Toast the weekend with the city’s most fun-loving locals at the best Brisbane bars.

Flushed with mixology masterminds and hospitality trailblazers, Brisbane exploits its after-dark potential in style. Scattered throughout burgeoning entertainment precincts, and often blessed with water views, I really believe Brisbane bars are among the best on the planet.

From waterfront marvels and laneway gems to unassuming holes-in-the-wall and bustling al fresco spaces, the best Brisbane bars unleash guaranteed good times. Let me spin you through the city’s most exceptional, one lazy session at a time…

In short

If you only visit one Brisbane bar, make it Stan’s Lounge within Howard Smith Wharves. It’s just so uniquely glam, paying homage to the ritz of Hong Kong nightlife, and the tunes are always killer.

1. Isoletto Pool Club

As a Gold Coast local, I was initially dazzled by Isoletto Pool Club within The Star at Broadbeach, so it was music to my ears to learn the brand spread its wings further north. Mirroring the Glitter Strip’s luxurious European-inspired day club, the Brisbane iteration flows with three infinity pools overlooking the Brisbane River, a sauna and steam room, a gym, signature wet lounges constructed within the pool to immerse yourself without running your blow-dry, and of course, one heavily stocked bar. The only hitch? You’ll need to stay at The Star Brisbane to gain access. Seriously worth the consideration, given you’re far from slumming it across its multiple five-star accommodation options.

Address: Level 7, The Star Brisbane, 33 William St, Brisbane

2. Winnifred’s

15,000 bottles of Champagne (as in, the real stuff) to choose from. More than 300 cuvées. There is nothing I don’t like about Winnifred’s in Brisbane’s inner-city. This place is such a great option for quality bubbles by the glass, perched up on a bar stool at a luxe green granite bar. Hot tip: follow the team’s Instagram for fresh imports recommended by experts and accompanied by tasting notes. A gorgeous spot in the city to treat yourself, and if your appetite swells, there’s a menu of French-inspired dishes utilising peak local produce.

Address: 34 Arthur St, Fortitude Valley

3. Stan’s Lounge

Elevating Stanley at Howard Smith Wharves to all-new heights (literally), Stan’s Lounge is my favourite kick-on spot. Perched above the fine dining restaurant, I’m instantly transported to a deeply exclusive Hong Kong speakeasy from the moment I step inside. Taking inspiration from the Chinese city, the vibe is sexy on steroids — think velvet furnishings, mirrored wall features, brass tables and a solid palette of jewel upon dark. The drinks are smashing, spanning classics done to perfection as well as imaginative signature concoctions. Snack-wise, it’s a new-world homage to old-school Hong Kong as refined Cantonese-inspired plates, like crayfish San Choy Bao and lobster and truffle dumplings, send spirits soaring. The cherry on top? There’s a separate secretish area at the front of the bar that stares directly out over the Brisbane River.

Address: Upstairs at Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

4. The Beaumont

Opened in April 2025, The Beaumont adds yet another high-flying hot spot to Brisbane’s rooftop bar scene. What I love about this one is how relaxed the place feels, entirely unpretentious no matter how late I’m up there as top-notch pub grub cements its beer garden vibes. Expect classic cocktails plus a series of signature creations (the Aussie Sunrise is a standout, embracing native ingredients like finger lime and Kakadu plum), while the food menu spans woodfired pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and smaller snacks.

Address: 608 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

5. Above Rooftop

Speaking of rooftop hijinks, Above Rooftop atop Ovolo opened its doors at the end of October 2025 and crowds are already flocking. It gives serious day club vibes, complete with the hotel’s famed swimming pool, as DJs spin their magic while drinks flow and a menu of Middle Eastern-inspired bites line tummies. Go for a cocktail (can you tell I love them?) – I recommend one of the boozy slushies: the Twilight mixes strawberry, vodka and Davidson plum, and the Aurora shakes tequila, coconut milk and pineapple. A serious tropical island fix without leaving Brisbane city.

Address: Ovolo The Valley, 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

6. Maker

A sliver in the wall along Fish Lane, right near South Bank in Brisbane’s CBD, Maker is a slick operation I can’t resist dropping into. A shimmering 7.5-metre brass bar slings low, where I always choose to sit for a good look at the action. The gang are supremely talented, shaking and stirring the classics with precision while spinning seasonal ingredients into smooth, far-too-drinkable winners. You’ll struggle to avoid a gourmet toastie if they’re already cooking on in the sandwich press (melted cheese is my kryptonite). Or perhaps it’s something from the charcuterie cabinet that’ll hook you…

Address: 9 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

7. Canvas Club

See that vintage tailors on the main road in Woolloongabba? Trust me, it’s a vibe. Canvas Club is a cocktail and tapas bar serving up high-quality concoctions, spirits, beers and wine alongside delicious small plates (and Rodriguez & Co tailor is just for show, by the way). It’s entirely intimate and secret squirrel-feeling, led by the 1940s-inspired decor and living room-friendly interiors, and that’s before you find The Tailors, its Friday night jazz-filled speakeasy past dressing room mirrors right next door to Canvas. One of the best Brisbane bars, there’s even a secret beer garden dotted with leafy foliage and fairy lights.

Address: 16 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba

8. Death & Taxes

Pick your poison from more than 500 whiskeys (if you don’t believe the count, take a look at the haul crawling up the wall behind the bar) at Death & Taxes . One of the best Brisbane bars to propel the city’s thriving laneway culture, the dimly lit space is filled with rich leather bar stools and leather booths dotted with candles. Drinks-wise, you’re obviously spoilt for choice but don’t miss masterful cocktails that pay tribute to Hollywood film stars, fictional characters and Aussie legends like Layne Beachley (tropical like a Harvey Wallbanger) and Kath & Kim (zesty like a mojito).

