Brisbane City's hidden laneway gems

Venture off the beaten track and wander through Brisbane 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 CBD and immerse yourself in each laneway’s unique character and charm.

Albert Lane, access via 141 Queen & 140 Elizabeth St

Harajuku Gyoza

Harajuku Gyoza brings Tokyo's traditional fast food dish to Albert Lane in Brisbane City. The restaurant serves up handmade parcels cooked crispy on the bottom and steamed juicy on the top, filled with meaty fillings and fresh seasonal produce. Accompany your gyoza with a blend of condiments, from chilli flakes to the classic soy sauce.

Lücha Black Bar and Dining

From the team behind Lücha Kitchen and Bar on Elizabeth Street, Lücha Black purveys tea leaf-inspired food and desserts (“cha” meaning “tea” in Mandarin) with inventive cocktails and drinks to savour. The delicious and delicate Chinese cuisine is complemented by sophisticated surrounds for glam eats and bevvies in an unassuming laneway location.

Vapiano

Vapiano prides itself on serving only the best made-to-order pizzas, fresh house-made pasta, hand-tossed gourmet salads and delicious dolci in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.

Burnett Lane, access via Queen Street Mall

Alba

Olé for this late night Spanish delicatessen tapas bar. Open from noon till midnight, you can graze on a selection of bite sized morsels from house made sandwiches, tinned fish, pintos and the almighty Jamon (amazing cured ham). Wash it all down with a selection of Spanish wine, cider and cherry based cocktails while listening to a killer hip hop soundtrack.

Brew

Brew is one of the city's best-kept secrets. This haunt offers great coffee and food by day and brews of a different kind by night - wine, beer and cocktails, plus delicious tapas.

Death & Taxes 

Who knew the mastermind behind Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles still had the energy to do anything else, but he's surprised (and delighted) us all by opening another joint down Burnett Lane in Brisbane City. Wander through double wooden doors to find a moody lounge bar encompassing low light, leather couches in the back room and shelves lined with delectable drops ready for any liquor connoisseur to sip and enjoy.

Felix for Goodness

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Queen Street Mall and retreat to Felix for Goodness. Serving up a wholesome seasonal menu using local organic ingredients. Sit on the stools overlooking the lane and watch the world go by, or soak up the relaxed atmosphere inside. 

Super Whatnot

Super Whatnot is a little laneway bar with a personality all of its own. With a rotating range of craft beers, an unexpected array of boutique wines, classic and original cocktails, and gourmet snackery inspired by “The Americas”, Super Whatnot might not appeal to everyone, but that's exactly the point.

40 Charlotte Street

John Mills Himself

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

283 Elizabeth St

Corbett & Claude

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

Ulster Lane, access via Elizabeth St

Cheeky Poke 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 Poke Bar - with its contemporary Japanese concept dining - has its home on the lane. We can’t wait to see what else pops up.

Access via 189 Elizabeth St

Strauss

Coffee haven Strauss is a combination of the talents from the guys behind Cup and Merriweather. The cafe is cosy and intimate with ceiling beams, exposed bricks and polished timber floors. The kitchen offers a refined menu with a range of all-day breakfast dishes inspired by seasonal produce. If you are feeling like a nightcap between Wednesday and Friday, Strauss is open until 10pm for boutique beers, ciders, daily cocktails and a cheese or charcuterie board.

Gresham Lane, access via Creek & Queen St

The Gresham

The Gresham Bar is a whisky and bourbon saloon oozing old-world charm with an eccentric touch. Walking through the large cedar doors you will feel like you've stepped back in time thanks to the soaring seven-metre-high pressed-metal ceiling, dark timber floorboards, Chesterfield couches and an antique Victorian fireplace.

Malolo Poke

Malolo 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

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

The Roll Shop

For lunch on the go, check out The Roll Shop. The hole-in-the-wall lunch bar serves up a mean banh mi, crisp and crunchy on the outside, soft and light on the inside, striking the perfect balance between bread and filling.

Red Hook

The brainchild of Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston from renowned Public and Coppa, 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 St 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 the great vibe and drinks under the stars.

Eagle Lane, 110 Eagle St

Brooklyn Standard

Enjoy a slice of Brooklyn cool at 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 fresh baked treats on the run courtesy of Kaptain Patisserie including pies, berry ‘plunders’, muffins, brownies, banana cakes and quiches.

181 George St

Bean

Bean is a stripped back coffee house using delicious Campos beans. The cafe offers a record player and books, creating the perfect atmosphere if you want to escape the busyness of The City above. Bean, like its name, is keeping it simple, and that's the way we like it.

Rich Lane

Hellcat Maggie

Residing on the corner of Rich Lane, this hole-in-the-wall laneway is reminiscent of the back alleys and rough streets of downtown New York. Hellcat Maggie has braved this backstreet reputation to serve 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.