Guinness Is More Popular Than Ever — Here's Where to Find a Pint in Brisbane
Guinness is having a moment — here's where to find a properly poured pint of the black stuff in Brisbane.
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Brisbane might be a long way from Dublin, but judging by the current Guinness revival, you wouldn't know it. What was once seen as a winter-only stout is now having its moment in the Aussie sun, thanks to a new wave of drinkers chasing a perfectly poured pint that starts with the right tilt and finishes with a creamy domage and the telltale lacing with every sip.
Don't just take our word for it, though — from a high-fashion collaboration with JW Anderson to a recent prestige Netflix deep dive into the Guinness dynasty, it's clear the black stuff is firmly back in the cultural conversation. Whether you're already a fan or just Guinness-curious, here's where to find a cracking pint of the legendary Irish stout in Brisbane.
Grace Smith
Finn McCool's
Set in the heart of Fortitude Valley, Finn McCool's brings a lively slice of Ireland to one of Brisbane's busiest precincts. The expansive venue offers plenty of spots to pull up with a pint — from intimate booths to a vibrant beer garden — while live music and sport on the screens keep the energy high. On the food front, expect a menu that moves from Irish favourites to Aussie pub classics, from chicken curry to chicken parmies, making it an easy place to settle in and let the night unfold.
Grace Smith
Gillhooleys
For over 30 years, Gilhooleys has brought mighty craic and creamy Guinness to the heart of the CBD. The Albert Street venue is the real deal — from its timber-panelled bar and stained-glass canopy to a lively calendar of trad sessions, Irish dancers, cover bands and live sport that keeps the place humming throughout the week. Open until 2am on weekends, the venue easily shifts from after-work drinks to late-night sessions, with a crowd that knows exactly what it's here for.
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Irish Murphy's
If it's live music you're after, Irish Murphy's rarely misses a beat. The CBD mainstay has built a reputation on a stacked lineup of bands and performers, spanning Irish classics to crowd-favourite covers by local acts, seven days a week. Inside, the sprawling, multi-level space leans into that momentum, with different areas catering to everything from a quick post-work stop to a full night out. And if you've ever wanted to drink a Guinness with your face on it, you can make it happen here thanks to a nifty — and free-to-use — printing machine.
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Hope and Anchor
Housed in a character-filled former workers' cottage in Paddington, Hope and Anchor leans into its heritage bones with a more intimate, neighbourhood feel. Inside, sandstock walls, wood panelling and leather booths create a warm, lived-in atmosphere, while candlelit tables beneath the outdoor canopy keep things intimate. There's always something on here, from weekly specials and Sunday meat raffles to live music in the courtyard, while a thoughtful, produce-led menu gives plenty of reasons to linger.
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Waxy's Irish Pub
A Surfers Paradise fixture, Waxy's Irish Pub brings a more expansive, high-energy take on the classic format. Downstairs blends traditional Irish pub touches with a bigger, party-ready feel, while upstairs, a rooftop bar offers a breezier spot to take a break from the bustle below. A steady rotation of live music, sport and late-night sessions runs throughout the week, while a broad menu of pub favourites makes it just as easy to drop in for a quick bite as it is to stay into the wee hours.
D'Arcy Arms
A Surfers Paradise institution with roots stretching back nearly four decades, D'Arcy Arms offers a more traditional take on the Irish pub. Set inside a Tudor-style building just off the main strip, the venue pairs old-world charm with warm hospitality. The kitchen serves up Irish classics — think pies, steaks and a hearty Sunday roast — while a regular lineup of live music and seasonal events keeps the place feeling lively without losing its laidback appeal.
Top image: Anna K Photography.