We don’t need to tell you that this weekend is devoted to all things footy with Magic Round. But what if you’re not into football? For all the “footy widows” out there whose fellas toddle off to partake in the grand tradition of exchanging machismo and leaving you to your own devices, we have a few suggestions as to how you can make the most of your own Magic Round weekend.
Mr. Percival’s | Howard Smith Wharves
Between Moreton Bay bug rolls, line caught coral trout, vanilla gelato sundaes, Instagrammable cocktails, and a luxe view overseeing the Brisbane river and CBD skyline, Mr. Percival’s is a no-brainer when it comes to weekend must-do spots. Sunday afternoons can pop off though, so booking may be a wise decision.
Anita Gelato | 111 Boundary Street, West End
From the humble beginnings of Mama Anita’s Mediterranean kitchen, Anita Gelato commits to the sweet life and the fabulousness of authentic flavours. From classics like rum and raisin and Belgian chocolate to the more adventurous tiramisu and hazelnut mousse and cappuccino with butter cookies, this global dessert delight is all pleasure, no guilty.
Fiume Rooftop Bar | Howard Smith Wharves
With their signature cocktail list and steamed mussel grazing plates, Fiume Rooftop Bar is like a slice of LA cool in your own backyard, nestled atop the Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel. And if you’re already enjoying the rooftop facilities, why not make it a staycation and book a room at the Crystalbrook Vincent itself?
Cenote Casa Bathhouse | 1/723 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Brisbane’s own tropical oasis, Cenote Casa is the city’s first outdoor bathhouse fitted with a cedar wood sauna, magnesium plunge pool, heated hydrotherapy spa, steam room infused with essential oils, sun deck and lounge areas. With extensive packages ranging from hand-crafted chocolates to organic pink clay masks and glasses of bubbles, Cenote Casa is all about treating yourself because, as they say, you deserve it.
Hello Gorgeous | 32A Chester Street, Newstead
Newstead’s most fanciful watering hole – if the water was hand-crafted cocktails (anyone for a seasonal spritz or margarita?) – Hello Gorgeous is bright, airy, all killer, no filler. With a tapas menu and summery décor that screams “group selfie”, Hello Gorgeous’ mantra of “Eat, Drink, Repeat” feels like the perfect weekend affirmation.
1st Edition Bar | 356 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
As the city’s premier comic-book inspired Valley haunt, 1st Edition is the hero that Brisbane deserves and your one-stop shop for Asian-inspired dishes and signature cocktails. Female power is real with the Invisible Girl (Lamington-infused vodka, strawberry paste, coconut, vanilla and lemon), and after your first (or second) round, the duck sliders, prawn popcorn and mushroom gyoza will prove to be the perfect pairing.
Southside | Fish Lane, South Brisbane
The team behind the Gold Coast’s iconic Rick Shores have graced Brisbane with their signature flavours inside an oasis of urban aesthetics, Chinese tradition and Australian produce. Sure, there’s spicy wok fried pork belly to share, but the shiitake mushroom wontons and dark chocolate dulce tart will make it more of an indulgently selfish night out.
