The 18 best bars in Brisbane

For a little bar, Maker certainly packs a big punch. Tucked away down South Brisbane’s ever-so-cool pedestrian laneway of eateries and drinkeries, Fish Lane, Maker makes its appearance. Hidden in plain sight, the wee 20-seater den is camouflaged with its black minimalist fit-out and decor, and located unassumingly next to a car park’s entryway. Although small, the mighty bar delivers the goods, shaking and stirring a rotating list of cocktails, each presented like a true work of art. Think square ice cubes that freeze mushrooms in time. Stick with something from the seasonal menu or be bold with a bespoke number – just tell the bartenders what you’re in the mood for. We’re never not thinking about Maker’s take on a Margarita with tequila, pineapple, coriander, jalapeno and lime rimmed with tajin (red chilli, lime and sea salt). Pair your libation with bar snacks that you absolutely won’t find elsewhere in town. There’s a reason Maker has laid claim to an award or so.

Time Out tip: Maker only accepts walk-ins, so if you’re extra keen on a seat, we recommend getting in early for a tipple you’ll likely not regret.

Address: 9 Fish Ln, South Brisbane

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 4pm-12am; Sun 4pm-10pm

Craft beer nerds, assemble. Tucked under the iconic Story Bridge on the banks of the Brisbane River 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 is an equal standout. 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. Nab a table on the deck (if you can find one) or sprawl on a picnic rug on the lawn and work your way through the fresh, frothy ales and lagers brewed on-site. Not a beer drinker? No worries; they've got plenty of wines and spirits on offer.

Time Out tip: We’d go as far as saying that Felons Brewing Co is a top tourist destination when visiting the Queensland capital, so make sure to visit.

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-12am

The Nixon Room is the chic little sister of Essa – one of Brisbane’s trendiest eateries, where each plate is a revelry of nature’s best. That being considered, expect nothing short of a memorable night out at the restaurant’s Martini bar spin-off. The hidden space just off James Street in Fortitude Valley keeps things casual, but maintains a whole heap of class. It wouldn’t be weird if you rocked up in a plain tee, jeans and white sneakers – or in a frock and heels. Once you’ve made your way inside (via the laneway), you’ll be met with a super retro vision of porcelain leopards and pirouetting disco balls enveloped entirely by timber from the window to the walls to the ceiling. The nook may be small, but it sure is a treat for the senses. Get comfy in a corner with a Black Manhattan of whiskey, Amaro Averna and a dash of blackberry liquor in hand, or a Spritz just the same. Pair your cocktail with cool but refined snacks, like kettle chips and truffle mayo, or potato gems topped with sour cream and pickled onion.

Time Out tip: Head to The Nixon Room from 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, where happy hour is all about $5 snacks and $15 drinks. (hello, Nixon Spritz).

Address: 3/181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri 5pm-12am; Sat 3pm-12am

This quaint Queenslander-style pub takes up position at the more relatable end of swanky James Street, opposite the QA Hotel, on the corner of Arthur Street. She's got street appeal in spades with a pitched tin roof, side verandah and white-painted weatherboards. On weekends, the throng spills onto the footpath benches shaded by striped umbrellas, while inside, they settle in around At Sixes and Sevens’ central bar and long tables of reclaimed timber. And it’s not only tough work choosing your ideal seating; the drinks menu will have you taking an extended visual gander, too. Boutique tap beers and from-the-barrel wine carafes are a staple, while pitchers of cocktails designed to share make for elite guzzling. Pet nats are all the rage, particularly when the sun’s rays are kissing the alfresco area. Complete the trifecta with a grazing board to share (or not to share, we’re not judging), alongside elevated pub fare like beer-battered flathead, fried pork dumplings and mushroom arancini. They’ve got it down pat.

Time Out tip: If you’re hunting for a mighty fine sandwich, give Six and Sevens’ Reuben a go – it's got house-made pastrami.

Address: 67 James St, Fortitude Valley

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs, Sun 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12am

Brisbane’s West End neighbourhood might be renowned for its cheap and cheerful bars, but this definitely isn’t one of them. Behind the floor-to-ceiling velvet curtain, more than 500 bottles await, with some seriously luxe drams on offer. As with any good whisky bar, the atmosphere is old world-inspired featuring a counter made of a solid polished plank of wood, mining-style light fixtures, Chesterfield couches, plenty of exposed brick and crusty wax candles that appear to have been dripping since day dot. Five stacked shelves house bottles from all corners of the globe, complete with a sliding ladder to access the goods. Scottish, American and Australian nectar are the usual offers, but Japan and Ireland give 'em a run for their money. Curiously named cocktails are a big part of Cobbler’s offering too – make sure to try one yourself. 

