Alfresco dining spots and sunkissed bars

We feel pretty lucky that gorgeous Brisbane has exceptional sunny weather all year round. On those very common sunny days, Brisbanites love to take advantage of the exceptional weather and flock to our 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 one hand and warm pretzel in the other. You can't beat perfection. Settle in for a pork knuckle and schnitzel, or bounce on to the next riverside spot.

Alchemy

Give into the magic at award-winning Alchemy. Head chef Brad Jolly offers both a la carte or degustation menus to enjoy with uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge.

Brasserie on the River, Stamford

Enjoy dining alfresco at the hotel Stamford Plaza's Brasserie on the River. Sitting on its outdoor terrace, indulge in succulent seafood and hearty buffets, as well as high tea buffets and an extensive a la carte menu.

Patina, Customs House

Dine beneath the incredible historic Customs House at Patina. Here you can enjoy fresh seasonal produce and local seafood that is sourced daily, along with mushrooms that are grown in an on-site cellar. The terrace here offers some of the best views of the Story Bridge in Brisbane. 

Naga

Bangkok-born chef Suwisa Phoonsang is cooking family dishes at this hip riverside Thai diner. Sink your teeth into house-made milk buns stuffed with massaman beef, Thai whisky drunken noodles with marinated pork and a special pad thai with Moreton Bay bug.

Rico

Pull up a stool beneath the white-and-teal striped umbrellas at Rico. On the menu at this Eagle Street Pier restaurant and bar, Latin flavours meet Australian produce to create casual dishes perfect for sharing over after-work drinks. 

Coppa

Ask for an alfresco table at Coppa to make the Italian coastal menu taste all the sweeter. The riverside Eagle Street Pier restaurant offers snacks, pasta and large plates alongside a list of award-winning drinks by Australian and Italian producers, plus fun cocktails. Frozen negroni? Sign us up.

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.

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, and the stellar views on the outdoor terrace only add to the atmosphere.

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 Thursday to Sunday from 3pm, making this spot perfect for a sunset session, taking in the golden sunset over the city.

Pool Terrace, Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Head up to Level 4 of Hyatt Regency Brisbane 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

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 summertime 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. 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. The Italian-vibe terrace pokes out over the and the Nutella shots are a must-try.

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.

Riverland

Perched on the riverfront, this industrial-style bar is made of two fitted out 40ft shipping containers surrounded by a green open-air beer garden. To one side, smaller containers host rotating street kitchens that will take your tastebuds on a round-the-world trip.