The Best Bars in Brisbane for After-Work Drinks

Sip speciality wine, drink local craft beer or enjoy a Negroni (or two) at these post-work haunts.
Concrete Playground
Published on July 20, 2017
Updated on July 27, 2018
List
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  • Bar

    Bar Rocco

    131 Leicester Street, Coorparoo

    This Italian osteria in Coorparoo is a sibling venture to Ashley-Maree Kent's Ramona Trattoria next door.

  • Bar

    Pink Flamingo Spiegeland Brisbane

    98 Bincote Street, Hamilton

    For seven years — until it needs to make way for Brisbane's Olympics preparations — Northshore Hamilton is home to a 400-seat riverside cabaret club.

  • Bar

    Maniax Brisbane CBD

    Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

    This second Brisbane site for the axe-throwing chain comes with a Viking-themed bar — and will get you hurling hatchets on Adelaide Street.

  • Bar

    Lost Souls Karaoke

    186 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

    Mash buttons next door at Netherworld, then hit up this underworld-themed karaoke bar to belt out a tune over drinks.

  • Bar

    The Belvedere

    Oxley Avenue, Woody Point

    Woody Point's 122-year-old pub has relaunched after a $10-million-plus redevelopment.

  • Bar

    Kirra Beach Hotel

    2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

    This Gold Coast favourite returned in late 2023 after a three-year absence — and now sprawls across 1300 square metres.

  • Bar

    Bar Gusto

    601 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

    This 190-seat Bowen Hills restaurant boasts big Italian Riviera vibes and a terrace perfect for after-work drinks.

  • Bar

    Midtown

    15 Manning Street, South Brisbane

    This Fish Lane 40-seater bar hails from the One Fish Two Fish team and heroes martinis.

  • Bar

    Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Bowen Hills

    30 King Street, Bowen Hills

    After its Toombul venue was closed due to the floods, this circus-themed arcade bar has moved to Bowen Hills.

  • Bar

    Antico

    48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

    This Italian-style cocktail bar in Burnett Lane hails from the Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette crew, and is located in Super Whatnot's old digs.

  • Bar

    Royal Hotel

    1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah

    This 135-year-old Nundah pub has relaunched with a new music venue after a $1.1-million makeover.

  • Bar

    Stranded Bar

    3 Winn Street, Fortitude Valley

    Opened by the crew behind The Zoo, this Fortitude Valley bar serves up a mezcal and tequila-heavy drinks menu.

  • Bar

    Death and Taxes Brisbane

    36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

    This old-school bar hidden down a laneway serves up 500 whiskys and plenty of cocktails.

  • Bar

    Regatta Hotel

    543 Coronation Drive, Toowong

    Drink riverside at this Brisbane institution with a jam-packed history.

  • Bar

    Winghaus

    144 Edward Street, Brisbane City

    An American-style diner dedicated to wings and beer.

  • Bar

    The Caxton Hotel

    38 Caxton Street, Brisbane City

    A legendary venue with proximity to both Suncorp Stadium and the Brissie CBD.

  • Bar

    Pig 'N' Whistle

    Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley

    British pub grub and ales on tap with a focus on Australian and New Zealand wines to boot.

  • Bar

    Patio

    146 Baroona Road, Paddington

    Rosalie's new neighbourhood bar features a sunny beer garden, takes its cues from 80s Aussie pubs and hails from the Range Brewing team.

  • Bar

    Riverland

    167 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    This Eagle Street bar is back after a $3.5-million revamp with a new three-tier waterfront deck.

  • Bar

    Maeve Wine Bar

    39 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

    The cosy yet elegant Brisbane wine bar you've been searching for.

  • Bar

    Boom Boom Room

    171 George Street, Brisbane City

    An underground CBD bar and restaurant located in a heritage-listed former bank.

  • Bar

    Cru Bar + Cellar

    22 James Street, Fortitude Valley

    It's the ideal alternative for those wanting to avoid the chaos that is The Valley on a Saturday night.

  • Bar

    Blackbird Bar & Grill

    123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    Nothing screams 'Queensland summer' quite like champagne and seafood on the waterfront

  • Bar

    Hijinx Hotel Chermside

    Gympie And Hamilton Roads, Chermside

    This OTT challenge-room bar chain launched its first Brisbane location, joining Holey Moley at Chermside.

  • Bar

    The Victory Hotel

    127 Edward Street, Brisbane City

    This 168-year-old Edward Street pub has reopened under new management ahead of a big revamp.

  • Bar

    Rumba Bar & Kitchen - CLOSED

    365 Saint Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley

    Fortitude Valley is now home to a new Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar from the Lina and Soko crew.

  • Bar

    Agnes

    22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley

    The Same Same and Honto crew has joined forces with chef Ben Williamson to serve up woodfired dishes in an old brick warehouse.

  • Bar

    Honto

    Alden Street, Fortitude Valley

    Enjoy Japanese eats from the Same Same team in The Valley.

  • Bar

    OTTO Brisbane

    Sidon Street, South Brisbane

    The revamped site now features three Otto ventures, including its restaurant, a waterside bar and an events space.

  • Restaurant

    Happy Boy

    East Street, Fortitude Valley

    Provincial Chinese cuisine in the heart of the Valley.

  • Bar

    Hervé's Restaurant and Bar

    31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion

    Restaurateur and entrepreneur Hervé Dudognon is serving up French-inspired dishes and wine in Albion's revamped timber mill.

  • Bar

    Babylon Garden

    145 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    This two-tier waterfront bar on Eagle Street cascades down to the river, and serves up Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean bites and cocktails.

  • Bar

    Future Magic Brewing Co

    32 Manilla Street, East Brisbane

    This old warehouse on Manilla Street is now home to a brewery pouring its own tipples, slinging pizzas made in-house and showing nearby beermakers some love.

  • Bar

    Archer Brewing

    278 Newmarket Road, Wilston

    This new brewpub from aviation-inspired brewery Archer has landed in an old WWII hangar in Wilston.

  • Bar

    Hijinx Hotel Surfers Paradise

    Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

    This Gold Coast bar from the Holey Moley team pairs challenges with cocktails — and plenty of nostalgia.

  • Bar

    Riverbar & Kitchen

    71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    Watch the boats slink down the river with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

  • Bar

    Stratton Bar and Kitchen

    3 Stratton Street, Newstead

    Serving up cacio e pepe udon and cheeseburger bloody marys next to The Triffid, this new bar and eatery hails from Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen owners Ben and Tarryn Brown.

  • Bar

    Hibiscus Room

    72 Queen Street, Brisbane City

    Perched above the Queen Street Mall, this rooftop bar pairs cocktails, 70s- and 80s-inspired dishes, tropical decor and poolside hangs.

  • Bar

    Dr Gimlette

    109 Edward Street, Brisbane City

    Located in one of Brisbane's oldest buildings, this new table service-oriented bar hails from the team behind laneway favourite Death and Taxes.

  • Bar

    Iris Rooftop

    458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

    The Mediterranean-inspired venue is the latest addition to Brunswick Street's new Hotel X.

  • Bar

    Milton Common

    35 Railway Terrace, Milton

    Head to this brewery for local craft beer, OTT burgers and good old-fashioned community spirit.

  • Bar

    Kazba

    1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

    This Tel Aviv-inspired spot is serving Turkish coffee martinis, chilli haloumi doughnuts and a cocktail hidden in a novel.

  • Bar

    Balance & Blend

    182 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo

    A soon-to-open wine bar causing a lot of buzz.

  • Bar

    Warehouse 25

    25 Finchley Street, Milton

    Head here for next-level gin made on-site, stay for the late-night party vibes.

  • Bar

    Maya Mexican

    757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

    Pair sweeping city views with mezcal cocktails and next-level Mexican fare.

  • Bar

    Will & Flow

    59B Gardens Point Road, Brisbane City

    Treasury Brisbane's all-day overwater bar serves up a seafood-heavy menu with coffee, spritzes and stellar river views.

  • Bar

    Joey's

    29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

    The cafe atop Kangaroo Point Cliffs has had a big makeover — but those scenic views remain the same.

  • Restaurant

    Brooklyn Depot

    168 Grey Street, South Brisbane

    A gleeful burger-laden homage to the city that never sleeps.

  • Bar

    Oche Fortitude Valley

    111 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley

    A two-storey electronic darts bar.

  • Bar

    Wolf Lane Distillery

    28-30 Abbott Street, Cairns City

    Founded in 2019, this Cairns distillery has been making a splash.

  • Restaurant

    Fritzenberger South Bank

    12 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

    Serving up burgers, frites and beer in South Bank.

  • Bar

    Lefty's Music Hall

    15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace

    The Caxton Street favourite is back — and serving up whisky apples, cheeseburger spring rolls, and rockabilly and country music.

  • Bar

    Shhh! - CLOSED

    0 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley

    Fortitude Valley's new gin bar with booths, butlers and bottle service.

  • Bar

    El Matador

    Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

    An all-day tapas bar hidden down a CBD laneway.

  • Bar

    Hello Gorgeous Bar

    32A Chester Street, Newstead

    Pay a visit to Newstead's cocktail bar with tropical vibes and neon.

  • Bar

    Trash Taco

    38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley

    Tacos, tostadas and tequila inside one of Fortitude Valley's tiny bars.

  • Bar

    Soapbox Beer

    101 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley

    Brewing up chocolatey dark ales and citrus-heavy pale ales alongside brisket burgers and beer-battered fish and chips.

  • Bar

    iPONG Brisbane - CLOSED

    547 Kessels Road, MacGregor

    Play beer pong and darts — digitally, and over drinks.

  • Restaurant

    Salon de Co - CLOSED

    73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill

    Old-world design meets futuristic fare at the Ovolo Inchcolm's adventurous in-house restaurant.

  • Bar

    X Cargo — CLOSED

    37 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley

    The multi-purpose Fortitude Valley venue combines an American-meets-Latin American eatery, three bars and a party venue.

  • Bar

    The Terrace

    267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

    A rooftop bar and dining terrace atop South Bank's Emporium Hotel.

  • Bar

    Jimmy's On The Mall

    Corner Queen Street And Albert Street, Brisbane City

    An all-hours airy oasis in the heart of the city.

  • Bar

    Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside

    123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    A slice of Britain on the banks of the Brisbane River.

  • Bar

    Jessie's Girl - CLOSED

    110 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace

    Don’t worry, we can’t stop singing the song either.

  • Bar

    Little Big House - CLOSED

    18 Southpoint, 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane

    Belt out karaoke and drink beer in a renovated police station.

  • Bar

    The Cloakroom Bar - CLOSED

    215 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City

    Head down the laneway and look for the doorman under the fire escape.

  • Bar

    Holey Moley Golf Club

    25 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley

    Putt off a turntable, in a bathroom, through a gym, around creepy, creepy clowns, down a tenpin bowling lane and past the Nine Iron Throne.

  • Bar

    Alfred & Constance - CLOSED

    Corner Of Alfred Street And Constance Street, Fortitude Valley

    Two heritage Queenslanders house one great Brisbane venue.

  • Bar

    Legends Speakeasy Bar - CLOSED

    Mystery Location, Brisbane City

    Brisbane City's secret speakeasy you need a password to get into.

  • Bar

    1UP Arcade

    230 Lytton Road, Morningside

    Brisbane's retro-style freeplay gaming arcade.

  • Bar

    The Montague Hotel

    363 Montague Road , West End

    This new West End gastropub does $10 espresso martinis all day, every day.

  • Bar

    Pour Choices - CLOSED

    208 Montague Road, West End

    With great craft beer and a strong bar snack menu, there are no poor choices here.

  • Bar

    Claret House - CLOSED

    36 Vernon Terrace, Newstead

    Sip stellar tipples in Teneriffe's Woolstore building.

  • Bar

    Sasquatch Bar

    763 Gympie Road, Chermside

    A charcoal grill and craft beer bar inspired by the Canadian Rockies.

  • Bar

    Tatsu Yakitori Bar

    12 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley

    Your new Japanese street food haven.

  • Bar

    Sixteen Antlers

    Corner Ann And Roma Streets, Brisbane

    Sky-high drinks in the Brisbane CBD.

  • Bar

    Friday's Riverside

    123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

    This riverside spot knows how to get the party started — and keep it going.

  • Bar

    Santa Monica Pizza & Burger Bar

    192 Ann Street, Brisbane City

    Cali cocktails and cuisine opposite Central Station.

  • Bar

    Metropole Eatery

    180 Ann Street, Brisbane City

    Brisbane's own CBD dining hall.

  • Bar

    Canvas

    16B Logan Road, Woolloongabba

    A Woolloongabba stalwart that, despite opening in 2010, is still as good as ever.

  • Bar

    Jimmy Rod's Shave Saloon Bar and Kitchen - CLOSED

    480 Queen Street, Brisbane

    Freshen your look and your drink.

  • Bar

    Waterloo Hotel

    Corner Of Ann Street And Commercial Road, Fortitude Valley

    Newstead's longstanding local boozer housed in a classic art deco building.

  • Bar

    Factory 51

    51 Holdsworth Street, Coorparoo

    Industrial meets rustic.

  • Bar

    Ploughman

    3/15 Samford Road, Alderley

    Because you can't beat a good food-and-drink combo.

  • Bar

    Zero Fox

    36 Vernon Terrace, Newstead

    Gangnam style chicken wings are just the beginning.

  • Bar

    Blockhouse Nundah

    130 Ryans Road , Nundah

    Good times, any time.

  • Bar

    Sazerac - CLOSED

    Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane, 99 Mary Street, Brisbane

    A boring ol' hotel gym is now a high-flying rooftop bar — 30 storeys up.

  • Bar

    Botero Espresso Bar Brisbane - CLOSED

    258 Adelaide Street , Brisbane

    The Clarence Coast comes to Brisbane.

  • Bar

    The Brass Barrel

    6/165 Baroona Road, Rosalie

    Slighty British-themed, and slightly unexpected.

  • Bar

    The French Food Shop

    356 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

    Cafe by day, bar by night.

  • Bar

    Pillar Bar - CLOSED

    2/743 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

    Because every bar needs a sizeable, specially curated drinks list.

  • Bar

    Jabiru - CLOSED

    Level 1, Brisbane Club Tower, 241 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

    The best thing about working 9 to 5.

  • Bar

    Mr Henderson

    69 Brighton Road, Sandgate

    A bevy of beverages, and a beer garden to drink them in.

  • Bar

    The Unforgiven

    157 Given Terrace, Paddington

    Another darling hangout.

  • Bar

    Bavarian Bier Cafe

    45 Eagle Street, Brisbane

    Weissbier, weiner schnitzel and wonderful views over the river.

  • Bar

    The Village Social

    1188 Sandgate Road, Nundah

    Who doesn't like their dive bars accompanied by a splash of local history?

  • Bar

    Darling & Co

    157 Given Terrace, Paddington

    Sustainable produce, dog-friendly garden and terrace cocktails in Paddington, darling.

  • Bar

    Fitz + Potts

    1180 Sandgate Road, Nundah

    There's more to this Nundah dive bar than its retro furniture and chilled-out vibe.

  • Bar

    Barbara — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    105/38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley

    A slick small bar for every night of the week.

  • Bar

    Yorks Hollow

    52 Brookes Street, Bowen Hills

    When the working day is done, this cafe-turned-bar just wants to have jazzy fun.

  • Bar

    Collective Kitchen & Bar - CLOSED

    369 Ann Street, Brisbane

    Your new weekday coffee, dinner and drinks spot with a view.

  • Bar

    The Defiant Duck - CLOSED

    3/84 Longland Street, Newstead

    With beer and wine taps plus southern-inspired American fare, don't expect to rush out of this food and drink pavilion's doors.

  • Bar

    Southbank Beer Garden

    30ba Stanley Plaza, South Brisbane

    Steaks, brews and parkland views, inner-city oasis style.

  • Bar

    Corbett & Claude

    283 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City

    Say hello to a new inner-city source of historically minded tastiness.

  • Bar

    Bao Down Now - CLOSED

    187 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

    Bow down to a new bar and restaurant serving up steamed, filled buns and teapot cocktails.

  • Restaurant

    Izakana-Ya Okuman

    6/220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

    Expect to be spoiled for options — and atmosphere — at this Brisbane Japanese eatery.

  • Bar

    Mr Edward's Alehouse & Kitchen

    46 Edward Street, Brisbane

    It might be called an alehouse, but this Euro-centric CBD watering hole champions its food as much as its drinks.

  • Bar

    Barcadia - CLOSED

    136 Oxford Street, Bulimba

    Find make-your-own tortilla boards and doughnut lollipop platters at Bulimba's new go-to hangout.

  • Bar

    Farrier

    64 James Street, New Farm

    An underground bar and supper club that will inspire a race through the doors.

  • Bar

    Affinity Restaurant

    2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

    Modern Australian meals finished off with a trolley of cheese.

  • Bar

    Miss Kay's

    185 George Street, Brisbane

    Mac Daddy burgers and spiced bacon maple sour 'jartinis' make any night fly by.

  • Bar

    Iceworks

    157 Given Terrace, Paddington

    Someone definitely deserves a high-five for these house-made pizzas.

  • Bar

    Red Hook

    88 Creek Street, Brisbane

    Duck tacos: Brisbane's newest foodie bucket list must-eat.

  • Bar

    Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar at NEXT Hotel — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    72 Queen Street, Brisbane

    Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar is a breath of fresh air (literally) when it comes to the Brisbane bar scene.

  • Bar

    Hop & Pickle

    Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

    Hop & Pickle deliver an eclectic gastropub menu, best enjoyed with a craft beer and a view of South Bank greenery.

  • Bar

    Dutch Courage Officers' Mess

    51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley

    Make like Snoop Dogg, sip on some gin and juice, and do your granny proud.

  • Bar

    Brooklyn Standard

    Eagle Lane, Brisbane

    Rooftops are fine, but underground's where the live music, American beers and free table pretzels are at.

  • Bar

    Brewski

    22 Caxton Street, Brisbane

    There's no shortage of bars marrying craft beer with American eats, but few do it as well as Brewski.

  • Bar

    Gertie’s Bar and Lounge

    699 Brunswick Street, New Farm

    She's our kind of lady.

  • Bar

    Ric’s Bar

    321 Brunswick St , Fortitude Valley

    Still as delightfully divey as ever - and now with beer on tap and good sound.

  • Bar

    Bitter Suite

    75 Welsby Street, New Farm

    The feel of a UK local pub — with standout, inventive food added.

  • Bar

    The Scratch

    8/1 Park Road, Milton

    The small bar is a cosy, chilled, shabby-chic addition to Milton's wining 'n' dining Park Road precinct.

  • Bar

    The Gresham

    308-322 Queen Street, Brisbane

    A step into The Gresham is a step back in time.

  • Bar

    Elixir Rooftop Bar - CLOSED

    646 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

    Brisbane is a great place to be outside; may rooftop bars like this reign.

  • Bar

    At Sixes and Sevens

    67 James Street, Fortitude Valley

    This sibling to Cru Bar has both style and substance.

  • Bar

    Green Beacon Brewing Co

    26 Helen Street, Teneriffe

    Teneriffe's own Brissie brewery.

  • Bar

    Garuva Hidden Tranquility Restaurant and Bar - CLOSED

    324 Wickham Terrace, Fortitude Valley

    A rabbit warren of curtained dining areas.

  • Bar

    Hotel LA

    68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane

    Hotel LA is pretty much your standard Queensland bar, and funnily enough that’s the one thing that sets it apart.

  • Bar

    Champ Kitchen & Bar

    114 Grey St, South Brisbane

    Directly underneath the ABC and near the giant Wheel of Brisbane, Champ Kitchen + Bar is a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of South Bank.

  • Bar

    Chowhouse - CLOSED

    4A/39 James Street, Fortitude Valley

    Chowhouse is an Asian fusion restaurant and café with a fresh look and an even fresher menu.

  • Bar

    Jamie’s Espresso Bar

    49 James Street, Fortitude Valley

    Jamie's simple approach to the complex art of liquid gold is second to none.

  • Bar

    Archive

    100 Boundary Street, Brisbane

    Located on Boundary Street in West End, Archive is the people's pub.

  • Bar

    Yard Doggs

    24 Martin Street, Fortitude Valley

    You'll want to come for two key things: craft beer and finger-lickin' bar food.

  • Bar

    The End

    73 Vulture Street, West End

    Never has the saying 'good things come in small packages' rung truer than at West End's latest boutique bar, The End.

  • Bar

    The Survey Co. - CLOSED

    32 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

    The Survey Co is Burnett Lane’s latest occupant, and brings the number of bars in this thriving laneway to a total of three (Super Whatnot and Brew are its neighbours). Brisbane bar and restaurant veteran, Simon Livingstone, is the man behind this latest addition to the Brisbane laneway scene.

  • Bar

    Super Whatnot - CLOSED

    48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

    Stroll through Burnett Lane and pop in to Super Whatnot – we promise you won’t regret it.

  • Bar

    The Bowery

    676 Ann Street, Brisbane

    Taking its name from the New York street where dimly lit dive bars are a dime a dozen, The Bowery channels the warm and eclectic style of its namesake. Hidden between the flashing lights of surrounding nightclubs in the Valley, The Bowery is a slice of downtown New York waiting to welcome you with a […]

  • Bar

    X & Y Bar - CLOSED

    648 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

    When X & Y Bar launched in 2009, owners Chris Smith, Pete Eldon and Eugene Luongo aimed to bring Brisbane a relaxed live music venue with an equally relaxed dress code. Fast forward two years and X & Y is packed out every weekend with a hyperactive crowd of sweaty youths. It wasn’t supposed to […]

  • Bar

    The Junk Bar

    215 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove

    Having opened in mid-2010, The Junk Bar in Ashgrove is a little suburban oasis where patrons can enjoy exotic beverages in a darkly lit and ambient corner bar.

  • Bar

    Glass Bar and Restaurant - CLOSED

    420 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

    As the neighbouring bar to cultural hub The Judith Wright Centre, Glass Bar is the ideal watering hole for a pre-show cocktail. But you’d be mistaken in writing Glass off as a mere pit stop.

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