Much to our delight, the Brisbane bar scene is booming, with new venues popping up left, right, and centre! To help keep you up to date, here are our top five picks to check out this weekend.
HEY CHICA | FORTITUDE VALLEY
If you haven’t heard the sound of the salsa tunes beating through the Valley on a Saturday night, you’ve been in the wrong place. Hey Chica is Brisbane’s newest Latin-inspired social club serving up delicious cocktails and tapas. It’s the perfect spot to sip on a mojito (or two) while feasting on kingfish ceviche or a classic Cubano sandwich—the ideal combo to fuel up before hitting the dance floor!
AFTER DARK | NEWSTEAD
This pop-up wine bar is here for a good time, not a long time! Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this coffee-shop-by-day, vino-joint-by-night offers a curated selection of wines—think old favourites and some unexpected special drops, as well as charcuterie and cheese (the ultimate triple-threat, if you ask us). If you’re after something low-key to wine down after a big week, this is where you’ll want to be.
DR GIMLETTE | BRISBANE CITY
Brought to life by the team from Death & Taxes, Dr Gimlette is taking the Brisbane cocktail standards up a notch…again. Featuring moody lighting, Italian leather couches and classic hardwood floors thanks to the bones of the former Metro Arts building, this is a bar like no other. Offering a range of unique cocktails and 10/10 takes on the classics, the talented team goes above and beyond. If that’s not enough to convince you, they also have a martini cart so you can attentively observe the making of your James Bond moment (sans the shaking, we hope).
BAR TANO | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Bar Tano is one of James Street’s latest additions. Gold Coast fave Gemelli’s little sibling (and neighbour to its second restaurant location), this aperitivo bar makes you feel like you’re sipping street-side in Milan, specialising in classic Italian cocktails and nibbles. Think negronis and Aperol spritzes paired with customisable salumi and cheese platters, or try their house-made focaccia with whipped ricotta. Just make sure you save some room for dinner next door…
IVY BLU | PETRIE TERRACE
Ivy Blu is Caxton Street’s newest and first rooftop bar, serving up cocktails that are as delicious as they are colourful. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this trendy spot offers good vibes, all your favourite drinks, and a tasty menu of shareable bites and substantial dishes. They also have a bottomless brunch available every Sunday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for just $49pp—that’s where you’ll find us!
Now the question is, which one will you be hitting up first?
Dr Gimlette image by Grace Elizabeth Images.
