few hours.

The pub is committed to accessibility and convenience, offering dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery through DoorDash. Table reservations can be made directly through the website via OpenTable for those who want a guaranteed spot during peak times, although walk-ins are always welcome. The space is LGBTQ+-friendly, a fact explicitly noted on Google Maps, reinforcing the inclusive, everyone-is-a-local philosophy that underpins the brand. On Friday and Saturday nights, live music kicks off at 8:30 PM, filling the room with a soundtrack that ranges from acoustic solo sets to full-band performances, creating an atmosphere that is energetic without being overwhelming—reviewers note the volume is set at a level that allows conversation while still enjoying the music. Quiz nights and sports screenings, including the pub’s role as the official FIFA World Cup home of the underdog, add variety to the weekly calendar, ensuring there is always a reason to visit beyond the food and drink.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

PJs in the City holds a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps, drawn from 939 reviews that paint a consistently positive picture of the casual dining restaurant. The volume and tone of feedback provide a reliable snapshot of what guests can expect, with several themes recurring across the reviews. Service is the most frequently praised element: customers use words like “really good service” and “very friendly staff,” and the owner responses to reviews reinforce the impression that management genuinely cares about guest experience. The live music and quiz events are another major draw, with multiple reviewers specifically mentioning enjoyable live sets and the lively atmosphere that accompanies them. One reviewer described visiting “for a beer” and finding “a lot going on—great live music and a quiz night,” noting that both indoor and outdoor seating allowed them to “sit comfortably and have a drink.”

Food quality receives specific, detailed praise rather than vague compliments. The schnitzel gets called out as exceptional, the steak earns comments about perfect cooking, and the Guinness receives multiple enthusiastic mentions that suggest it is poured with care. The pub’s atmosphere is consistently described as vibrant and welcoming, with a good mix of seating options that let guests choose their preferred vibe. Criticisms are rare in the available reviews, but when they do appear they tend to focus on peak-time wait periods—a natural consequence of the pub’s popularity on weekends. The business’s practice of responding to reviews, both positive and negative, signals a leadership team that is engaged with its community and committed to continuous improvement.

PJs in the City in Civic Canberra

The pub occupies a prime spot in Canberra’s Civic district at 52 Alinga Street, Canberra ACT 2601, situated within the heritage-listed Melbourne Building. This location places PJs in the City at the center of the city’s commercial and cultural hub, within walking distance of major office buildings, government departments, and Canberra’s main shopping precinct. The proximity to Northbourne Avenue, Canberra’s primary gateway road, makes it easy to find for visitors arriving from outside the city center. The area is well served by public transport, with Google Maps data confirming convenient access for those using buses, cycling, or walking. The pub’s central location means it draws a diverse crowd that includes office workers grabbing lunch, tourists exploring the capital, and locals meeting friends for after-work drinks.

For those driving, Civic offers a range of paid parking options nearby, including the Canberra Centre car parks and street parking on surrounding roads. Cyclists will find bike racks within the Melbourne Building vicinity, and the flat terrain of Civic makes walking or scooting a practical option for those staying in nearby hotels or apartments. The pub’s position just off Northbourne Avenue places it close to several well-known Canberra landmarks, including the Canberra Theatre Centre, the National Convention Centre, and the bustling restaurant strip of Bunda Street. This location makes PJs a natural pre-show dinner spot for theatregoers and a convenient meeting point for conference attendees seeking a relaxed, no-fuss meal away from hotel bars.

Hours, Reservations and Contact

PJs in the City operates on a schedule designed to accommodate both the weekday office crowd and the weekend entertainment seeker. The kitchen and bar are open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until late, making it a reliable option for lunch, after-work drinks, and evening meals. On Saturdays, the pub opens at 3:00 PM and runs until late, with live music starting at 8:30 PM and the late-night feeds menu available until midnight. The venue remains closed on Sundays. It is always wise to check the official website or Google Maps listing for any last-minute changes to hours or special holiday closures.

Booking a table is straightforward: the website links directly to OpenTable, where guests can secure a spot for lunch, dinner, or a late-night session. Walk-ins are accommodated based on availability, but reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights when live music draws larger crowds. For delivery, the kitchen partners with DoorDash to offer contactless delivery across the Canberra region, while takeaway orders can be placed in person or by phone. Contact details are publicly listed: phone (02) 6230 1261 and email pjsinthecity@gmail.com. The team is responsive to both phone and email inquiries, making it easy to confirm availability, ask about function packages, or check the entertainment lineup before heading in. Function bookings for private events can be explored through the dedicated packages available on the website.

Common Questions

Does PJs in the City offer live music every weekend?

Live music runs every Friday and Saturday night from 8:30 PM, featuring a rotating lineup of solo artists, duos, and bands. The genres vary each weekend to keep the experience fresh, with past acts covering rock, pop, folk, R&B, reggae, hip hop, soul, country, and acoustic sets. No two weekends sound the same, so checking the “what’s on” page on the website before visiting is a good way to see who is playing.

What are the most popular menu items at PJs in the City?

According to Google Maps reviews, the schnitzel is a standout favorite, alongside the steak, chips and salad, and the carbonara pasta. Guinness also gets frequent mentions, indicating it is a reliable choice from the bar. The kitchen also runs a late-night feeds menu on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight, offering a separate selection of hearty snacks and smaller plates.

Is PJs in the City wheelchair accessible?

Google Maps does not list specific wheelchair accessibility attributes for the venue at this time. If you have particular accessibility needs, it is best to contact the team directly on (02) 6230 1261 or by email before your visit so they can confirm the current facilities and make any necessary arrangements.

Can I book a table at PJs in the City online?

Yes, table reservations are available through the OpenTable link on the PJs in the City website. Booking ahead is recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings when live music draws a crowd, but walk-ins are always welcome based on availability. For larger groups or function inquiries, the website also provides downloadable function packages and contact details for making a private booking.

Does PJs in the City offer takeaway or delivery?

The pub offers both takeaway and contactless delivery. Delivery orders can be placed through DoorDash, with the full menu available for online ordering. Takeaway can be arranged by calling (02) 6230 1261 or visiting the venue in person. Delivery availability and geographic coverage are managed through the DoorDash platform.

What are the opening hours of PJs in the City?

The pub is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM until late, and Saturday from 3:00 PM until late. It is closed on Sundays. Late-night feeds are available on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. Hours may vary on public holidays, so checking the Google Maps listing or the official website before visiting is recommended for the most up-to-date schedule.

Is PJs in the City an LGBTQ+-friendly venue?

Yes, PJs in the City is explicitly listed as LGBTQ+-friendly on Google Maps. The pub’s philosophy of treating everyone like a local extends to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all guests, regardless of background or identity.