The Alligator Club

The Alligator Club is a game-changing New Orleans-inspired live music and cocktail bar hidden away down the end of a funky laneway, Warner Lane, in the heart of Fortitude Valley.

Venture down the gritty brick-walled laneway off Warner St, that is also home to late night Japanese bar Goros, and at the end to the left you'll be greeted by a giant mirror ball hanging in front of a stunning street art mural by renowned artist Finton McGee and here is the red carpeted entry to The Alligator Club.

Just inside the entrance is a glass cabinet with a vintage pair of alligator boots that once belonged to the owner and from there step through the red velvet curtain to a subterranean wonderworld of music and good times. 

The stunning brick-walled bar was literally dug out of the earth underneath Blute's Bar and built from scratch, giving it a secret underground club vibe where, once inside those velvet curtains, you can lose yourself and forget what time of day or night it is. 

With a highset leather banquette running the entire length of one wall, there is also a cosy nook for groups just inside the entrance and, at the far end near the stage, a collection of cabaret style tables and chairs. 

Live bands, playing everything from funk, jazz and soul to rock'n'roll, take to the stage from 8pm and in between live performances there's a groovy soundtrack of the same, with music from the 60s & 70s to today.

The Alligator Club has eight signature cocktails, known as The Alligatirs Eight, that you'll want to try, including Creole Classic (Arcane Arrange' Massenez Roasted Chestnut, Peychauds Bitters); Voodoo Magic (Plantation Rum, Pernod, Angostura Bitters, Passionfruit Nectar); and The Spice is Nice (666 Butter Vodka, Orgcat, Pineapple, Citrus, Spiced Dust).

The other eight, 'Gone but Not Forgotten', include retro cocktails like Brandy Crusta (Hennessy VS, Cointreau, Citrus, Bitters, Sugar) and Green Point (Rittenhouse Rye, Yellow Chartresuse, Cinzano Rosso & Bitters). and there's also a smattering of red and white wine and champagne and Slipstream beer as well as an extensice list of spirits, with a focus on tequlia & mezcal, whiskey, rum and gin.

Just like the cocktail list, the food menu is short and punchy, featuring bar snacks, of mixed nuts, popcorn, olives or pretzels; shoestring fries (salt, pepper & aioili; truffle oil, parmesan & kewpie mayo; or salt & vinegar and ketchup). The house spcialty is pinza (a mini version of pizza); with toppings ranging from Fior di latte mozzarella, wild mushrooms, goat cheese, truffle honey and parsley or Sugo with buffalo mozzarella, rustic pork, artichoke and chives to Fior di latte mozzarella base with lobster, scampi caviar, tarragon, chives, and gold flakes (add a bottle of Pol Roger for the perfect accompaniment).

Good to know - Every day from 5-7pm is Happy Hour. From Sunday to Thursday hospo workers can enjoy 50% off everything if they join The Alligator Club.

Need to know - The entrance to Warner Lane is opposite the Warner St multi-level car park. 

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Check out our guide to all of the best bars in Fortitude Valley.

Still thirsty for more suggestions on where to grab a drink in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Cheers!