Time Out tip: Ice, ice, baby. Hand-cut blocks are Cobbler's thing.

Address: 7 Browning St, West End

Opening hours: Mon 5pm-1am; Tues-Sun 4pm-1am

If walls could talk, The Gresham would sit you down, buy you a glass of Scotch and go on all night about the space’s substantial history. From its inception as the Queensland National Bank to witnessing thousand-man brawls, the 19th-century building has seen its fair share of scenes. Nowadays (and since 2013), the space plays host to less bar fights and more spirit-tasting flights. The Gresham is cosy and rustic, and with its cascading bar and antique photo hangings, you might just feel like you’ve taken a couple of steps back in time. Once you’ve found your nook for the night, dive straight into some of the highest calibre rum, whisky and wine in the country, or try your best to pick just one from the extensive cocktail list. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a secluded yet charming space to host a gathering, check out The Gresham’s Back Room, where you’ll lose track of time – time, date, month and year included.

Address: 308 Queen St, Brisbane

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 3pm-2am

The motto here is simple: no pretension, no dress code, just ‘damn’ good drinkin’. If glitzy Park Road seems like an unlikely location for a friendly little dive bar, don’t take our word for it. Not only does the quirky, mismatched Scratch Bar set itself apart from the rest with its daily rotating tap beers from Australia and abroad, but with its BYO food ethos. You’re encouraged to bring along your feast hailing from any of the takeaway restaurants in the area – some of them will even deliver it to you at the bar; how’s that for fulfilling your dream pairings? And it doesn’t stop there – Scratch Bar rolls out the red carpet for your dog, too. Circling back to the main event, though, Scratch Bar takes their beers seriously and is committed to pouring you the freshest possible brews from their nine taps. Recent orbits have included the likes of Eight Wired’s 2023 barrel-aged feijoa sour, Wayward’s lemongrass Berliner weisse, as well as Bridge Road’s dark harvest IPA.

Time Out tip: The Scratch Bar has those off the booze in mind too, with a rather thoughtful non-alcoholic refreshment list.

Address: 8/1 Park Rd, Milton

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 2pm-10pm

It really doesn’t get much better than a pretty little venue atop the Howard Smith Wharves deck. Perched more or less over the Brisbane River, Mr Percival’s is a marvellous drinkery boasting marvellous city views from the AM to the PM. We almost guarantee the decor at the overwater bar is unlike anything you’ve seen before: think '70s discotheque meets sunny Mediterranean. Pretty pink umbrellas shade the optimistic day drinkers, while the rotund bar set with mirrorballs is a shade-like prop for the night sippers. The South European furnishings set the scene for an Italian-inspired menu with plenty of seafood share dishes, pasta and pizzas, plus aperitivo hour on weekdays. Cocktails and vino are a Mr Percival mainstay, with Frozen Mango Coladas and Coconut Margarita Frappés the way to go. Perch yourself at the towering bar for oysters and a Limoncello, or head out to the deck for Moreton Bay bug rolls and fresh burrata with crispy bread.

Time Out tip: The Howard Smith Wharves make for great bar hopping. Start at Felons, scoot over to Mr Percival’s and beyond for wee-hour shenanigans.

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

Cloudland is something of a wonderland, if you will. We’ll try to set the scene for you, but you’re better off experiencing it with your own eyes: think towering high glass ceilings, a waterfall flowing in the bar’s centre and illuminated marble bars. And that’s before you’ve even ventured into the Crystal Palais booths, a groovy space that’s a dark, opulent take on oriental-cross-Balinese decor with its earthy wooden centrepiece, warm hues and retro posters. On the fifth floor, you’ll find one of the best rooftop bars in all of Brisbane, Valley Hops Brewing, where it’s all about casual sophistication decked out with plenty of greenery to suit the tropical climate, not to mention big ol’ brewing silos that’ll have you wondering how on earth they got ‘em up the stairs. Back inside the adult playground, sneak around one of the venues and gulp fine libations like the Toasted Banana Royale of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, honey, toasted banana and chocolate, delicately garnished with a chocolate-coated banana chip. Oh my.

