Housed in historic buildings and serving up classic pub grub alongside local brews, the best pubs in Brisbane can be found all over the city. From warm and cosy gems for date night to group hangouts to family-friendly spots, the best pubs in Brisbane await.
Battle it out on trivia night at one of Sandgate’s most iconic pubs, or head to South Bank to visit an elegant gastropub that puts a new twist on old classics. Sandgate’s old post office has been reimagined as one of its best pubs, while a Yeerongpilly spot has been welcoming patrons since 1874. Four-legged friends are always welcome at one of Tarragindi’s finest hot spots, while Albion is home to a racecourse with a relaxed pub.
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The 10 best pubs in Brisbane for great pints and cool vibes
For one of the best family-friendly pubs in Brisbane – check out Full Moon Hotel in Sandgate
Over a century old, the Full Moon Hotel has been transformed with contemporary renovations into a true seaside paradise. Head up to the circular central bar to grab a pint of one of the beers on tap before heading to an outdoor table with leafy green views. Inside, high, embellished ceilings maintain the building’s historic character, while pops of blue and potted plants add a modern touch. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, kid’s menus and more, this pub is the perfect coastal getaway for friends and family. Enjoy some fluffy buttermilk waffles with citrus sauce for breakfast or a crispy pork belly salad with caramel sauce for lunch. Smoky wood-fired pizzas topped with BBQ chicken or spinach and feta go down particularly well with an Aperol spritz. There’s always something on at the Full Moon Hotel – book a spot in the Moonlight Bar on Tuesdays for musical bingo or Thursdays for Thursday night trivia.
For local eats in a historic pub – visit The Ship Inn in South Bank
Built in 1864, The Ship Inn was originally a boarding house before it became a hotel and pub in 1879. Run by its current owners since 2004, this historic gem has been reimagined as an elegant gastropub with plenty of alfresco seating, leafy decor and a delicious menu. Enjoy classic pub meals with a fresh twist. The fish and chips here are made with crumbed, golden Hoki and served with crispy, chunky chips. The chicken parmi is grilled and topped with bacon and soft cheddar cheese. A kids’ menu with the usual favourites like chicken nuggets and spaghetti bolognese ensures the whole family can enjoy a meal here. Many of the ingredients used, including the beef, lamb and chicken, come from The Ship Inn’s farm, around 50 kilometres from the pub. Other meats come from local free-range farmers, so you can rest assured each dish is made with the finest produce.
For one of the best pubs in Brisbane for special occasions – head to Sandgate Post Office Hotel in Sandgate
Brisbane is home to a number of pubs housed in historic buildings, but the Sandgate Post Office Hotel might just be the most iconic. Originally built in 1887, its exterior remains largely unchanged, including two front verandahs perfect for outdoor dining. Indoors, plush black and white booths provide a comfortable, private spot for each group of diners. Start things off with a dozen smoky Kilpatrick oysters and some crunchy sourdough bruschetta. For mains, the Post Office Hotel is known for its range of rotisserie options, including tender, slow-cooked beef brisket and juicy pork belly porchetta. If you’re planning a special occasion, check out one of the private function rooms. The whiskey vault takes you into a room full of vintage post-office boxes filled with premium spirits. It can accommodate up to 10 guests for a sit-down meal or up to 16 standing for drinks and nibbles. When you’ve got something to celebrate, pre-order the cocktail tree, a tiered tower of Chambord cocktails plus a curated cheese platter to match. Book on Sundays for the elegant high tea, Wednesdays for trivia night and Thursdays for karaoke night.
For one of the best pubs in Brisbane for sports fans – try Rocklea Hotel in Yeerongpilly
The Rocklea Hotel is a classic corner pub that provides a relaxed space to eat, drink and be merry. Challenge your friends to a round of pool, catch a game on one of the TVs at the bar, or just enjoy the friendly atmosphere. This Southside hot spot knows a thing or two about good hospitality. After all, they’ve been serving it up since 1874. The menu makes the most of The Rocklea Market just up the road. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, each classic pub dish is cooked from scratch. Tender eye fillet straight from the grill is always a popular option and the house-made crumbed chicken breasts are some of the best in Brisbane. Whatever you order, don’t forget to grab a bowl of Rocklea’s crunchy and fluffy chips on the side. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, give the Parmaggedon challenge a go. If you can finish three parmigianas, plus chips and a salad, in under 60 minutes, you’ll earn a permanent spot on the challenge champions wall.
For one of the best pet-friendly pubs in Brisbane – book at Todd and Pup in Tarragindi
If you’d like to bring your own pup to Todd and Pup, just book an outdoor table at this spacious neighbourhood pub. The doggy menu’ includes a doggy cino, made with lactose-free milk and cinnamon sugar, and a doggy ice cream with peanut butter and liver pieces. Fluffy waffles topped with whipped cream come in both human and dog-sized servings. Other delicious options on the all-day menu include crispy sweetcorn and jalapeno fritters served with sweet onion jam. Dig into spicy pork belly bao with house-made kimchi or a juicy chicken burger with crispy fries and aioli. Eggs on toast or creamy matcha panna cotta are great brunch options, especially when paired with a glass of Prosecco. For dessert, Todd and Pup whips up a range of freshly baked goods, including different muffin flavours, flaky croissants (Nutella filling optional) and melt-in-your-mouth cakes.
