Best Cocktail Bars in Brisbane

Sometimes, beer and wine just don't cut it. In those times, you need cocktails. Be it a well-made Negroni, or a complex, multi-layered sipper, Brisbane has a wealth of places to partake.

These are our favourites, ranging from casual spots, to table service venues where the staff wear waistcoats. But without fail, they all know their spirits.

Gerard’s Bar

That front deck is unbeatable on fine days.

13A 23 James Street, Fortitude Valley

The Gresham

The only bar in Queensland with a heritage licence.

308-322 Queen Street, Brisbane

Death and Taxes

More than 600 bottles in heritage-listed digs on Brisbane’s oldest laneway.

36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

Za Za Ta

A gorgeous restaurant and bar at the centre of Brisbane's Middle Eastern moment.

1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Book a Table

Hello Gorgeous

Seafood and spritzers in a down-to-earth bar that is definitely not a “speakeasy”.

32A Chester Street, Newstead

The Malecón

Bringing a dash of Cuba to Castlemaine Street.

1/47 Castlemaine Street, Milton

Lychee Lounge

Fresh takes on the classics.

2/94 Boundary Street, West End

Alba Bar and Deli

A slick, understated laneway boozer and pintxos joint from a former Masterchef star.

34 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

Dutch Courage Officers’ Mess

More than 550 ways to take your gin and tonic.

51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley

Book a Table

Super Whatnot

Brisbane’s original laneway bar dares to play proper hip-hop and disco for the post-work crowd.

48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

Book a Table

Cobbler

Bar, or spirits library? You decide.

7 Browning Street, West End

The Boom Boom Room

Cocktails and dim sum in an old, underground bank vault.

171 George Street, Brisbane

Savile Row

The sharp follow-up to Cobbler.

677 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Canvas Club

Seasonal cocktails with vintage furniture and Spanish food.

16b Logan Road, Woolloongabba

The End

It may be small, but this bar can lay claim to having its very own exclusive beers.

73 Vulture Street, West End

The Junk Bar

Great cocktails and live music.

215 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove

Maker

Seasonal flavours paired with unusual ingredients and homemade liqueurs.

9 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

Finney Isles

A low-key, small bar with a focus on gin, natural wines and beers on tap.

702 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Red Hook

Get a taste of Brooklyn’s multicultural street food scene.

3 88 Creek Street, Brisbane

John Mills Himself

Coffee grotto by day, bar by night. In a city famous for neglecting its heritage, John Mills Himself is a glowing tribute to Brisbane’s past and present.

40 Charlotte Street, Brisbane

Botero

Modern coffee and food served in one of Adelaide Street’s oldest buildings.

258 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Brooklyn Standard

Enjoy live music and free pretzels six nights a week at this laneway bar.

Eagle Lane, Brisbane

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.

Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Cielo Rooftop Bar

A Fortitude Valley rooftop bar from the Salt Meats Cheese and Eterna crew. Come for small plates, stunning views and cocktails designed by Maybe Sammy – one of the world's best bars.

209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley