Quench Your Thirst At Brisbane’s Best Bars

If you find yourself thirsty on Brunswick Street – look up! Cielo Rooftop is where you go to forget your worries and mingle with Brissy’s most sociable. Brought to our humble city by the crew behind Salt Meats Cheese, this Italian-inspired sun-soaked rooftop joint is serving up Amalfi Coast vibes poured straight into your glass. Cranking out cocktail after unique cocktail created in collaboration with Australia’s number one bar, Maybe Sammy, you’ll be floating on cloud 9 thanks to the skyhigh tastes delivered here. 

Talk about setting the mood! This hidden bar on one of Brisbane’s oldest laneways can be discovered behind large double wooden doors. Their dark intimate space is filled with leather lined booths and grand chandeliers, making you feel as though you have just stepped off the streets of New York. The sophisticated venue will keep you there all night long, as you attempt to sip your way through their masterful cocktail menu. This is one bar you won’t regret visiting – until the next day, of course!

Say it with us: Girls. Night. Out. Maya Mexican boasts panoramic views of Brisbane and serves up thirsty cocktails like their killer chilli marg. The striking venue embraces white earthy tones perfect for the ‘Gram feed, while offering tasty Mexican treats like fish tacos, and guac. Sip your way through their Mexican-influenced cocktail list, featuring tequila as the main character. With regular DJ performances, watch the day turn to night at BNE’s ultimate good-time venue.

After some casual drinks with your friends this weekend? Sixes and Sevens has you covered! From delectable bar eats to crafty cocktails, ciders, wine, and craft beer, this iconic location is frequented by those who love a good time. The chic heritage public house is located on James St and is a go-to for locals, offering an everyday experience and relaxed atmosphere.

Bar Tano is the little brother and neighbour of Gemelli Italian by the Carney brothers slinging cocktail after cocktail to thirsty patrons. The sensual space follows Milanese interior, showcasing green marble benches, polished concrete and a mirrored bar. Serving up a range of classic Italian cocktails, wines, and bespoke house tipples to keep you there all night-long. If you’re feeling a little peckish, treat your tastebuds to the delightful Italian flavours of house-made focaccia, ricotta dip, and an assortment of cheeses and salumi. Grab your girls and book a table, pronto!

The street bar-style venue is the best spot to indulge in a nibble and a tipple! Be spoiled for choice by Cru Bar’s extensive wine list boasting over 450 wines – you’ll be sure to find your favourite drop. Pair your wine with one of their delectable cheese boards while observing bustling James Street from your very own front row seats. An ideal spot to unwind in the afternoon with your besties or your beau, no? Keep the good times rolling at home with a quick trip to the cellar and pick up a bottle or two to enjoy on the couch at home.

Beneath the streets of Brisbane lies an opulent basement bar featuring red velvet booths, vaulted arches, and hanging circular chandeliers. The luxuriant venue is a Japanese restaurant and bar, boasting authentic Japanese street food and spectacular cocktails to boot. Experience the taste of Japan with the finest beer, wine, and sake imported from the region. Sip the night away in one of their intimate booths on your next date night or dinner with friends.

Sitting pretty beneath the Storey Bridge lies a glamorous location not to be missed! Be seen poolside at the LA resort-inspired rooftop of Crystalbrook Vinvect hotel, Fiume, that captures breathtaking views of the Brisbane River. The stylish outdoor bar and terrace serves up a killer cocktail list, as well as boutique wines, craft beers and bar bites, so you won’t go hungry. Fiume is walk-in only, so be sure to get in quick to claim your exclusive seat along the balcony!

Tucked inside the 1000 Ann Street precinct, you’ll find a slice of Tel Aviv at ZA ZA TA, swirling in mystery and flavours of the Middle East. Taking inspiration from the produce, sodas, and unique garnishes that are served in the region’s boulevards, this cocktail bar is a late-night fortress – a place to escape the ordinary. Complemented by a late-night bar snacks menu with charcoal and woodfire to ignite the senses, you’ll be greeted by both familiar and foreign tastes inside a moody and lavish haunt lined in velvet, with drinks served from alluring vessels sourced in markets and bazaars across the world.

Forever serving the thirsty lunch-goers of James St, LOS (Land.Of.Smiles) bar is the perfect place to perch and people watch. Located above their sister restaurant, sAme sAme, you’ll discover a green world where Brissy’s most social come to drink. Serving up spicy concoctions alongside staple faves, LOS bar brings the good times a plenty. But you gotta be quick – as a small space that’s extremely popular, finding a seat can be tricky over weekends!

Brisbane’s bar scene is stacked — but Bar Pacino has carved out its own spot as a firm favourite, and for good reason. Sitting pretty on the river’s edge, it’s the kind of place where Aperols come out tray after tray and the energy is as bubbly as the cocktails. With sweeping front-row views of the Story Bridge, a live DJ to keep the vibes high, a killer drinks list, and that laid-back luxe vibe that just hits right, you’ll find yourself settling in and not wanting to leave. The cocktail game here is strong — think specialty sips, crowd-favourite spritzes, and all your classic go-tos, each one crafted to perfection. Whether you’re kicking off a night out, winding down after a long day, or raising a glass to something worth celebrating, Bar Pacino delivers the goods every time. Add in a few tasty bites and a golden-hour glow, and you’ve got yourself a top-tier Brisbane hangout. 

Your next rooftop ritual, sorted. Perched above Queen Street Mall, Hibiscus Bar & Terrace is a poolside oasis made for golden hour spritzes and skyline sips. The vibe? Effortlessly fun, with cocktails that pack a punch, crisp wines, and local craft brews on tap. Come hungry for juicy skewers, stone-baked pizzas, and bites worth sharing (or not). Fridays bring live tunes, while the terrace serves summer sunshine and winter fireside hangs in equal measure. Whether it’s an after-work swirl, a spontaneous catch-up, or your new weekend go-to, Hibiscus is where the city goes to play — no RSVP required. 

