Overview
Sipping drinks at soaring heights: if that's your preferred way to while away your days in Brisbane, there's no shortage of spots to head to. But the latest sky-high venue to open in our fair city doesn't just want you to eat and drink while soaking in the view. That's all part of Catalina, of course — but, in a 1500-square-metre bar that's taken its cues from the Mediterranean, this beach club-inspired spot wants you to get swimming as well.
Head up to the top level at 74–80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane and you'll be enjoying a splash in two ways: in your glass and in the 30-metre rooftop infinity pool. Hang out in daybeds, sunken lounges and booths by the water, stare out over the Brissie skyline, and enjoy an atmosphere that's designed to make you feel like you're on holidays without leaving town.
Open since mid-February — but bound to make the most of Brisbane's year-round balmy weather — Catalina is the latest venture from Icatha Hospitality's Ross Ledingham and Salt Meat Cheese Group's Stefano De Blasi. Blue, white and neutral tones help set the vacation mood, both indoors and out. The prevailing vibe: lounge all day, party through the night, with the venue open from brunch till midnight from Wednesday–Friday, and kicking things off at 7am on weekends.
Relaxing by the pool is hungry work, so the food menu spans restaurant fare, waterside options, bar snacks and sharing spreads. Accordingly, you can grab seafood from the raw bar — oysters, scampi caviar, salmon gravlax and tuna tartar all included — then tuck into a 1.1-kilogram flank steak, lobster thermidor, pork belly or duck breast (with a side of truffle mac 'n' cheese if that also tempts your tastebuds).
Or, snack on charcuterie, lobster rolls, octopus roulade and karaage chicken — no matter where you sit. Plus, the sharing menu spans both three- and four-course options, and desserts include deconstructed mango cheesecake and strawberries and cream panna cotta.
For those Saturday and Sunday early starts, the brekkie range features house-baked corn bread, hotcakes, eggs benedict, zucchini flowers, and herb and potato rosti.
And, drinks-wise, 14 different signature cocktails — think: Catalina bellinis with boysenberry tea-infused vermouth and edible stamps, sours made with jalapeno and pineapple syrup, and a fruity fizz featuring honey and apricot jam — sit alongside four low- and no-alcohol concoctions. Or, there are beers by the schooner and bottle, a sizeable spirits range (especially agave), and coffees, teas and hot chocolates.
Catalina also hosts Sunday sessions, complete with DJ-spun house and disco tunes — if you need another excuse to turn lazing, paddling and sipping on a South Brisbane rooftop into a party.
Find Catalina at 74–80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane — open 11am–12am Wednesday–Friday and 7am–12am Saturday–Sunday.