Located in the old Ithaca Ice Works building where they — you guessed it — made and sold ice in the good ol’ days, Iceworks just might be one of Brisbane’s best multifaceted venues. Boasting restaurant, bar, lounge and function facilities, this is a Paddington gem that should be enjoyed by the rest of Brisbane.
But a stone's throw from Suncorp Stadium, Iceworks bar offers 20 varieties of craft beer alongside an extensive wine and cocktail list, so it's worth your while to drop by before the next sporting or entertainment event. The sleek interior decor exudes cool and offers a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to tear your eyes away from the dominating marble and polished concrete bar long enough to peruse the menu and grab a snack to balance out the booze.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the competence of the kitchen as they turn out bar food that’s a little bit fancy. Someone definitely deserves a high-five for the house-made pizzas ($16), especially those topped with prosciutto, caramelised fig, gorgonzola, rocket and lemon myrtle extra virgin olive oil. You’d also be smart to take a chance on the confit duck corn dog with burnt orange preserve ($12) and chow down on the salt 'n' vinegar pork puffs ($5).
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial on your plate, the Iceworks Restaurant offers a full-service a la carte menu. The comfortable and contemporary space sees modern European-inspired cuisine served for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.
A strong attention to detail is evident across the physical furnishings of the spaces and the thoughtfully procured menus, creating a wholesome drinking and dining experience. Depending on the day or night you find yourself on Given Terrace, you're bound to experience anything from a vibrant bar scene to a relaxed spot for a really great feed.