Overview
Another winter has come and gone, and summer is fast approaching. And if you're looking for an excuse to soak up the sun right now, look no further than these top-notch venues serving up the classic drink of the summer: Aperol Spritz.
Can't decide where to go for that first sunshine sip? Here are some of our favourite openair spots around Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
BREAKFAST CREEK HOTEL, ALBION
The legendary Breakfast Creek Hotel has a fine selection of bars to choose from to get your Aperol Spritz fix. The Spanish Garden and Beer Garden restaurants serve up fresh oysters for starters and delicious cuts of steak for mains, which you can devour before or right after your glass of Aperol Spritz from the Staghorn Bar. Whether you're a guest at the hotel or just paying a visit, extend your night by hitting the Private Bar to soak up the atmosphere of the veranda to catch up with your mates.
JUSTIN LANE, BURLEIGH HEADS
Chasing big summer energy? Head to Burleigh Heads' Justin Lane. This sun-drenched, Mediterranean-inspired oasis features spritz and summer-ready cocktails aplenty, as well as live music and delicious Italian fare to pair with your spritz.
CALI BEACH, SURFERS PARADISE
Spend your Friday evening at Cali Beach sipping on ice-cold cocktails by the pool or the sun lounges. Offering free admission, this Surfers Paradise venue boasts stunning views of the city skyline and ocean. Every week, the expansive entertainment precinct, which features everything from pools and cabanas to restaurants and volleyball courts, hosts seasoned DJs to keep the vibes high — the rotating lineup has featured names like Hot Dub Time Machine, Sneaky Sound System, Bag Raiders and more. The regular Cali After Dark parties require a reservation, but it's worth the extra effort to make sure you have access to one of the two restaurants or your very own VIP poolside area, daybed or cabana.
RIVERLAND, CBD
Treat your tastebuds to a variety of brews with Riverland's selection of 16 tap beers and ciders. Whether you're here for date night or celebrating a special occasion, this bustling spot on the banks of The Brown Snake also provides a smart list of local and international wines as well as innovative cocktails, both single and sharing-sized serves. Whatever your poison, you can pair your pour with a bite from one of the rotating lineup of international street food vendors dotted around the space.
LINA ROOFTOP, SOUTH BRISBANE
Simply put, Lina Rooftop is an absolute vibe — trust us when we say that you won't run out of Instagram content during your time here. The 1500-square-metre space is comprised of an openair terrace, restaurant and a 30-metre infinity pool. The menu is appropriately beachy, featuring spritzes, slushie cocktails and ice-cold beers. Don't forget to take a dip in the pool and soak up the gorgeous view of the city.
CIELO ROOFTOP, FORTITUDE VALLEY
Situated high above the streets of Fortitude Valley, Cielo Rooftop is a collaboration between the minds behind Salt Meats Cheese Group and the award-winning Sydney bar Maybe Sammy. As you'd expect with this pedigree, both the food and drinks programs are very considered — sip on modern cocktails or one of the three types of spritz, and soak it up with a Mooloolaba prawn cocktail or house-made pizzette. There's also a dedicated cocktail tree menu, perfect if you're heading up with a crew.
OOH LA LA, WOOLLOONGABBA
Designed by Brisbane architecture studio JDA Co., Ooh La La, a contemporary French-inspired rooftop bar situated above Woolloongabba's C'est Bon, is an impressive terrace space open for sundowners serves from Friday to Sunday. The considered food menu features elevated bar bites like lobster éclairs, angus tartare and two types of caviar, while the tight wine list features exclusively French and Australian drops, with each selection sold both by the bottle and by the glass.
For more ways to elevate your summer with Aperol, head to the website.