The winners
The Belgian Beer Café Brussels is home to one of Brisbane’s few inner city beer gardens. Tempt your taste buds at this Edward Street favourite with a great selection of beer including draught, trappist, Belgian and Abbey Ales and fruit beers – apple, strawberry and passionfruit to name a few.
The Story Bridge Hotel. With one of the most unusual locations in the world – under a major city bridge – the hotel is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The refurbishment breathed new life into a WWII bomb shelter, which now houses the popular Shelter Bar, a top spot for a casual meal or drink.
Most alluring
The Lure Lounge at The Coro, Milton, does just that! Be tempted by the bold interior design – it matches with the new look of this now stunning building – and enjoy a cocktail or two, or pre-dinner drinks before savouring the seafood for which the Coro has been famous since the 1970s. Stunning architectural style and amazing lighting have brought the Coro back into everyone’s mind.
Watt’s the fuss about
Watt enjoys one of the most stunning outlooks in Brisbane. Situated in the Powerhouse on the river at inner city New Farm, it offers one of the best water views around, day and night, and is the perfect place to chill out over a quiet drink and delicious dinner. Great music, stylish surrounds and the river make it well worth the visit.
Rise and shine
The Sunbar, on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, is the place to be seen when the sun sets. Chill out in the restaurant, bar or lounge, sample the extensive wine list, sip a cocktail or relax over a coffee. Open ‘til 2am, the Sunbar is an ideal place to meet at night when the sun goes down, or to escape the sun’s rays during the day.
Dance grooves
Wanting a bar where you can kick your heels up? Try Barsoma in the (Fortitude) Valley. Work up a thirst with dance lessons in “Salsasoma” and “Funksoma”, which are on offer during the week. Come back on the weekend and practice those new dance moves while listening to the visiting DJ and drinking one of their signature cocktails.
Little Jumbo (formerly Jorge on George)
Little Jumbo on George Street in the city is the perfect spot to unwind over a few drinks and enjoy a meal, after a busy day in the office. The central city location allows for easy access after work and it’s the perfect meeting place on the weekend before heading out.
How zen
Overlooking Anzac and Post Office Squares, the relaxing atmosphere of Zen Bar provides a great escape from office politics. Whether you’re drinking a classic like a whiskey sour, or a deluxe cocktail (Quintessence is a favourite) you’re sure to return to work with an enlightened attitude.
Rhythm and blues
If you’ve got the blues or just feel like listening to some, the Bowery Bar is the place to get down. Hit a high note with one of their sensational cocktails or kick back and listen to the various jazz acts or DJ’s. Located on Ann Street in the Valley, the Bowery Bar offers the perfect setting for all cool cats to chill out.
Get your crew together
It’s been labelled “the smartest thing to happen to Brisbane in a long time” by reviewers and continues to pull in a strong crowd since its 2003 opening. Wine lovers will adore the Cru Wine Bar with its extensive range of wine, from Australia, New Zealand and France. There’s also an extensive cocktail menu. Grab a crew of your friends and visit this bustling James Street, Fortitude Valley bar.
Fringe benefits
There’s no standing on the outer at the Fringe Bar in Fortitude Valley. It’s a top spot to catch live local acts on a Thursday or getting “locked in” between 3am and 5am every Friday and Saturday night for a dance fest.
What's your favourite bar and why? Add your comments below.
