From its sunny coast and beautiful beachfronts to its bustling business district and scenic suburbs, Brisbane boasts plenty of must-visit bars and restaurants. Brisbane’s food scene is varied, and its lively nightlife centre means that there is no shortage of stylish wine and cocktail bars where you can grab a few drinks with your friends. This Queensland city is also home to numerous wine bars that offer premium vintages and diverse cellars, showcasing some of Australia’s famous vineyard output. When the sun comes out, the best bars in Brisbane bars invite diners to soak up some rays in lively outdoor terraces and open-air dining set ups.
Book yourself a meal to remember at a Brisbane wine bar with a food menu inspired by classic French cuisine. A stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of Brisbane’s South Bank is a lively party spot and a great place to enjoy bespoke cocktails. If you’re in the mood for a high-end steak, you’ll find a Brisbane bar that serves fine wine and premium cuts. These are the best bars in Brisbane for an unforgettable night out.
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The best bars in Brisbane – read on for a guide
For one of the best bars in Brisbane for bottomless cocktails – try Covent Garden Gin and Bar Restaurant in West End
If you relish a gin and tonic, Covent Garden Gin Bar and Restaurant in the West End is one of the best bars in Brisbane to try. This gorgeous hotspot offers a selection of more than 500 gins, along with a mouth-watering menu of light bites and sharing platters. A hearty Ploughman’s board loaded with cured meats and cheese is perfect for lunch, while a sharing plate of smoked duck and potatoes is great for an indulgent late-night snack. On Thursday nights, the bar puts on a romantic gin tasting paired with a cheeseboard. Treat yourself to bottomless brunch at the weekend and enjoy a grazing board along with a gin cocktail sharing pitcher. The bar also offers high tea, which can be booked up to 24 hours in advance and includes a three-tier canopy platter. The bright airy bar and contemporary décor give this restaurant a garden party feel.
For one of the best bars in West End Brisbane – visit Bar Francine in West End
With its warm, inviting atmosphere and rustic Old-World charm, Bar Francine in the West End is one of the best bars in Brisbane for a unique, European experience. As well as an extensive wine collection sourced from small Australian vineyards, Bar Francine also serves sumptuous food that’s inspired by classical French cooking. A stew of warm butter beans with pesto sprinkled with North Italian grana Padano cheese is supremely satisfying. If you love Italian food, the bar’s spaghetti alla nerano – a cheesy zucchini pasta dish – is a must-try. Complete your meal with slow-roasted peaches with honeycomb or a rich chocolate liquorice tart. Fancy a cocktail before dinner? Signature mixes, like the Francine yuzu spritz – Yuzucello mixed with prosecco – or a gin lychee cocktail will hit the spot. Bar Francine’s reputation proceeds it and in 2023 the venue was voted Wine Bar of the Year by Gourmet Traveller’s Magazine.
For one of the best bars in Brisbane CBDfor steak and wine – don’t miss Black Hide by Gambaro at Treasury Brisbane in Brisbane CBD
Focusing on local produce and premium, Queensland-raised beef, Black Hide by Gambaro at Treasury Brisbane CBD is one of the best bars in the city for meat lovers. Start your meal off with fresh oysters prepared in a variety of ways. You can also enjoy seafood entrees, such as South Australian kingfish crudo or charred octopus. For the main events, diners are spoilt for choice with a range of top-tier steak cuts. Try a 200g eye fillet or share a 1200g tomahawk steak that serves 1-3 diners. Black Hide also serves specialty cuts, like wagyu MB 5+ and 9+, and luxurious mains, like a live lobster or roasted lamb rump. Pair your meal with something from the wine list or enjoy a classic cocktail. The sophisticated decor and smart casual vibe give Black Hide an elegant feel and make it perfect for a special occasion.
For one of the best wine bars in Brisbane – head to South City Wine in Woolloongabba
Chic European-inspired décor and a menu chock full of fine vintages make South City Wine in Woolloongabba one of the best bars in Brisbane for a relaxing after-work drink or a weekend celebration. The wine list at South City wine showcases an international collection, including a range of crisp and zingy Australian whites and punchy French and Mediterranean reds. You can also take a tour of French champagne country with the bar’s extensive bubbly and sparkling wine collection. The food menu is inspired by European fine dining and includes a range of dishes that are designed to be enjoyed with wine. If you love fresh seafood, you can tuck into mussels cooked in butter sauce or the fish du jour – fish of the day. Or dine out on a 300g sirloin steak. The bistro-style décor gives South City Wine a sophisticated yet traditional feel.
For spectacular views at one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane – try The Terrace – Emporium Hotel in South Bank
Soak up the sun and enjoy incredible city views at The Terrace – Emporium Hotel, one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane. This bar and restaurant are open throughout the day until late, serving breakfast, main meals and light snacks. Meanwhile, the retractable glass roof and panoramic views make this a perfect spot to catch some rays and sip on creative cocktails. If you’re visiting with a group, the shellfish platter or the charcuterie and cheese board are fantastic to share. The Asian-inspired lunch menu also features delicacies like sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken and Kingfish sashimi with kimchi and wasabi. The honey and miso-glazed salmon is also perfect if you want a hearty main. A lively, bustling atmosphere and modern décor make The Terrace a fun hotspot to visit with a group or a perfect place for a night out.
