Some occasions call for an extraordinary view, and Brisbane is one of the most picturesque cities in Australia. There are countless scenic bars to visit, but we’ve made it easier by narrowing it down to the best. From rooftop tipples to riverside drinks, there’s a variety of vistas around the city where you can take a load off and relax.
Summit Restaurant and Bar
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha
Perched at the peak of Mount Coot-Tha, Summit overlooks the greater Brisbane area with sweeping views all the way out to Moreton Bay. The glittering city lights are magical at night, especially after a spectacular sunset. A romantic date-night favourite, Summit’s refined décor and ever-changing scenery makes this a perfect backdrop for any gathering. From Sunday high tea to family dinners to first dates, Summit has been serving the best food and drink for over 35 years.
A variety of menus means that dining at any time of day is different, much like the changing views. Summit boasts an extensive lunch/dinner menu, including a full vegetarian menu. Other menus include their great value express lunch menu, afternoon tapas menu and high tea menu.
If booking, make sure to book a window seat to enjoy the views!
Eagles Nest Rooftop Bar
21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point
Up on the 12th floor of The Point Hotel in Kangaroo Point, Eagles Nest is a classy place for a high-rise drink. Close views of the Brisbane city skyline from the other side of the river are absolutely breathtaking. Open to the public on Fridays and Sundays, you will be among the birds at this sky-high bar.
Their signature cocktail menu is a stand-out with countless drinks to suit all palettes. Favourites include the ‘Peacock Rita’ with tequila and citrus and the aptly-named ‘Su’bourb’ia’ which mixes bourbon with orange notes.
A delicious, tapas-style menu is offered alongside their drinks, the perfect accompaniment to a sunset view. Eagles Nest is an ideal place for post-work drink with friends in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Southbeach Social
30aa Stanley Plaza, South Brisbane
A youthful, relaxed, beachside bar, Southbeach Social is the place to go for a sandy shandy or two. Just a few steps away from the iconic Street’s Beach, Southbeach combines modern pub dining with a beachy flair.
The view of the Brisbane River and city skyline from the South Bank venue is unique in that you can get the sand and suburbia in the one view. It makes it the perfect background to any Instagram photos, it’s definitely an “Insta-worthy” venue. The food and drinks are similarly worthwhile of your photography, with delicious treats whipped up for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Just make sure to sand yourself off before you head into the bar, you don’t want to be that person who tracks the entire beach inside.
The Balfour Kitchen
37 Balfour St, New Farm
Located on a quiet New Farm street, this intimate rooftop bar is the perfect place to escape the city. This somewhat hidden bar serves up spectacular views of Story Bridge and the city skyline, as well as the picturesque New Farm scenery. Besides serving views, Spicers also serves up a generous variety of craft beers and French champagnes. A selection of classic and house cocktails is on the menu as well. Try the ‘Fierce Aunty Five’ if you have a taste for the spicier things in life. It’s mixed up with gin, passionfruit, lime juice and some green chilli.
If you get hungry, the Vietnamese-French inspired menu is sure to electrify the palette. Dishes such as ‘lime & chilli fried dory’ for lunch or the ‘drunk chicken terrine’ for dinner will excite you. Head Chef Nick Stapleton is inspired by the visage of a Vietnamese chef cooking to comfort a homesick Frenchman.
Veuve Clicquot Chalet @ Customs House
399 Queen St, Brisbane City
The unique Aspen-style seasonal bar has uninterrupted, sweeping views of the Brisbane River. Hosted by Veuve Clicquot, the Veuve Cicquot Chalet is a recently-opened winter retreat that brings Après vibes to the riverside. Watch the boats pass with a glass of sparkling champagne or mulled wine in one hand and hand-crafted cheese in the other.
Enjoy the view from inflatable, pop-up igloos with “fur” covered seats that bring an icy atmosphere to a mild Queensland winter. The ambiance is full of European charm and warmth.
Pop a bottle of the finest French champagne or have it with a twist in one of the signature cocktails mixed up at the bar. The Clicquot Pear 75 is a refreshing fusion of Belvedere Pure, lemon and pear juice and Clicquot Brut. Besides the Clicquot Champagne, a range of other local and international tipples are available.
