Smith’s Alternative

Eat + Drink

Smith's Alternative is a cafe and art gallery by day, with fine coffee, teas, in-house baked treats, and hand-made toasted sandwiches.

By night it's a cosy bar and performing arts cafe, with a good selection of wines, beers, cider, the odd cocktail and events most nights. Including all genres of music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, burlesque, performance art, anything that Canberra's and the world's creative community throws up, they'll host it.

Open from midday till at least 9pm (later if there's a gig on, which there usually is!) every day.

Upcoming events at this venue
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13 Oct, 20 Oct + more

Smith’s Poetry Thing
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15 Oct, 22 Oct + more

Crafternoons at Smith’s
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15 Oct, 22 Oct + more

Old Timey Wednesday
Accessibility
  • Actively welcomes people with access needs.

Where

76 Alinga St,
Canberra City ACT 2601

Get directions

Opening Hours

Mon:

12pm–9pm

Tue-Wed:

12pm–10pm

Thu:

12pm–11pm

Fri-Sat:

12pm–11:59pm

Sun:

12pm–9:30pm

Additional information

Email enquiries

Visit website

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ABOUT CITY RENEWAL AUTHORITY

As an agency of the ACT Government, the City Renewal Authority is charged with shaping the growth of the central parts of Canberra to make it a great place to live, explore and enjoy. In partnership with the community, the City Renewal Authority creates a thriving city heart through the delivery of design-led and people-focused urban renewal with a focus on social and environmental sustainability.

City Renewal works within a designated Precinct, which spans Dickson, Braddon, Civic, Northbourne Avenue, Haig Park and Acton Waterfront.

Some of the content on this website is created by the City Renewal team, while other parts are contributed by City Centre businesses. If you notice anything that needs updating, please let us know.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

© 2025 City Renewal Authority.

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