The city:
Hidden laneway gems

18 JANUARY 2023

Venture off the beaten track and wander through The City’s hidden laneways to discover a wealth of glistening gems. These venues are perfect for a quick bite, drink with friends or a gastronomic delight surrounded by some of Brisbane’s best architecture and street art. Escape from the hustle and bustle of The City and immerse yourself in each laneway’s unique character and charm.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Albert Lane

Harajuku Gyoza

Harajuku Gyoza brings some of Japan’s favourite dishes to Albert Lane in The City and, as the name implies, is best known for gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumplings). Head to Harajuku for an authentic experience and well-priced eats, best enjoyed as a quick bite for lunch or over a few drinks with friends. 

Lücha Black Bar and Dining 

From the team behind Lücha Kitchen and Bar on Elizabeth Street, discover Lücha Black Bar and Dining. Take in the sophisticated surroundings and enjoy their unique tea-infused Chinese cuisine. Top off your meal with a tipple from their inventive drinks menu, featuring a number of tea-based cocktails, along with all the classics.  

Vapiano

Vapiano brings traditional Italian recipes with a dash of Aussie spice to life, including indulgent pizzas, fresh pasta, salads and delicious dolci. All dishes are made using the best Australian produce, sourced locally where possible, and served in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.  

Burnett Lane 

Alba Bar & Deli

Alba Bar & Deli is a small restaurant and wine bar, influenced by the famous tapas bars of San Sebastian in Spain. Visit Alba for delicious Spanish-inspired bites, including staples of conservas or the almighty jamon (amazing cured ham), along with a constantly evolving menu of seasonal food. Their drinks menu includes a carefully curated selection of sherry, natural wine and vermouth, along with aperitivos and a rotating list of creative cocktails. 

Brew Café and Wine Bar

Brew Café and Wine Bar is one of The City's best-kept secrets. This well-loved local haunt offers great coffee, breakfast, and grab-on-the-go food by day, and brews of a different kind by night – think wine, beer and cocktails. Plus, stop by for lunch or dinner for heart-stopping café and pub grub favourites such as a chicken schnitty, a classic cheeseburger or fish and chips.

Death & Taxes Bar

From the team behind Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles comes Death & Taxes Bar in Burnett Lane. Step behind weighty double wooden doors to find a moody lounge bar encompassing low light, leather couches and ceiling-high shelves lined with delectable drops ready for any liquor connoisseur to sip and enjoy.

Felix for Goodness 

Escape the hustle of Queen Street Mall and retreat to Felix for Goodness. With a menu focused on wholesome meals made with local and organic ingredients, Felix for Goodness is the perfect destination to fuel up for the day ahead. Love people-watching? Take a seat by the window overlooking the lane and watch the world bustle by. 

Charlotte Street

John Mills Himself Café and Bar

Staying true to the building's architectural heritage, the quaint John Mills Himself Café and Bar features high windows, exposed brick walls and dark timber beams. Supporting all-local and organic produce where possible, the café rotates between The Single Guys, Cup Coffee Roasters and Uncle Joe's Coffee House blends across the three grinders. At night, John Mills Himself dresses up as an intimate and entertaining wine and piano bar.

Elizabeth Street

Corbett & Claude 

Housed in the basement of heritage-listed Corbett Chambers building on Elizabeth Street, Corbett & Claude serves up wood-fired pizzas, share plates and antipasti complemented by a selection of sparking, white and red wines with a vast assortment of cocktails and craft beers.

Strauss

Coffee haven Strauss was brought to life by the talents of the team behind Cup and Merriweather. The café is cosy and intimate with ceiling beams, exposed bricks and polished timber floors. While the kitchen offers a refined menu with a range of all-day breakfast dishes inspired by seasonal produce, the baristas will prepare your coffee just as you like it using the finest fair-trade beans. 

Gresham Lane

The Gresham Bar 

The Gresham Bar is an award-winning whisky and bourbon saloon oozing old-world charm with an eccentric touch. Step through the oversized cedar doors to step back in time thanks to the soaring seven-metre-high pressed-metal ceiling, dark timber floorboards, Chesterfield couches and an antique Victorian fireplace.