For one of the best izakaya pubs in Brisbane – check out Izakaya Público in Brisbane CBD
Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs where parmigiana and fish and chips are replaced with crispy karaage chicken and fresh sashimi. Izakaya Público brings these flavours to the heart of Brisbane, serving up sharer plates in a spacious, two-storey building. Warmly lit by large lantern-style lights, the dining space offers multiple seating areas framed by bold, colourful murals on the walls. The menu uses seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. Start off with some raw kingfish served with a tangy ponzu dressing or some juicy yakitori chicken skewers. Small plates of crispy gyoza filled with pork or veggies are perfect for sharing. For something heartier, try a smoky ushi hoho niku (wood-smoked beef cheek) or some soft-shell matcha tacos. Pair your meal with some imported Japanese beers, or a smooth cup of sake.
For one of the best pubs in Brisbane for craft beer – check out Ballistic Beer in Springfield and Salisbury
With locations in Springfield and Salisbury, Ballistic Beer serves up a wide range of on-tap beers in a friendly, welcoming environment. The Salisbury outpost is housed in a World War II ammunition factory and offers a cellar door-style experience where you can taste test different brews. When it comes to a bite to eat, you’ll find a range of food trucks ready to sate your appetite every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. The spacious, industrial-style venue is the perfect place to relax on a weekend, and children are always welcome. Springfield is home to an 800-litre brewery with 20 beers on tap, including limited-edition brews. The kitchen serves up pub favourites like juicy parmigianas and soft and crispy sourdough pizzas. With a large outdoor lawn, it’s the perfect spot to bring the whole family (including four-legged friends).
For dinner and a show – check out Pacers & Chasers – The Creek Harness Racing in Albion
Pacers & Chasers – The Creek Harness Racing is the perfect spot to catch all the harness racing action at The Creek out in Albion Park. The full-service bar offers a relaxed dining area, right above the public grandstand. Look down at the track through the large windows or follow the excitement on one of the TVs set up around the restaurant. Kick things off with light bites like creamy baked camembert or crispy lemon and pepper aioli. Juicy grain-fed rump steak, fresh from the chargrill and topped with creamy garlic prawns, is always a popular option for a main. Alternatively, try the textured pumpkin and quinoa salad with sweet bursts from pomegranate seeds. Pair your dishes with one of the on-tap beers or a refreshing glass of wine.
For one of Brisbane’s best pubs with a beer garden – check out Criterion Tavern in Brisbane CBD
Criterion Tavern is a spacious, leafy pub right in the heart of Brisbane that’s ideal for large gatherings. With plenty of outdoor seating surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect spot to soak up some fresh air. Alternatively, head indoors and enjoy the latest sporting events on the big screens while you eat. The classic pub menu has something for everyone. Enjoy hearty salads like the spicy beef or veggie-based burrito bowl and the fresh kale and roast pumpkin salad. Try spaghetti with a creamy garlic sauce and diced chicken tenders or crispy-skin pan-fried barramundi with roasted chat potatoes. A range of local and international beers, on tap or by the bottle, make an ideal pairing for any pub favourite. Add on creative cocktails, full-bodied wines and non-alcoholic options and everyone can find something to enjoy.
For wood-fired pizza and craft beer – book at Revel Brewing Co. Bulimba Pizzeria in Bulimba and Morningside
Craft beers and wood-fired pizzas are always a tasty pairing and Revel Brewing Co. in Bulimba and Morningside offers some of the best spots in Brisbane to enjoy it. In Bulimba, you can dine next to the vats at the industrial-esque indoor dining space, or take your pints outside to the relaxed beer garden shaded by black umbrellas. The Morningside brewpub opened in 2021, but its historic lime factory building adds some cool old-school charm. Head into a brick-walled space filled with potted plants and casual seating, where the whole family can relax. Bulimba’s menu focuses on wood-fired pizzas, serving up all your favourite flavours, from cheesy margheritas to spicy gamberini. In Morningside, you can enjoy a classic pub menu with creamy mozzarella sticks, juicy cheeseburgers and crispy chicken nuggets for the kids.
Brisbane’s best pubs encompass everything the modern-day pub scene has to offer. There are old-school hot spots serving up the classics, contemporary gastropubs putting a personal spin on much-loved favourites and international inspirations bringing new flavours to the table. Whether you’re after a casual lunch, a couple of brews or a big celebration, these pubs are ready to welcome you. From juicy steaks to crispy fish and chips, local brews to hearty wines, there’s something for everyone at the best pubs in Brisbane.
Prepare for your next pub lunch at the best pubs in Brisbane and secure your table on OpenTable today.
If you’re interested in what else Brisbane has to offer – check out some guides to the best drinking and dining below:
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- The 10 best family restaurants in Brisbane serving kids menus and more
- The best brunch in Brisbane awaits at these top restaurants
- The best date night restaurants Brisbane loves right now
- Unveiling the best Japanese restaurants Brisbane has to offer
- Brisbane’s 9 best Asian restaurants to book right now
- The 5 best French restaurants in Brisbane to try today
- The 10 best seafood restaurants in Brisbane to try right now
