The City:
Best bars
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.
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 Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art 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 inspired 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.
Bar Miette
It’s time for a luxe cocktail as the sun goes down by the river as though you are on your European Summer trip. Bar Miette is a French wine and cocktail bar, perfect for a few relaxed drinks with some delicious tapas to pair.
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.
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.
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. Located on Turbot Street, enjoy a blend of Japanese and local brews alongside classic favourites.
Milquetoast
A hidden wine bar found down a lane way off Elizabeth Street. Milquetoast humble and warm bar emanates passion and quality from the moment you walk into this dimly lit open bar. Come for the drinks and stay for the quality snacks and atmosphere.
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. Tucked away on Edward Street, 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 800+ bottles of spirits, aperitifs and liqueurs.
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.
Antico
Located in one of Brisbane’s oldest and well-known laneways, Burnett Lane, Antico is a new and fresh cocktail bar bringing old-world and new world to the space introducing unique cocktails, perfect to cosy up and enjoy after work on a Friday or anytime of the week.
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.
Babylon
A Mediterranean oasis alongside the Brisbane River is the perfect place to sit back and relax to a live saxophonist or DJ with a group of friends. Whether your more excited to try the cocktails or bar snacks, Babylon keeps you in The City but away from any unwanted hustle and bustle.
Sky Deck
The Sky Deck at Queens Wharf is home to three bars and restaurants that share the incredible view and elevate deck. Cicada Blu is an open area bar perfect for sunset drinks with live music for your next post-work drink spot. Babblers offers relaxed all day dining, and Aloria is an elegant restaurant and bar specialising in woodfired and grilling techniques.
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.
