The Best Bars in Brisbane
Picture this. An out-of-town friend is coming to Brisbane for one night only. You want to show them a real good time – loose and boozy with a high probability of late-night singing, dancing and random encounters. Something typically “Brisbane”.
A cocktail bar, a wine bar or even a pub just won’t do. You need the bars on this list. While they may incorporate elements of the above, they’re a genre unto themselves, experts at creating good, rowdy times night after night after night. Let’s hope your friend doesn’t have an early flight.
Bar
Death and Taxes
More than 600 bottles in heritage-listed digs on Brisbane’s oldest laneway.
Bar
Gerard’s Bar
Share some charcuterie at the more casual cousin of Gerard’s Bistro.
Bar
The Gresham
Queensland’s only heritage-listed pub has a refined charm.
Bar
Flying Colours
Lo-fi wines, smooth beats and a menu by an ex-Gerard’s Bistro executive chef. The spiritual successor to one of Brisbane’s favourite bars – inside the old Wandering Cooks space – is a win for West End.
Bar
Dr Gimlette
A boundary-pushing cocktail bar from the team behind CBD laneway bar Death and Taxes. It takes service to a whole new level, with roving Martini carts delivering expertly made seasonal drinks to luxurious leather booths.
Bar
Kazba
Inspired by the vibrant nightlife of Tel Aviv, this ambitious bar is all about smoked drinks, Turkish Coffee Martinis and a menu of late-night vegetarian mezze. Also, vinyl – lots of vinyl. Find it at the base of the Ovolo Hotel in the Valley.
Restaurant
Range Brewing
One of Brisbane's best craft brewers has transformed this old warehouse into a striking brewpub.
Bar
Cobbler
Bar? Or spirits library? Hint: there are 400 whiskies stacked in the shelves.
Bar
Cielo Rooftop Bar
A rooftop oasis with splendid views across Fortitude Valley and the CBD. Come for Italian-leaning small plates and cocktails designed by Sydney's Maybe Sammy – one of the world's best bars.
Bar
The Junk Bar
Creative cocktails and cosy cabin vibes.
Bar
Frog's Hollow Saloon
An elite bartending team is behind this approachable cocktail den, slinging an imaginative signature drinks list, Guinness on tap and housemade toasties. It’s all housed behind a heritage brick-and-timber facade in the city centre.
Restaurant
Maya
While rooftop bar Eleven takes a break, we have this Mexican pop-up. There's ninety seats, a local-produce driven menu and a shedload of tequila, all set to those jaw-dropping views.
Bar
Canvas Club
Down some damn fine cocktails.
Bar
Maker
Size isn’t a problem at this petite laneway bar.
Bar
The End
It may be small, but this bar can lay claim to having its very own exclusive beers.
Bar
Ruby, My Dear
Brisbane’s first vinyl-listening bar is right up there with the country’s best. Come for the Japanese-influenced food and drinks offering, stay for the soothing sounds booming from four sweet, sweet Pitt & Giblin speakers.
