The District Bar & Restaurant

The District Bar & Restaurant sits at the Crace shops and serves as a solid pick for dog owners wanting a proper pub meal without leaving the dog at home. Rated 4.1 across 699 reviews, this casual venue operates seven days for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The enclosed outdoor patio makes it a practical choice for Canberrans who want to share a steak and a pint with their working dog or companion after a morning walk.

Dog access is straightforward here. Dogs are welcomed in the enclosed outdoor patio areas, with the main dog-friendly section facing the Superbarn. Water bowls are provided, so you do not need to pack your own. The outdoor spaces are covered and heated, which matters when Canberra evenings drop cold. Keep your dog on lead at all times — this is a shared dining space, not an off-lead park. I brought Pepsi and Max here on a Saturday afternoon, and the staff settled both dogs without fuss, bringing water before we had even opened the menu.

What it's known for is honest pub fare done well. The porterhouse steak is a recurring favourite in reviews, and the schnitzel regularly gets praise for its crisp crumb and generous size. Arancini balls make a reliable starter, and the pork belly turns up on the blackboard specials board more often than not. Calamari is another solid pick if you want something lighter. Live music runs on Friday nights, which shifts the atmosphere from laid-back family venue to something livelier. Fresh orange juice is worth ordering if you arrive for breakfast service.

Getting there is simple. The address is 56 Abena Ave, Crace, right at the shops. Free parking is available in the surrounding street and the parking lot adjacent to the venue. Approach from the Superbarn side if you want direct access to the dog-friendly patio — it saves walking through the main interior with your dog.

Tip: Book ahead for Friday nights. The live music draws crowds, and the heated outdoor section fills faster than you might expect.

Nearby with the dogs, Crace Recreation Park sits just minutes away and offers open spaces plus walking paths that work well for burning off energy before you sit down to eat. The park is on-lead, so it suits a structured walk rather than a proper run. Stick to the paths around the grassed areas, then head back to the pub for a meal. The combination makes for a full afternoon without needing to drive between locations.

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.