The best laneways and staycays

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

Felix for Goodness, Burnett Lane

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, Burnett Lane

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, Charlotte St

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 Small Batch, Sample, Light and Parallel Coffee Roasters and serve fresh-baked pastries during the day. At night, John Mills Himself turns into an intimate wine and piano bar.

The Gresham, Gresham Lane

The Gresham oozes old-world charm with an eccentric touch. This whisky and bourbon saloon offers some of the highest calibre rum, whisky and wine in 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, Eagle Lane

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, Laneway 181 George St

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.

Brew, Burnett Lane

Brew is one of the Burnett Lane originals and is a popular spot all week long. Casual vibes and a relaxing atmosphere make for a spot where you’ll want to settle into. Grab a coffee of your choice of local beer or wine. Snacks are also plentiful.

Brooklyn Standard, Eagle Lane

Bringing Brooklyn to Brisbane, it is no surprise you’re going to find American goods at this laneway spot. Located underground on Eagle Lane you’ll enter a dim-lit brick cellar by a secret laneway door. You’ll especially want to check out the live music on six nights a week specialising in jazz, funk and blues. Wear comfy shoes so you can dance the night away.

Death & Taxes, Burnett Lane

Vintage speakeasy vibes, whisky and cocktails. Tick, tick, tick. Step through the giant wooden doors into another world featuring a moody lounge bar, low light and leather couches.

Red Hook, Gresham Lane

Another laneway gem that takes inspiration from the great New York City. This Brooklyn-inspired bar is known for burgers, rad tunes and craft beers. Check out its website for weekly specials too good to miss.

Alba, Burnett Lane

It seems that Brisbane has Brooklyn on its mind, with a mix of San Sebastian at this laneway spot. Think neighbourhood bar in the middle of The CIty with Spanish bites and enviable cocktails.

Hellcat Maggie, Rich Lane

Hellcat Maggie has affordable eats and drinks day and night. Providing back alley and downtown New York vibes, this hole-in-the-wall laneway serves up authentic American-style eats.

Fat Angel Sports Bar, Eagle Lane

Keen to feast your eyes on some sport particularly American sports? This Eagle Lane American sports bar has round-the-clock games playing across eight huge screens, alongside American eats. While Aussie beers are available we recommend giving an American beer a crack.

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

Treasury Casino & Hotel, William St

Treasury Casino & HotelHotel 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, Mary St

Located minutes from Queen Street Mall, the Westin Brisbane is the ideal urban retreat for business and leisure travellers. During your stay you can enjoy five-star hotel facilities such as restaurants, cocktail bars and a resort style pool. 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.

Hyatt Regency Brisbane, Queen St

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

Pullman, King George Square

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

Stamford Plaza, Upper Edward St

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, Elizabeth St

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.

W Brisbane, N Quay

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 The 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.

Royal Albert Hotel, Albert St

Housed inside an historic building, Royal Albert Hotel sits close to the Queen Street Mall with a plethora of coffee, food, drink and shopping downstairs. This boutique hotel will greet you with rich timber and bevel-cut glass doors and the building features many historic Queensland textured oil paintings.