Where to Celebrate Your Birthday in Brisbane (and Not Send Your Friends Broke)
Our top picks to celebrate another lap around the sun.
Where to Celebrate Your Birthday in Brisbane (and Not Send Your Friends Broke)
In partnership with
Our top picks to celebrate another lap around the sun.
Choosing a venue to celebrate your birthday can present a conundrum. For social butterflies with extensive friendship circles, the thought of cramming everyone into a 'cosy' restaurant is nothing short of terrifying. On the other hand, if an intimate birthday celebration is more your vibe, then a packed pub with a heaving beer garden is probably out of the question. And then there's the cost factor — no one wants to ask their pals to spend all their cash on one night out.
That's where we come in. In partnership with American Express, we've carefully vetted some of the best venues that Brisbane has to offer for a b-day, where you can also tap that Amex card. The result? We've come up with affordable and appropriate spots for groups of all sizes and budgets. Nobody wants to spend their big day in the wrong place, or panic about the bill afterwards, so these bars, restaurants and hangouts are the cream of the wallet-friendly birthday crop.
Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
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With a Middle Eastern-inspired menu that just screams out to be shared, Gerard’s Bistro has the kind of friendly vibe that your raucous friends will love. These guys have hosted some seriously impressive parties over the years, so you can rest assured that they will be pros at whipping up a birthday dinner for you and your closest mates. The plush couches and relaxed environment invite you to really settle in, while tucking into a feast from the daily-changing menu. Think, wood-fired burghul bread, coal-grilled pumpkin with pine nuts and toum, or wagyu bavette with smoked harissa.
Image: Emily Davies.
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If there’s one thing Brisbanites are fond of, it’s Asian fusion dishes. We’re rather spoiled for choice in this river city of ours, but Umami is a strong contender for the top spot. Sleek and moody, this Insta-worthy venue is a great pick for that stylish birthday celebration. The food menu is designed to be shared family-style, and the drinks list has something for just about every palate. Order up a feast of dumplings, rendang beef cheek and crispy skin roast duck, matched with some sake or Asian-accented cocktails, and everyone’s sure to be impressed.
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Keep this card up your sleeve for your next birthday bash; The Charming Squire almost has the market cornered when it comes to casual group dining. Nab yourself a table upstairs to enjoy easy access to The Squire’s impressive beer selection, and choose from a sizeable menu of share plates, wood-fired pizzas and bar snacks to go with it. For larger groups, there are four different function spaces on offer, depending on your chosen vibe. The location is similarly impressive, with the golden trifecta of bus, train and ferry stops just minutes from the front door.
Image: Anwyn Howarth.
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This elegant, modern-Japanese venue will wow groups big or small. With both traditional zashiki-style floor seating and more modern communal tables, there’s an option to suit every party. Order several platters of the generous sashimi combo (from $20) or the chef’s selection sushi set (from $25), and let your friends pick their favourite rolls to share. Throw in a few cheeky bottles of shochu, and you have the recipe for a no-stress birthday celebration that you’ll probably want to roll out again next year.
As you drink and dine with your American Express, reap all the sweet rewards of being a Card Member. Explore the many ways American Express has your back here.
FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don’t influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground’s editorial policy.
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