Brisbane’s New Jazz Bar Channels The Energy Of New York
SAX & THE CITY
By Cali Westmoreland | 26th March 2026As we all know, Brisbane’s bar scene is constantly booming with an endless stream of new venues – and therefore, new excuses to get out of the house and spend the night somewhere fabulous. For those constantly wishing they were tucked away in a sultry speakeasy in New York, you’re in luck. Opening April 23, and slipping almost clandestinely into Fortitude Valley’s laneways comes a new addition that feels like the hidden secret of Brisbane’s backstreet: The Ruby Jazz Club.
Behind the hidden door
With no obvious invitation or signage, the Ruby Jazz Club leans into the allure of discovery. Set behind an unmarked red door, a speakeasy awaits in its truest form. Step inside and the outside world dissolves into something far more intimate: low lighting, cosy atmosphere, and a space that feels like it’s been plucked from the streets of where you wish you were. Think New York in the 1920s, but placed right here in our backyard.
The sounds
Born from a deep passion for the arts, The Ruby Jazz Club nails the music and lets the rest follow suit. Founded by Brisbane jazz pianist Meredith Brothers, the space was crafted from a desire to create something the city has quietly been missing: a dedicated home for jazz. Becoming not just a bar that hosts music, but one that completely honours a genre.
Friday nights are reserved for ticketed performances, where the room shifts into concert mode with the sweet sounds of jazz serenading you. Saturdays, by contrast, are a little more spontaneous. Free entry, looser energy, emerging musicians filling the space with something exciting and melodic. It’s the perfect recipe for the kind of night that slips by until it’s suddenly time for lights out.
Cocktails to match the mood
Of course, a space like this well and truly understands the importance of what is in your glass. The cocktail list plays with prohibition-era nostalgia, offering everything from favourite classics to the indulgently unpredictable. Some arrive discreetly in tea cups (because why not!), while others lean into bold territory. There’s also an international wine list and a bourbon selection that feels worthy of New Orleans praise.
And the food is intentionally effortless – small bites designed to complement the evening rather than shape it. Ruby is keeping the focus on the experience, not just the dining.
What’s to come
Opening on the weekend of April 23 and 24, with acclaimed jazz artist Vince Jones set to take centre stage, Brisbane is already buzzing with excitement. Although tickets are sold out for the opening, no need to fret, every weekend you can expect bold names and the best of vibes in a fabulous room, surrounded by people who support live music and want to keep jazz thriving in our city.
So, whether you have been needing a new go-to spot with the girls or a cheeky date night place, The Ruby Jazz Club is set to meet our high standards and deliver jazz-filled nights that we will be dreaming about.
