Dissent Cafe and Bar
★ 4.5 · 60 reviews Canberra Opened 2025
Coffee by day, live bands by night
Dissent runs two lives on City Walk. Mornings it's a straight-up cafe, but once the sun drops the tables clear and a band takes the small stage instead.
Canberra keeps losing rooms like this faster than it gets them, which makes Dissent worth backing while it's still here. There's programming most nights, right in the middle of the Civic pedestrian block.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
William Ward 5 reviews · Local Guide 12 June 2026
Fantastic little bar for live music, always a show and great variety. Went to a few ska/latin/punk shows there with my partner and we both loved it. Atmosphere is great, price is right, and the staff are all incredibly friendly.
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Jenn Hack 18 reviews · Local Guide 8 June 2026
Great food, beer and most importantly LIVE MUSIC! The atmosphere is great and the staff are really nice.
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John Cougar 262 reviews · Local Guide 21 May 2026
Great little venue for live bands, good sound and lighting, reasonable stage area, good atmosphere. Good range of beer and drinks, some boutiquey food available over the bar. Good access for load-in and the backline for bands is serviceable and well-maintained.
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Rowan Louise 40 reviews · Local Guide 29 March 2026
THEY SELL GAZA COLA! The lemon lime bitters are delish as well is the hazy ipa they had on tap. Beautiful politics, beautiful venue and a great place to go see a gig, chat shit w mates and talk politics in a pub. They seem to really care about what they’re doing and the person who does door is super cool!
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Lucy Ludecke 2 reviews 18 March 2026
Best Irish Spice Bag in Canberra!!!! Great way to spend my belated St Patrick's Day <3 Will be back ASAP
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