On a Friday afternoon, you don’t want to have to wander far from the office to find a drink. If you’re out at the door at 5.05pm, you want a drink in your hand by 5.15pm, with no chance to stop and think about the email that came through at 5.06pm. That’s Monday’s problem.
But finding the right bar can be tricky – you want good drinks, good food and a vibe that will have you ready to kick off the weekend, not wish you worked in an office with a bit more class (and people who didn’t decide to take their shirts off after a few beers).
Luckily we know plenty of Brisbane CBD bars (and a few other spots) that will help you get over the week faster than you can say ‘can I see your craft beer list?’
Sake | CBD
Take a seat under the twinkling cherry blossom tree on Sake’s balcony, order a Japanese inspired cocktail at the bar and you’ll soon feel a world away from your nine to five life. If you’re not to distracted by the stunning riverside views you can order gourmet bites like braised short rib and charred corn from the robata grill, and sample sake, shochu and craft beers from their impressive drinks list.
Bavarian Bier Cafe | CBD
Nothing says ‘danke god it’s Friday’ like a one litre stein of bier (read: unpronounceable German deliciousness). If you need something a little smaller to get your weekend started though, try one Bavarian’s delicious cocktails, or just go all out on the schnapps. And with everything from artisan cheese boards to their famous crispy pork knuckle on the menu, you’re sure to find something to cure your post-work hanger too.
Riverbar & Kitchen | CBD
If it’s a view that doesn’t include skyscrapers to remind you of your dull week in the office you need, Riverbar’s riverside location could be your saviour. Relax in the beer garden and let the glowing lights of the Story Bridge soothe your soul, while you sip on passionfruit sangria or an ice cold craft beer and wrap your hands around a soft shell crab burger or crispy chicken wings.
Sonny’s House of Blues | CBD
Dim lighting, live music and comfy booths where you can ‘accidentally’ rub shoulders with that co-worker you have a thing for – even if Sonny’s didn’t have sangria on tap and finger licking good chicken wings it’d be the place to go. Just don’t go shaking your thing on the dance floor after one too many drinks – someone will remember on Monday.
Buffalo Bar | CBD
If you can’t say no to a 5pm brew then the ample selection of American beers at Buffalo Bar, from lagers to raspberry ales, is sure to tickle your fancy. But let’s be honest, it’s the corn bread and wings we’re coming to this cowboy for. Smother some Monterey Jack corn bread in smoky butter, choose your wingman flavour from the selection of dry rubs and wet marinades and enjoy it all in the outdoor beer garden.
The Bowery | Fortitude Valley
Taking its name from the New York street where dimly lit dive bars are a dime a dozen, The Bowery channels grit and glamour in a cozy setting. While the jazz music and super chilled atmosphere is appeal enough, the real reason people come here is for the cocktails and Friday night martini special.
The Gresham | CBD
Recently named Australia’s best bar, The Gresham is a place for the refined drinker. At least until about midnight, anyway, then it’s anyone’s game. Lounge in an armchair with one of their top shelf spirits and act like you belong amongst the suit-clad crowd – another whiskey or two will help with that.
Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar | CBD
You’d be surprised how much better life looks from the top of the Queen Street Mall, overlooking the sparkling pool at Lennons rooftop bar. Just promise us you won’t fall in the pool after one too many Poolside Pimms. Maybe get your hands on some kingfish tostadas if you start to spin, although there are plenty of towels available if you decide you need to go for a dip.
Brooklyn Standard | CBD
If you’re feeling particularly young and energetic on Friday afternoon (a big ask, we know), Brooklyn Standard’s live and loud soulful tunes will get your feet tapping while the bar quenches any thirst you might have. Whether it’s a cold beer or one of their sweet cocktails you’re hankering for, just find the venue hidden under the streets at make your way to the bar.
At Sixes and Sevens | Fortitude Valley
Wine by the carafe, beer and cocktails by the pitcher – everything At Sixes and Sevens is made for getting Friday off to a good start. The same can be said for their comfort food to share. Poutine? Check. Mac and cheese balls? Check. Cheese boards? Bring me three please. With a Strawberry Bubbles in your hand and a fairy lit tree overhead your stress will just melt away.
Elixir Rooftop Bar | Fortitude Valley
You won’t find the elixir of life up on this rooftop bar, but you will find crafty cocktails and a leafy oasis from the bustle below. Find a spot overlooking Ann Street and tuck into pulled pork nachos or a creamy cheese board and take your pick from the lengthy cocktail list – they’re all the right choice.
The Scratch | Milton
When a bar menu goes from cider and beer to cheese and ice cream you know you’re in the right place for a Friday. And what makes it even better? You can combine it all into one glorious sip. Beer infused ice cream? Stout milkshakes? Yeah, you heard that right. The folks at The Scratch can even turn your cider into a spider with a scoop of Lick! vanilla bean ice cream. What is this magic?
TGIF!
Words by Ranyhyn Akui and Taylare Maddern
The Bowery | Fortitude Valley
Taking its name from the New York street where dimly lit dive bars are a dime a dozen, The Bowery channels grit and glamour in a cozy setting. While the jazz music and super chilled atmosphere is appeal enough, the real reason people come here is for the cocktails and Friday night martini special.
The Gresham | CBD
Recently named Australia’s best bar, The Gresham is a place for the refined drinker. At least until about midnight, anyway, then it’s anyone’s game. Lounge in an armchair with one of their top shelf spirits and act like you belong amongst the suit-clad crowd – another whiskey or two will help with that.
Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar | CBD
You’d be surprised how much better life looks from the top of the Queen Street Mall, overlooking the sparkling pool at Lennons rooftop bar. Just promise us you won’t fall in the pool after one too many Poolside Pimms. Maybe get your hands on some kingfish tostadas if you start to spin, although there are plenty of towels available if you decide you need to go for a dip.
Brooklyn Standard | CBD
If you’re feeling particularly young and energetic on Friday afternoon (a big ask, we know), Brooklyn Standard’s live and loud soulful tunes will get your feet tapping while the bar quenches any thirst you might have. Whether it’s a cold beer or one of their sweet cocktails you’re hankering for, just find the venue hidden under the streets at make your way to the bar.
At Sixes and Sevens | Fortitude Valley
Wine by the carafe, beer and cocktails by the pitcher – everything At Sixes and Sevens is made for getting Friday off to a good start. The same can be said for their comfort food to share. Poutine? Check. Mac and cheese balls? Check. Cheese boards? Bring me three please. With a Strawberry Bubbles in your hand and a fairy lit tree overhead your stress will just melt away.
Elixir Rooftop Bar | Fortitude Valley
You won’t find the elixir of life up on this rooftop bar, but you will find crafty cocktails and a leafy oasis from the bustle below. Find a spot overlooking Ann Street and tuck into pulled pork nachos or a creamy cheese board and take your pick from the lengthy cocktail list – they’re all the right choice.
The Scratch | Milton
When a bar menu goes from cider and beer to cheese and ice cream you know you’re in the right place for a Friday. And what makes it even better? You can combine it all into one glorious sip. Beer infused ice cream? Stout milkshakes? Yeah, you heard that right. The folks at The Scratch can even turn your cider into a spider with a scoop of Lick! vanilla bean ice cream. What is this magic?
TGIF!
Words by Ranyhyn Akui and Taylare Maddern
