After dark · Brisbane, Australia
15 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Brisbane
Where Brisbane actually drinks: rooftops, cellars and corner counters, ranked by the people who closed them out.
Order reflects real review volume, out of 67 tracked Brisbane places. Refreshed monthly.
Riverland Brisbane
BarFree entryRiverland Brisbane is a vibrant entertainment hub located along the Brisbane River in the city's central business district.
Read our full guide →LINA ROOFTOP
BarFree entryPerched atop the Emporium Hotel in South Brisbane, LINA Rooftop is a chic open-air bar that draws locals and visitors alike for its sweeping views of the Brisbane River and city skyline.
Read our full guide →Brooklyn Standard
BarFree entryTucked away in a narrow Eagle Lane alley, Brooklyn Standard is a subterranean bar that channels the spirit of a 1920s New York speakeasy.
Read our full guide →The Gresham Bar
BarFree entryThe Gresham Bar is a refined drinking establishment located in the heart of Brisbane's central business district.
Read our full guide →Death and Taxes Brisbane
BarTucked away down Burnett Lane, Death and Taxes Brisbane is a subterranean cocktail bar that exudes a dark, mysterious charm.
Read our full guide →Miss Demeanour Laneway Bar
BarFree entryMiss Demeanour Laneway Bar is a tucked-away gem in Brisbane's Rowes Lane, offering a intimate escape from the city bustle.
Read our full guide →Cielo Rooftop
BarFree entryCielo Rooftop is a stylish open-air bar perched atop a building in Brisbane's lively Fortitude Valley.
Read our full guide →Savile Row
BarSavile Row is a sophisticated cocktail bar located on Ann Street in Brisbane's vibrant Fortitude Valley.
Read our full guide →Bar Pacino
BarBar Pacino is a stylish bar located on Eagle Street in Brisbane's central business district, offering sweeping views of the Brisbane River.
Read our full guide →Cobbler
BarTucked away on a quiet street in West End, Cobbler is a beloved cocktail bar that feels like a hidden gem.
Read our full guide →The Terrace Rooftop Bar
BarFree entryThe Terrace Rooftop Bar is a sophisticated open-air venue on Level 21 of the Emporium Hotel South Bank in Brisbane's cultural precinct.
Read our full guide →Fiume Rooftop Bar
BarFree entryFiume Rooftop Bar sits on Level 3 of 5 Boundary Street in Brisbane City, offering sweeping views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline.
Read our full guide →Dr Gimlette Brisbane
BarFree entryDr Gimlette Brisbane is a clandestine cocktail bar tucked away on Edward Street in the heart of Brisbane's central business district.
Read our full guide →Frog's Hollow Saloon
BarFrog's Hollow Saloon is a beloved Brisbane institution located on Charlotte Street in the heart of the city's central business district.
Read our full guide →Before + After
BarBefore + After is a clandestine cocktail bar tucked away in a laneway basement beneath 181 George Street in Brisbane's central business district.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Bars, pubs and nightlife in Brisbane ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 67 places we track. Updated monthly.
Good to know
Most bars in Brisbane fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.
A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.
Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.
Common questions
Where is the nightlife in Brisbane?+
This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in Brisbane so you can find the right area for the night you want.
What time do bars close in Brisbane?+
Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.
Is Brisbane good for a night out?+
Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.