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Best Bars in Brisbane's CBD

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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

20+ of the best bars in Brisbane CBD, from scenic riverside to funky laneway drinking holes, basement bars, rooftops, whisky bars, overwater bars and hideaways with secret entrances:

Bar Miette
Diners sitting outside with view of Story Bridge and Brisbane River at Bar Miette Brisbane City
A stunning European-style terrace bar and all-day eatery located on the riverfront underneath Queen Street's CBUS building
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Doughcraft Lane
People seated under orange umbrellas in Doughcraft Lane
Doughcraft Lane is a funky Italian laneway bar annexed to Doughcraft restaurant, pizzeria and bakery in one of the Brisbane city's oldest laneways
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Antico
Exterior of Antico cocktail bar Brisbane CBD bar
A gorgeous Italian-inspired cocktail bar inhabiting a character-filled split-level space in Brisbane's oldest lane
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Trove Cocktail Bar
Yellow banquette, wallpaper and chandelier at Trove Bar
Trove Bar is a glamorous old world cocktail bar in Brisbane's CBD, tucked away upstairs in a landmark 19th century hotel
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Le Royale
Interior of Le Royale
Le Royale is a gorgeous moodily-lit cocktail and late-night music lounge bar, located in the heritage site at 169 Mary Street
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Frog's Hollow Saloon
Frog's Hollow Saloon, Brisbane
A stunning 12-metre whisky bar nestled on the upper floor of the heritage-listed John Reid & Nephews building
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Milquetoast
Milquetoast Wine Bar Brisbane CBD
A funky pocket-sized wine bar in a converted garage, hidden away down a Brisbane City laneway
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Shaman
Bar and lead lights inside Shaman
Shaman is a secret old world basement bar paying homage to Santana, tucked away underneath the heritage-listed century old warehouse
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Club Felix
Alcohol bottles on the bar at Club Felix Brisbane CBD
A swanky supper-club style lounge bar tucked away upstairs on the first level of heritage-listed Naldham House
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Miss Demeanour
Miss Demeanour Brisbane CBD
This ambient underground eatery and bar is located down Rowes Lane, beneath the historic Rowes building
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Cicada Blu
Entrance to Cicada Blu Brisbane CBD
Cicada Blu is a stunning open-air bar perched 100m above the CBD streets on the Sky Deck at The Star Brisbane
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Death & Taxes
Exterior of Death & Taxes Brisbane
Death & Taxes is a gorgeous old-world cocktail lounge and wine bar hidden away in Brisbane's oldest laneway
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Toscano Bar & Kitchen
Interior of Toscano Bar & Kitchen, Brisbane CBD
A stunning Italian cocktail bar and eatery in the base of a century old warehouse
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Before + After
Before + After Bar Brisbane CBD exterior laneway
A secret subterranean Amaro and cocktail bar found down an historic carriageway and located in the basement
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Mr Percival's
Mr Percival's bar exterior at night with Brisbane high rises in background
Mr Percival’s is Brisbane’s stunning octagonal overwater bar jutting out over the river in prime position at the Howard Smith Wharves
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Brooklyn Standard
Brooklyn Standard Brisbane
Brooklyn Standard is Brisbane’s coolest basement bar - a dim-lit brick cellar accessed by a secret laneway door where live music
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Riverland
Riverland Brisbane CBD
Riverland is Brisbane’s hottest social setting, with a massive tiered 3-level terraced bar eatery sprawling across riverside decks
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Alice
Alice Bar, Brisbane dim-lit interior
Alice is an 80s inspired dimly-lit drinking den hidden down a laneway in Brisbane City
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Fiume Bar
Fiume Bar, Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane interior
Fiume is the stunning rooftop bar of Crystalbrook Vincent, nestled under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves
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Dr Gimlette
Dr Gimlette Brisbane CBD interior bespoke cocktail bar
A splendid bespoke cocktail bar in the stunningly converted base of a heritage multi-level warehouse
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Malt Dining & Bar
Malt Dining & Bar exterior
Occupying one of Brisbane’s oldest buildings from which the city’s first produce markets operated in 1865-68
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Osso Bar Italia
Exterior of Osso Bar Italia
Osso Bar Italia is a chic contemporary Italian bar and eatery perched on a corner at the Gardens end of Brisbane's CBD
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Brew Wine Bar
Brew Wine Bar interior laneway
By day a funky basement cafe, by night Brew transforms itself into a cool speakeasy style laneway bar
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Babylon Garden
Babylon Garden Brisbane CBD
A stunning alfresco Mediterranean-style bar, cascading over 2 levels in a prime waterfront location
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Felons Brewing Co
Felons Brewing Co microbrewery exterior Story Bridge view
Felons Brewing Co is Brisbane’s best-located microbrewery and showpiece of the Howard Smith Wharves
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The Gresham Bar
Piano, gramophone and light inside The Gresham Bar dim-lit interior
The Gresham Bar is one of Brisbane’s most ambient old world bourbon and whisky bars
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Mr Edward's Alehouse & Kitchen
Mr Edwards Alehouse and Kitchen Brisbane CBD exterior
Mr Edward's Alehouse and Kitchen is an ambient oasis of top notch food, beer and soul nestled on a corner
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Felons Barrel Hall
Felons Beer Hall Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves have a giant waterfront beer hall, with barrel aged beers, a delicious foodie menu
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Rothwell's Bar & Grill
Rothwell's Bar Grill Brisbane CBD interior seating
The glamorous old-world bar and grill oozes vintage charm and style, located on the ground floor of heritage-listed Rothwells building
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Sixteen Antlers
Sixteen Antlers Brisbane
Sixteen Antlers rooftop bar sits atop Brisbane’s Pullman Hotel with wraparound views that include a close-up of Brisbane City Hall
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Dream Karaoke
Drinks at Dream Karaoke Brisbane CBD
Dream Karaoke is a stunning world-class karaoke experience in the heart of Brisbane CBD
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Check out our guide to 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!

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