It may not be the start of summer just yet, but here in Brisbane, we don’t have really have much of a winter season, right? Sunny days and clear blue skies are ahead and have never really left. So it’s still all about tanning (or trying to even up your tan), having a great time with your friends and going to the coolest bars.
So…spend more time with your friends and less time worrying about where your’re next outing will be held because we have found the absolute best bars that will give you a reason to go out this Saturday night (not that you need a reason to go out). Looking for good vibes, good food, drinks and possibly a view? Well, no need to thank us for doing all your homework for you.
Cabana Bar & Lounge
Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Overlooking Southport Sharks’ sport oval, Cabana Bar & Lounge offers a hidden open-air bar featuring five modern lounge booths for up to 10 people (or 15 if you’re a closed-knit group of friends), open-air seating (if you’re still in a get-to-know basis with your friends and require some leg room) in your very own oasis with lots of greenery, outdoor heaters and comfy plush seating for the ultimate summer vibes.
Cabana exudes a relaxed atmosphere perfect for after work drinks, casual Sunday afternoon sessions or just spur-of-the-moment outings. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to ordering your drink. Signature cocktails include Flickin’ Delicious, Gin Garden or Blood Orange Margarita or if you’re feeling a little spontaneous, indulge in one of their special cocktails with a twist such as the Fairy Floss Martini. Of course you’ll need some delicious food to accompany your drink(s). Start off with the truffle parmesan shoestrings and sweet potato fries with aioli. Got a sweet tooth? Well, the Red Velvet Waffles served with vanilla bean ice cream will be sure to put the cherry on top (figuratively of course).
Join Cabana for Thrifty Thursdays for $10 tapas, $15 shared cocktails for two or Fridays for $10 Espresso Martinis!
Mr & Mrs G Riverbar
1 Eagle Street, Brisbane
If you’re needing a lavish night out where thongs are not perceived as an acceptable part of your attire or need to impress a client for an important business meeting, then Mr & Mrs G Riverbar will be the wine bar to go to. An elegant cocktail lounge with stunning views over the Story Bridge and Brisbane River.
Mr & Mrs G invite you to watch the sun go down from their Sunset Lounge with a range of delicious refreshments and a live DJ on the deck on Saturday nights. Whether you’re looking to share cocktails such as the Red or White Sangria or a Zombie Punch or in the mood to try Three Shades of Purple or a King Kong Sour which are all a part of their original cocktail menu.
From 12-3pm, you can enjoy any lunch item plus a selected drink of your choice for only $19.50 from Wednesday to Friday! Spectacular views, comfy lounge seating and great food and cocktails…need we say more?
Heya Bar
351 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Looking for a bar that is mysterious, hidden from the naked eye, has secret rooms and doorways and is open until late, serving food and drinks at all times of the hour? (Well until 3am but that’s pretty late). Well, look no further fellow HCS readers…we have found the one. Heya Bar is inspired by the street markets of South East Asia and offers live music, pool tables, pinball machines and pan-Asian street food that can be enjoyed in dimly, intimate corners. Who needs natural light anyway? This is the ultimate get away from your busy lifestyle to escape the crowds and focus simply on having a great time with your friends.
Featuring cosy lounges, ambient lighting and lots and lots good food to satisfy all of your hunger needs. How does pulled pork bao sound? Or Szechuan crusted beef tataki? Or 5 spice eggplant chips? Absolutely delicious, right?! (Okay, I may get a little excited about food). Heya serves house cocktails, beers and all of your wine favourites. Ask about their special frozen cocktails at the bar.
Open 7 nights a week from 5pm.
Norman Hotel
102 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba
You might ask why include a steakhouse in an article for the best bars? Well, Norman’s Hotel may serve exceptional steaks but it’s well-known for their outdoor beer garden. Additionally, you can enjoy your meal and drinks in the Garden Grill Court or the Fountain Court.
The beer garden is a wonderful spot for a great atmosphere with multi-tiered comfy seating, timber decking, outdoor heaters, vertical gardens and a great vibe for a perfect relaxing night. You have a variety of drinks at your fingertips including traditional and craft beers on tap, a range of delicious cocktails by the glass or to be shared, and an array of wines (there is even wine on tap).
Looking for something to do on Friday night? Well, look no further and join the Norman Hotel from 4pm for Lychee Apple Cocktails, table tennis and foosball…it’s an offer you can’t refuse!
Spicers Balfour Hotel
37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Overlooking Brisbane city, Spicers Balfour Hotel is a hidden gem offering a secret rooftop bar with spectacular views. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a refreshing drink with a view like that? (Of course I’m referring to the photo above). Offering a great collection of local and craft beers, French champagnes and an array of wonderful wines so you don’t even need to be a guest at the hotel to take full advantage of all the hotel perks. Feeling like a house cocktail? The Balfour cocktail will not disappoint and neither will Johnnie’s Apple. No need to worry, the classics are still available on the menu if you’re craving after an Old Fashioned or a Sidecar.
Spicers Balfour provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday lifestyle and provides a luxurious interior of a one-of-a-kind bar that is an all-rounder that will please everyone. Featuring comfortable plush leather seating and couches, chic décor and exceptional views for an intimate outing perfect for your weekend.
