Brisbane’s Best Outdoor Bars For Top-Notch Summer Seshing
Soak up the summer
Nothing says summer in Brisbane quite like clinking Aperol Spritzes around a sun-drenched outdoor table. Delish.
But where do you actually find that vibe? Which bars are serving the sunshine alongside your spritz?
We’ve done the legwork for you. From Saturday arvo tipples to Sunday seshes, these are Brisbane’s best outdoor bars — where the drinks are cold, the hospitality is top-notch, and the vibes are absolutely immaculate.
Scroll on for our round-up of the city’s ultimate spots to sip, soak up the sun, and live your best summer life.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!
Felons Brewing Co.
Brisbane City
Nestled in the heart of the iconic Howard Smith Wharves, Felons is the ultimate destination for a sunny Brisbane afternoon. Grab a picnic table and sip on a rotating selection of craft beers or a perfectly poured Tommy’s marg, all while taking in the river views. It’s hard to imagine a more iconic Brisbane spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a drink. For those craving a bit more energy and flavour, stroll down the boardwalk to Barrel Hall. With live music, Asian-inspired quick bites, and a playful lineup of house-crafted beers, slushies, and summer cocktails, it’s the perfect place to keep the good vibes going.
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Greenhaus
Teneriffe
Greenhaus began as a cult-favourite local coffee stop, but now it’s serving up something a little stronger. Their new takeaway Aperol has us wondering: how has no one in Brisbane done this sooner? Swing by this chic corner on Chester & Doggett Street on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM, and sip an Aperol alfresco-style. Between hot-girl walks and after-work catch-ups, Brisbane has officially found its newest happy hour hotspot.
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Flying Colours
West End
The latest addition to West End’s vibrant food scene, Flying Colours celebrates good food, great company, and sunshine-filled moments. This hot new neighbourhood bar serves a thoughtfully curated, Italian-inspired menu, best enjoyed al fresco with a glass of natural wine in hand. With a rotating lineup of Brisbane’s trendsetting DJs providing the soundtrack, Flying Colours is perfect for relaxed catch-ups with friends or a lively, buzzy first date under the open sky.
Niky
Newstead
Meet the gals for your first stop of the night, or linger into the late hours at Niky, one of Brisbane’s most beloved wine bars. With its alfresco-style seating spilling out onto the street, it evokes the feeling of sharing wine and tapas with friends on a balmy European summer evening. Just a stone’s throw from James Street, and with a curated list of colourful wines (many you’ve probably never tried), Niky firmly earns its spot at the top of our to-sip-at list.
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Gerries
Fortitude Valley
Meet Gerries, a Fortitude Valley bar with character tucked in the heart of the James Street precinct. Here, you can sip from a carefully curated list of wines while old-school vinyl spins set the soundtrack. Pull up a seat outside and watch the afternoon unfold as the street comes alive – a perfect spot for people-watching, catch-ups, or just soaking in the vibes. Self-proclaimed as a “local bar away from your local,” Gerries offers a warm, familiar welcome you’ll return to week after week.
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Mr Percival's
Brisbane City
A Brisbane institution, Mr Percival’s, perched along Howard Smith Wharves, is the city’s very own Euro-style beach club – made for lingering, sipping, and soaking up the sunshine. With a Mediterranean-inspired menu and vibes that never quit, pulling up a spot at Percy’s is always a good idea. Don’t miss aperitivo hour from 3 to 5 PM, featuring $15 spritzes and classic cocktails.
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Fuime Rooftop Bar
Brisbane City
Sitting high above the city atop Crystal Brook Vincent, Fiume offers some of Brisbane’s most breathtaking views. The rooftop bar’s chic, urban design makes it the perfect spot to celebrate, sip, or kick off a night exploring the city’s nightlife. With a stunning infinity pool and impeccable service, Fiume brings the glamour of an LA-style resort rooftop right to the heart of Brisbane.
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Noir
Paddington
Westsiders, this is for you! Meet Noir, Paddington’s charming neighbourhood wine bar with serious style. Pull up a chair at their lively outdoor tables spilling onto the street, soak up the buzz, and dive into bold reds, tantalising bites, and adventurous flavours. From Tuesday to Thursday, $2 oysters pair perfectly with a curated list of local and international wines, or your drink of choice.
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Sixes and Sevens
Fortitude Valley
At Sixes and Sevens, the vibes are always immaculate, and the drinks are always flowing. A definite fan-favourite along James Street, this gastropub shines for its breezy outdoor seating, buzzing atmosphere, and affordable drinks list. While it’s often celebrated as a staple of the James Street nightlife scene, Sixes and Sevens also makes the perfect daytime destination for casual dining or group gatherings – though there’s no reason to cut the fun short when the evening rolls in.
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Imagery: @flyingcolours_bar, @niky.au, @mrpercivals
