Seven Boozy Brunch Spots That Will Help You Feel Human Again (and Keep the Party Going)

If you’re feeling less than sprightly after a big night out, you probably won’t want to trek up 11 sets of stairs to get to this rooftop bar. Don’t worry — there’s a lift. And, making the trek up is worth it if you want to pair your food and beverages with a mighty fine view. This is a great option for folks who firmly believe brunch starts whenever you feel like it, including from midday onwards. Tuck into oysters, arancini, scallops, steak tartare with 63-degree yolk eggs, baked brie, fish sandwiches and slow-cooked lamb shoulder to share — and wash it all down with a pornstar martini, made with Grey Goose La Vanille vodka, Passoa Passionfruit Liqueur and prosecco. You’ll be feeling human again quick-smart.

Image: Pandora Photography.

Sometimes, your tastebuds don’t quite know what they want. Will a beer help you embrace the day? Something stiffer? Is there a beverage that somehow ticks both boxes? At Riverbar and Kitchen, there is. It’s the Stone and Wood Punch, featuring Grey Goose la Poire, vanilla, passionfruit, strawberry and lemonade, and it’s designed to be drunk by you and several of your buddies. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to head to this Eagle Street Pier spot, too — the river views, the breeze and the sunlight, plus brekkie dishes from crumpets with honeycomb butter to baked eggs with beans.

James Street has undergone quite the revamp of late. There are more cinemas, a resort-style hotel, a Gelato Messina — the list goes on. But Harveys has remained a constant, as well as constantly busy. If you’re planning on brunching here, you’ll definitely want to book your weekend berth in advance. Food-wise, the spiced mince tortilla with poached egg, sour cream and avocado is one of the best brekkie dishes in Brisbane, especially if you’re craving protein. And, it goes down oh-so-nicely with a classic Grey Goose martini.

When you choose a renowned spirits bar as your brunch spot, you know that you’re serious about keeping the party going. Plus, this option comes with a guaranteed sleep-in — but, hey, if you want to call your midday meal brunch, we’re not going to stop you. At The Gresham’s cafe, decadent toasties are the highlight. Choose from a reuben, ham and cheese, beef brisket, turkey and camembert, or a stacked vegetable toastie, then follow it with a ploughman’s or cheese board if you’re still hungry. As for a drink, the great thing about a bloody mary is that it goes well with everything.

It’s one of Brisbane’s newest eateries, and it only does brunch on Sundays, but Za Za Ta’s Middle Eastern feast has hangover cure written all over it. Arrive hungry — you’ll be grazing your way through salads, pickled vegetables, Israeli breads with hummus and labneh, and woodfired shakshuka in no time. Oh, and you’ll be spending a bit of your morning at the slow-cooked meat carving station, we’re guessing. Add some spice to your drink, too, by opting for a Ghost of Mary made with Grey Goose vodka. It also features tomato consommé, celery bitters, lamb bacon salt and a house pickle, and will have your tastebuds tingling.

Brunch at Fortitude Valley favourite CRU Bar means sharing char siu pork spring rolls, tucking into prawns and slurping down bloody mary oysters — and a stint of good old-fashioned people watching. Sitting on the James Street side of this eatery, staring out the window and seeing the world go by, has become a Brisbane tradition, especially on a busy weekend morning. At brunch, order one of the five cheese share plates. Dairy helps line the stomach, after all. When it comes to a tipple, we recommend the Pep Up Espresso Martini. Ask for Grey Goose, and it’ll come with kahlua, cognac and an espresso shot, and leave you feeling zesty.

As well as a stellar vantage over the river from South Bank — the kind of sight that’ll make you glad you got out of bed — Aquitaine Brasserie boasts an impressive menu. Technically, it’s filled with lunch dishes; however, the restaurant opens from 11.30am, which fits firmly into the brunch window. This is a treat yo’self option. You celebrated last night, and you’re keeping the occasion rolling. Highlights include the truffled gnocchi, smoked duck breast and confit pork belly, which all go quite nicely with a Grey Goose vodka sour (which is made with lemon juice, sugar, egg white and a splash of bitters).