Overview
You know the feeling. You're heading out on a Friday night after a long week in the office. All you're after (at first) is a couple of crisp cocktails and time to unwind. But a flurry of mojitos quickly turns into a few too many so it's probably a good idea to put something in your belly. You need a venue with a menu as good as its drinks list. Here are ten of Brisbane's best spots to pair drinks with dinner.
Esq
Bookings are highly recommended for this delicious slice of Brisbane's bar and dining scene. The younger sibling of highly acclaimed Esquire (Brisbane's only three-hat restaurant) might be slightly more casual, but it's no less spectacular. The drinks are delicious and the menu favours fresh ingredients such as squid, cod or pork ribs, grilled over charcoal and served simply to highlight the quality of the produce.
145 Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3220 2123; www.esquire.net.au
Pony
Another entry for Eagle Street comes in the shape of Pony. Settle in at the bar or grab a table to enjoy an innovative artisanal cocktail list (chilli coconut martini, anyone?) before a bite to eat. Depending on where you sit, you might even be able to scope out your dinner being prepared in the open plan kitchen.
Eagle Street Pier, Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3181 3400; www.ponydining.com.au
Public
If you like your after-work shenanigans a little bit fancy, then Public might be the place for you. Awarded a Chef's Hat and 'Best New Restaurant' in the 2012/2013 Australian Good Food Guide Awards, as well as 'Best Bar Food' at the 2013/2014 awards, Public has quickly become a favourite of many Brisbane foodies. Kick back at the bar with an expertly crafted cocktail or take a seat in the restaurant, where you can enjoy Public classics such as KFD (Kentucky Fried Duck) and Texas brisket with tortillas and chilli sauce.
400 George Street, Brisbane; (07) 3210 2288; www.lovepublic.com.au
Riverbar
Celebrity chef Matt Moran's second Brisbane venture has become a regular Friday evening watering hole for many of those who work nearby. With a droolworthy waterfront location, open plan fit-out and bar food available until 11pm, it's not hard to see why. Your evening snack options include snow crab sliders, lamb kofta, jamon croquettes and spicy lamb quesadilla pizza.
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3211 9020; www.riverbarandkitchen.com.au
Verve
With more ciders than you can shake a stick at and some of the best pasta in town, Verve is a shoe-in when it comes to drinks and dinner. Sneaking down those stairs into the basement dining room is the very best way to shake off a week's work and prepare for the weekend. Grab a perch at the bar and try one of more than 60 cider varieties, or find yourself a table and load up on dem carbs. We especially love the blue cheese and chicken risotto and the pork belly linguini.
109 Edward Street, Brisbane; (07) 3221 5691; www.vervecafe.com
Cicada
By day, Cicada caters to the breakfast and lunch seekers, but after 5pm it's a watering hole for the corporate crowd. An extensive drinks list caters to all your beverage-related needs, while the dinner menu offers tapas, mains and desserts that will line the stomach quite nicely.
Cnr Adelaide and George Street, Brisbane; (07) 3211 2161; www.cicadagroup.com.au
Malt
You'll find Malt on Market Street in a slightly-hidden-but-not-really sort of location. Spread across three levels in the historic Wenley House, the polished wood, exposed brick and rustic feel will take you a million miles from your work day. Hungry? Order some nibbles from the bar menu or head up the stairs to The Attic restaurant. If you're after something a bit more exclusive, book out the private cellar dining room.
28 Market Street, Brisbane; (07) 3236 4855; www.maltdining.com.au
Treasury Casino
If choice is what you're after, then you can't do much better than the good old Treasury Casino. For the drinks part of the night, you can choose between cocktails at The Kitty, sports at the TAB Bar, tunes at the Livewire Bar or just some laid back beverages at Ryan's on the Park. When dinner time calls, there's Vietnamese fusion at Fat Noodle, modern Australian cuisine at The Lab Bar + Restaurant, or a bit of everything at Kitchen at Treasury (open 24 hours).
Top of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane; (07) 3306 8888; www.treasurybrisbane.com.au
Blackbird
Blackbird may be new on the Brisbane bar scene, but it's already making a rather large splash. The million dollar views of the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point are backed up by a '20s-inspired cocktail list (think 'Giggle Water' and 'The Jazzed Up Sidecar'), opulent interiors and restaurant serving a diverse menu including fresh seafood and wood-grilled meats.
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3229 1200; www.blackbirdbrisbane.com.au
Rush
During its decade-long tenure at the edge of Post Office Square, Rush has accumulated a steady stream of loyal regulars with its sophisticated yet relaxed style. On Fridays from 5pm you'll find the bar spilling out into the Post Office Square green, where you can kick back to live music as you wet your whistle. The restaurant menu features a range of salads, burgers, pizzas and mains that make great accompaniments to a Friday cocktail.
300 Queen Street, Brisbane; (07) 3211 9511; www.rushcbd.com.au
Top image by Rosanne Gold.