The city:
After-work drink spots

18 JANUARY 2023

From drinking cocktails on rooftop bars to sinking beers and billiards in underground music dens, The City offers no shortage of knock-off venues, whatever your after-work vibe. Knock off for an aperitif, kick on with co-workers and raise your glass to the 5.01pm club!

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Catering for a crowd

Rally your team and join in the after-work drinks action at the ever-popular Friday’s Riverside. Just down the river, Bar Pacino has uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge, Riverland features five street food kitchens, Customs House hosts pop-up bars on its leafy terrace and Blackbird puts the opulence into riverside drinking for your group shenanigans.

The City’s Transcontinental Hotel, Embassy Bar & Kitchen, Port Office Hotel and Grand Central Hotel are ideal venues for big groups craving a casual pub experience. For a British-style gastropub experience, try the Pig ‘n’ Whistle Queen Street Mall and King George Square or Pig ‘n’ Whistle Riverside on Eagle St.

Mr Edward’s Alehouse has an old-school pub feel with ice-cold beers paired with a soundtrack of Motown, soul and rock ’n’ roll. If you love the craic of Irish pubs, sink a schooner of Guinness at Gilhooleys Irish Pub & Restaurant on Albert St or visit Irish Murphy’s on George St. American-themed Buffalo Bar on Mary St has wings and whiskey aplenty for your post-work needs. You’re encouraged to get rowdy in two of The City’s favourite sports bars: Winghaus and Fat Angel Sports BarIf you’re looking to kick on, be sure to pop into Fat Angel’s sibling venue Brooklyn Standard for a boogie.

Cosy drinking spots 

The City’s laneways are heaving with small bars, cafes and street art for a wind-down with colleagues or friends, and Burnett Lane is no exception. Pop into Mr Wabi for eclectic cocktails and street eats, stop at the split-level Super Whatnot for wines, beers and snacks, channel the underground bars of London and Paris at Death & Taxes and enjoy jamon and hip-hop at Alba Bar & Deli. 

The Gresham on Gresham Lane is the ultimate whisky bar and a favourite for a moody drinking night or head over to Corbett & Claude on Elizabeth St for pizza and beers and Comuna Cantina for South American cuisine on Creek St.  

Positioned perfectly among international fashion brands, City Winery Edward Street Cellar Door is a cellar door and wine experience centre in the heart of The City with wine tastings and workshops. Also on Edward St, Dr Gimlette boasts a 9 m marble bar, cosy booths and a dedicated martini cart. 

Enjoy activities outside the office

Warm up your vocal cords and dazzle your colleagues with your best renditions of Queen, Beyoncé or John Farnham with karaoke at Fat Louie’s on Albert St or Music City on Adelaide St. While you’re at it, pair your after-work drinks with a game of mini golf at Holey Moley Golf Club or bowling at Strike Bowling (in Wintergarden), both offering bonus karaoke rooms to sing the night away.  

Fox In A Box escape room is perfect for your next corporate or team event. Put those creative thinking and communication skills to the test – after all, the best out-of-the-box thinking is done with a drink in hand, right?  

Work drinks with a view

Do champagne and bubbles taste better at a sky-high bar? There’s only one way to find out. Located above Queen Street Mall, the Hibiscus Room at Hyatt Regency Brisbane overlooks the shopping strip with plenty of resort-style seating by the 20m infinity pool. WET Deck offers a rooftop bar and pool area with panoramic views and a great soundtrack at W Brisbane. 

Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar is perched on the 16th floor of the Pullman Brisbane King George Square hotel with views across the city, cosy couches and a curated menu of craft beers, wine and cocktails. 

Need some more inspiration? Check out the best bars in The City to find the perfect one for you

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.