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Brisbane's Secret Little Bars

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Recent years have seen an explosion of small bars in the Brisbane drinking scene, with cosy little dens, subterranean lounges and dive bars popping up everywhere.

While some are in prominent places, there are those that have no signs and some that are found only by word of mouth.

Here are 12 of Brisbane's top secret little bars that you possibly didn't know existed, until now:

The Tailors

A mysterious speakeasy style bar hidden behind Rodrigo & Co tailors shop in the historic antique precinct

1st Edition

A pocket-sized Marvel comic-book inspired bar hidden away off California Lane

Bar Brutus

This tiny 8-seater laneway bar brings an elegant touch of Italy to Fish Lane in South Brisbane

+81 Aizome Bar

Bartenders standing behind bar in +81 Aziome Bar

+81 Aizome Bar is a glamorous 10-seater Japanese bar unlike anything else to be found in Brisbane, hidden behind blue curtains

Dark Red Wine Bar

A convivial pocket-sized boutique wine bar tucked away in Fortitude Valley's Bakery Lane

Arcade Wine

An elegant little Italian wine lounge tucked away inside a bottle shop in a retro Ashgrove arcade

Maker

Maker is a chic and intimate hole-in-the-wall bar reminiscent of those found in Barcelona’s back alleys, tucked away in Fish Lane

Nok Nok BNE

A tiny elegant tropical-themed bar tucked away behind an arched green door with brass knocker

Before + After

A secret subterranean Amaro and cocktail bar found down an historic carriageway and located in the basement

Dark Blue

Dark Blue is a little hidden treasure of a wine and cocktail bar nestled within an historic brick building on the corner of Winn Lane

Jolly Roger

Jolly Roger is Fortitude Valley's pirate punk bar specializing in rum, craft beer, loud music and vintage cartoons

Fountainhead Winehouse

Fountainhead Winehouse is a stunning design-led wine room, bringing together three experiences under one roof

Twilight Jazz by the River

Twilight Jazz by the River returns to Queensland Maritime Museum

Nov 13

Tom Cashman

Tom Cashman is back in Brisbane with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency.

Nov 14

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie

The world's most famous detective is returning to QPAC

14-29 Nov

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

A wonderfully weird weekend of curiosities and creepy collectibles

Nov 14-15

Christmas on Cribb

Milton Markets are hosting a mega Xmas twilight market

Nov 21

Kings of Country Rock

Kings of Country Rock is a stage spectacular that captures the sound and spirit of America’s country-rock legends.

Nov 26

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale, Don Juan & Manfred.

Nov 27-28

Rock Choir

Rock on with Rock Choir at QPAC!

NOV 29

Handel’s Messiah - Brisbane Chamber Choir

Messiah returns to QPAC’s majestic Concert Hall on 30 November!

Nov 30

In Residence: A Decade of Creative Practice

Museum of Brisbane is celebrating ten years of its groundbreaking Artist in Residence program with a stunning new exhibition and creative workshop series

In Residence: A Decade of Creative Practice

MUST DO

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale at the Concert Hall QPAC, Don Juan & Manfred

Don Juan & Manfred

COMING UP

What's On in December In & Around Brisbane

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