The City:
Best bars            

18 JANUARY 2023

The City is filled with vibrant venues and friendly faces ready and waiting to quench your thirst. If you’re after a fruity summer cocktail with the girls or a refreshing craft beer with your mates, a stylish bar with a view, or a cool and casual pub, we’ve rounded up the best spots to wet your whistle in The City. 

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Rooftop bars

Raise a toast to endless city views and cool summer breezes with a front-row bar stool at one of the many rooftop bars in Brisbane City.   

Hibiscus Room 

Tipples, nibbles and a grand old time? You’ll find them in the Hibiscus Room. Located atop Hyatt Regency Brisbane, the Hibiscus Room has been rejuvenated with a nostalgic, vibrant offering of food and drinks across the restaurant, bar and events space. Order from the cocktail list of signature drinks and classics, sit by the terrace edge and indulge in a spot of people-watching over Queen Street Mall below.  

Sixteen Antlers

Settle in for the sunset and city skyline views with your nearest and ‘deerest’ at Sixteen Antlers, a popular spot for after-work drinks. Be sure to snag a cushioned booth for you and your mates and order cheeseboards and tapas to share. Behind the bar, craft beer and fine wine is an easy choice or take your pick from the specialty cocktail menu. Find it on the top level of the Pullman Brisbane King George Square Hotel. 

WET Deck

The five-star W Brisbane hotel has made it clear it’s here to praise our cosmopolitan city and relaxed sun-soaked culture. The WET Deck is an oasis in the sky for cold drinks, fun times and resort vibes, with a zebra-like striped roof, heated pool and DJs playing long into the night. Enjoy the seasonal menu paired with delicious cocktails while soaking up epic views over the Brisbane River to QAGOMA and South Bank.  

Riverside Bars

The City is the hive of workday activity so what better place to celebrate 5pm than by the river? Find some more incredible venues for this in our guide to after-work drinks.  

Bar Pacino 

Bar Pacino proudly offers some of the most stunning views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. With cocktails, Italian eats and gorgeous grazing platters, it's a perfect spot for a fabulous Friday night or a sunlit Sunday afternoon.  

Friday’s Riverside

Friday’s Riverside has long been the place to go for knock-off drinks in Brisbane. With 180-degree views of the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge, this venue has you covered for a corporate lunch with a view, sunset drinks or a big night out.  

Riverbar & Kitchen

One of the best riverside spots, day or night, is Riverbar & Kitchen. Making an absolute splash by the river, the Brisbane favourite offers plenty of outdoor seating, with fresh local produce on the menu and wines, cocktails and beers to see you through to sunset and beyond.  

Riverland  

Pick up a pinot or Peroni from Riverland’s 80ft bar before soaking up the river frontage. You’re in for a treat when the tummy starts to grumble – pop to their street food kitchen which plays host to a rotating list of Queensland’s best street food.  

Will & Flow 

Will & Flow sits over the water at the north bank of the Brisbane River overlooking the Goodwill Bridge. Lounge by the river and soak up the sunshine while sipping on cocktails or coffee. They have a brilliant selection of shareable food, making it the ideal spot for a group catch up. 

Hidden gems

The City’s streets and lanes are filled with hidden gems ripe for exploring. Some of The City’s cosiest bars are nestled in there, providing the perfect excuse for a laneway bar crawl.  

Alba Bar & Deli

Tucked away on Burnett Lane, Alba Bar & Deli is a small restaurant and wine bar specialising in a curated selection of sherry, natural wine and vermouth, influenced by the Pintxos bars of San Sebastian. Sip on your favourite drinks while taking in the understated hip-hop soundtrack that will transport you straight to ‘90s Brooklyn.  

Before + After

Calling all amaro lovers! Before + After is designed for those who love a pre-dinner aperitif and post-dinner digestive. If you haven’t heard of amaro before, it’s because it’s not the easiest liquor to track down. Owner George Curtis has been collecting amaro, the bittersweet Italian herbal liqueur, for Brisbane visitors to sample. Pop down the alleyway off George St and try something new.   

Brew

Venture down the alleyway off Queen Street Mall to find Brew Café and Wine Bar. The bunker-like haunt is the type of venue where you can come for a laid-back lunch or stay for an after-work tipple. 

Brooklyn Standard

Enjoy a slice of Brooklyn cool at speak-easy live music venue Brooklyn Standard. Located underground on Eagle Lane, Brooklyn Standard hosts live music every night, specialising in jazz, funk and blues. Of course, the music complements the well-stocked bar of whiskey and classic cocktails to take you into the night.  

