Joe’s Bar in the East Hotel is bringing aperitivi and innovative Italian cocktails to the Canberra bar scene.
Part bar, lounge and restaurant, Joe’s Bar is owned brother and sister Dan and Dion Bisa, who created the venue as a homage to their father, Giuseppe (Joe) and their Italian heritage.
An eclectic design of vivid plush furnishing, wooden tables, striking light fixtures and a ten metre long solid marble bar with an open kitchen invites relaxed sipping far removed from impersonal hotel bars.
The cocktail list (from $14) by Bar Manager, Alx Richards is divided in Classic Italiano with all the favourites such as Negroni, Americano, Sgroppino and Aperol Spritz and Joe’s Take on Modern Classics. The latter showcases 11 cocktails that show their creativity such as Joe’s “The Hutch”, made with pistachio washed Jack Daniels’, and Joe’s “Bitter Pig” with house pancetta infused bourbon.
Orangetini is set to be this summer’s drink. Lemon vodka, Lillet Blanc and lemon juice make up a refreshing and well-balanced drink which you sip from an orange dust and sugar rimmed cocktail glass. Spicy Joe is a take on the Margarita, injecting mango and chilli into the classic with a glass rimmed with black Malaysian salt.
Naturally, the wine list at Joe’s Bar has an Italian focus including the Martinez Passito di Pantelleria, a delectable dessert wine with candied orange and almond notes. You’ll find specialty Italian spirits, digestivi and a solid list of grappa including a 15 yo Nardini Grappa Riserva.
No need to go elsewhere when hunger strikes. Italian-born chef, Francesco Balestrieri’s modern Italian menu shines with delectable dishes to share using produce sourced from within 100km of Canberra.
Joe’s Bar Canberra, The East Hotel
Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston, Canberra ACT 2604
Phone: (02) 6295 6925
Website: joesateast.com
Hours: midday til late, seven days