Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Toombul

A year after the Valley opening of B. Lucky & Sons, Funlab — the group responsible for Holey Moley and Strike Bowling — has launched yet another kidult wonderland in Brisbane. This time it's Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, a circus-themed arcade bar that's now part of Toombul's new entertainment and dining precinct.

The Brisbane instalment is the third for the brand, which first opened in Sydney back in December 2017, and then made the move to Melbourne a year later. First announced back in February, the local version is the key tenant in Toombul Shopping Centre's $35 million redevelopment. Called Upstairs, and also opening in November 2019, the revamped space is home to new eateries, neon-lit decor, misting fountains, ballpits and more — as well as an eight-screen cinema that'll reveal its own makeover in December.

The Brisbane Archie Brothers, like its interstate counterparts, boasts plenty to entertain your inner kidult — think dodgem cars, a bowling alley, an interactive theatre, air hockey, basketball hoops and virtual reality games. There's also an array of arcade games, including Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution, with tickets able to be used to purchase the usual OTT assortment of random objects and plastic toys at the prize bazaar.

The food menu fits right in with the circus decor, focusing on over-the-top novelty American diner grub. Think three-meat burgers, giant pretzels, and potato gems and garlic aioli that's served in a syringe. You get the idea. The drinks follow suit, with a ridiculously involved cocktails such as the boozy strawberry shakes (topped with whipped cream and candy kebabs) and butterscotch schnapps concoction garnished with popcorn.

Images: Zennieshia Photography.