Time Out tip: Come for a drink, or consider Cloudland for a function that you’ll be talking about long after the tab is settled.

Address: 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley 

Opening hours: Wed 5pm-11pm; Thurs 5pm-1am; Fri 12pm-2am; Sat 12pm-3am; Sun 10.30am-6pm

If Canvas Club isn’t on your to-visit list for date night, add it now. We could think of far worse places to sit while sipping on a New York Sour and perusing a tapas menu. If you’re brave enough to venture past the classics, then go down the ‘choose your own’ gin and tonic route for a perfectly (and personally) crafted cocktail. As you move through the bar, it’s like you’re entering a new world each time. Take your pick from the dimly lit booths of the Art Deco room or cosy up in the garden area where fairy lights illuminate all the lush greenery. Scoff down something on the smaller side, like chorizo al vino tinto (red wine-glazed chorizo with artichoke and Turkish bread to soak up all the good stuff), or something to fill a bigger gap, like the paella with chorizo, prawns, calamari, smoked paprika, saffron and Valencian-style bomba rice. You won’t be leaving Canvas Club hungry, that’s for sure. 

Time Out tip: Pop over before or after a world-class concert or the big game at The Gabba.

Address: 16B Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-12am

A craft beer, wine and liquor bar that does great food, Zero Fox is the kind of place you take a date when you want to look sophisticated without spending too much money. And although the hotspot is a little way out of the city centre in leafy Teneriffe, it’s well worth the venture. Located just one street over from the Brisbane River, this rustic warehouse winehouse and fusion eatery has a whole heap going for it. Their Japanese/Korean menu comes in tapas-style portions – special mention goes to the takoyaki, which are neat little batter balls filled with juicy bits of diced octopus, as well as the kimchi fries that never fail to hit the spot. There are also heaps of vegetarian options, along with a considered drinks menu that features an exhaustive list of Australian gins. So come along for the food, but stay so you can drink your way through a gin from every state and territory in the nation.

Time Out tip: Tell your gluten-intolerant friends immediately – Zero Fox has a separate drinks menu just for them.

Address: 36 Vernon Tce, Teneriffe

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-10pm

It really is all fun and games at this corner bar at the seedy end of the Valley. Netherworld is an all-encompassing good time – drinking hole, diner and home to a collection of vintage arcade games. You’ll find 25 arcade games, 15 pinball machines, consoles and over 100 board games. Machines are only $1 to play, while consoles and board games are free, and there are deals during happy hour and special events. In addition to the arcade games, there are a cool 24 draft beers on tap, too. Add in a selection of other drinks, a fusion Japanese-American diner and live music, and you’ve got an epic night out. We must point out that all the food at the Hellmouth diner is vegan, unless you choose to add dairy or carnivorous options as extras. Don’t leave without trying the gnome nugs – Southern fried vegan chicken never tasted so good.

Time Out tip: Don’t let the vegan thing deter you; you can barely even tell that their creamy mac ‘n’ cheese and range of hot dogs and burgers are plant-based.
Address: 186 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs, Sun 12pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-1am

It’s all about booze, brunch and bangers at this late-night gem in Newstead. A sibling to Mrs Brown’s Bar and Kitchen and located right next to The Triffid, Stratton is the perfect spot to kick off or wind down your night. Housed inside two historic war hangars, the venue features a sun-kissed garden atrium and a moody dining hall with a glamorous double bar. Don't miss its Weekend Social that takes long lunches to the next level with share plates, tunes and tons of booze. Speaking of which, Stratton’s house-smoked tequila and mezcal bring a special twist to their range of classic cocktails, including the Smoked Margarita and Spicy Paloma with a touch of jalapeno, too. But if that’s a little bit too full on for your liking, a Lamington Sour of Wildflower Lamington Vodka, lemon and dust of cinnamon spice might just do the trick. You’ll also be spoilt for choice with refreshing Spritzes, a flavour-driven wine list and a broad beer selection. Trust us, you won’t go thirsty.

Time Out tip: Grab a bite while you’re at it, we know you want to. Especially when pan-Asian nibbles are on offer.

Address: 3 Stratton St, Newstead

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs, Sun 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12am