The best rooftop bars in Brisbane right now

What is it? A European beach club-inspired restaurant, bar and pool, boasting 180-degree views of Brisbane's city skyline.

Why we love it? As far as backdrops go, it doesn’t get much better than Lina Rooftop’s display. With its 12th floor, South Bank locale, Lina boasts a sky-high panorama of Brisbane city, Mt Coot-tha and the inner-city treetops. Lina’s minimalist, blue and white fit-out is reminiscent of a chic Grecian beach club, taken to the next level with an infinity pool to boot. The open-air terrace is complete with ever-so-comfy day beds that are available for hire – the ideal spot to park up and enjoy a little something from the Mediterranean-inspired menu with a drink in hand. Lina’s extensive drinks list is bound to please, whether you’re after a wine by the glass or bottle, a signature cocktail, or a non-alcoholic refreshment. 

Time Out tip: Heads up – although it's a pool club, you can't wear flip-flops. No baseball caps either! 

Address: 74/80 Tribune St, South Brisbane 

Expect to pay: Up to $25 for a cocktail, with schooners for $14 and glasses of wine from $12. 

What is it? A breezy, open-air restaurant and bar on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point, offering a 180-degree view of the city skyline and Brisbane River. Following its 2020 revamp, Joey’s has become the city’s go-to for alfresco long lunches and golden-hour drinks. 

Why we love it? Few places capture Brisbane quite like Joey’s. By day, it’s all sunshine, Aperol and activewear; by night, the city skyline lights up as plates of burrata, kingfish crudo and woodfired pizza are passed between friends. The cocktail list leans playful and inventive – the Buongiorno Martini and Tomatotini wink at the bars' Italian roots – and if Margaritas are your love language, there are six different ways to say ti amo.

Time Out tip: Come mid-afternoon on a Friday – you’ll get the golden light without the elbows.

Address: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

Expect to pay: Cocktails range from $20 to $25.

What is it? Brisbanites can’t get enough of chic rooftop bars, and with its LA-resort vibe, Fiume offers up something a little different under the iconic Story Bridge.

Why we love it? Fiume – which means river in Italian – sits atop the funky Crystalbrook Vincent hotel in the historic Howard Smith Wharves precinct, making it a great option for a glass of fresh and fruity rosé after a day taking in the sights of the city. Whether you want to share a grazing board and some light bites with friends or lounge next to the infinity pool as you watch the sunset over the Story Bridge, you are sure to have a wonderful time at Fiume.

Time Out tip: Fiume does a mean bottomless brunch on Sundays (the one day of the week you really need it), where you'll score a seven-course banquet with two hours of bottomless drinks for $85 per person. 

Address: Crystalbrook Vincent, Level 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City

Expect to pay: Classic bar prices.

What is it? Sitting at a staggering 14 floors above Jubilee Place, Soko Rooftop Bar and Restaurant brings a subtle Amazonian flair to Fortitude Valley.

Why we love it? The sky-high hide-out covers some mega ground – 1,500 square metres to be exact – and serves up sweeping views of Brisbane City, as well as a marriage of Peruvian and Japanese flavours. Deep green tiles, furniture and rainforest flora occupy an internal dining space, while the open-air terrace comes to life with DJs and samba dancers that frolic around the lush garden beds as the sun sets over Brisbane – the drama. In terms of fare, expect big tastes from Soko’s selection of ceviches, bao buns, yakitori skewers and notable desserts, including the ‘perumisu’ – a Peruvian take on tiramisu with espresso, dulce de leche, mascarpone and matcha. Pisco (Peruvian grape spirit) and sake (Japanese rice spirit) are a Soko feature, and trust us, they’ve got the good stuff too.

Time Out tip: There's a dedicated Soko lift on the side of the Jubilee Place building that takes you straight to the rooftop. 

Address: Jubilee Place, Level 14/7 Symes St, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: Cocktails range from $22 to $26, with beers for $14 and glasses of wine from $17.

What is it? Hotel X serves up the delectable flavours of Spain right from the heart of Fortitude Valley. On the rooftop, you’ll find Iris – a luxury bar complete with killer city skyline views and a Spanish-inspired menu.

Why we love it? Relax poolside in one of the private cabanas as you sample the flavours of Spain and sip on a chilled glass of Rosé Sangria, perfect for summer afternoons. When the sun sets, gather a group of friends and head here for shared aperitivo and tapas, including fried zucchini blossoms, patatas bravas and anchovy toast. Or settle in for a romantic date night with seafood paella, abodo lamb shoulder and chargrilled pork cutlets. Feeling festive? Dive into Iris’ House of Patrón Summer Pool Club parties every weekend or the Más Margaritas experience every Sunday – 1.5 hours of bottomless Margaritas (or mocktails) and Spanish tapas served from Patrón Margarita trees. A glass of tequila or mezcal won’t hurt!

