From exclusive cocktail lounges to beers and burgers, our pretty little city knows how to treat us just right, and we’ve rounded up some of the best haunts to get you through the working week.
Jade Buddha | Eagle Street Pier
Friday’s are best started early at one of Brisbane most iconic bars. Rally your mates and head to Jade Buddha’s Shadow Lounge for some seriously tasty (and affordable) espresso martinis before putting that new-found energy to good use on the d-floor! Besides the best tunes, you can expect all your fave cocktails from Aperol spritzes to Pimm’s cups and Cosmos to carry you through the rest of the night whilst gazing out over our beloved Brisbane River. Iconic.
The Boom Boom Room | George Street
Do it all night at The Boom Boom Room. Fusing avant-garde design with personalised table service, this not-so-secret underground destination bar offers a unique experience. Boasting an expansive cocktail menu of 15 expertly curated drinks, there’s no better way to welcome in the weekend – unless you treat yourself to one of the 24 incredibly rare spirits from The Vault, which includes top-shelf rarities like Port Ellen 17th Edition. Have your spirits and drink them too with the option of keeping your bottle in The Vault for up to three months!
Mr & Mrs G | Eagle Street
Big day behind the screen? Soothe your eyeballs with views of the Brisbane river, and drinks from one of our favourite river bars – Mr & Mrs G’s. For some serious office bonding order a couple of cocktail jugs – after all, do you really know your co-workers if you haven’t shared a jug of garden punch and an antipasto share plate? Didn’t think so.
Red Hook | Gresham Lane
It’s not secret we’ve been hooked on this New York inspired eatery since we discovered their mac ‘n’ cheese squares – cue heavy breathing. It’s the perfect spot to throw your summer diet out the window and settle in for a few beers, a burger and some duck tacos if you really know what’s good for you!
Aquila | Eagle Street
The good people of Aquila believe it’s never too early for an Aperol Spritz on a Friday night, and that’s an attitude we can get behind. With a wide selection of wines by the bottle and glass, as well as local and imported beer and Italian aperitif cocktails – we can’t think of a better place to put on the spritz and kick back after office hours – arancini or garlic pizza bread in hand.
Greenglass | George Street
Ascend an unassuming staircase wedged between a chemist and a gentlemen’s club (one stop shop?) and you’ll find yourself in vino heaven. Impress your co-workers with your knowledge of natural wine (we won’t tell if you make it up) as you sip your way through Greenglass’ impressive range of Australian boutique wines and snack on their French inspired menu.
Super Whatnot | Burnett Lane
Super where now? For a small space, this laneway bar has a big personality. Hidden away on Burnett Lane the two-story venue has an extensive rotating list of craft beers and wine, as well as an American inspired food menu. Cure your post work hunger with a reuben sandwich or salumi – washed down with a Ramble On or Balter.
The Gresham | Queen Street
Swap your wall of paperwork for a wall of whiskey and pull up a bar stool at The Gresham. The heritage listed bar has one of Brisbane’s largest ranges of rum and whiskey, and their award-winning cocktail list is legendary. For a true Brisbane beverage, we can’t look past the Sunnyboy – with vodka, coconut, passionfruit, pineapple, vanilla and butter, it’s as Queenslander as XXXX.
Brooklyn Standard | Eagle Lane
For an after-work experience that’s anything but standard, make your way underground to the New York-style basement bar Brooklyn Standard. Snag a booth, nab yourself a boiler maker and bust a move – that office cutie you’ve been crushing on will be powerless to your charms. Whether you’re angling for a promotion or just want to cut loose after the office grind, there’s a venue and a vino with your name on it.
