Down The Hatch! Brisbane’s Best Bars To Quench Your Thirst At

Salute!

By Style Journo | 9th June 2023

The weekend is fast approaching, and there’s nothing worse than not knowing where to go for a cheeky bev or two. Thankfully, we have your prayers answered, save the breweries and the pubs for another day – we suggest you grab the crew and take your pick from our list of the best bars in Brisbane this weekend.

Whether your scene is rooftop, riverside, or raging dance floors, Brisbane will certainly have something for you. Get your friends on speed dial – it’s time to hit the town!

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!   Hide the form

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Cielo Rooftop

Fortitude Valley

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. But the drinks aren’t the only thing on the menu to brag about – featuring fresh seafood bites too good not to pass up, Sunday bottomless lunches, plus some of our iconic Italian faves like burrata and bruschetta, a visit to Cielo is an absolute must for the ‘gram. 

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Mr Percival’s

Brisbane City

Perched on the Brisbane River, this easy-on-the-eye establishment makes it onto our list of best bars in Brisbane for serving up refreshing beverages with a hefty side of city views and river breezes. Mr Percival’s (aka, the bar of your dreams), s a unique and aesthetic space that’s European summer encapsulated, featuring salmon pink and white striped umbrellas, arched doorways, and fun colour schemes. The scenic spot has good times aplenty, with delicious eats, and a cocktail menu that is sure to impress!

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Death & Taxes

Brisbane City

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!

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Maya Mexican

Fortitude Valley

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.

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Savile Row

Fortitude Valley

This speakeasy-style venue is one of Brisbane’s finest hidden gem can be found for those seeking a sip – just look for the orange door on Ann Street. Transporting you to the 50’s, with a backdrop of crystal chandeliers and leather booths, Savile Row is a cocktail and spirit bar that sure knows how to charm! Opt for their famous take on a pina colada, featuring whisky, pineapple, vanilla, coconut, tonka bean, and citrus. And if cocktails aren’t your thing, you can choose from their endless supply of spirits, rotating wine list, or draught beer.

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Sixes and Sevens

Fortitude Valley

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.

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Bar Tano

Fortitude Valley

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!

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Cru Bar + Cellar

Fortitude Valley

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.

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Gerard’s Bar

Fortitude Valley

Brought to you by the brains of Gerard’s Bistro and located just a few steps behind it, the sister bar is the perfect place for some casual drinks and a light-meal (vegans and vegetarians you are well catered for too, hooray)! The cool-casual atmosphere is set by the polished concrete bar and the causal courtyard overlooking the car park where people watching is a real sport. Take your pick at their vibrant list of young and interesting wines, or signature cocktails and forgotten classics. Gerard’s share style menu is made up of colourful Middle Eastern inspired tapas, for you to double dip, sip, and relax.

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Mrs Browns

Newstead

Chasing some laid-back afternoon drinks with your friends? Mrs Browns makes our list of best bars in Brisbane due to its relaxed bar and dining experience that’s made by locals, for locals! Taking place in a warehouse, the semi-industrial space has exposed brick walls, an abundance of greenery, and a standout mural of the owner’s beloved dog, Charlie Brown – she sure knows how to keep a watchful eye! The neighbourhood kitchen cooks up delicious eats and share plates with all your faves – pizza, chicken wings, bao, and dumplings – not to mention the well-stocked bar and cocktail list, making it the ultimate weekend hang out.

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Boom Boom Room

Brisbane City

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.

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Noir

Paddington

Bringing you drinks for the darker hours, the elegant two-storey wine bar Noir features an upstairs mezzanine lounge and a cosy downstairs nook. The white brick and light timber materials make the space feel unpretentious, while you browse through the finest assortment of Queensland wines. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy a nibble or two on one of their charcuterie and cheese boards. For parties of five or more, be sure to book ahead.

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Fiume Rooftop Bar

Brisbane City

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!

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Stratton Bar & Kitchen

Newstead

From the team behind Mrs Browns, you’ll find Stratton inside two old World War II hangers, which have been transformed into a spacious and versatile local on par with their first venue just down the street. Enter to find an open, moody space with enough room to seat 150 guests with a central bar that’s perched under the curved ceiling. It’s a newcomer to the scene, but that doesn’t stop it from gaining a spot on this list – slinging cocktails in their courtyard or across tables, this fun, fast-paced hangout is great for groups eager to keep the cocktails turning.

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Bar Kazba

Fortitude Valley

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.

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LOS

Fortitude Valley

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!

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Victoria Park

Herston

Whether you’re only dropping in for a post-work drink or staying on to enjoy the weekend sunshine, there’s no better place to meet a mate than Victoria Park’s Bistro. Surrounded by manicured parkland and boasting stunning city views, the Bistro is a world away from the hustle and bustle. From cocktails to sparkling, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks, the Bistro’s impressive drinks menu has flavours for all. 

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Hotel Indigo, Bar 1603

Brisbane City

Hidden inside Hotel Indigo you’ll find Bar 1603 – a modern speakeasy with good vibes and even greater drinks. Here you’ll find a selection of Japanese beer, creative cocktails, and some sake, but it’s the whiskey flights that have everyone talking. Showcasing both local and international whiskeys, this is an elegant experience exclusive to Bar 1603 that not only allows you to sip on some of the most delicious whiskies around, but also teaches you about the process of developing them. So, whiskey lovers head straight into Bar 1603 and get sipping. 

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Bar Pacino

Brisbane City

What pairs perfectly with delicious house cocktails? Breathtaking views from the river banks, and that’s exactly what this iconic bar is all about! Eagle Street’s Bar Pacino is the elevated yet laidback riverside venue that effortlessly takes patrons from beautiful days to glorious nights. With tipples named after Drake songs and their signature Nutella shot that’s a thrill for party people and chocolate lovers alike, Bar Pacino certainly is the place to be when thirst strikes. Their Italian influences can be seen in their hearty fare and wine list, while the space has cemented itself as a Brisbane institution thanks to its position overlooking the Story Bridge. Grab the crew and treat yourself to their famous blossom cocktail tree – your Insta feed will thank you later!

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The Charles’ At The Westin Brisbane

Brisbane City

Take flight in The Charles’ – a stylish take on the classic hotel lobby bar, where sophisticated design and interiors welcome you for an elevated offering of curated beverages and shared plates. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Charles’ combines a jazz atmosphere with a nod to Australia’s aviation history, in inspired cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and a fleet of signature beers. Don’t let your hunger take off; the bar menu highlights simplicity through cured, smoked, and marinated ingredients, with the likes of Queensland tiger prawns, buttermilk fried chicken, and pulled BBQ pork sliders. With live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, The Charles’ is always the perfect place to touch down.

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Ruby, My Dear

Newstead

This groovy bar is a nod to the jazz cafes of Toyko, bringing together music, food, and drinks in the inner-city area. The Japanese influence shines through the snack offering, from chicken skins with togarashi and torched spicy tobiko mayo to the katsu sando with crumbed pork cutlet, and miso-roasted bone marrow udon (owner’s tip: hang onto your bone marrow for a saké luge afterwards!). As for drinks, the bar boasts an impressive collection of old and new world wines, a clever mix of Japanese and Australian brews, and delicious cocktails, such as the Tommy Tsurai with green chilli tequila, agave, lime, and green capsicum – poured to the tune of vinyls on deck.

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Love a good sip? Take a look at the best places in town to grab a cocktail here.

 

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