Time Out tip: Downstairs, you could be whisked off to France at restaurant Bisou Bisou, the hotel’s classic French brasserie, complete with chic Parisian styling and a wine list fit for special occasions. 

Address: Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: More than your average neighbourhood bar, but not as much as a flight to Spain.

What is it? Despite its 2023 beginnings, Sunsets is already known as one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars – not only for its swanky, desert-inspired interiors, but for its spectacular vistas across the entire cityscape, as well as a bird’s eye view directly into The Gabba.

Why we love it? Located atop Linton Apartments in the renowned and remarkable Kangaroo Point postcode, Sunsets Rooftop just isn’t like the other rooftops.  Some nifty design work means uninterrupted sundowns with hilly silhouettes to the east, accompanied by a drink in one hand and a Mediterranean nibble in the other. Sink your teeth into the calamari with fennel salt and lime mayo, or perhaps the chargrilled lamb cutlets with Aleppo pepper and tahini lemon sauce. Wash it all down with an Espresso Martini and a warm Portuguese tart for the full Sunsets Rooftop affair.

Time Out tip: Sunset's is super busy on Game days at The Gabba, so avoid driving and instead grab public transport.

Address: 95 Linton St, Kangaroo Point

Expect to pay: Most cocktails are $22, with tap beers from $11 and glasses of wine from $14.

What is it? The Terrace is one of Brisbane’s ultimate, open-air rooftop bars, atop South Bank’s Emporium Hotel.

Why we love it? Perched 21 floors above the city, The Terrace serves up luxe vibes with sky-high views and refreshing drinks. The all-day menu kicks off with à la carte (available to both hotel guests and the public) – mimosa, anyone? – and also features grazing plates, decadent desserts, signature cocktails and premium wines. The weekends host live music and DJs, making it the perfect spot to party with a fruit cocktail or a chilled glass of French Champagne. Be sure to check out the retractable ceiling and glass roof, as well as the infinity pool looking out over the Brisbane River.

Time Out tip: Head to Reserve Wine Bar, the piano bar in the hotel lobby, for a pre-rooftop vino. They have more than 3,000 varieties of wine by the bottle or glass, and even a personal wine concierge to help you experience it.

Address: Emporium Hotel South Bank, Level 21/267 Grey St, South Brisbane

Expect to pay: A little more than your go-to bar, but those rooftop views are priceless.

What is it? Hop on over to Valley Hops Brewing in Brisbane’s famed nightlife precinct that is Fortitude Valley. Perched atop Cloudland’s multi-level drinking and dining hub, Valley Hops Brewing brings casual sophistication to the fifth floor.

Why we love it? The rooftop oasis is decked out with plenty of greenery to suit the tropical climate, along with a fabulous stained glass bar that hints at Art Nouveau class, not to mention the city skyline vista. Pull up aside Valley Hops’ production line, aka their big ol’ silos where the yeasty magic happens, while sipping on the fruits of their labour and nibbling on a piping hot, woodfired pizza. But never fear if you’re not into beer, Valley Hops offers a considered wine list and a cocktail list to boot.

Time Out tip: You can learn more about what goes into making a Brissy-born brew by joining one of their guided rooftop brewhouse tours. 

Address: Rooftop Brewery, 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: Classic pub prices

What is it? The newest addition to Brisbane’s skyline, Above, crowns Ovolo The Valley with a rooftop that feels both scene and sanctuary simultaneously. Designed in collaboration with BSPN Architects, it’s clean lines, white tile and all Mediterranean vibes – a place that blurs the line between weekday and holiday.

Why we love it? Chefs Justin North and Kya Knights have created a menu that’s simple but sharp – warm stone-baked pita, beetroot and bourghal dip, and lime-kissed kingfish ceviche. Behind the bar, award-winning mixologist Jake Down stirs cocktails that are familiar and surprising, layering pistachio, saffron, rose, lemon myrtle and desert lime into reimagined classics. 

Time Out tip: Order the Mirage and thank us later.

Address: Ovolo The Valley, 1,000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: Cocktails range from $24 to $28.

What is it? Brisbane's newest open-air bar, perched 100 metres above the Brisbane River at the Sky Deck.

