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Fancy a drink? Yes, that was a rhetorical question. When it hits 5pm on a Friday, you know we’re going to our favourite watering holes near Rambla’s Brisbane apartments – and we hope you are, too!
From Fortitude Valley to Newstead, Brisbane's vibrant bar scene is a treasure trove of unique spots that offer everything from stylish wine bars to festive beer halls.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, these top ten bars are must-visits for their exceptional drinks, great atmospheres, and unforgettable experiences.
Let's dive into some of Brisbane’s best bars where you can raise a glass and enjoy the city's spirited nightlife.
Bar Tano: A Taste of Milan in James Street
15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Let’s kick things off in Brisbane’s haven of nightlife, Fortitude Valley. Nestled in the trend-setting and ultra-chic James Street lies Bar Tano, a Milan-inspired watering hole and the sibling of renowned restaurant Gemelli.
Designed as a place to reconnect over classic Italian cocktails and complimentary small bites, it offers a relaxed lunch with fresh, daily-changing menus featuring salads, focaccia, pasta, and desserts.
By night, it transforms into a lively cocktail bar with live music, creative drinks, and quick eats. On the lavish yet sophisticated drinks menu you’ll find creations like the Venetian Fizz (gin, Aperol, peach, prosecco, and lemon juice), and the Tano Old Fashioned (bourbon, Averna Amaro, honey syrup, orange, and angostura bitters).
Walk-ins are welcome, with group bookings available for five or more.
LOS Bar: Land of Smiles, Haven of Cocktails
Level 1, Shop AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley
What does LOS mean? Land of Smiles, of course – and at LOS Bar in Ada Lane, just off James Street, you’ll feel the infectious happiness the moment you step inside.
This bar is the spirited sibling of Thai restaurant sAme sAme (it’s actually located above the restaurant) and boasts lush greenery with chic minimalist interiors. It’s perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks or as a standalone destination.
If you’re a fan of margaritas, you’re in luck. LOS specialises in tequila, boasting over 140 bottles. These tequilas, along with other spirits, craft beers, and natural wines, make their way into a menu of Thai-inspired cocktails.
For food, you can order bites from sAme sAme’s snack menu, including prawn larb tacos, pad prik king chicken wings, and LONgTIME’s chicken burger. Did someone say yum?
Snack Man: A Twinkling Night Out
East St, Fortitude Valley
Stroll further up James Street and into East Street to discover another of the best Brisbane bars. Look for the twinkling fairy-lit trees (not hard to spot) and you’ll find Snack Man, an elegant and spacious wine bar,
The dark, lofty interior features bifold windows that open to the street, providing charming outdoor seating beneath the magical fairy lights. Inside, you'll be treated to cosy, dimly-lit seating and a jam-packed bar.
The unique wine menu highlights European selections, while classic cocktails are also available. As for food, Snack Man dishes out mouth-watering Chinese regional street food alongside its renowned neighbour, Happy Boy.
Snack Man is the perfect venue for a relaxed night out with all the quality of a world-class Fortitude Valley venue minus the too-loud-to-hear-the-conversation buzz that frequents other establishments.
South City Wine: Sip and Savour in Style
Shop 5/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Let’s move to Woolloongabba, an up-and-coming hotspot for Brisbane bars.
Located in the heart of South City Square and literally downstairs from our Rambla apartments, South City Wine is the epitome of European elegance.
South City Wine exudes an old-world allure, perfect for an intimate evening. Its dimly lit ambience is enhanced by romantic oil paintings, rich dark timber panelling, and elegant emerald green marble tables, creating a cosy and sophisticated setting.
Wine enthusiasts will delight in the artisanal selection of natural wines, which hails from distinguished local and international vineyards. Additionally, the bar offers an extensive list of fine champagnes and classic French cocktails, making it a haven for connoisseurs.
Whether you're stopping by for a glass of wine or planning to stay longer, the menu is sure to impress. It features a rotating selection of specials and a thoughtfully curated array of European bistro classics, including steak frites, escargot, venison tartare, fresh oysters, chicken liver parfait, and charcuterie.
The Mix Bar: Craft Cocktails and Classic Dining
765 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
The Mix Bar in Woolloongabba is where class meets craft. Set within the historic walls of the old Woolloongabba Post & Telegraph Office, this most iconic of Brisbane bars exudes elegance and charm in a trendy art deco atmosphere.
Enjoy live entertainment and Brisbane’s finest food trucks in the Laneway Bar, or indulge in the sophistication of the bespoke indoor bar.
Whether you’re in the mood for craft beer, fine wines, or classic cocktails, The Mix Bar offers a little something for everyone.
Dine in the Dark
Ever wondered what it's like to dine in complete darkness? Think less accidental power outages and more intentional, intimate, and sensory-tingling experiences. At The Mix Bar’s Dining in the Dark experience, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure.
By eliminating sight, your other senses—taste and smell—are heightened, making each bite more flavorful and enjoyable. We highly recommend both locals and visitors try this unique dining experience!
Ooh La La Rooftop: Exclusivity Meets Rooftop Chic
609/611 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
Perched atop the renowned C'est Bon Restaurant & Le Bon Bar in Woolloongabba, Ooh La La Rooftop Bar is one of Brisbane's best and most exclusive bars with a boujee rooftop twist. Open on Fridays and Saturdays only, this chic oasis offers a scrumptious blend of tasty treats, fine wines, and stunning views.
