Smith's Alternative

Went to my first jazz theatre night at Smiths. Will definitely be coming back! Fabulous atmosphere! Eclectic set of comfy furniture, soft lighting and relaxing music to chill out and relax in. Great to hear a variety of upcoming jazz singers who want to experiment in public - some a bit shaky, some that unexpectedly blow your socks off with their talent. A great couple of entertaining hours for just $15.

Staff is very friendly. Only stayed for 1 drink but felt very welcome in this queer anarchist presenting space

Great atmosphere. Great drinks. Great food. Awesome live acts. Cool art works regularly changing

I know it's more than this, but it had me at night café.
Plus the overall vibe is awesome.

$5 for a small coffee. Everyone likes a profit but come on guys.
Edited: changed 3 star review to a 1 due to the ill-mannered reply.

Is this the most lovely place? I just arrived from Sydney here and found this little treasure. Being from Berlin, the entire interior and vibe reminded me of home. I bought a few of their self-baked goods, enjoyed two Chai latte and a Monkeys Sloe gin, and basked in the atmosphere this venue created. Behind me sat a young fella who started playing guitar and he really had a nice, warm voice that just enhanced the entire ambience. They seem to have regular program too here, from poetry performances to bands playing.

I was looking for a place to write on my book, having my laptop there and also being around an inspiring vibe, and I totally found that at Smiths Bookshop. Lovely staff, great setting, alternative style - my new favourite in Canberra ️

Cool little place for drinks food and live music:) plenty of stuff always going on here, but quiet enough sometimes to just sit and chill in peace with a borrowed book ;)

Relaxed place for a good drink and snack whilst sitting outside or listening to great local bands inside.

The rudest people I have met in Canberra to date. Innocently walked into a venue with an unlocked door and bustling activity inside only to be (extremely rudely) told "what the f#@k dude, get out". If you are shut, or booked for private function, then put up a sign and refrain from abusing potential patrons who have previously enjoyed your establishment.
Poor form, disgusting service.unsatisfactory on all counts.

Really great cafe to see live performances. Relaxed atmosphere and on trend decor. Some of the seats can be a little uncomfortable but easy enough to swap chairs around. Good food and drinks too!

I just love Smith’s Alternative. Such a cool, no fuss venue with a chilled bohemian vibe. Nigel and the team do an amazing job of supporting Canberra’s creative arts community. Highly recommended for drinks, gigs and an eclectic range of creative activities anyone can join. All you need to bring is a sense of irony and a big dollop of enthusiasm. Good coffee and brownies are a definite added bonus.

. Groovy scene.i like it when the music is the doors jim morrison and bob dylan and skyhooks.the drinks are good but mine are always non-alcoholic.

Just happened to walk past and drop in for a coffee. Got the added bonus of some live music which was very enjoyable. Was a pleasant way to enjoy some time out of the weather and relax with good coffee and good vibes.

Very different place, liked the atmosphere but we ordered a vegan cheese platter and I wouldn't bother again.

Lovely, relaxing vibe. All their events are fun and enjoyable and they have a good variety of snacks. Their event hall is simply amazing. Definitely recommend going to an event with friends or solo.

One of the most interesting venues there is, to call it a mere cafe does not do it justice A vital part of the creative arts and live music scene without which Canberra would be a much grimmer place to live.

FINALLY, a place that puts real chocolate in my mocha! AND when I ask for 'extra hot', it actually arrives extra hot!
AND has friendly staff that are also being real (as opposed to acting friendly).
Place is genuine. Yeah a bit rough around the edges, but that's a part of the charm.
Will be back.

Spent a pleasant hour here on a rainy Sunday afternoon listening to a local jazz combo with my son. A nicely laid-back venue.

The services is always fantastic, its down to earth, very relaxed and stylish, its sorta the place you wanna be to just unwind on your break bring a book and read over a warm pot of tea

Lovely and friendly staff, and the coffee is probably some of the best in Canberra, I still have yet to find a better alternative (no pun intended).

Sadly the worst part about this venue is the venue itself and the general atmosphere which is the reason I refuse to come back, and I was once a regular there. There always seem to be some hugely unpleasant people, a few of them very obviously under the influence of something, among the regulars that attend this place and I've seen a few of them harass customers with no intervention from staff. I have had people close to me harassed by a regular older 'gentleman' who has verbally abused them randomly at the venue, and when this was mentioned to the staff they immediately took his side, simply because he is a regular. I wouldn't recommend taking anyone's kids or parents to this place quite frankly because there seems to be no crowd control.

I realise the venue is going for a 'rustic', perhaps more 'homely' vibe, but the furniture is in shoddy and frankly unpleasant condition, incredibly old and dirty; thankfully those gross couches are now gotten rid of considering the state they were in thanks to the people that befouled them quite literally.

I think this place clearly could do with a changeover of management since some basic quality standards don't seem to be met in terms of, well, everything. Update the furniture perhaps, get rid of the unpleasant regulars who just sit around harassing people instead of contributing to your business. It doesn't even make sense from a business standpoint to allow undesirable people who repulse other customers a free pass, and I can confirm from many other ex customers that this is the reason they no longer go here. These changes would make the place much more accessible to a wider customer base and surely a much safer place to work for staff as well.