Looking for a bar to have a glass of wine or a cold beer on tap? Brisbane has lots of watering holes.
If you want to join the after-work crowds, stick close to the bars in the CBD. The Valley always has a mix of hard-edge modernism with cosy, hidden retreats. For a more chilled-out vibe, the bars and lounges of West End, Paddington or New Farm may be more your speed.
City
The city, being the central point for much of Brisbane’s tourist accommodation, is the ideal meeting point for travellers.
Our pick of some of the best:
- Belgian Beer Café ~ Brussels
- Urbane
- Conrad Treasury Casino’s Lab and
- Marco Polo Martini Bar
- Patrick Rafter’s own Jade Buddha
- Port Office Hotel.
Find more nightclubs in our business listings.
For a genuine pub experience, check out popular:
- O’Malley’s Irish Pub
- Gilhooley’s
- Pig ‘n’ Whistle (also at Indooroopilly and Queen Street)
- The Exchange or
- Grosvenor on George
Valley
Fortitude Valley, or ‘the Valley’ as it’s known, boasts a different atmosphere from the city. Here, a casual atmosphere and feel-good vibe makes for a great night out. Try James, Brunswick, or Ann Streets. There are dozens of venues on offer, each with their own style and atmosphere.
Clubs worth a visit are:
- Family, one of Australia’s best nightclubs.
- converted post office and fashionable hangout The GPO Hotel
- Monastery , Fringe Bar
- The Empire Hotel
- The Beat
Not to be missed are the Valley’s funky cocktail and wine bars The Bowery, Sunbar, Glass, Barsoma, Press Club, Lunar Lounge, Luxe and Cru Bar & Cellar.
For a true Valley pub experience try:
The Valley is also at Brisbane’s forefront in live music experiences. Check out our Gig Guide for details of who's playing.
Other hotspots
If you want to head out of the central city area, there are many other great venues.
South Bank has dozens of bars and eateries. Little Stanley Street is well worth a visit, including Greystone Bar and Cellar and the historic Plough Inn and Ship Inn.
Similarly, New Farm is a paradise for drinking options.
There’s the Alibi Room, on Brunswick Street, for a kitsch experience or the sophisticated Gerties Bar & Lounge.
Some of Brisvegas’ other well-known bars are:
- Lychee Lounge and Uber – West End
- Breakfast Creek Hotel – Newstead, with the Substation 41 bar.
- Regatta Hotel – Toowong. Built in 1874, the Regatta has river views and it’s own ferry stop.
- Chalk Hotel - Woolloongabba
- Brisbane Jazz Club – Kangaroo Point
Remember, it is illegal to drink and drive in Australia if your blood alcohol concentration is over 0.05. Police conduct random breath testing of drivers.
You may want to order a taxi or catch public transport to travel safely.
What's your favourite Brisbane watering hole?