City Winery

Forget travelling for hours for a winery experience – hidden amongst the luxury labels on Edward Street is City Winery Edward Street Cellar Door. Swing by for an intimate wine tasting, or book in with a group for one of their signature wine experiences.  

Death & Taxes

While it’s said there’s nothing certain in life beyond death and taxes, we can confirm you will have a great time at Brisbane’s hidden gem, Death & Taxes. Taking inspiration from the underground bars of London and Paris, this venue prides itself on quality service and delicious drinks, with an extensive signature cocktail menu, wine list and craft beers. Find it in Brisbane’s oldest laneway, Burnett Lane.  

Frogs Hollow Saloon

Picture old wine barrels, a wagon wheel suspended from the ceiling, saddles slung over bar stools, cowboy hats behind the bar and loud country music and you’ve got a good feel for Frogs Hollow Saloon. A beautifully crafted selection of whiskey with a focus on indie bottling is what this bar is all about. You can find it on Charlotte St.  

Miss Demeanour 

A true hidden gem, Miss Demeanour is tucked away in a basement in a laneway. With live music, tons of specials and their famous Saturday long lunch, it’s worth exploring.  

Red Hook

Tucked into Gresham Lane, Red Hook is Brisbane’s answer to New York City-inspired street food and classic drinks. We’re talking American-style burgers, buffalo wings and waffle fries with cold beers and creative cocktails.

Bar 1603

Step into the world of Bar 1603, where a modern speakeasy ambiance awaits, celebrating local beer, wine, and cocktails with a unique sake infusion twist. Enjoy a blend of Japanese and local brews alongside classic favourites.

Cocktail bars

Planning a fancy night out? You can’t say no to a cocktail trail in The City!

Dr Gimlette

Inspired by the famous Gimlette cocktail, it makes sense for Dr Gimlette to shake and stir some of the best cocktails in Brisbane. This bar has two martini carts serving a variety of martinis with various garnishes, gins and methods to customise your drink. Don’t worry if your drinking buddy is not a cocktail lover – there is plenty of beer and wine to order including a back bar with over 800 bottles of spirits, aperitifs and liqueurs.

Leonards Bar & Bistro 

Tucked away off Mary St, Leonards Bar and Bistro has an eclectic wine list of Old and New World wines. Its cocktail list is a showstopper, curated by global award-winning mixologist Marco Nunes. You can’t go wrong with the Bella Bella cocktail or try one of their rotating blends! 

The Gresham

Whisky and bourbon lovers will find their home at The Gresham. Leaning into their speciality, most cocktails are whiskey-based; however, all drink tastes are catered for. This old-world bar has a charming touch. You can find it off Queen Street down Gresham Lane. 

Sports bars 

Is your ideal night out a brew in hand watching your favourite sports on the big screen? The City has a bleacher full of sports bars to keep you cheering all night long.

Fat Angel

With the tagline of American Sports and Party Bar, it’d be hard to disappoint. Fat Angel Sports Bar is famous for its unrivalled coverage of sports from across the planet. With eight massive screens, this is where you can watch NFL, NHL, MLB, rugby league, cricket, soccer and more. If your sporting tastes are a little less mainstream, hit up the Fat Angel team and they will see what they can do to broadcast your match of the day.

Embassy Hotel

Another NYC-inspired bar, Embassy Hotel is the champion of the craft beer movement. The team are constantly rotating its taps with local and imported craft beers to be enjoyed with its menu of bar snacks, burgers and moreish mains.

Buffalo Bar

Bringing the USA ‘down under’ in a big way is Buffalo Bar, found in the heart of The City. It’s all about burgers, hot wings, craft beer, whisky, cocktails, and, of course, good times. Its beer garden is the perfect spot for a drinks break.

Open-air bars

Love a side of fresh air with your favourite wine? The City’s alfresco bars will have you basking in the Brisbane sun until you’re ready to call it a day. 

Jimmy’s On the Mall

If you’re spending a day shopping Queen Street Mall, make sure to stop by the iconic Jimmy’s On The Mall. Situated in the middle of the mall, this long-established outdoor venue is right among the hustle and bustle of one of Australia’s busiest pedestrian malls. It’s the perfect spot to sip on a drink and enjoy the people-watching experience. It’s open 24/7 and is primed to take you from day to night.

Stock Exchange

Lovingly known by locals and regulars as ‘Stockies’, the Stock Exchange Hotel is one of The City’s most popular pubs. Its fairy-lit rooftop area is nestled among city high-rises, creating an unmatched ambience. Pair your beer, wine or cocktail with a mouth-watering selection of Australian pub classics. 

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.