The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Brisbane When You’re Heading to the Football

Autumn means many things for Brisbanites, including pouring rain, cooler nights and, most importantly for some, the beginning of football season. Whether your code is league, union or soccer, you'll be heading to Suncorp Stadium to support your beloved team (sorry Lions lovers, we'll cover the Gabba soon). And since you're in the area, you may as well make a night of it, either heading to dinner beforehand, or partying on to celebrate your team's victory.

Here, we narrow down our top ten places to go before or after a game at Suncorp Stadium.

Libertine

Libertine is the perfect place to dine in a group for a refined night out before heading down the road to watch some ball sports. With a menu designed to share, you and your friends can get jolly on their delicious French-Vietnamese influenced cocktails and menu. The pork spring rolls with green chilli sauce are a must. On the heartier end of the scale, the wagyu, pork belly and duck are all mouth-wateringly good.

No. 5 The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 3353; www.libertine.net.au

Peasant

Enjoy the brand new menu at Peasant, which features some incredible tapas and wines to match. The boisterous atmosphere will certainly start your night off with excitement and a bit of the European cultural flair. Peasant is great for groups to celebrate their favourite sporting event, particularly if it falls on a Sunday where they can enjoy paella in the garden.

61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane; 07 3367 8066; www.peasant.com.au

FAB

If you’re just after a quick bite to eat before the game then FAB (Fish and Burgers) at the Barracks will do the trick. With an extensive range of burgers on their menu including vego and gluten-free options, everyone will be satisfied and have their stomachs sensibly lined before potential fieldside boozing. They also do a mean fish and chips.

The Barracks, Petrie Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 8088; www.fabfishandburger.com

Paddo Tavern

The Paddo is another Brisbane institution known for its cowboy hat-wearing bar staff, saddle chairs and footpath frontage, perfect for people watching. The quintessential pub, the Paddo caters for all desires including a hearty pub meal, a game of pool, a round on the pokies, live music, plasma screens showing sports and an expansive outdoor seating area. With a very laid back vibe, the Paddo is an easy place to meet with friends for a casual night out.

186 Given Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 0044; thepaddo.com.au

Gambaro

For a lavish night out with friends or clients you should start out in true style with a seafood feast at Gambaro. Known for its incredible seafood, including amazing platters, you can eat like royalty here. They have beautiful options for both entrees and mains but your real focus should be on the seafood-heavy options such as the live rock lobster prepared your way, BBQ Moreton Bay bugs, or one of the famous chilled seafood platters.

33 Caxton Street, Paddington; 07 3369 9500; www.gambaros.com.au

Caxton Hotel

The Caxton Hotel is one of Brisbane’s best known and longstanding pubs and is the most obvious choice for post-match debauchery. With their space extended, the Caxton can literally squeeze thousands of people in. Known for playing classic music - think 'Jesse’s Girl' to 'Eagle Rock' (upon which you will see hundreds of men with their pants around their ankles) - plus a mix of modern hits as well, the Caxton Dance floor is one of the most hilarious, gross and wonderful experiences all rolled in to one. Girls, be prepared to be the prey of drunk men. Boys, be prepared to be the prey of drunk women.

38 Caxton Street, Paddington; 07 3369 5544; www.caxton.com.au

The Scratch

For those after a low-key start to the night, head to The Scratch for amazing craft beer on tap. With four taps and one hand pump, the guys at The Scratch change their selections on a daily basis, keeping everyone on their toes. Aware that not everybody is a beer-spert, they welcome newbies into their home with open arms, eager to explain what's on tap, where it's from and how it has been made. It is a totally relaxed vibe and a perfect way to ease into the afternoon.

8/1 Park Road, Milton; 07 3107 9910; www.scratchbar.com

Iceworks

The Iceworks is a great place to go both before and after the game. Located diagonally opposite the stadium, it is in prime position. The food menu is very modern but fairly inexpensive and includes menu items like duck foie gras parfait, mud crab and clam linguini, and tea-smoked ocean trout. The bar is long and well-staffed meaning that despite the inevitable crowd, you will not have to wait too long for a drink. Location is key here though; if you head out right on the buzzer you can make it back to the bar within two minutes.

Corner of Given Tce and Dowse Street, Paddington; 07 3367 9800; www.iceworks.com.au

Casablanca

Casablanca is a hybrid of latin dance, karaoke, food and debauchery. It is the place where generally intoxicated, and also very talented, people go to get up on stage and sing in front of a crowd of strangers. You know you've had a big night when your night ends up at karaoke. You'll be able to tell from a raspy voice, a couple of bruises, and some unused song selection pieces of paper in your hand. Casablanca fills up with those chasing the musical dream right before 3am where they sing to their hearts' content until they saunter down the road to Dirty Harry's for some chicken chippies.

52 Petrie Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 6969; www.casablanca.com.au

Arrivederci Pizzeria

Park Road in Milton is abundant with soccer fandom and a wide selection of Italian food. Arrivederci is celebrated for their pizzas - both the flavour and size. Pizzas at Arrivederci are ordered by length coming in one metre, 50cm or 25cm. Because of this, it is the perfect place to gather with a large group of friends and smash metres of pizza before you cheer on the Brisbane Roar. Alternatively, if you can't get tickets to a game, or want to watch your favourite European team play, then it's guaranteed that the major sport fans of Arrivederci will be playing the game which you can enjoy in the comfort of a highly atmospheric Italian restaurant.

1/1 Park Road, Milton; 07 3369 8500; www.arrivedercipizza.com.au