Address: 36 Burnett Ln, Brisbane

9. Pawn & Co.

There’s nothing in Australia, let alone Brisbane, like Pawn & Co. . As wickedly peculiar as the hideaways more often found in New York (I’m reminded so much of Manhattan’s Beauty & Essex), this Brisbane bar doubles (well, triples) as a perfumery, where you can create your own scent, and a pawn shop as you can purchase everything in the bar for the right price. Then there are the drinks. Don’t be surprised to see them smoke up a storm or pour right out of glass perfume bottles. It’s theatrical and barrels of fun.

Address: 680 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

10. The Old Seven

A suburban star located about 20 minutes from the CBD, The Old Seven in Camp Hill is a charming wine bar stocked with dreamy, cheesy accompaniments. The fromagerie and charcuterie menu stalks the globe for outstanding delicacies, and the team even turn some of their most suited cheeses into piping hot jaffles. Chase the gourmet treasures down with exceptional international wines, including a whopping 60 available by the glass.

Address: 567 Old Cleveland Rd, Camp Hill

11. Bar Miette

Found within Queen’s Wharf Brisbane entertainment precinct, Bar Miette is elegant, Instagram-perfect and overlooking the Brisbane River. I squint hard enough to imagine it’s the Seine, actually. Nodding to the bistros of Europe from a look-and-feel perspective, this Brisbane bar’s drinks go bigger, taking inspiration from every corner of the globe. Don’t miss the Champagne list, which flies into extreme high-roller territory, as well as the limoncello for a real sense of escapism.

Address: 443 Queen St, Brisbane

12. Southside Garden Bar

What used to be Kiki, right out the front of Southside in Fish Lane, is closed until January 2026, but that doesn’t stop me from grabbing a cheeky at Southside Garden Bar when I’m in the neighbourhood. An inner-city sanctuary set amongst lush subtropical greenery, the bar at one of Brisbane’s best restaurants is an enthralling oasis that envelops guests. The cocktail menu is always tempting, nailing classics like an espresso martini (my husband rates these as some of the best in town) and punchy creativity. Plus, there’s a broad list of wines and beers to help set the tone.

Address: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane

13. Cobbler

If you’re serious about your whiskey, this one’s for you. Cobbler is home to more than 500 varieties, and they’re stacked high behind a beautiful, ornate bar. They do stellar cocktails, too, doused with fruity and seasonal flavours, but it’s all about the hard stuff at this bar. Choose your favourite and sink into one of the leather bar stools, leather dining chairs or that all-too-delicious chocolate leather lounge.

Address: 7 Browning St, West End

14. Savile Row

While we’re in the mood for top-shelf whiskey, let me shine a light on Savile Row . Peek behind an orange door to uncover yet another ode to the hard stuff, boasting more than 900 spirits, including hundreds of whiskeys. It’s a spot for spirit purists with a range of sherry and amaro up for grabs. Award-winning cocktails (these guys took out Australian Bartender magazine’s Australia’s Whiskey Bar of the Year award in 2025 following several earlier accolades) are solidly streamed, expertly blended to let the flavours of these extraordinary spirits oh-so-subtly shine.

Address: 667 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

15. The Gresham Bar

Wrap your lips around the city’s hardest-to-source spirits and liquors at The Gresham Bar . Renowned for its beautiful range of rum and whiskey, as well as its fierce mixology chops, the popular inner-city sanctuary takes pride in old-school hospitality and its historical 1880s digs. Quench your thirst (go for a spirit tasting flight if the options are overwhelming) before sinking your teeth into small bites like toasties and cheese boards.

Address: 308 Queen St, Brisbane City

16. The Nixon Room

Brought to you by the team behind Essa, one of the best Brisbane restaurants, The Nixon Room is a completely charming next-door small bar that hooks the cool kids. Firstly, the interior is every shade of chocolate, dotted with trendy furnishings, and then there’s the fact that there’s space for just 25 guests at a time, so it’s instantly exclusive. The martinis are crowd pleasers; however, a smart edit of wine and beer also impresses. DJs spinning vinyl provide the icing on the cake.

Address: Unit 3, 181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley

17. Babylon Gardens

While many love its fine dining restaurant, I like Babylon Brisbane for a scenic pre-dinner tipple on the water. Set right off the Brisbane River and offering seriously soothing views, the Brisbane bar is al fresco and spills over with good vibes. A perfect place for singles keen to mingle, it attracts large groups of revellers, so get there early to secure a central spot. A menu of signature cocktails runs the entire taste spectrum, and there’s also a bunch of spritzes, wine and beer to consider.

Address: Babylon Brisbane, 145 Eagle St, Brisbane

18. Mr. Percival’s

An original star of Howard Smith Wharves, Mr. Percival’s was one of the first cool kids on the historical wharfage block. Set right over river beneath Story Bridge, the location is unbeatable. I like to grab one of the bar stools so I’m right in the action, but finding a table next to the expansive windows also offers an epic, river-flooded photo backdrop. Feeling outdoorsy? Grab a spot on the deck under a blush pink umbrella. Multiple spritzes scatter the menu, as do cocktail jugs, wine and beer, plus you can line your belly with snacky share plates like prawn cocktail rolls, fried calamari and arancini balls. An instant party starter, no matter when you arrive.

Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane