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.
The work day is done and you damn well deserve a drink. These few hours between leaving the office and passing out watching Netflix are all too precious, so make the most of them. Luckily, Brisbane has plenty of after-work spots designed to help you unwind. While you still have some energy left, head in to one of these venues for a drink (or three — it's been a long day, after all).
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Slipstream Brewing Social House
8 The Avenue, Birtinya
This Brisbane brewery has expanded to the Sunshine Coast with a 40-tap hangout that's pairing beers and bites.
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Cicada Blu
33 William Street, Brisbane City
This sky-high Brisbane cocktail spot sits 100 metres above the city on Queen's Wharf's Sky Deck.
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Club Félix
33 Felix Street, Brisbane City
Make an after-hours date for cocktails and wagyu cheeseburgers at this supper club inside Felix Street's revived Naldham House.
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Naldham House
33 Felix Street, Brisbane City
This heritage-listed CBD site is back after an eye-catching revamp — and it's serving up Euro-style dishes, plus drinks on the terrace.
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Pawn & Co Brisbane
680 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is now home to a cocktail bar that's also a pawn shop and a perfumery — all in Laruche's old digs.
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Hijinx Hotel Mt Gravatt
Kessels Road, Upper Mount Gravatt
Test your puzzling skills over cocktails at this challenge room bar, which features a ball pit, UV basketball and a claw machine quiz.
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Holey Moley Golf Club Mt Gravatt
Kessels Road, Upper Mount Gravatt
You'll find Brisbane's fourth OTT Holey Moley mini-golf bar at Mt Gravatt, in a 350-person precinct alongside Hijinx Hotel.
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Hey Caddy South Bank
275 Grey Street, South Brisbane
This golf-loving South Bank venue boasts a 12-hole indoor mini-golf course, a golf simulator and a bar.
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The Rose & Crown
275 Grey Street, South Brisbane
South Bank's new London-inspired pub has taken over Little Big House's old digs on Grey Street.
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Izakaya and Ramen Taro's
480 Queen Street, Brisbane City
This beloved Japanese chain's Queen Street eatery is now a ramen joint by day and a food-focused izakaya at night.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Belvedere
Oxley Avenue, Woody Point
Woody Point's 122-year-old pub has relaunched after a $10-million-plus redevelopment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Regatta Hotel
543 Coronation Drive, Toowong
Drink riverside at this Brisbane institution with a jam-packed history.
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The Caxton Hotel
38 Caxton Street, Brisbane City
A legendary venue with proximity to both Suncorp Stadium and the Brissie CBD.
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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.
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Maeve Wine Bar
39 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
The cosy yet elegant Brisbane wine bar you've been searching for.
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Boom Boom Room
171 George Street, Brisbane City
An underground CBD bar and restaurant located in a heritage-listed former bank.
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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.
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Blackbird Bar & Grill
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Nothing screams 'Queensland summer' quite like champagne and seafood on the waterfront
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Hijinx Hotel Chermside
Gympie And Hamilton Roads, Chermside
This OTT challenge-room bar chain launched its first Brisbane location, joining Holey Moley at Chermside.
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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.
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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.
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OTTO Brisbane
Sidon Street, South Brisbane
The revamped site now features three Otto ventures, including its restaurant, a waterside bar and an events space.
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Restaurant
Happy Boy
East Street, Fortitude Valley
Provincial Chinese cuisine in the heart of the Valley.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Archer Brewing
278 Newmarket Road, Wilston
This new brewpub from aviation-inspired brewery Archer has landed in an old WWII hangar in Wilston.
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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.
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Riverbar & Kitchen
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Watch the boats slink down the river with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Iris Rooftop
458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
The Mediterranean-inspired venue is the latest addition to Brunswick Street's new Hotel X.
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Milton Common
35 Railway Terrace, Milton
Head to this brewery for local craft beer, OTT burgers and good old-fashioned community spirit.
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Warehouse 25
25 Finchley Street, Milton
Head here for next-level gin made on-site, stay for the late-night party vibes.
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Maya Mexican
757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Pair sweeping city views with mezcal cocktails and next-level Mexican fare.
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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.
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Restaurant
Brooklyn Depot
168 Grey Street, South Brisbane
A gleeful burger-laden homage to the city that never sleeps.
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Wolf Lane Distillery
28-30 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Founded in 2019, this Cairns distillery has been making a splash.
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Restaurant
Fritzenberger South Bank
12 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Serving up burgers, frites and beer in South Bank.
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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.
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Shhh! - CLOSED
0 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley's new gin bar with booths, butlers and bottle service.
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Hello Gorgeous Bar
32A Chester Street, Newstead
Pay a visit to Newstead's cocktail bar with tropical vibes and neon.
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Trash Taco
38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley
Tacos, tostadas and tequila inside one of Fortitude Valley's tiny bars.
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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.
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iPONG Brisbane - CLOSED
547 Kessels Road, MacGregor
Play beer pong and darts — digitally, and over drinks.
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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.
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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.
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The Terrace
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
A rooftop bar and dining terrace atop South Bank's Emporium Hotel.
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Jimmy's On The Mall
Corner Queen Street And Albert Street, Brisbane City
An all-hours airy oasis in the heart of the city.
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Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
A slice of Britain on the banks of the Brisbane River.
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Jessie's Girl - CLOSED
110 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace
Don’t worry, we can’t stop singing the song either.
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Little Big House - CLOSED
18 Southpoint, 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Belt out karaoke and drink beer in a renovated police station.
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The Cloakroom Bar - CLOSED
215 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Head down the laneway and look for the doorman under the fire escape.
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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.
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Alfred & Constance - CLOSED
Corner Of Alfred Street And Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Two heritage Queenslanders house one great Brisbane venue.
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Legends Speakeasy Bar - CLOSED
Mystery Location, Brisbane City
Brisbane City's secret speakeasy you need a password to get into.
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The Montague Hotel
363 Montague Road , West End
This new West End gastropub does $10 espresso martinis all day, every day.
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Pour Choices - CLOSED
208 Montague Road, West End
With great craft beer and a strong bar snack menu, there are no poor choices here.
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Claret House - CLOSED
36 Vernon Terrace, Newstead
Sip stellar tipples in Teneriffe's Woolstore building.
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Sasquatch Bar
763 Gympie Road, Chermside
A charcoal grill and craft beer bar inspired by the Canadian Rockies.
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Friday's Riverside
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
This riverside spot knows how to get the party started — and keep it going.
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Santa Monica Pizza & Burger Bar
192 Ann Street, Brisbane City
Cali cocktails and cuisine opposite Central Station.
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Jimmy Rod's Shave Saloon Bar and Kitchen - CLOSED
480 Queen Street, Brisbane
Freshen your look and your drink.
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Waterloo Hotel
Corner Of Ann Street And Commercial Road, Fortitude Valley
Newstead's longstanding local boozer housed in a classic art deco building.
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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.
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Botero Espresso Bar Brisbane - CLOSED
258 Adelaide Street , Brisbane
The Clarence Coast comes to Brisbane.
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Pillar Bar - CLOSED
2/743 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Because every bar needs a sizeable, specially curated drinks list.
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Jabiru - CLOSED
Level 1, Brisbane Club Tower, 241 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
The best thing about working 9 to 5.
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Mr Henderson
69 Brighton Road, Sandgate
A bevy of beverages, and a beer garden to drink them in.
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Bavarian Bier Cafe
45 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Weissbier, weiner schnitzel and wonderful views over the river.
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The Village Social
1188 Sandgate Road, Nundah
Who doesn't like their dive bars accompanied by a splash of local history?
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Darling & Co
157 Given Terrace, Paddington
Sustainable produce, dog-friendly garden and terrace cocktails in Paddington, darling.
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Fitz + Potts
1180 Sandgate Road, Nundah
There's more to this Nundah dive bar than its retro furniture and chilled-out vibe.
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Barbara — TEMPORARILY CLOSED
105/38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley
A slick small bar for every night of the week.
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Yorks Hollow
52 Brookes Street, Bowen Hills
When the working day is done, this cafe-turned-bar just wants to have jazzy fun.
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Collective Kitchen & Bar - CLOSED
369 Ann Street, Brisbane
Your new weekday coffee, dinner and drinks spot with a view.
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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.
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Southbank Beer Garden
30ba Stanley Plaza, South Brisbane
Steaks, brews and parkland views, inner-city oasis style.
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Corbett & Claude
283 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Say hello to a new inner-city source of historically minded tastiness.
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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.
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Restaurant
Izakana-Ya Okuman
6/220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Expect to be spoiled for options — and atmosphere — at this Brisbane Japanese eatery.
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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.
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Barcadia - CLOSED
136 Oxford Street, Bulimba
Find make-your-own tortilla boards and doughnut lollipop platters at Bulimba's new go-to hangout.
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Affinity Restaurant
2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Modern Australian meals finished off with a trolley of cheese.
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Miss Kay's
185 George Street, Brisbane
Mac Daddy burgers and spiced bacon maple sour 'jartinis' make any night fly by.
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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.
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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.
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Dutch Courage Officers' Mess
51 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley
Make like Snoop Dogg, sip on some gin and juice, and do your granny proud.
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Brooklyn Standard
Eagle Lane, Brisbane
Rooftops are fine, but underground's where the live music, American beers and free table pretzels are at.
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Bitter Suite
75 Welsby Street, New Farm
The feel of a UK local pub — with standout, inventive food added.
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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.
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Elixir Rooftop Bar - CLOSED
646 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane is a great place to be outside; may rooftop bars like this reign.
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At Sixes and Sevens
67 James Street, Fortitude Valley
This sibling to Cru Bar has both style and substance.
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Garuva Hidden Tranquility Restaurant and Bar - CLOSED
324 Wickham Terrace, Fortitude Valley
A rabbit warren of curtained dining areas.
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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.
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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.
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Jamie’s Espresso Bar
49 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Jamie's simple approach to the complex art of liquid gold is second to none.
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Yard Doggs
24 Martin Street, Fortitude Valley
You'll want to come for two key things: craft beer and finger-lickin' bar food.
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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.
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Super Whatnot - CLOSED
48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane
Stroll through Burnett Lane and pop in to Super Whatnot – we promise you won’t regret it.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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.
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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.