Molly

Tucked away behind an unmarked Wooden Door on Odgers Lane in the heart of Canberra, Molly is not just a bar — it’s a destination. Inspired by the allure of the Prohibition era, this speakeasy-style venue offers an experience that begins the moment you set out to find it. Once inside, guests are transported to a different time, where crafted cocktails, an extensive whisky collection, and the smooth sounds of live jazz set the tone. Molly has earned its reputation as one of Canberra’s most distinctive nightlife spots, a place that Australian Traveller has described as “a chic, well-designed throwback to the Prohibition era and a fixture on any list of the best Canberra bars.” The venue is accessible via the Melbourne Building, located at Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra ACT 2601.

More than a cocktail bar, Molly is a full sensory experience. The dimly lit, intimate interior, the curated playlists of soul, funk and jazz, and the attentive, knowledgeable staff combine to create an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Whether you’re a whisky aficionado, a cocktail enthusiast, or a lover of live music, Molly offers a welcoming haven in Canberra’s CBD. The bar operates from 4 pm to midnight Monday through Wednesday, extends to 2 am Thursday to Saturday, and is now open on Sundays from 5 pm to midnight.

The Whisky & Cocktail Experience at Molly

An Extensive Whisky Selection

Molly boasts Canberra’s most extensive selection of whisky, a fact proudly stated on the venue's official website. The back bar is a library of rare and hard-to-find spirits from Scotland, Japan, the United States, and Australia, making it a pilgrimage site for serious whisky drinkers. The team behind the bar is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the category, often creating bespoke tasting flights and helping guests navigate the comprehensive spirits menu.

Crafted Cocktails with a Speakeasy Soul

The cocktail program at Molly is rooted in classic technique but unafraid of creative flair. Signature serves like the Ron Zucappa Old Fashioned with Chocolate Bitters and the Negroni are highlighted as popular choices on the Google Maps listing. The cocktail and wine menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect an impeccable balance of flavor, a reverence for history, and a touch of theater in every glass. Whether you prefer a timeless Martini or an adventurous house creation, the bar team delivers drinks that are as beautiful as they are balanced.

Masterclasses for the Curious

For those who want to go deeper, Molly offers a series of exclusive masterclasses. The website lists upcoming sessions including the Foursquare Rum Masterclass, Woodford Reserve Masterclass, and the Best of the Bunch Masterclass series focusing on Scotland and other whisky regions. These guided tastings are a rare opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and brand ambassadors in an intimate setting, perfect for corporate groups, private parties, or passionate enthusiasts.

Live Jazz & the Sound of Molly

Music is not an afterthought at Molly — it’s a defining feature. Live jazz fills the room on multiple nights each week, curated by a rotating lineup of Canberra’s finest musicians. The program includes:

Tuesday Night Piano

From 8:30 pm, resident pianist Micah Knight sets the mood with an evening of solo piano jazz. It’s a refined, low-key start to the music week, perfect for a quiet dram and conversation.

Pro Jazz Jam Wednesdays

Con Campbell’s band takes the stage for a professional, Chicago-style improv jazz jam that the venue describes as “never before seen in Canberra.” Instrumentalists, vocalists, and jazz supporters are all welcome, making it a dynamic and unpredictable night.

Take Five Thursdays

A rotating cast of Canberra’s best trios and quartets delivers a night of proper jazz and good drinks from 9:30 pm. It’s a midweek highlight for lovers of classic and contemporary jazz.

Straight, No Chaser Fridays

The weekend kicks off at 9:30 pm with high-energy jazz that spans hard bop, soul-jazz, latin, gritty fusion, and even jazzed-up pop covers. The lights go down, the band takes over, and the room buzzes with energy while the drinks keep flowing.

Customer Reviews & Reputation

Molly holds a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps, based on over 1,000 reviews, reflecting its consistent delivery of exceptional hospitality and atmosphere. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the outstanding service, with bar staff who are described as “super friendly” and visibly passionate about their craft. One reviewer, a local guide, noted that regulars are welcomed as warmly as first-timers, creating an inclusive environment. The venue’s female-led operation is flagged in its Google Maps profile, and a solo female traveler shared that she feels “safe and warmly welcomed” when visiting alone, praising the attentive and thorough service.

Recurring themes in customer feedback include the impeccable music curation — with soul, funk, and jazz frequently highlighted — and the distinctive speakeasy ambiance. Eric Hood describes “first-class service and warm hospitality” that turns first-time visitors into regulars. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, the speakeasy nature of the venue means it can sometimes be difficult for newcomers to locate, which loyal patrons consider part of its charm.

Functions & Private Events at Molly

Molly’s unique atmosphere makes it an unforgettable venue for private bookings. The venue offers a range of function options tailored to different group sizes and occasions. According to the official website, these include:

• Private Cocktail Classes: Hands-on sessions where guests learn to make classic cocktails behind the bar.
• Private Whisky Tastings: Curated tastings led by Molly’s expert team for groups of all experience levels.
• Parties: The space can be transformed for birthdays, milestones, and social celebrations.
• Corporate Events: A distinctive alternative to a standard boardroom, ideal for networking and client entertainment.

The team works closely with hosts to create a bespoke experience, from drink packages to bar snacks like the charcuterie mentioned on the venue’s Google Maps profile.

Molly in Canberra’s City Centre

Molly is hidden in plain sight within the Melbourne Building on Odgers Lane, a location that adds to its speakeasy mystique. The area is a hub for Canberra’s nightlife, with other well-regarded venues like Bar Rochford and Hippo Co nearby. The bar’s downtown CBD position makes it easily accessible by public transport, cycling, or car, as indicated by the transit, cycling, and traffic layers on its Google Maps listing. While the physical address is the Wooden Door on Odgers Lane, the entrance is purposely discreet — look for the door, and you’ve already begun the experience.

Menus, Bookings & Contact

Molly’s current menus for cocktails, wine, whisky, spirits, and food are available directly on its website. The food menu features thoughtfully paired bar snacks, with charcuterie highlighted as a popular offering. To secure a table, particularly on live jazz nights, a reservation is highly recommended. Bookings can be made through the SevenRooms platform linked directly from molly.bar. For private functions, masterclasses, or general inquiries, the team can be reached at shhh@molly.bar or by phone at +61 2 6188 4590.

Common Questions

Where is Molly located in Canberra?

Molly is situated behind the Wooden Door on Odgers Lane, within the Melbourne Building in Canberra’s CBD. The speakeasy-style entrance is intentionally discreet.

Does Molly accept reservations?

Yes, reservations can be made through the SevenRooms booking platform accessible from the molly.bar website, especially recommended for live jazz nights.

What nights does Molly have live jazz?

Live jazz is scheduled Tuesday through Friday nights. Tuesday features piano jazz, Wednesday is a pro jazz jam, Thursday showcases trios and quartets, and Friday offers high-energy jazz.

Does Molly offer whisky or cocktail masterclasses?

Yes, Molly regularly hosts masterclasses focused on specific spirits like rum, Woodford Reserve, and a “Best of the Bunch” series exploring different whisky regions. Dates are listed on the official website.

Can I book a private function at Molly?

Absolutely. Molly offers private bookings for parties, corporate events, private cocktail making classes, and private whisky tastings.

What are Molly’s opening hours?

Molly is open Monday to Wednesday from 4 pm to 12 am, Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Sunday from 5 pm to 12 am.

For a speakeasy experience that masterfully blends rare spirits, live music, and impeccable service in Canberra, Molly stands apart. We encourage you to compare local venues on Ilistify to find the perfect night out for your taste.