Brisbane's Best Suburban Bars
Updated: Nov 18, 2018
There was a time not so long ago in Brisbane when drinking in the ’burbs meant knocking back beers in a neon lit barn-like tavern built before interior design was invented or taking it home from the nearest drive-through bottle-o.
Thankfully those days are behind us, with a plethora of unique and character-filled bars, from cosy holes-in-the-wall to cool retro lounges and funky industrial style hang-outs.
The north side’s best kept secret is this chic dim lit French provincial-inspired bar that is worth a trip across town for. Top shelf spirits and liqueurs, curated list of boutique wines and beers and a killer cocktail list complement a Franco-American food menu that borders on fine dining...more
Sharing an old weatherboard shed with a classic motorcycle outlet is this eclectic café by day, bar by weekend afternoon and evenings. Those-in-the-know gather for spirits, wine and boutique bottled beer with a side of chess, arcade games, pool, live music gigs and Saturday night stand up comedy...more
A cool indoor beer garden with hanging pots of ferns is the first port of call for patrons of this south side bar and gastropub that offers some 12 beers (including local craft breweries) on tap, a cracking wine list and delish bar snacks and meals, including burgers pizza and pasta...more
In Brisbane’s southside is this old colonial shop turned quintessential Queenslander bar complete with VJ walled rooms, paper lantern lit Shady Lane and rear garden courtyard – a laidback place for a drink and some Californian and southern US style food...more
Samford’s main street bar is not just a locals magnet but a must try destination for any visitor. This funky little space spilling out onto the street makes a great casual place for a weekend beer, wine and music session as well as being a top place for a foodie’s bite to eat...more
Down a laneway in a leafy western suburb is this Jetsons style 1960s lounge bar complete with swivel chairs and a touch of psychedelia, where locals gather for wine, beer, classic cocktails and some great bar food with events like movie nights, open mic nights and more
A night time sibling for next door institution Southside Tea Rooms, this dimlit craft beer den from the same Grate owners has eight beers on tap, a beer garden in the back yard and a permanent food truck stationed there to keep patrons well fed with some top notch supper...more
Tucked away in a line-up of terrace style cottages by the bay, this little bar where an extensive range of local and international craft beer, old skool rock and beards rule is one of Brisbane’s coolest and most laidback. Not only can you BYO food, you can order it from local eateries who deliver it in...more
A cool industrial chic bar with stunning street art mural, the attractions in this new eastern suburbs watering hole are many – a great range of Oz and International beers and wine, more than 20 whiskey choices, cocktails by the glass or jug, pinball machines and delicious bar food...more
A beer lover’s oasis tucked away in an industrial estate, Bacchus is brewing central in one section and in the other the place to hang out at tables crafted from ex-bowling alley lanes with bowling pin lamps and enjoy local and British ales on tap, excellent in-house pizza and food trucks on weekends...more
Occupying a quaint laneway in a funky retro bayside precinct this little bar is one of the bay’s hidden gems, with live music 4 nights a week, monthly poetry and stand up comedy nights. Serving craft beer and wine, cool cocktails with nibbles like cheese and crackers you can also BYO food...more
This exotic little boho bar sits on a main thoroughfare through north west Brisbane, its dazzling sign beckoning weary travellers to stop for some hearty rustic platters of food fit for a gypsy and a secret lounge bar behind the wagon door in which to imbibe wicked cocktails and craft beer...more
Brisbane’s very first suburban bar sits incognito on a western suburbs shopping precinct corner – behind the dark curtains is an ambient lamplit lounge of vintage furniture, taxidermy, beehive’d waitresses, vinyl on the turntable and amazing cocktails, with the option to BYO food...more
With a name that gives the nod to its famous neighbourhood, this rustic bar and kitchen has been a welcome addition to a long established dining precinct, bringing craft beers from around Australia, an excellent range of whiskies and some great pub grub to share at the table...more
