Top Bars and Cafes in Brisbane

Fridays Riverside

With the picturesque Story Bridge as a backdrop and positioned directly on the Brisbane River, Fridays has all aspects of a night out covered in one venue. The bar and grill are open from lunchtime everyday and the music goes till late. With two separate rooms, you can choose the latest dance grooves or check out some of Brisbane's premier live bands pumping out some rock classics. The large outdoor area makes it easy to have a conversation without losing your voice.

Port Office Hotel

Cosmopolitan comes to Brisbane at the Port Office Hotel. Newly renovated, the "Porto" oozes class, glitz and glamour. Downstairs houses a massive round bar, a small dance area with a very jazz-like feel and seating comfort fit for a movie star. Picking up the pace upstairs, the dance floor is surrounded by neon lights and archways, giving the room a Hollywood-like splendour. When in need of a break, just cruise past the bar for your favourite drink and ease out onto the balcony to see where the crowds are heading next. Do call for timings.

Three Monkeys Café and Tea House

Located in the midst of the trendy West End cafe circuit, the Three Monkeys Café and Tea House is a hangout for cool "twenty-something's" who love great coffee, in a great atmosphere. Art involving monkeys decorates the walls, giving each of the three rooms a tribal feel. On the menu are devilishly delectable cakes and slices, as well as a large range of fresh coffees, teas and juices. Three Monkeys also serves light and main meals, with the most popular being nachos. Bookings are encouraged for groups over three people.

Mick O'Malley's Irish Pub

With live entertainment between Wednesday and Sunday nights, Mick O'Malley's Irish Pub is a great place to unwind and party in traditional Irish style. Although small inside, O'Malley's is constantly popular with the 20 and 30-year-old crowd who love its quaint cottage feel. The Guinness Pie, whilst expensive, is Irish cuisine at its most sumptuous. Alternatively, the Irish stew will warm up your body for the party night ahead. Happy hour on Friday is the best time for cheap drinks.

Bar at Embassy Hotel

There is plenty of room to sit down with your group and talk without having to yell, and plenty of space to relive your dancing days. A newly renovated marble interior greets you upon entry at The Embassy. For those who enjoy a casual gamble, take a peek downstairs at the gaming room, complete with an array of gaming machines and its own bar facilities. The bar is five-star, so even the most finicky of tastes are catered for, and nothing is too much to ask of the extremely friendly staff. Standard pub fare is available, with a few surprises like steaks and seafood platters.

Plough Inn Tavern

Located at the northern end of Brisbane's spectacular South Bank Parklands, the Plough Inn is one of the City's longest-standing taverns. The interior of the public bar is historically preserved, whilst the dance floor, exterior stage and beer garden have been designed to embrace the areas new and stylish trend. The Parklands currently has very few areas for drinking and reveling in live music and dancing, so this is the ideal spot for a night out, especially after enjoying South Bank's other attractions and the lively South Bank Markets located right outside.

Lucky's Trattoria

One of Brisbane's best known pizzerias, Lucky's Trattoria is a monument to this famous Italian dish. The dimly-illuminated round tables look out through wall-size glass panes onto Brunswick Street. A great place for a romantic, yet casual night out, the traditional pizzas are mouth-watering. Pizzas are available in a range of sizes to suit your group's requirements and the premise is licensed, so an array of alcoholic beverages is also on the menu.

Normanby Hotel

Adjacent to the Albion Five-Ways intersection, the Normanby Hotel is an old "Queenslander" style building with enough characters to star in a movie. The glittering pokies almost seem out of place here, at one of Brisbane's oldest hotels. The bar staff knows all the regulars by name and visitors are encouraged to tell a tale with the best of them. Laughter often echoes off the thin wooden walls and the bar is always keeping one eye on the game of football on television.

The Drink Nightclub

The Drink Nightclub is a multi-level club, which is the Gold Coast's answer to Studio 54. The lower levels are restricted to VIPs however, the two-level nightclub on top of the Avenue is by far the most glamorous on the Gold Coast. One level houses an enormous dance floor lit by mirror balls and rotating halogen bulbs. The other houses cages on either side of the floor for extroverted dancers to display their skills.

Iceworks

Iceworks is the perfect place for a drink, meal, or entertainment, no matter how you're feeling. Situated in Paddington, the chic space features amazing Australian cuisine, incredible meals, and great drink specials. Its all in one!