Public Bar

Public Bar is a cultural touchstone in the heart of Manuka, Canberra, offering modern Australian pub dining paired with a vibrant social atmosphere. Situated in the Manuka Arcade at 1/33 Flinders Way in Griffith, ACT, the venue has become one of the city's most loved bars and restaurants. With a colourful character that welcomes you like an old friend, Public Bar blends warm lighting, exposed brick and subtle industrial touches to create a space where locals and visitors can meet, connect and relax.

The kitchen elevates classic pub food, moving from quirky share plates and wood-fired pizzas to elevated comfort dishes designed to sit within contemporary cuisine. A large selection of spirits and liqueurs, tasty cocktails and an unrivalled wine list make it an ideal venue to celebrate with good food, wine and company.

Menu Highlights at Public Bar

The food offering at Public Bar is built around modernised pub favourites. Dishes that appear prominently on the menu and in customer discussions include the Fish & Chips, Chicken Schnitzel and wood-fired pizza. A fried chicken burger is also a popular choice, described by one reviewer as “pretty good, beautifully crispy and flavourful.” Weekly specials add further value and variety to the experience.

Weekly Specials and Lunch Deals

• Monday: 2-for-1 pizza (second pizza of equal or lesser value).
• Tuesday: Schnitzel day — $20 schnitzel meal and $21 parmigiana.
• Wednesday: Steak special — $25 sirloin, chips and salad plus a glass of house wine or schooner of beer.
• Thursday: Extended happy hour from 3pm to 7pm.
• Weekday lunch (Mon–Thu): $18 lunch special from 11:30am to 2:30pm, with choices including the Public Burger, Chicken Burger, Nasi Goreng and Public Penne Pasta (v).

All specials are dine-in only and public holiday surcharges apply.

The Dining and Social Experience

Public Bar’s atmosphere is frequently praised. Google Maps reviewers repeatedly note a “pleasant atmosphere” and a “really good vibe” that makes the venue suitable for after-work drinks, casual mid-week dinners and larger celebrations. The space is designed to transition seamlessly from a relaxed afternoon drink to a lively evening gathering, supported by friendly bar service and a team focused on making every visit special.

Drinks and Happy Hour

The bar runs a happy hour Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 7pm. During these times, $7 schooners of beer, $10 pints and $7 glasses of ATE house wine are available. A rotating cocktail of the month is also featured — the May offering is the Capri Sun, made with vodka, aperol, passionfruit, pineapple, lime and simple syrup, priced at $15.

Private Functions at Public Bar

Right in the heart of Manuka, Public Bar provides a function space for birthdays, engagements, baby showers, corporate events, wedding recoveries, Christmas parties and casual catch-ups. Catering options range from relaxed share plates to indulgent set menus, all paired with the extensive beverage list. Dedicated function packs and an enquiries channel (bookings@publicbar.com.au) make planning straightforward.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Public Bar holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on 810 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction with the food, service and atmosphere. Long-term patrons are particularly vocal — one reviewer who has visited regularly since opening described Public Bar as “always a great pub with good draft beer, delicious food, great service and a really good atmosphere.” Another reviewer highlighted the daily specials, calling them “highly recommended.”

The fried chicken burger and the overall dining value appear frequently in positive feedback. While most reviews are positive, the summary provided by Google Maps indicates a price range of 20–40 AUD per person, which aligns with the modern pub dining positioning. No significant recurring criticisms were identified in the available reviews.

Public Bar in Manuka, Canberra

Located at Manuka Arcade, 1/33 Flinders Way, Griffith ACT 2603, Public Bar sits on the corner of Franklin Street and Flinders Way within the Manuka Shopping Precinct. The neighbourhood is a well-known dining and retail hub in Canberra’s Inner South, easily accessible by public transport, bicycle and car. Street View and satellite imagery confirm the venue’s integration into the lively Manuka streetscape. The business offers dine-in and takeaway services; a delivery service is not currently available.

Accessibility attributes from the business listing note that the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming for all patrons. For those driving, detailed parking information is not provided in the sources, though the Manuka precinct generally offers street and nearby parking options.

Hours, Reservations and Contact

Public Bar is open seven days a week from 11am till late. The kitchen operates Monday to Friday with lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm, and all-day dining on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 9pm. Reservations can be made online through nowbookit.com, and same-day bookings are accepted by phone.

Contact channels include the general email info@publicbar.com.au, the dedicated functions email bookings@publicbar.com.au, and the venue phone number (02) 5112 2494.

Common Questions

Does Public Bar take reservations?

Yes, reservations can be booked online via the nowbookit.com booking link provided on the Public Bar website. For same-day bookings, you can call the bar directly.

What are Public Bar’s opening hours?

Public Bar is open Monday to Sunday from 11am till late. The kitchen serves lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm, dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm, and all-day dining on weekends from 11:30am to 9pm.

Does Public Bar have vegetarian options?

Yes, the weekday lunch special includes a vegetarian option (Public Penne Pasta), and the broader menu features share plates and other dishes that cater to vegetarian preferences. For specific dietary requirements, it’s best to contact the venue directly.

Is Public Bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue has a wheelchair-accessible entrance based on the attributes listed on Google Maps.

Can I host a private function at Public Bar?

Absolutely. Public Bar offers function spaces for birthdays, corporate events, engagements and more. Catering options include share plates and set menus paired with the drinks list. Enquiries can be sent to bookings@publicbar.com.au.

Does Public Bar offer takeaway or delivery?

Public Bar provides dine-in and takeaway service. Delivery is not currently offered, according to the Google Maps listing.

What is the price range at Public Bar?

Based on reports from 156 people on Google Maps, the price range is approximately 20–40 AUD per person.