Hippo Co — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Hippo is an absolute must for any time we visit Canberra. I'll be up-front with you, I have rose-coloured glasses when it comes to this place. This is one of those whisk(e)y bars that you wish was up the road from you but are glad it isn't or you'd spend your life here.

The range is very well curated and the bar staff know each and every one of them. If you can tell them what you want, they'll pour you a drink you'll like. We've found so many gems thanks to the help from the staff.

Don't like the strong stuff? That's cool, their cocktail range is as genuine as you're going to get in an Aussie bar. By that I mean, it's not just a couple of generic ingredients with a filler substance; these are well-thought and carefully made drinks that taste great. They change the range seasonally so be sure to check what the staff favourite is.

Speaking of whom, the staff are what makes this place turn. They're friendly and don't give a flying proverbial what you look like so long as you're there for a good time. If you're nice to them, they'll treat you right. That includes the bouncer out the front, who I've never had a problem with.

Even if you're still a little unsure, just swing by here and have a drink and enjoy being somewhere unique to the usual...

Rinky-dink near-dive that charms the true whisky-drinker for all the right reasons. The easy going interior design belies a superbly heightened sense of whisky taste. There are literally so many whiskies, they don’t bother putting them on a menu - they just break them out by region on them wall.

Whether you’re discerning enough to ponder which Islay (Kilchommen Mackie Bay is an easy preference) or prefer a high end Speyside you are in luck (some fancy MacAllan is up the back), you won’t be left wanting.

Likewise if you’re hoping to educate yourself on the most recent offerings from Aussie, NZ, and Japan, they have you covered. They even have a very robust selection of Bourbons for the Kentucky-inclined.

Fear not! If you prefer a G&T, the staff take pride in offering artisan tonic and delicious gins. Likewise, the Sangiovese on offer is strongly recommended if you’re going at a slower pace.

Go here for a whisky with friends that you full intend to devolve into brilliantly academic debate, and enjoy the modern accomplishment of a...

Nice atmosphere and vibe. Sadly both of my fav drinks weren't made properly. Espresso Martini was rather boring. Boring taste and looks sad. The coffee part tasted like instant/artificial coffee... Would be nice if it was real coffee. The alcohol part was not strong enough to qualify for a real drink. Old fashioned is too sweet, they used syrup instead of crushed sugar. The orange was nice and fragrant, so somewhat saved the drink on the fragrant part. Unfortunately, the whiskey was drowned by the syrup, they may as well have...