Ooh La La Rooftop Bar serves an enticing selection of signature cocktails and an impressive array of French and Australian wines. The menu boasts delectable nibbles, from caviar and oysters to duck liver parfait eclairs and Angus tartare.
Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind before or after dining at C'est Bon Restaurant, or simply want to soak in the chic French vibes and sunset views, Ooh La La Rooftop Bar is a must-visit destination in its own right.
Canvas Club: A Vintage-Inspired Gem in the Gabba
16B Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Step into Canvas Club and immerse yourself in a world of delectable cocktails, boutique wines, craft beers, and rustic food. This vintage-inspired gem is nestled in the heart of Woolloongabba, offering a cosy, intimate escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Outside you’ll be transported into your own Secret Garden fantasies with Canvas Club's own little garden. Brimming with lush foliage and festoon lights, it's the perfect atmosphere for sipping cocktails under the stars.
On the menu, we can't go past these too-tasty share plates and meals:
- Parmesan, garlic & rosemary butter roasted potatoes
- Croquetas, confit duck, and pumpkin with almond sauce
- Australian king prawns, lemon myrtle, and garlic with a side of sourdough
The bar is all about cocktails, with an evolving menu of signature drinks showcasing the Canvas team’s creative mixology skills. With around 20 unique concoctions, there's a drink for everyone!
Newstead Social: Socialise in Sophisticated Surroundings
2 Masters St, Newstead
Turning now to Newstead, Newstead Social has quickly become one of Brisbane's premier bars, earning its reputation as a must-visit hotspot in the inner city. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and always-on entertainment, this venue offers the perfect setting for a relaxed yet vibrant night out.
The menu is a crowd-pleaser with its contemporary interpretations of classic pub dishes. Enjoy southern fried chicken burgers, battered fish and chips, slow-cooked BBQ garlic ribs, and even vegan chicken parmigiana.
Quench your thirst with an extensive beverage list that includes beer, wine, house spirits, and classic cocktails. Our favourites are some of their more unique cocktail creations such as the Passion Fruit Kiss, Lychee Lover, and Bahama Marg.
Get Social With Entertainment and Weekly Specials
Newstead Social elevates the experience with daily specials and events. Enjoy trivia nights, live local music, bottomless brunch every weekend, and live sports screenings throughout the week.
Plus, don't miss their irresistible Happy Hour deals from 4–6pm daily, perfect for unwinding with friends – you've earned it after a hard week working or travelling, so why not?
Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen: Quirky Charm and Fab Food
32 Commercial Rd, Newstead
Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen in Newstead has quickly earned its place as a standout among Brisbane bars and restaurants. It's celebrated for its impressive share plates and a well-stocked back bar, making it a go-to spot for both lazy afternoons with friends and post-work drinks.
Walk into Mrs Brown's and you'll be met with exposed brick walls, a stunning custom mural, lush hanging plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the area with natural light. The industrial charm of the former warehouse is elegantly offset by a giant white marble bar, creating a unique and inviting environment.
But we know what you're really going for. Mrs Brown’s menu is an all-palate pleaser, with woodfired pizzas, pan-fried dumplings, chicken wings, hearty salads, and their house specialty, a whole roast chicken.
You’ll also find plenty of dietary customisations, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free dishes and add-ons available. Yes, please!
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or planning to settle in for a relaxed evening, Mrs Brown’s Bar and Kitchen provides the ideal setting to enjoy the vibrant vibes of one of Brisbane’s best bars.
Bavarian Beerhaus: German Flair and Festive Atmosphere
Shop 6/45 King St, Bowen Hills
Bavarian Beerhaus is the ultimate lively taproom in Brisbane, offering an impressive array of 40 draught beers, from classic German brews to international craft delights. It’s a beer enthusiast’s paradise!
Alongside its extensive draught and craft beers, the food at Bavarian Beerhaus is next-level. Dig into pub favourites like roasts, ribs, fish and chips, schnitzels, and burgers that beg to be chomped into.
Indulge in buckets of chicken wings with seven different spicy sauces, and save room for mouthwatering desserts like rich chocolate brownies and cinnamon-dusted doughnut pretzels.
Make it a Day: Games and Activities
Beyond the fantastic food and drink, Bavarian Beerhaus is an entertainment hub with activities for everyone. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or pinball, or unleash your competitive side with giant Jenga and Connect Four.
Prefer a more laid-back vibe? Kick back and enjoy real-time sports and entertainment on the media wall with 20 large-screen TVs.
Stay With Rambla, Stay Close to Brisbane’s Best Bars
Is it serendipitous that we’ve found each of our Rambla locations close to some of the best bars in Brisbane? Perhaps. Was it a consciously strategic decision that we chose these locations because they’re so close to such fabulous bars? Quite possibly.
What we’re trying to say is – stay at one of our Brisbane Rambla locations in Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, or Woolloongabba, and be ultra-close to any and all of the above Brisbane bars.
From the elegance of Bar Tano to the festive vibes of Bavarian Beerhaus, each bar offers its own unique charm and exceptional drinks.
So, grab your friends, plan your route, and get ready to discover the best bars Brisbane has to offer. Cheers to unforgettable nights and fabulous drinks!
Further reading: Keen to read another top finds list? Check out our Top 8 Restaurants in Woolloongabba to complement your Brisbane bars experience.
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