Malolo Poké

Malolo Poké is a Hawaiian-inspired salad bar with an Asian fusion touch. Choose from the poke bowls on offer or make your own, and pair it with one of Malolo’s signature smoothies.

Sparrow & Finch Espresso

Sparrow & Finch Espresso is the perfect place to head for lunch thanks to a wide selection of salads, meats, sandwiches and pizzas. As the sun goes down, the venue transforms into a busy after-work meeting spot where you can choose from a great selection of craft beers, wines and spirits.

An image of Red Hook’s two burgers and a cup of fries in Gresham Lane
Red Hook, Gresham Lane

Red Hook

The brainchild of Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston from renowned Public, Red Hook takes inspiration from the street vans spread throughout New York City. If you want to savour every bite, pull up a chair on the Queen Street side of the diner, or act like a true New Yorker and grab a burger or hotdog on the run. Head here at night for a great vibe and drinks under the stars.

Eagle Lane 

Brooklyn Standard 

Enjoy a slice of Brooklyn cool at the speakeasy live music venue Brooklyn Standard. Located underground on Eagle Lane, Brooklyn Standard hosts live music six nights a week, specialising in jazz, funk and blues – all accompanied by a well-stocked bar of whiskeys and classic cocktails.

The Coop Espresso

The Coop Espresso is a hole-in-the-wall coffee haunt on Eagle Lane tucked between Queen and Eagle streets. Grab some freshly baked treats courtesy of Kaptain Patisserie: pies, berry ‘plunders’, muffins, brownies, banana cakes and quiches.

Rich Lane

Hellcat Maggie Laneway Bar and Kitchen

Residing on the corner of Rich Lane, Hellcat Maggie Laneway Bar and Kitchen is a hole-in-the-wall haunt serving up authentic American BBQ-style eats for breakfast and lunch, and bar snacks and burgers for dinner – think taco spice wings, loaded fries, and charred corn on the cob. 

Ulster Lane 

Cheeky Pokē Bar

From the folks behind the Fish Lane at South Brisbane, Ulster Lane has that modern-meets-grunge vibe we love to see in The City. Cheeky Pokē Bar with its contemporary Japanese concept dining and signature poke bowls has its home on the lane. We can’t wait to see what else pops up.

Heritage Lanes

Edge Functional Training

With a packed timetable of HIIT, Pilates, strength and cardio classes, along with an open gym and personal training, Edge Functional Training will whip you into shape in no time. If you like your fitness regime to feature fun, community and science, Edge is worth a visit. 

Two women shopping at Mumbleberry in Heritage Lanes
Mumbleberry, Heritage Lanes

Mumbleberry  

Lose yourself in the gorgeous gifts and treats at Mumbleberry fine food providore, arguably one of Brisbane’s finest sources of local and boutique brands. Your senses are sure to be delighted with a visit to this hidden gem where you’ll find everything from cocktail garnishes to ceramic coffee cups and curated gift hampers.

Malt Traders  

Pop into Malt Traders to pick up the perfect accompaniment to the nibbles you’ve just sourced at Mumbleberry. They are far from your average bottle stop, with an unrivalled selection of craft beer, biodynamic wine, single-batch whisky, and more. You can also stay for some sunshine and enjoy your beverage in their outdoor garden. We are spoilt for choice and convenience with a second Malt Traders in The City at Market Street.

Public  

Public is a longstanding fave for local caffeine lovers. Serving up all the classic coffee variations and café bites in record time, they’re the perfect spot to grab a takeaway, or to take a break and watch the world go by. 

Gather Bistro  

Gather Bistro is as beautiful to look at as the food is delicious. Sit and soak up the curved architecture, recycled concrete, pink tiling and brass details while enjoying the theatre of their open kitchen. Featuring a seasonal menu of fresh café eats and a small but satisfying drinks list, this could well be your new go-to breakfast and lunch destination. 

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.