The best laneways and staycays

Venture into unknown territory and explore the hidden laneways in Brisbane City. These best-kept secrets are perfect for lunch, dinner, and drinks with friends. Make a trip out of your adventure and plan a staycay with our guide to hotels in walking distance of these hidden gems.

Felix for Goodness

Escape the crowd in Queen Street Mall and retreat to Burnett Lane's hideaway restaurant and cafe. Felix for Goodness serves wholesome, seasonal food using local, organic ingredients. Sit on the stools overlooking the lane for great people watching. 

Super Whatnot

Super Whatnot is a laneway bar with a personality all of its own. Find the industrial space down Burnett Lane 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 the point.

John Mills Himself

John Mills Himself cafe and bar stays true to the building’s architectural heritage, featuring high windows and exposed brick walls. Finding the bar can be tricky but it's well worth the adventure - look for the tallest heritage brick building in Charlotte Street. The baristas use local coffee roasters like Mecca, Small Batch, Sample and Wood & Co and serve fresh-baked pastries during the day. At night, John Mills Himself turns into an intimate wine and piano bar. 

El Matador

Laneway bar El Matador celebrates the best of Spanish produce and tradition, featuring a humidor filled with jamon and cured meats and Pira oven direct from Barcelona. Whether you're looking for a traditional Spanish pastry with coffee or post-work tapas with a cocktail in hand, the extensive menu caters for everyone's taste. 

Coppa Spuntino

Coppa Spuntino is a boutique pizzeria and charcuterie haunt. The Italian spuntino and wine bar dishes up delicious rustic Italian food in Creek Street. Enjoy a range of plates, tapas, charcuterie, and mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas. Bellissimo! 

The Gresham

The Gresham oozes old-world charm with an eccentric touch. This whisky and bourbon saloon offers some of the highest calibre rum, whiskey and wine the country; along with an extensive and artistic cocktail list. With a seven-metre-high pressed-metal ceiling and an antique Victorian fireplace, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

The Coop Espresso

The Coop Espresso is a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint 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.

Bean

Step inside a little red phone booth off George Street and you'll find yourself descending into Bean. This underground coffee house and bar is an alleyway favourite with a record player, books, and snacks all creating an eclectic atmosphere.

If you want to experience all of Brisbane City's underground laneway scene, plan a staycay and go exploring all weekend.

Treasury Casino

Treasury Hotel offers unmatched old-world splendour with the modern facilities of a five-star hotel. Experience the non-stop excitement and decadence of a 24-hour casino for something special. Treasury Brisbane boasts five restaurants, including The Lab restaurant and bar, Fat Noodle and Black Hide by Gambaro. Relax with a drink in hand and listen to live music from Thursday to Sunday with any of the Treasury's five bars to choose from.

Westin Brisbane

Located minutes from Queen Street Mall, the newly opened Westin Brisbane is the ideal urban retreat for business and leisure travellers. During your stay you can enjoy five-star hotel facilities like restaurants, cocktail bars, a resort style pool and a full service Heavenly by Westin Day Spa. Cool off at the Nautilus Pool Bar, Brisbane's first swim-up pool bar, and sip on cocktails and light snacks while appreciating the inner-city view. For a stylish dining experience head to Eden's Table, which celebrates locally sourced produce from ocean to paddock. On Sundays, treat yourself to Eden's Table Champagne Long Lunch with Laurent-Perrier. 

NEXT Hotel

It doesn’t get closer to Queen Street Mall than Next Hotel, which has been designed with ease and functionality in mind. Need to Netflix and chill after exploring Brisbane's laneways all day? NEXT has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and four free mini-bar items of your choice daily. Unwind at The Pool Terrace and Bar - centered around a 20m infinity-edge pool, it is the perfect spot to soak up Brisbane’s perfect year-round weather. 

Pullman

The Pullman King George Square offers upscale accommodation and is home to Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar. If you've spent all day exploring the CBD's underground secrets head to the rooftop bar and take in the CBD views at sunset. After drinks at Sixteen Antlers (with epic views of City Hall) stay overnight in 5-star luxury.

Stamford Plaza

Sitting elegantly along the Brisbane River with city views to one side and the City Botanic Gardens on the other, the Stamford Plaza offers outstanding luxury facilities, unparalleled comfort and personalised hospitality.

Hilton

Find the Hilton on the iconic Queen Street Mall, within walking distance of the city’s most popular attractions. The Hilton offers a range of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. Relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool or play a game of tennis on their court.

W Brisbane

The five-star W Hotel has made one thing clear: it’s here to praise our cosmopolitan city and relaxed sun-soaked culture. Sitting in the heart of the city and on the river’s edge off George Street, the five-star W Hotel offers epic views over the Brisbane River, GOMA and South Bank. After exploring Brisbane City's laneways come back to the Living Room Bar or WET Deck for cocktails. The WET Deck features a funky zebra-like striped roof, heated pool and DJs day and night. It is an oasis in the sky for cold drinks and long nights with a resort feel.