Brisbane City's best alfresco dining spots and sunkissed bars

Our glorious city of Brisbane has exceptional sunny weather all year round. On those very common sunny days, Brisbanites take advantage of the exceptional weather and flock to the alfresco restaurants, expansive rooftop bars and twilight-drinking spots. These are some of our favourite spots to soak up some vitamin D in Brisbane City.

Alfresco restaurants

Bavarian Bier Café

Grab one of the sunny outside tables and enjoy a sundowner with a cold stein in hand and warm pretzel in the other. Heaven.

Brasserie on the River, Stamford

Experience dining alfresco at Stamford Plaza's Brasserie on the River. Indulge in succulent seafood and hearty carvery buffets, as well as high tea buffets and an extensive a la carte menu.

Customs House

Dine on white linen out on the terrace beneath the glorious Customs House while enjoying fresh seasonal produce and local seafood. The Story Bridge views are definitely one of the best in Brisbane. 

The Gardens Club, City Botanic Gardens

A secluded hideaway, this heritage-listed cottage has a delicious seasonal menu with a great selection of dishes for all-day breakfast and lunch. We recommend you dine outdoors in the lush surrounds of the City Botanic Gardens. Best of all, 100 per cent of profits from The Gardens Club are redistributed back to the community - every dollar you spend will help social franchises and organisations throughout Queensland and Australia.

Jellyfish

If you consider yourself a seafood lover, you're sure to adore Jellyfish. Why? The restaurant aims to source and serve anywhere between eight and 14 species of fish daily and took out the award for the Best Seafood Restaurant at the 2013 National Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards. Sit under the weather-proof deck and treat yourself to sensational views and incredible seafood.

Madame Wu

Once you sink your teeth into the Moreton Bay Bug-stuffed dumplings, we guarantee this Asian-fusion restaurant will be one you never forget. Madame Wu is definitely one to write home about with its tantalising menu and incredibly stellar view on the outdoor terrace.

Moda

Choose to dine in the relaxed garden courtyard of Moda and savour delicious contemporary Spanish cuisine inspired by head chef Javier Codina's heritage. The rustic dishes are prepared from fresh seasonal ingredients hand-selected from farmers, growers and producers.

Rooftop bars

Eagle’s Nest

Perched on the rooftop of The Point Hotel, Eagle's Nest is a glam bar with eagle-eye views of the city skyline and Story Bridge. If you’re feeling peckish, enjoy the refined bar menu including oysters, Manchego croquetas with quince paste, panko-crumbed Mooloolaba prawns, antipasto platters and more. The bar is open on Sundays from 3pm, making this spot perfect for a Sunday sesh while taking in the golden sunset over the city.

Stock Exchange

Walk up a flight of stairs to the rooftop bar of The Exchange Hotel. Clad with hanging plants, a canopy of fairy lights and gorgeous city views.

NEXT Pool Terrace

Head up to Level 4 of NEXT Hotel just off the bustling Queen Street Mall to find this peaceful haven. Perfect for an after-work drink or break from shopping with its convenient location, sophisticated drinks menu and suave atmosphere.

Sun-kissed bars

Bar OTTO

The French call it apéritif and the Italians aperitivo, either way, Bar OTTO is a great appetiser to your social plans. Bar OTTO has a relaxed atmosphere and delicious small plates including arancini, oysters and specials like suckling pig mini focaccias. Sip on a Spritz or Negroni with a Brisbane river view and live Italian tunes on Thursdays and Fridays.

WET Deck, W Brisbane

Sip on a #sunshinestateofmind cocktail and make a splash poolside at the WET Deck at the W Brisbane. This bar offers epic riverside views and luxury sun lounges to make you feel like it's summer-time all the time. The six page bar menu has something for every appetite, our favourites are the fare dinkum cheese board and the detox pizza. 

Riverbar

Retreat from the hustle of Eagle Street and walk down the stairs to find Riverbar & Kitchen. This watering hole is popular for an after-work tipple on Friday, and with its resort vibe, epic cocktail jugs (Lychee Mojito is our personal fave) and prime waterfront location - you can see why. When hunger strikes, Riverbar also has a delicious menu of bar snacks, pizza and burgers.

Bar Pacino

Bar Pacino's outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the Customs House and the Story Bridge will surely sweeten the taste of your cocktail. 

Blackbird

Blackbird draws inspiration from The Great Gatsby-styled opulence of the “Roaring Twenties”, and the speakeasy bars of prohibition. Choose your drink from the established cocktail list and almost 100 scotches and whiskeys, then stand on the terrace and watch the skyline turn to dusk.

Friday's Bar

An oldie but a goodie, Friday's is a great spot to kick back with a brew in the afternoon then have a boogie on the dance floor until the wee hours. You might have guessed what day of the week is the most popular at this riverside bar.

Red Hook

Head to Red Hook for hearty eats, a great vibe and drinks under the stars. 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 hot dog on the run. You can also take your burger love to the next level and try the Pickled Cheeseburger Martini - vodka, nolly prat, pickle brine, mustard and a bacon strip.