Believe it or not, Brisbane has got just as much going on as its southern neighbours Sydney and Melbourne (we just don't boast about it). Not only is the weather pretty damn good (mostly) all year round, but Brissie's sunshine makes for the perfect excuse to sip on a cold one in an outdoor beer garden or hidden rooftop bar. From West End to Fortitude Valley, here are some of the best bars in Brisbane worth checking out when visiting the sunshine state.
1. Eleven Rooftop Bar
Level 11, 757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Guaranteed best views of the city
Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley is Eleven Rooftop Bar- take an elevator to the 11th floor and prepare to be dazzled by 270 degree views of Brisbane's CBD whilst you sip back on a cocktail, wine or craft beer. The bar is open until midnight mid week and stays open until 3am weekends. Even if you pop up for one cheeky drink, the views are well worth it! Tip: try the Eleven Bar Cocktail complete with Passionfruit, Gin and Ginger, Yummo!
2. Dandy's Rooftop Bar
71 - 71 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Pizza. Cocktails. DJs. Great Sunday Sess
Yep... another Brissie rooftop bar! Dandy's Rooftop Bar is quirky, fun and a great place to venture to for a late night. The views of Brisbane's CBD are well worth the visit (not to mention the pizza)! Dandy's know how to throw a good old fashioned Sunday sess with live DJs and an epic cocktail list. Hair of the dog we say. Tip: head there just before sunset for amazing views.
3. Woolly Mammoth Alehouse
633 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Live Music. Craft Beers. Bocce Courts
Fortitude Valley knows how to do quirky and the Wooly Mammoth is no exception. Featuring a main stage upstairs for the gig goers and a garden bar on the ground level for a chilled drinking spot. Not only can you pick up a reasonably priced pub meal, but there is an in bar Bocce green. Tip: head there on a Wednesday for 2-4-1 meals or on a Sunday between 12:00pm and 6:00pm for $5 craft beers on tap.
4. Yard Bird Ale House
6/26 Martin Street, Fortitude Valley
Best chicken wings in town
Find a selection of craft beers on tap and if nothing tickles your fancy, you can choose from one of their many bottled-beers. Yard Bird is famous for looking after those in need of a recovery Sunday session, the vibe is great, the music is great, the food is great, the beer is great... you get the idea. Tip: try the 20 wings for $20 deal! The Blue Cheese and Ranch dressing is delish!
5. Down Under Bar
308 Edward Street, CBD
Midweek debauchery
Primarily known as a backpacker bar, we had to throw this one in the list for those that may find themselves partying on a school night or at that 'one too many shots' stage of the night that we all know too well. Anything can happen (and will happen) at this inner city night club, with Drag Queens on a Tuesday, Beach themed parties on a Wednesday and the cheesiest music you've heard in years - Down Under Bar treats every night like a Friday night. Hey if Ed Sheeran loves it, then so do we. Tip: leave your dignity at the door.
6. Archive Boutique Brewery
100 Boundary Street, West End
Beertopia
This quirky craft beer hub has 22 constantly rotating beers on tap and 400 different bottled beers. Archive Boutique Brewery is known for entertainment, this iconic West End bar features live music and a rotating selection of games. Pool tables are a permanent fixture and you can catch live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Tip: head there on a Thursday night and grab 1KG of Chicken Wings for $22.
7. Sabotage Social
Corner Gipps & Wickham Streets, Fortitude Valley
A humble Whiskey Bar with live music and killer Bloody Marys
Sabotage Social is a great little local hangout with amazing food, great beer, an outdoor courtyard, live music and Bloody Marys that will blow your mind! Tip: 2-4-1 main meals on Wednesdays from 6:00pm.
8. UP on Constance
20 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Cosy cocktails with epic city views
For anyone wanting to soak up those rays that Brisbane constantly has on offer, UP is the place to bask. Featuring a tasty cocktail menu you can choose to enjoy in the afternoon sipping through into the night. The venue is located above Churr Burger on Constance St, so being a rooftop bar we can assure you the view will not disappoint. TIP: get in early afternoon before the after work crowds.
9. Alfred & Constance
Corner of Alfred & Constance Streets, Fortitude Valley
Gives an entire new meaning to term homely bar
Located just around the corner from the Fortitude Valley nightlife, this bar is spread throughout 3 floors of a Queenslander house. At Alfred and Constance you will find a Tiki Bar perfect for tropical style cocktails, the Vanguard Beer Garden ideal for an arvo beersie, a Disco style bar at the Fever Club, Alfred's Cafe and a late night desert cafe - the perfect location for pre or afternoon drinks. TIP: try the giant Zombie cocktail bowls.
10. The Exchange Hotel Rooftop Beer Garden
131 Edward Street, CBD
A magical rooftop terrace
Set in a top a historical Brisbane building, the Stock Exchange Hotel Rooftop is a little secret bar that has fast become a popular place for an afternoon drink. It's a great inner city retreat to chill in the midst of a day of city exploring or shopping Tip: $15 meals on Mondays and Tuesdays between 5:00pm and 9:00pm.
Want to explore Brisbane's best bars? Book your accommodation at Nomads Brisbane.
Heading south? Check out the best secret bars in Sydney and Melbourne's best laneway & rooftop bars.