The sunlit laneway at the entrance of The Calile Hotel is home to Lobby Bar: a contemporary locale for continental favourites and modern experimentation. Utilising fresh produce from the rooftop garden, Lobby Bar’s menu of earthly delights allows each ingredient to shine across breakfast, lunch, and bar bites. Let the expert sommelier help you find the perfect drop for watching the folk of James St pass you by, before letting the seasonal menu whisk you away to flavour paradise. 

Meet you under the disco ball? Brisbane’s favourite overwater bar takes cues from iconic European beach clubs, so you can watch sun-soaked afternoons turn into glittering evenings with a spritz in hand. From the pulsing DJ on deck at the heart of the bar to the refreshing selection of riverside aperitifs, Mr Percival’s isn’t just a place to get your groove on; the shared plates are worth snagging a table to munch on the flavours of the season in decadent seafood and crispy pizzas.

If you haven’t found yourself behind the orange door on Ann Street yet – what are you doing? Savile Row is one of Brisbane’s worst-kept secrets, and for good reason. Hidden in plain sight and dripping in moody vibes, this multi-level cocktail den feels like you’ve stepped straight into a smoky backstreet bar in London. Think glowing chandeliers, art-filled walls, and a backbar stacked with over 1000 bottles just waiting to be explored. The cocktail list? A wild ride of original creations inspired by the famous tailoring strip it’s named after – each drink telling a story, each one seriously impressive. Whether you’re posted up in a cosy booth or perched at the bar, the crew here know exactly how to mix a drink to match your mood. Cool, curated, and a little bit mysterious, Savile Row isn’t just one of Brisbane’s best bars – it’s a whole vibe. 

Entering its glow-up era, The Prince Consort is now fresher and even better than ever. The eclectic English-style gastropub where the beer flows, the live music echoes and the food is served sizzling, The Prince is the one-stop spot to gather with mates and have some good old-fashioned fun. Plus, with all new entertainment on Thursdays through to the weekend from Brisbane’s best DJs and music acts, there has never been a better time to get ready for a night on the town. Whether you’re keen to turn up with a cocktail-fuelled Saturday night on the Garden Bar d-floor or tune it down with a leisurely arvo $16 pub–feed and lager with the lads, this Fortitude Valley favourite brings all the vibes. Oh, and sports fans – while you feast, get in on all the action with a stadium-sized screen playing all the best live sporting events. While you’re at it, why not make the most of The Prince’s four-venues-in-one space and check out the underground bar, Greaser, or dance the night away at the buzzing late-night club, La La Land. At the Prince Consort, there’s really something for everyone! It’s good times, on tap.  

From the team behind Supernormal, Bar Miette brings Europe to Brisbane. Offering a Euro-inspired dining experience with a Queensland twist, grab a drink off the extensive cocktail and wine list and slow down, sip well, and relax like you’re on holidays. With views overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, this spot is the perfect backdrop for lingering conversations.

Brisbane’s favourite Cantonese spot, Stanley on Howard Smith Wharves has a secret bar on the second level – Stan’s Lounge Bar. Step into a space that captures the charm of old-world Hong Kong, complete with sleek, moody interiors and luxe, oriental-inspired details. It’s the ideal setting for your next night out. Get ready to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails with a fresh twist, plus a curated selection of rare spirits from around the globe.

When it comes to bars that bring the full package — views, vibes, and seriously good food — Iris Rooftop is hard to top (literally). Sitting pretty above Hotel X in Fortitude Valley, this sky-high stunner delivers panoramic 360° views of Brisbane City and beyond. But it’s not just the skyline turning heads — the chic, Euro-inspired fit-out, luxe poolside lounges, and open-air terraza bring all the glamour of a Mediterranean summer right to the heart of Brisbane. The menu leans into vibrant Spanish-style tapas, perfect for grazing with friends, while the drinks list is stacked with top-tier cocktails, fine wines, and bubbly on pour. Effortlessly cool, endlessly scenic, and undeniably one of Brisbane’s best, Iris Rooftop is where your next round of drinks deserves to be.  

Far from your average night out in Brisbane, TAMA Supper Club combines all the vibes of a Mediterranean beach club with the urban, sophisticated edge of New York City. The result? One of the most fun and unforgettable evenings in town. With a menu made for sharing, drinks made for cheers-ing, and a live DJ and saxophonist duo setting the tone, good times aren’t just likely – they’re inevitable. Oh, and did we mention that dancing on tables isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged? If you’re after a night that feels like an escape from Brisbane, this is your spot. 

Planning your next event? Look no further than Bar Gusto in Fortitude Valley. Tucked into the vibrant King Street precinct, this versatile venue has it all – a stylish dining area, open-air deck, indoor bar, and a private room that seats up to 30 guests with the entire venue able to host up 250. Whether you’re planning a standout corporate function or a chic celebration, Bar Gusto’s spaces can be tailored to suit any occasion. Think authentic Italian pizza and pasta, showground views from a fig-tree-shaded terrace, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Plus, with Rydges Fortitude Valley just next door, convenient parking options, and a professional team handling every detail, hosting your next event couldn’t be easier.

Penelope is a classic bistro at heart with a touch of European supper club. The lighting is low, the DJ is spinning smooth tracks, and the energy is a perfect balance between laid back and luxury. Let’s talk cocktails. With a ten-strong lineup, plus signature martinis and negronis, this is a spot that takes their drinks as seriously as its dishes.