Top Bars in Brisbane – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, The Gresham Bar occupies a dazzling heritage-listed former Queensland National Bank building from 1881—an architectural gem lovingly restored with Murphy’s Creek sandstone, local cedar, and a marble fireplace crowned by a portrait of banker Edward Robert Drury. Its soaring tin ceiling, ornate chandelier, wooden floorboards layered with plush rugs, Chesterfield sofas, cedar tables, and red leather stools make stepping inside feel like stepping into an elegant time capsule. Behind the bar lies a treasure trove of spirits—more than 150 high-calibre whiskeys, rums, gins, and wines displayed with pride. There's also a refined cocktail roster; standout creations such as “Death and Taxes” and “Terry’s Best Kept Secret” blend craftsmanship with theatrical flair. Attentive bartenders known for encyclopedic spirit knowledge elevate each drink into an experience. What sets The Gresham apart is its character: it retains the only heritage bar licence in Queensland and sports an attitude policy—not a dress code—welcoming a diverse, dynamic crowd. Whether you're there for a mid-morning Toby’s Estate coffee, a casual weekday drink, or late-night tipples (open until 2 am), it feels special without being stuffy. Small touches—coasters, peanuts, a beautiful back room (“The Drawing Room”)—add warmth to its historic grandeur. In short, The Gresham is more than a bar—it’s a timeless tribute to Brisbane’s past, where quality, hospitality, and history converge in a space you never want to leave.

Tucked behind an unmarked orange door in Fortitude Valley, Savile Row invites you into a world of old-world glamour and modern craft. Once you slip through the black curtains, you’ll find yourself enveloped by a softly lit lounge that feels more private club than bar. Rich wallpaper, exposed brick, moody art, and a centerpiece crystal chandelier cast warm shadows across plush booths, mezzanine nooks, and vantage points spanning multiple levels. The heart of Savile Row is its immense back bar — boasting over 900 spirits (whiskies, gins, rums, tequilas, amari, sherries) that stretch floor to ceiling, with a rolling ladder for access. A curated seasonal cocktail list (roughly 20 signatures) lives alongside rare bottles that staff love to guide you through. Savile Row’s aesthetic draws tribute to the famed London street — elegance, tailoring, detail — mirrored in little touches throughout (e.g. a downstairs room with framed dapper animals). The multilevel layout allows you to perch above the bar, lean into intimate corners, or take in the full spectacle of cocktail theatre in motion. While Savile Row doesn’t present itself as a whisky-only den, its deep spirit library ensures that those with a penchant for fine pours will be in their element. It also collaborates on special whiskey releases (for instance, a Savile Row–branded bottling with Overeem) and positions itself as a premium destination for cocktail lovers, spirit enthusiasts, or anyone craving an elevated late-night drink. Open nightly from 6pm, Savile Row closes at 2 am midweek and 3 am on weekends — making it a perfect after-dinner stop or final haunt. Whether celebrating a special night or slipping in solo for something exceptional, the experience here is subtle, curated, and unapologetically luxurious.

Nestled below the surface of Brisbane’s CBD, Miss Demeanour (often shortened to Miss D) is a laneway bar with attitude. Enter via Rowes Lane, down painted stairs, and you’ll uncover an atmospheric underground space where dim lighting, exposed brick, neon signage, and musical energy converge into a sultry and electric setting. By day, Miss D offers a café/restaurant experience — brunch, burgers, casual shared plates — while by night it pivots into a full bar and live music venue. The menu blends approachable dishes (fries, arancini, wings, burgers, vegan options, mains) with a craft cocktail and local beer selection. What really sets Miss D apart is its musical backbone: regular live acts, moody acoustics, and a space built to entertain. The subterranean configuration gives it a “hidden gem” feel, with booths, bar seating, stage zones, and a vibe that’s intimate yet energetic. Throughout the week, it keeps regular hours (from 11 am to late) and in the evenings becomes a destination for those seeking elevated bar culture combined with live soundscapes. The crowd tends to lean toward artsy, music lovers, cocktail seekers, groups catching up, and late-night diners seeking depth beyond a standard bar. Expect to linger over conversation, be tempted by a vinyl-backed playlist, and discover creative drinks and hearty bites in a space that feels both cozy and charged.

Tucked into the antique-strip of Logan Road in Woolloongabba, Canvas Club feels like stumbling into a treasure chest. A heritage-listed building houses a softly lit space where recycled timber, vintage finds, lush foliage, mural art, and cozy nooks mingle to create a warm, eclectic atmosphere. By day Canvas is relaxed and welcoming; by evening it transforms into a cocktail & tapas destination where guests linger over share plates and inventive drinks. The menu leans European/Spanish rustic with a twist — tapas, small plates, cured meats, share dishes, and specialty creations designed to pair with drink offerings. The drinks side is a core draw: a curated cocktail list, boutique wines, craft beer, premium spirits, and thoughtful pairings. Over time, Canvas has also built a reputation as one of Brisbane’s foundational small bars — it was among the early adopters under the small bar licensing scheme, helping shape the city’s cocktail culture. One of Canvas’s special touches is The Tailors — a hidden speakeasy bar accessed via a swinging mirror behind the adjacent tailor’s shop. On Friday nights (subject to events) it opens with themes (Jazz Age, Latin, vinyl DJ nights, etc.). Canvas is also dog-friendly (in its courtyard / outdoor spaces) and has a “secret fairy-lit beer garden” out back, giving it an indoor → outdoor dual personality. The balance of vintage, mural art, re-used furnishings, greenery, and urban grit gives it a unique identity — elegant but not pretentious. After years in Brisbane’s bar scene (Canvas celebrated 15 years in 2025) it remains beloved and influential, with many hospitality alumni going on to open or influence new venues.

Located in the Portside Wharf precinct of Hamilton, The Ballpark Portside is not your average sports bar — it’s an interactive entertainment playground built around America’s pastime. Its core draw? Multiple batting cages (three immersive simulators) where guests can swing real bats and hit balls into a virtual field, all while your performance is tracked (speed, distance, trajectory). But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to baseball, you’ll find pool tables, digital dart boards, and wall-to-wall screens streaming live sports — making it a hybrid of gaming lounge and classic sports bar. The venue occupies about 450 m² and can host up to ~200 people. During daytime hours, the space also integrates café elements — serving 7 Miles coffee, bagels via its Short Stop Café, and light café fare. As evening rolls in, the atmosphere becomes more dynamic: cocktails, tap beers, burgers, and more reach full tilt. In terms of vibe, The Ballpark strikes a balance between energetic and approachable. It’s designed for groups, parties, competitive friends, or someone just wanting to watch sport with options to do more than just drink. The décor leans modern sports lounge with open spaces to accommodate movement, screens, and gaming areas. They also cater to events and functions — you can book out parts of the venue, package food + drink + batting cage time, and host private parties.