Why we love it? Having opened its doors in late 2024 as part of the Queen’s Wharf development, Cicada Blu takes things to new heights in Brisbane’s lively CBD. Standing tall at an almost daunting 100 metres above the city streets, Cicada Blu looms on the 23rd floor of The Star Brisbane – a ritzy, riverside locale offering uninterrupted scenes with sunsets on the menu. Pre-dinner apéritifs and botanical-infused, post-dinner cocktails are a Cicada Blu highlight – but the drinks list specifics are shrouded in mystery (not available online) – so it looks like you’ll just have to go and give Brisbane’s highest rooftop bar a suss.

Time Out tip: Catch live entertainment in the evening from Thursday to Sunday. 

Address: The Star Brisbane, 33 William St, Brisbane City

Expect to pay: With a view like that, you should expect to premium prices.

What is it? With a humble sixth-floor altitude, Cielo Rooftop is Fortitude Valley’s canopy with Italian Riviera attitude.

Why we love it? As part of the adjoining La Costa Restaurant, Cielo is a breezy, up-market terrace complete with olive trees and lemon-yellow booths that invite you to stay for a good time and a long time. With concrete jungle surrounds, Cielo’s mission to whisk you to the Mediterranean comes in the form of fresh-baked focaccia and zingy, ice-cool cocktails – whether that’s an Aperol Spritz or an Amalfi Sour of limoncello, gin, citrus and egg whites – la dolce vita, Brissy style.

Time Out tip: Golden hour is our favourite time to visit, and we suggest you experience why.

Address: La Costa Restaurant, 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: Cocktails are in the $20 to $25 range.

What is it? Located on W Brisbane’s fourth floor, Wet Deck is the city’s rooftop bar with a touch of resort luxe – and by that, we mean that there’s a whole entire pool up there.

Why we love it? Pretty-in-pink sun lounges and booths reinforce the summery feeling, along with a zippy black-and-white kaleidoscope mural that’s sure to add pizzazz to any average Joe’s Instagram game. As for Wet Deck’s view, expect distant hill- and riverside-scapes to behold, which go down a treat during golden hour – aquatic reflections and all that. Wet Deck’s tipples also go down a treat, with punchy cocktails at the forefront of their offerings. Take the Berry Bang of vodka, lychee, lavender honey, raspberry and lime, for a taste bud delight. 

Time Out tip: If you're staying at the hotel, you can order food and drinks to the pool 24/7! 

Address: W Brisbane, Level 4/81 N Quay, Brisbane City

Expect to pay: Cocktails range from $24 to $32, with beers from $12 and glasses of wine from $14.

What is it? If you’re not too keen on heights, the Hyatt Regency’s Hibiscus Bar and Terrace is the place to be for rooftops with a somewhat acceptable distance to solid ground.

Why we love it? This Brisbane City haunt is complete with a centrepiece pool, beach brollies and plenty of coral hues, overlooking the heritage facades of neighbouring Queen Street Mall. Hibiscus Bar and Terrace pays homage to its 1970s heyday with signature cocktails that were all the rage way back when and a revival of retro fare with modern spins. The Oyster Shell Martini and smoked beef tartare should go off with a bang.

Time Out tip: We'd suggest starting your night here, as they don't stay up too late.

Address: Hyatt Regency Brisbane, 72 Queen St, Brisbane City

Expect to pay: Cocktails start at $20, with beers from $8 and glasses of wine from $13.

What is it? The rooftop of 757 Ann Street in Fortitude Valley has seen many a venture over the years, all while standing witness to the ever-changing Brisbane City skyline. Now, the 11th-level retreat is home to Maya Rooftop – a Mexican bar and restaurant inspired by the city of Guadalajara.

Why we love it? The stone sanctuary is bedecked with cacti and licked with neutral tones – from the tiled courtyard and marble counters to the refined crockery. It’s safe to say that Maya Rooftop’s mission to bring the diversity of Mexican cuisine and artisanal tequila into the spotlight has been a success. Elevated classics are a menu highlight, with the likes of lobster, scallop and king prawn ceviche in coconut leche de tigre (spicy, citrus marinade) with habanero granita and plantain; as well as the nanacatl taco of grilled king oyster mushroom, crumbed shiitake, confit potato and salsa negra mayonesa (smoky, spicy, sweet mayonnaise). Pair the bites with a Margarita and you’re in for a ripper night.

Time Out tip: Maya has one of Brisbane's best mocktail lists, with everything from an Amaretti Sour and a Coco Piña to a Watermelon Aperitivo. 

Address: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Expect to pay: Around $25 for a cocktail.