Deer Duck Bar

Deer Duck Bar is like a plush old world lounge from an English manor that has been beamed up onto Milton Rd in Auchenflower, next to its sibling Deer Duck Bistro.

Occupying the sizeable space that was once the Night Owl supermarket, the entry to Deer Duck Bar is via a door with a historic painting of an English maiden. 

Inside the lamp and candlelit room, a striking wood-panelled bar takes pride of place, with French Renaissance-style tables and velvet chairs occupying the street side, and, towards the rear, is a parlour-like space with antique armchairs. 

The cosy inviting ambience of Deer Duck Bar is enhanced with charming touches like old-fashioned oil paintings, a taxidermy deer head, antique lamps and a vintage drinks trolley next to the bar.

Here, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the road outside, is the place to retreat and settle in with a bespoke cocktail, premium spirit or boutique wine from the extensive international and national selection.

As well as the impressive curated wine list, craft beer and boutique spirits, Deer Duck Bar does some of the best cocktails to be found in Brisbane, starting with Aperitif cocktails like the Twisted Phoenix (Champagne Pierre Gomminet 1er cru, gin, Fleur de Sereau & lemon).

Craft Cocktails come with a creative twist and include Bunny Mary (vodka, carrot juice, lemon, caper brine & hot sauce); Caribbean Escape (coconut cream & pineapple infused white rum, rose tea, banana & coconut syrup, pineapple puree and lime); or Felix Four Felicis (Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, Fleur de Sureau, agave syrup, lime - served with smoked bubble).

Otherwise, Bitter Temptations include barrel-aged Negroni (Four Pillars spiced Negroni gin, Dolin Red vermouth, Campari & orange); Dalgona (Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Macadamia liqueur & coffee); and Smoked Old-Fashioned (Laphroaig 10 Ilsay single malt whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, dash orange juice, vanilla syrup, smoked with natural aromas).

The bar's snack menu is every bit as delectable as the house cocktails, with choices such as Empanadilla (filled with 4 cheeses or prawn and ricotta); freshly shucked oysters or housemade focaccia with dips.

There's also Bruschetta topped with Stracciatella, Cantabrico anchovy, lemon zest and sun-dried tomato; crumbed brown mushroom with turmeric and curry mayo; or seared Japanese scallops with seasonal vegetables, shiso and teriyaki sauce.

Good to know - Deer Duck Bar also makes a great place for a pre-or-post dinner tipple when dining at Deer Duck Bistro.

Need to know - There is limited street parking on Milton Rd after hours and in side streets nearby. 

The menu may have changed since our visit.