For one of the best bars in Brisbane for cocktails and French plates – head to Lobby Bar in Brisbane CBD
The Lobby Bar in Brisbane CBD is a luxuriously modern space and one of the best bars in Brisbane for sophisticated cocktails and fine dining. Open all day, the French-inspired menu kicks off with breakfast options, such as fresh crepes with a range of toppings or a croque monsieur – a classic French take on a ham and cheese hot sandwich. Lunchtime and evening diners can enjoy indulgent mains, like the 36-hour slow-cooked brisket or coal-roasted king salmon. If you fancy a relaxing weekend, the brunch menu includes breakfast staples like shakshuka with baked eggs and toasted sourdough. Make your brunch boozy with signature cocktails or a glass of fizz. Must-try mixers include the Lobby loco – made from white rum, coconut and lime – and a vodka and limoncello prosecco spritz. The energetic vibe also makes The Lobby the perfect spot to start a night on the town.
For one of Brisbane’s best wine bars for special occasions – don’t miss CRU Bar and Cellar in Fortitude Valley
Diners at CRU Bar and Cellar in Fortitude Valley can sample a selection of fine wines from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. The cellar features a huge range of Australian and New World wines, as well as premium European vintages. The stunning fine dining menu offers dishes that perfectly complement the Cellar’s choice of beverages. Tuck into small plates, like chicken liver parfait or Noosa scallops, or enjoy decadent mains, such as the 300g grass-fed sirloin steak. If you just want something light to pair with your wine, the artisan cheeseboard features a selection of cow’s milk cheeses and is ideal to graze on. The signature onyx bar forms a stylish centrepiece to the venue, while the stunning glass chandelier adds a dash of elegance. The vibe is formal yet relaxed making this a great spot for a celebratory meal or an impressive business lunch.
For one of Brisbane’s best bars for outdoor dining and drinks – visit Sixes and Sevens in Fortitude Valley
With its all-day menu and casual outdoor terrace near the James Street retail district, Sixes and Sevens in Fortitude Valley is a lively bar that’s great for grabbing an afternoon pint or for a relaxed date night. The food menu is eclectic and serves a range of light bites and hearty pub meals. A quinoa and sweet potato salad is a deliciously fresh veggie option, while a beef burger with classic toppings is perfect if you want something meaty. The menu also includes snacks, like chicken tenders marinated in honey and chilli oil or prawn sliders. Specialty house cocktails are super refreshing when the sun comes out. Sip on a mouthwatering wattle toffee sour – made with vodka, toffee liqueur and passion fruit aquafaba – or try a watermelon and mint spritz. The bar also serves draft beer and cider, as well as carafes of wine to share.
For best bars in Brisbane city for tapas – try Alba Bar and Deli in Brisbane CBD
This relaxed cocktail joint is one of the best bars in Brisbane for a cosmopolitan feel and delicious light bites. Inspired by Spanish tavernas, the Alba Bar and Deli in Brisbane CBD serves a tantalizing combo of tapas small plates and tasty mixed beverages. Enjoy traditional Spanish classics, like charcuterie plates, mixed olives, and fresh shellfish, paired with a gin cocktail or a glass of fine wine. If you want a true European experience, you can sip an aperitivo liqueur before your meal. The cocktail menu is curated by experienced bartenders to ensure you get magical creations and a moreish flavour balance. Meanwhile, fresh regional produce makes the food menu shine. Alba Bar and Deli has a smart casual dress code and is situated in the stylish business district, making it an ideal place for after-work drinks or an informal meeting.
For one of Brisbane’s best bars with ultra-fresh seasonal produce – head to Essa Restaurant in Fortitude Valley
Essa Restaurant in Fortitude Valley offers ultra-modern dining and is a stylish wine bar with a focus on sourcing fresh regional produce. This makes it one of the best bars in Brisbane for fine dining, as the ever-changing menu revolves around seasonal ingredients purchased from local providers. A fillet of John Dory cooked over a wood fire and served with scampi shells and sea vegetables offers diners a glimpse of the local marine ecosystem. Meanwhile, slow-cooked free-range pork is a succulent meat option. Meals at Essa are served with fresh homemade bread and diners can open their experience with an oyster platter. Enjoy a bottle of fine wine with your meal or sip a classic cocktail. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, and the sleek contemporary décor gives Essa Restaurant a trendy hotspot vibe.
Brisbane has an incredibly versatile nightlife scene and a great range of bars that offer both delicious drinks and fine dining. Wine connoisseurs will find plenty of hotspots where they can try premium vintages, meanwhile those looking for a party atmosphere can head out to a stylish cocktail bar. From casual pub venues to swanky formal spots, the best bars in Brisbane promise a memorable time.
