It’s official: Brisbane is cool and now we’ve got the bars to prove it. This year it felt like a new bar was opening every week, so it’s high time to fill our glasses and sip back at some of the best bars we’ve welcomed to town this year.
FIUME | CBD
If there’s something Brisbane stans it’s a rooftop bar and FIUME is one of the newest in the mix with some seriously special views. Sitting pretty atop the recently opened art series hotel The Fantauzzo at a little-known place called Howard Smith Wharves, get a little spritzy and perch pretty with unparalleled views of the Story Bridge and the ol’ CBD.
Land of Smiles | Fortitude Valley
One of the most recent bars to pop up in Brisbane, LOS is the boozy upstairs area of the newly opened sAme sAme on Ada Lane. Minimalism meets lush greens in this suave bar where tequila is the primary drop. But, if one of the 140 bottles of this Mexican tipple has been tainted by past experiences of eyewatering tequila shots, dabble instead in LOS’s Thai-inspired cocktails and perhaps a cheeky bar snack from down below.
Shhh! | Fortitude Valley
Of all the gin joints… There’s no denying gin is currently having a big moment, so a dedicated gin bar opening in the heart of the Valley seems like a no-brainer. Shhh! is from the team behind the adjoining Osbourne Hotel and boasts over 70 different gins from near and far where you can find everything from the humble G&T to carefully crafted gin-based cocktails. This one definitely wasn’t going to stay quiet for long!
Alba Bar & Deli | CBD
Drawing inspo from the Pintxos bars of San Sebastian, Alba Bar & Deli brings the best of this seaside Spanish town to Burnett Lane, making this laneway one little hotspot. Indulge in bite-sized tapas with local-inspired cocktails and a unique wine list and it’s easy to see why Alba Bar & Deli is one 2019’s most honourable mentions.
Death & Taxes | CBD
Another goodie tucked away on Burnett Lane in the CBD is Death & Taxes, the moody laneway bar from the creators of Finney Isles, Savile Row and Cobbler. Look for the wooden doors with ornate knockers and get ready to indulge in a whisky-lover’s dream backbar, with a selection of gin, rum, tequila, mezcal and boutique wines also in the mix.
Tetto | Everton Park
Sneaking in before the close of the year, Tetto is the brand-spanking new tropical rooftop bar from the team that brought us Comuna Cantina and Corbett & Claude. Delivering a slice of the Italian Riviera to Everton Park, expect to find a lengthy cocktail and spritz menu backed by Italian eats under signature orange and yellow umbrellas. Saluti!
City Winery | Fortitude Valley
When we heard the news that Brisbane was going to be home to a micro-winery, we lost our collective minds. But City Winery is so much more than just a winery. With a restaurant serving up delicious smoked fare, wine blending workshops, winery tours, vintage winemaking workshops and private chef lead degustation dinners we think we’ve just found heaven.
The Terrace | South Brisbane
Excuse us while we sneak another rooftop bar into the mix but seriously, with views like this how could you not? Stunning Brisbane city views, light up floor and retractable roof? Yep, we’re here for a long time and a good time. With a killer cocktail list based on local ingredients it’s no wonder The Terrace is one of Brisbane’s best new bars.
Mr Mista | Fortitude Valley
A slice of Cali came to Brissy this year in the shape of Mr Mista, the LA-inspired cocktail bar serving up Asian eats and dancing beats until 3am. The moody interior is spruced up with tropical accents and purple lighting, making it the perfect place to sip on cocktails and dance the night away.
Altitude | Fortitude Valley
We weren’t kidding when we said that Brisbanites love a rooftop bar and Altitude at FV by Peppers is further proof of that. Settle into one of their comfy booths with a refreshing spritz in hand and enjoy a stunning view with a perspective of Fortitude Valley and the CBD you won’t find anywhere else.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq | Toombul
Roll up roll up! Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has come to Toombul and is Brisbane’s newest adult playground where you can dabble in bowling, arcade games, virtual reality rides and dodgems, all with a cocktail in hand. Entertainment = sorted.
So, drinks, anyone?
