Make the most of the warm weather and the approaching party season! Enjoy a couple of cocktails or a fancy dinner at Brisbane’s best bars with a view – and we’re not just talking about the hot bartender.
1. SPICERS BALFOUR HOTEL | NEW FARM
In the market for a staycation? Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm is the place. With easy access to the nightlife of Fortitude Valley and the CBD, Spicers Balfour has an amazing view of the Story Bridge and serves canapés for hotel guests nightly at 6pm – it’s the perfect start to your evening.
2. LENNONS RESTAURANT & BAR (NEXT HOTEL) | BRISBANE
Perfect for people-watching and smack-bang in the middle of the Queen Street Mall, Lennons Restaurant & Bar has floor-to-ceiling windows that let you watch the world go by while enjoying a meal. Or head up to The Pool Terrace and Bar, split a share plate and soak up some sun.
3. UP ON CONSTANCE | FORTITUDE VALLEY
You’ll find Up on Constance above the chic Tryp Hotel. Kick back and relax in a printed lounge, and take in your surroundings with an espresso martini or two. Delicious share plates are also on offer – perfect for after-work drinks and nibbles or a weekend catch-up.
4. EAGLES NEST (THE POINT BRISBANE HOTEL) | KANGAROO POINT
For a private function any day of the week or a sweet spot for a Sunday session, Eagles Nest delivers breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. Cocktails and tapas are always a winning combination; throw in some live tunes and you’ve got the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
5. DANDYS ROOFTOP (THE FOX HOTEL) | SOUTH BRISBANE
Rainbow umbrellas and picnic tables create a fun and friendly atmosphere perfect for Friday night drinks or a Sunday session. And if you book a table for five or more on a Friday afternoon, you score a free pizza and round of mini cocktails – WIN!
6. ELEVEN ROOFTOP BAR | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Above the bustling Ann Street, Eleven Rooftop Bar boasts a 270-degree outlook over the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Fish tacos and soft-shell crab feature on the tapas menu and there are plenty of mains and desserts to satisfy your cravings.
7. FRIDAY’S RIVERSIDE | BRISBANE
For waterfront dining with a knockout view of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, you can’t go past Friday’s Riverside. Whether you want to bust a move on the massive dancefloor or sample the margaritas, Friday’s Riverside isn’t just for Fridays.
8. STOKEHOUSE Q | SOUTH BANK
Gaze lovingly at the CBD skyline while you drink or dine at Stokehouse Q. With delectable drinks and a killer menu to keep hunger pangs away, Stokehouse Q is perfect for an intimate dinner or event.
9. BLACKBIRD | BRISBANE
If you’d like a side of opulence with your view, then look no further than Blackbird. Perched on the edge of the Brisbane River with stunning 180-degree views, a roaring ’20s Gatsby vibe and extensive dinner and drinks menu, it’s the perfect place to sip champagne and dream of a bygone era.
10. CUSTOMS HOUSE | BRISBANE
Spring has sprung in the River City and Customs House is celebrating the warmer weather with the Sunset Spritz pop-up bar on the River Terrace.
11. SUMMIT RESTAURANT & BAR | MT COOT-THA
If you want a view of the entire CBD and all the way out to Moreton Bay, you’ll find just that at Summit Restaurant & Bar. With an award-winning restaurant set in beautiful gardens, it’s a great spot for date night.
12. SOUTHBANK BEER GARDEN | SOUTH BANK
A beach view, a river view and a city skyline all in the one place is what you’ll find at Southbank Beer Garden. Perfect for a relaxed meal and a few drinks, the beer garden lets you take in the surroundings while soaking up some sun.
13. THE STOCK EXCHANGE ROOFTOP (STOCK EXCHANGE HOTEL) | BRISBANE
The Stock Exchange Hotel has long been a Brisbane institution and the rooftop terrace is perfect for escaping the summer heat, drink in hand.
14. SOLEIL POOL BAR | SOUTH BRISBANE
It feels like summer all year round at Soleil Pool Bar with plenty of seating, two bars and, of course, the pool! Split a jug of punch or treat yourself to a Garden Tea and people-watch to your heart’s content.
15. JADE BUDDHA BAR & KITCHEN | BRISBANE
Dine in the Jade Buddha restaurant or head upstairs to Shadow Lounge for classy drinks with an East meets West vibe and great views of Kangaroo Point cliffs and the Brisbane River.
16. LIMES HOTEL ROOFTOP | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Rooftop cinema and plunge pool/spas? Every day is a party at Limes Hotel Rooftop Bar. Order a few cocktail jugs and pizzas for the crew and enjoy the balmy Brisbane nights.
17. ELIXIR ROOFTOP BAR | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Avoid the hustle and bustle of Fortitude Valley with this sweet escape. Intimate and elegant, Elixir is great for girly drinks after a long hard week at work. Fairy lights and lots of greenery decorate the space, making it a popular choice for date night, too.
18. MR & MRS G RIVERBAR | BRISBANE
Soak up panoramic views of the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River before you tuck in to some tasty tapas and sangria.
19. ALCHEMY RESTAURANT & BAR | CBD
Spectacular views match the spectacular menu at Alchemy. Enjoy the relaxed elegance and dine à la carte or take part in a degustation menu with matching wines.
20. THE JETTY SOUTH BANK | SOUTH BANK
With a relaxed costal vibe and extensive views of Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane River, The Jetty South Bank provides the perfect place to lounge with friends and a few beverages as the world floats by.
21. BYBLOS BAR | HAMILTON
With Lebanese and Mediterranean influences, sumptuous surroundings and plentiful banquets and sharing dishes, Byblos is perfect for a group get-together or event.
22. IL CENTRO | BRISBANE
Elegant yet casual modern Italian fare is what you’ll find at Il Centro. With sweeping views of the Brisbane River, a delicious Sauvignon Blanc and a portion of their famous sand crab lasagne will go down a treat.
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