The 10 best pubs in Brisbane

When a pub’s been pouring drinks since the days of horse-drawn carriages, you know it’s got some stories. Smack bang in the middle of South Bank Parklands, this heritage-listed pub is pure Queensland charm. Alfresco seating is framed by bougainvillea, live music fills the air and the glittering Brisbane River in the background is enough to trick anyone into staying for “just one more.” Try any of the classics (think schnitty, cheeseburgers and Caesar salad) or opt for The Plough Inn’s weekly specials like pizzas on Tuesdays. 

Time Out tip: There's live music at The Plough Inn daily. Yes, every single day. So sit back and enjoy the show with a cold bevvy in hand – and perhaps those half-priced ribs on Mondays.  

Address: 29 Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane

Craft beer nerds, assemble. Tucked under the iconic Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, this sprawling 1,000-square-metre brewery-slash-pub is what happens when history and modern design get drunk together and make magic. The staff’s enthusiasm is contagious enough to make you consider a flight (beer, not plane). While their range of beers is certainly impressive, their pizza are awesome, too. Made with Felons’ own beer-infused dough, it’s the kind of culinary detail that proves these people know their way around both hops and ovens. Couple that with sweeping river views and a buzzing crowd, and you’ve got yourself a pub worth braving the bikeway for.

Time Out tip: Relax in one of four spaces: the indoor (working) brewery, the riverside fish 'n' chipper, the sun-soaked river deck or the cosy beer garden.

Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City

For a pub that’s practically part of Brisbane’s DNA, look no further than the Breakfast Creek Hotel. Around since 1889, it's famous for its premium steaks and old-school wooden keg beer. This heritage-listed venue boasts five distinct bars, a tropical beer garden and unbeatable deals. Carnivores will want to beeline to the Spanish Garden Steakhouse, where your perfect cut awaits. If you love pizza (who doesn't?), try one of their hand-stretched pizzas blistered in the wood fire oven.

Time Out tip: The Brekky Creek is one of the last Aussie pubs still serving beer 'off the wood' (out of a wooden cask instead of steel kegs) – so don't take the experience for granted.

Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Dr, Albion

Ah, the Jubilee – aka ‘the Jube’, if you’re in the know. This Fortitude Valley mainstay has been pulling pints since 1887, but its recent makeover has given the pub a fresh edge. A glass-roofed beer garden is perfect for soaking up the Queensland sun or a nail-biting game on one of the biggest televisions we’ve ever seen. With a lively crowd and cold beers courtesy of their on-site Two Dogs Brewing, there’s no better spot in the city to yell at the ref. When hunger strikes, the Jube’s pub menu delivers elevated classics that hit the spot every time. This place makes it clear: you’re here for a long lunch, not a quick one.

Time Out tip: It doesn't get better than the Jubilee's $19 parmi special, available every Thursday for lunch and dinner.

Address: 470 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley

The Regatta proves that some places just get better with age. This iconic Toowong landmark isn’t just a pub – it’s a rite of passage. With its striking cast-iron balustrades and old-world aesthetic, this pub made history in 1965 when two feminist legends chained themselves to the bar in the ’60s to protest the ban on women in public bars. Today, the Regatta Hotel embraces its storied past while serving up modern pub food, from legendary steaks to expertly mixed cocktails. With multi-level bars and a killer waterfront view at sunset, it’s a place where history and good times go hand in hand. Girls' night out, anyone?

Time Out tip: The Regatta Hotel has a cute little River Road Café and coffee cart, serving up brunch classics from 6.30am daily. 

Address: 543 Coronation Dr, Toowong

Homesick Brits will appreciate Paddington’s Hope and Anchor, where the vibe channels your British mate’s cosy living room – only with much better food. The locals match the vibe – warm, welcoming and always ready for some friendly side chat over a schooner. By the time your glass is empty, you’ll likely be planning your next visit. Pair your meal with a selection from their impressive wine list, and for a fleeting moment, you’ll feel transported straight to the Cotswolds.

Time Out tip: How's this for unique? Every Friday from 4pm to 5pm, you can join a Chef's Tasting Plate and sample three creative snacks that the kitchen is experimenting with. It's just $10 with the purchase of any bevvy.

Address: 267 Given Tce, Paddington

You want options? The Prince Consort has eight (yes, eight) distinct bars and dining spaces, so there’s literally no excuse for being bored here. Situated in the Valley, this 1888 pub blends history and hedonism in equal parts. Chic cocktails on the ground floor? Done. Disco fever in La La Land upstairs? Yeah, why not? Whether you’re there for a drag night, trivia or to watch sport, The Prince knows how to turn a casual drink into an all-nighter. 

Time Out tip: Snag one of Brisbane's top-value feeds with The Prince's $17 pub classic menu: 250-gram rump, chicken schnitzel, fish and chips, chicken Caesar salad or a classic cheeseburger. Available on weekdays for lunch and dinney.

Address: 230 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley 

This pub sits under the Story Bridge like it owns the joint (because it kind of does). This hotel dodged a demolition bullet when the city's engineers rerouted the entire bridge plan just to save this beloved local haunt. Owned by the Deery family since 1967, the Story Bridge Hotel has a little something for everyone, whether it’s casual drinks in the beer garden or a proper meal in their award-winning Deery’s Restaurant. In the pub, you’ll find your staple Aussie classics, but their famous Guinness pie? Chef's kiss.

Time Out tip: Their signature celebrations including the AFL Grand Final Street Party, the famous Cockroach Races and sell-out Mud Crab Lunches. IYKYK.

Address: 200 Main St, Kangaroo Point