Elixir Rooftop Bar - CLOSED
Brisbane is a great place to be outside; may rooftop bars like this reign.
Overview
There are plenty of rooftops in Brisbane, but not a whole lot of rooftop bars. It's a shame because with such an amenable climate (most of the time), Brisbane is a great place to be outside.
One venue doing its part to right this wrong is Elixir, hidden way on Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Having been under construction for many months, with only online teasers hinting towards what could be expected at the top of the stairs, the buzz has been building. Expectations were high, and the Valley's newest bar seems to be hitting the mark.
Elixir is a clever combination of openness and intimacy. While the overall floor space is far from large, the open-air aspect injects a sense of space that would otherwise be lacking. The seating area is lined with leafy greenery dotted with fairy lights, creating an enchanting oasis as the sun goes down. It's an appropriate atmosphere for a bar named after the mythical 'elixir of life', provider of eternal youth.
Decor is a mix of sleek and natural, with the heavy marble-topped bar and cement tables contrasting with wooden benches and lush foliage. Bathrooms are always an important detail and happily, the Elixir bathrooms are faultless.
The bar is stocked with an impressive range of bottled craft beers and ciders, and several on tap. The lengthy cocktail menu includes the classics as well as a list of specialty cocktails that have been given the special Elixir twist. If you're having trouble deciding, the bar staff are happy to offer their advice. Stave off the midnight munchies by snacking on a tasty selection of share plates, including olives, nuts, and lamb and brussels sprout salad.
The seating is best suited to small or medium sized groups, and bottle service is also available. The retractable roof prevents any unexpected showers from stalling celebrations. It's worth noting that there are a lot of stairs to navigate when coming in and out of Elixir and care should be taken, especially when exiting. There is a lift available at the back of the building for those who are unable to use the stairs.
Overall, Elixir is an exciting addition to the Valley's growing collection of nooks tucked away from the maddening crowd.