Brisbane bars and restaurants guide

In the city

If you love whiskey, cocktails and a moody fit-out, make plans for a drink at The Gresham on Queen Street, Frog’s Hollow Saloon on Charlotte Street or Death & Taxes in Burnett Lane. Antico and Alba Bar & Deli, also in Burnett Lane, are just as worthy.

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If you’re staying further towards Eagle Street Pier, Dr. Gimlette is the spot to go for a killer martini, Guy Grossi’s Settimo restaurant in The Westin hotel for a delicious Italian feed, or Bar Alice to satisfy those late-night, dive bar cravings.

Walter’s Steakhouse and Bar has one of the best steaks in town, and is promising big pre- and post-game feasts over the weekend. Up the road, Tillerman Seafood Restaurant on Eagle Street is the place to go for a seafood dinner with an unbeatable river view. (Don’t skip the seared kingfish crepes.)

For a low-key brewery with easy eats, wander further down the river to Howard Smith Wharves and park up at Felons Brewing Co. Expect the precinct to be packing a big pre-game atmosphere though, especially with the Comedy Festival up the road at Brisbane Powerhouse.

In Fortitude Valley

You don’t want a pub feed, but you also don’t want to go hard on the high-end of James Street – Happy Boy and Snack Man under the fairy lights on East Street are the ideal medium. Serving up tasty Chinese cuisine, order the chef’s banquet if you’re with a group and the char-siu style barbecue chicken or roast duck if you can.

Up from Brunswick Street Mall, Baja Modern Mexican has traditional (read: not overdone) Mexican covered, while the eclectic Netherworld arcade, diner and bar across the street is the place for vegan-friendly eats (and something a little different from your classic pub or brewery).

South Brisbane and Woolloongabba

Not to start a north-versus-southside debate, but there’s good reason to be based this side of the river at the weekend.

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Grab a Tommy’s Margarita among the giant ferns and monsteras at Kiki or a whiskey sour from Maker’s in Fish Lane. Southside’s pan-Asian inspired plates never fail to impress, or you’ve got Otto down the other end of South Bank Parklands if you’re squeezing a fine dining experience in.

In West End, you’ve got Caravanserai for shared Turkish plates (and it’s BYO), and Yamas Greek + Drink for Greek cuisine. Or choose from the 20 food stalls at Paniyiri Festival at Musgrave Park.

For a drink, The End Bar on Vulture Street or Cobbler tucked away on Browning Street with over 300 types of whiskey are recommended.

It’s a little further from the action on Caxton Street, but with the Brisbane Lions playing a home game on Saturday night, Woolloongabba will also have a buzz about it this weekend.

South/City/SQ is a convenient convergence of restaurants and places to drink. Sasso Italiano or South City Wine Bar are our top picks. And for bars that will impress your mates, Can You Keep A Secret or Electric Avenue.