BRISBANE CENTRAL BAR DISTRICT

Settle in, exhale and brace yourself to experience the best of Brisbane’s buzzing and vibrant bar scene.

 

 

There is much to explore and with so many incredible bars popping up all over town we are truly spoiled when it comes to choose for lively places to hang out.

Whatever your whim or fancy we guarantee there’s a bar in town to suit your tastes, whether that involves award winning food with gorgeous river views, live music, prize-winning cocktails or simply a vibrant backdrop to catch up with friends.

Boasting the best of Australian weather, you have no excuse not to head out to enjoy a spritzer or two.
These are our top picks in the city.

Bottoms up!

Bisou Bisou

Aperitif, anyone? Say “Bonjour!” to Bisou Bisou, the French bar and brasserie serving up revolutionary cocktails, expertly matched wine, and ice-cold beer, seven days a week. Located on bustling Brunswick Street, this Fortitude Valley hotspot combines avant-garde flavour with lavish decor and impeccable service, to create a Parisian paradise like no other.

458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
IG @bisoubisou_xx
FB @bisoubisoubrisbane
bisou-bisou.com.au

BAR PACINO

For those seeking authentic Italian cuisine served with a smile, you can’t go past this sophisticated gem beside the river. The view is spectacular, the food is top notch and there is an excellent selection of beers, wines and cocktails on offer. And you simply must try the signature Nutella shot. Bliss!

175 Eagle Street
IG @barpacino
FB @barpacino
www.barpacino.com.au

BLACKBIRD BAR

Experience old-school opulence at Blackbird Bar. Located in the heart of Brisbane’s favourite foodie precinct, this Eagle Street bar takes inspiration from the prohibition era to serve up decadent cocktails, exclusive spirits, only the best beer and wine, and 180 degree river views. For true luxury, book one of the iconic Gatsby Booths and enjoy bottle service all night long.

Riverside, 123 Eagle Street
IG @blackbirdbrisbane
FB @blackbirdbrisbane
www.blackbirdbrisbane.com.au

BOOM BOOM ROOM IZAKAYA

Descend the stairs to the Boom Boom Room and discover a thriving bar scene inspired by the sights, sounds and tastes of Tokyo. Beneath the streets of Brisbane, this bar and izakaya showcases adventurous cocktails, wines sourced by award-winning sommeliers, and the finest beer, whiskey and sake imported all the way from Japan.

171 George Street
IG @the_boomboomroom
FB @boomboombrisbane
www.theboomboomroom.com.au

COVENT GARDEN

Presenting a uniquely Australian twist on London’s thriving dining precinct. Nestled in the heart of the West End, this bustling bar has over 400 gins and a coeliac/GF friendly menu, as well as hosting High Tea! Bring the experience home through their online store, offering all things gin from booze to candles to bath salts.

142 Boundary Street
IG @CoventGardenWE
FB @coventgardenwe
www.coventgarden.com.au

CIELO ROOFTOP BAR

Pouring out the perfect cocktail is a point of pride and when you taste one, you’ll understand why. This sun-soaked rooftop bar takes you straight to the Italian Riviera; come for the cocktails, stay for vibe. Live music on the weekends helps complete the mirage as you laze, graze and dance.


209 Brunswick Street
IG @cielorooftop.fv
FB @cielorooftop.fv
www.cielorooftop.com.au

IRIS ROOFTOP BAR

Ascend to Iris Rooftop and discover a Mediterranean oasis in the clouds. Located in Fortitude Valley, Australia’s newest rooftop bar boasts stunning views of Brisbane’s City Skyline, New Farm and beyond. The impressive drinks menu will have your taste buds exploring the Mediterranean coast from Beirut to Barcelona. Soak up the sunshine with a sangria in hand, at Iris Rooftop.

458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
IG @irisrooftop
FB @irisrooftop
www.irisrooftop.com.au

Byblos

Experience the flavours of ancient Byblos, without leaving Brisbane. Combining lavish hospitality, a world class drinks selection and stunning water views, this Hamilton bar and restaurant is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking for knock-off drinks or a weekend destination, look no further than Byblos for unbeatable drops and luxurious surroundings

39 Hercules St, Hamilton
IG @byblosbar
FB @ Byblosbrisbane
byblosbar.com.au

FIUME BAR

Cocktails are not the only thing on the menu, with Italian inspired eats and plentiful platters to share while you take in stellar view from this ultra-glamourous rooftop oasis perched above the lively precinct below. The bright lights of the Story Bridge will never look the same once you’ve seen them from the infinity pool!

Howard Street Wharves, 5 Boundary Street

www.artserieshotels.com.au/fantauzzo/food-drink/fiume-bar

CRU BAR & CELLAR

Practically a Brisbane institution, this classy al fresco bar and restaurant is the place to watch the world go by with a glass of sparkling over lunch or for a slow supper with matching wines. With their extensive cellar, you can take home a bottle or three of your favourites.

22 James Street
IG @crubar_cellar
FB @crubar
crubar.com

MR & MRS G RIVERBAR

After ten years, this iconic riverfront venue has been given a shake and stir, paving a way for business to go from the boardroom to the bar. The focus is very much on providing an exceptional wine list complemented by a fabulous new menu, while retaing the elegance and relaxed atmosphere from its former years.

Eagle Street Pier
IG @mrandmrsgriverbar
FB @mrandmrsgriverbar
www.mrandmrsg.com.au

MR EDWARDS ALEHOUSE

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’re always made to feel at home here. The outdoor area is particularly inviting as you and enjoy the wide selection of craft beers and fine wines. The charcuterie boards are to die for, or if you are after a proper feed try the traditional alehouse food.

46 Edward Street
IG @mredwardsalehouse
FB @mredwardsalehouse
www.mredwardsalehouse.com.au

LA VALLE WINE BAR

Tucked away in the laneway off Albert Street, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it wine bar specialises in all things Italian and boasts some of the best cheeseboards and charcuterie in the city. With over 200 bottles of wine on the wall, take one down, pass it around to fully enjoy the vibrant, warm ambiance of this hidden gem.

179 Albert Street
IG @lavalle.fv
FB @lavalle.fv
www.lavallefv.com.au

PATINA RESTAURANT

What’s not to love about the gorgeous location at Customs House, elegant interior, seasonal food driven by a ‘paddock to plate’ and a shared dining philosophy? Throw the in their St Tropez Sunset pop up bar each weekend, you’ve no excuse not to indulge in some escapism. Rosé every day, we say!

399 Queen Street
IG @patina_atcustomshouse
FB @patinacustomshouse
www.patinarestaurant.com.au

By Sofie Woodward