Brisbane:
Best rooftop bars

18 JANUARY 2023

Happy hour tastes better with a view, so it’s easy to see why rooftop bars have popped up all over Brisbane. And what better way to end a workday or catch up with friends than sitting back with a drink admiring Brisbane’s glorious view. We’ll cheers to drinking sky high anyday!

Lina Brisbane

Lina is Brisbane’s newest Mediterranean-themed rooftop paradise. This open-aired terrace is decked out with greenery, rattan furniture, poolside daybeds, sunken lounge spots and cabanas under frangipani trees. A summer paradise in the heart of South Brisbane. Head 12 storeys up and enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane City. Keep it casual and pull up next to the 30-metre infinity pool with lobster rolls and cocktails, or book into their restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience - think lobster, flank steak and fire-roasted eggplant. Everything is better up-high, and luckily they have everything to offer.  

Hibiscus Room, Hyatt Regency Brisbane 

First established in 1884, Lennons Hotel opened at the current Hyatt Regency Brisbane site on Queen Street Mall in 1972, hosting world-renowned guests including Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Dame Nellie Melba, President Lyndon B. Johnson and The Beatles. Located originally over levels 25 and 26, Hibiscus Room was the city's leading bar, dining, and musical venue. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s other venues could only be second best to the celebration and finesse of Hibiscus Room. Now, the Brisbane icon has been revived, with a nostalgic, vibrant offering of food and drinks across the restaurant, bar and events spaces.

Valley Hops Brewing, Cloudland 

Valley Hops Brewing is a rooftop brewery above Cloudland in the thumping heart of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Here, you’ll find the team brewing independent beer that’s crafted with character, for the true characters. Pull up a seat at the rooftop brewery, enjoy a Valley-born brew and soak in the energy of the ever-changing neighbourhood.

Maya Mexican, Eleven rooftop bar

Ride the elevator to the 11th floor and you've arrived at Maya. Brought to you by Eleven Rooftop Bar, this little patch of Mexico in the sky is where the local produce-inspired menu channels Mexican influences. Enjoy lashings of tequila, mezcal and sotol and peruse the impressive cocktail list.

IRIS Rooftop, Hotel X

Topping off Hotel X in Fortitude Valley’s Brunswick Street, Iris Rooftop is a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant with a glam wisteria and olive tree fit-out. There are poolside bungalows and a dance floor that opens as the evening progresses. Try the cumin-spiced fried fish tacos, spiced cauliflower or salmon crudo. Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner every night.

Fiume Rooftop Bar, The Crystalbrook Vincent

Feeling fancy? Head to Fiume Rooftop Bar at Crystalbrook Vincent for mesmerising panoramic views of Howard Smith Wharves, The City and the Brisbane river. With a cocktail in hand you can’t not have a twinkle in your eye at this rooftop bar.

Dirty Sultan

A treat for all the senses, Turkish-inspired Dirty Sultan has taken over the The Constance Rooftop with a delectable neo-Turkish street food menu, tantalising cocktails and to top it off, a pastel-hued shisha lounge.

Sixteen Antlers

Perched atop the Pullman Brisbane King George Square, Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar offers a selection of craft beers, curated cocktails and quality wines for locals and visitors to enjoy while they relax and soak up the birds-eye view of The City.

Eagles Nest

Open two days a week, Eagles Nest (located above The Point) is the perfect spot for Friday afternoon drinks or a Sunday session. Be sure to head before sundown as its Kangaroo Point location means you’re looking back across the river at Brisbane City, and the sunset colours look brilliant as they bounce off the glass buildings. 

Spicers Balfour

For something more intimate, Spicers Balfour has a somewhat secret rooftop bar. Diners at the restaurant or patrons of the hotel can make use of the small bar that has stunning views of the Story Bridge from its location in New Farm.

An image of some European dishes with hands holding the food and glass of wine.