Now Open: Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn Are Brisbane's Latest Comic Book-Themed Bars From the 1st Edition Crew

Not content with getting a superhero and supervillain experience on screens big and small, and jumping into multiverse mania in cinemas and on TV as well? Head to Brisbane's bar scene, where a trio of drinking spots themed after caped crusaders and their antagonists will get you hopping between different IRL worlds. Fortitude Valley's 1st Edition opened its doors in 2021, but it has gained two sidekicks, also in California Lane. Harley Quinn launched first back in May 2024, and now Poison Ivy is also up and running.

If you're making the rounds at this trio of watering holes, do you need a change of outfits Superman-style for each one? Should you conjure up an alter ego to bust out, at least? However you answer those questions, you can now enjoy the River City's very own comic book-inspired quarter — all slinging cocktails, as well as leaning into their theming as heartily as a spandex-clad saviour does vanquishing world-threatening foes.

Each venue has its vibe, though. Taking over the site that was previously home to Viva La Cali, 40-seater Poison Ivy splashes around green aplenty (of course) and sports a mural of its namesake. Across the rest of the 100-person-capacity precinct, Harley Quinn pairs a more casual atmosphere — it operates as a cafe by day — with its a likeness of its own key influence, while 1st Edition savours a moody air as it heroes a roster of characters in its artwork.

Also tying the trio together: a multiverse menu, which is on offer at all three locations. It applies to both drinks and food options, so you'll know what's on offer to sip and eat if you're turning a visit to this patch of California Lane into a bar crawl.

Beverages include the Poison Ivy, naturally, which is made with gin, bay leaf cordial, celery shrub, sea salt and a burnt bay leaf garnish; the also-expected Harley Quinn, featuring gin, lemon, rosé prosecco and fairy floss; and The Tesseract!, with gin, Italicus and blue curacao, as served under a smoke-filled glass dome with a glowing light. Or, opt for the Constantine's Old Fashion and you'll be indulging in Jameson stout, Mr Black liqueur, maple syrup, a milk-washed doughnut and chocolate.

Yes, there's drinks named after Batman, Deadpool, The Riddler, The Flash, Dr Doom, Mysterio, Invisible Girl and Steve Rogers, too. Accordingly, patrons won't just be thinking about characters played by Uma Thurman (Red, White & Royal Blue) in Batman & Robin, and by Margot Robbie (Barbie) in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and The Suicide Squad — and that Lady Gaga (House of Gucci) is taking on in the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux.

To line the stomach, the food side of the multiverse menu features KFC ribs with kimchi and shallots, bang bang cauliflower, beef carnita gyoza with pineapple and spring rolls, salt and vinegar calamari, and more.

Or, Harley Quinn's daytime spread will get you tucking into curry pies — both lamb and vegetables — muffins, and bacon and egg rolls, plus coffee from Almanac.

Now that both Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are welcoming in Brisbanites, laneway parties are also on the bill, with the last Saturday of every month getting the disco ball spinning to house music from sunset.

Find Poison Ivy Bar and Harley Quinn Bar in California Lane, 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley. Poison Ivy opens from 4.30pm–late Friday–Saturday, with Sunday trading coming soon. Harley Quinn operates from its bar from 5.30pm–late Friday–Saturday, and also its cafe from 11.30am–4pm Wednesday–Saturday. Head to the 1st Edition website for more details and bookings.