As someone who spent almost a decade of their formative years living and breathing Brisbane nightlife, I find myself uniquely qualified for this specific list. Not only is Brisbane's bar scene supremely underrated, I have come to understand that it's also a little difficult to stumble across – yes, many of them are centralised in Fortitude Valley, but a lot of the best ones are hidden down historic laneways, or disguised on rooftops.
Whether your objective is a few knock-off cocktails or a Sunday afternoon beer session, these are the spots I would bank on being a good time. They have what I would consider to be the holy trinity: good service, great drinks, and even better energy. For 21 of the best bars in Brisbane you simply must visit, read on...
1. Death & Taxes (CBD)
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Where: 36 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open: Every day
Tucked into the city's now-bustling oldest laneway, Burnett Lane, this little bar is nearly always packed out, and a great spot for a cocktail. They have an extensive signature cocktail menu, wine list and craft beer selection, as well as a pretty fairly-priced selection of whisky.
2. Flying Colours (West End)
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Where: 48 Vulture St, West End QLD 4101
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Hidden along a leafy strip in West End, Flying Colours is a vibrant little bar that's a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Their menu features playful, inventive drinks alongside a curated selection of natural wines and local craft beers. Perfect for date nights or casual catch-ups, the bar’s cozy, retro-inspired interior makes it a must-visit.
3. Maker Bar (South Brisbane)
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Where: 109 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Open: Every day
A minimalist gem tucked away in South Brisbane, Maker Bar is a haven for those who appreciate precision in their pours. Specialising in expertly crafted cocktails with a focus on premium ingredients, this intimate space is perfect for quiet evenings. Their small but thoughtful menu includes wines and Japanese-inspired sakes.
4. Ruby, My Dear (Newstead)
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Where: 1/88 Commercial Rd, Newstead QLD 4006
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Ruby, My Dear is a chic spot in Newstead blending Japanese izakaya vibes with a Brisbane edge. Known for their sake selection, Japanese whisky, and creative cocktails, they also serve small plates to pair perfectly with your drink.
5. Gerties (New Farm)
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Where: 699 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005
Open: Every day
A local icon in New Farm, Gertie’s is an eclectic bar with a warm, vintage aesthetic. The menu features classic cocktails with a twist, a well-rounded wine list, and craft beers. Its casual, inviting atmosphere makes it a neighbourhood favourite for lazy afternoons and lively nights alike – definitely don't miss out on their live jazz nights.
6. Black Bear Lodge (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Tuesday–Sunday
A personal favourite is Black Bear Lodge, where old-world charm converges with an indie spirit. The epicentre of really good music in town (if you know, you know), this gem is ideal for those looking to wind down with a drink and discover emerging local artists.
7. QUIVR Bar (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 9 Warner St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Thursday–Sunday
QUIVR is a sleek little spot nestled into the end of Winn Lane. The counterpart to QUIVR's shipping container DJ booth, their bar has fast become the place to be for creative types for late-night drinks and good excellent music.
8. Land Of Smiles (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 19 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
LOS, the upstairs counterpart to Same Same restaurant, is a bar offering exotic cocktails inspired by Southeast Asian flavours, and with the slickest interiors you're likely to find in town. The space buzzes with energy, making it a fun spot to kick off your night, or park yourself for a cocktail before dinner downstairs (the wait staff will even bring your drink down for you when your table is ready).
9. Cobbler (West End)
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Where: 7 Browning St, West End QLD 4101
Open: Every day
Whisky aficionados, this is your spot. Cobbler is the ultimate destination for a dram in Brisbane. Boasting over 400 bottles of whisky, alongside craft beers and classic cocktails, this cozy West End bar is the perfect hideaway for slow sipping in good company.
10. Saville Row (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Every day
Behind a nondescript orange door lies Saville Row, a cocktail bar that’s as stylish as its namesake. With over 900 spirits lining the walls, the menu is an endless treasure trove for the adventurous drinker. And the intimate, prohibition-style atmosphere oozes sophistication.
11. Ooh La La Rooftop (Woolloongabba)
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Where: 3/15 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Open: Friday–Saturday
Overlooking Woolloongabba, Ooh La La Rooftop is your spot for a drink with a view on the south side of the river. We'd recommend a bubbly, French wines, or an elegant cocktails here, all of which pair perfectly with sunset views.
12. The Gresham (CBD)
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Where: 308 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open: Every day
Step back in time at The Gresham, the city's heritage-listed bar exuding old-world charm. Known for its premium whisky, rum, and classic cocktails, this CBD staple is a sophisticated escape for those who appreciate timeless elegance. They're also likely to be blasting some Led Zeppelin when you arrive, which is an added bonus.
13. Mr. Percivals (Howard Smith Wharves)
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Where: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open: Every day
Perched over the Brisbane River at Howard Smith Wharves, Mr. Percival’s has quickly become an iconic venue with stunning waterfront views. It's a popular spot for sundowners and weekend catch-ups, and it's conveniently only a few steps away from the centre of the Valley and a stone's throw from James Street.
14. Felons Brewery (Howard Smith Wharves)
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Where: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open: Every day
At Felons Brewery, craft beer is king. Located under the Story Bridge, this riverside brewery offers a selection of house-made beers alongside classic pub-style bites. It's enormous, largely alfresco, and always brimming with energy.
15. Maya (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Thursday–Sunday
Inspired by the flavours of Mexico, Maya is a rooftop bar that’s all about vibrant cocktails, tequila, and mezcal. By day, it's a delicious restaurant, but by night, the panoramic city views make it an unforgettable spot for golden hour drinks and late-night DJ sets.
16. Antico (CBD)
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Where: 160 Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
RIP Superwhatnot, but in its place we now have Antico – a moody wine and cocktail bar. Offering classic Italian-inspired drinks and small plates, it’s an intimate venue that blends sophistication with a touch of old-world charm.
17. Netherworld (Fortitude Valley)
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Where: 186 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Open: Every day
Part bar, part arcade, Netherworld is a quirky venue where retro games meet craft beers and creative cocktails. With a menu of vegan-friendly eats and nostalgic decor, it’s a hit for fun nights with friends. They also host trivia weekly.
18. The End (West End)
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Where: 73 Vulture St, West End QLD 4101
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
The End is a West End staple known for its laid-back vibe and inventive cocktails. Its rotating menu of craft beers and eclectic local DJ lineup make it a neighbourhood favourite for West End creatives and cocktail connoisseurs alike.
19. Lefty's Old Time Music Hall (Petrie Terrace)
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Where: 15 Caxton St, Petrie Terrace QLD 4000
Open: Every day
Step into a honky-tonk dream at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall. With its Americana-inspired decor, live music, and signature whisky apple cocktails, this lively spot is perfect for a night of dancing and revelry.
20. Electric Avenue (Woolloongabba)
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Where: 23 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Open: Tuesday–Sunday
Electric Avenue is a nostalgic hideaway in Woolloongabba, with vintage furnishings, a secret upstairs bar, and an impressive drinks list. Their classic cocktails and cozy corners make it a top choice for intimate evenings.
21. Niky (Newstead)
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Where: 64 Doggett St, Newstead QLD 4006
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
This teeny-tiny wine bar serves up some of the suburb's best pet nats, small plates and Aegean decor. The perfect summer wine spot if you ask us, with all your bubbly focaccia and kingfish sashimi needs.
