A new drinking den has taken the best bits of your childhood, fused them with the liquid benefits of maturity, and thrown in some complementary hits of nostalgia. The inspired result of a collaboration between Pablo’s Amy and Michael Bates, and brothers and business partners Lee and Kalan Douglas, Escobar Kitchen & Bar is dishing up the foodie favourites your mum used to make and teaming them with a cracking list of cocktails and spirits. You’ll find local craft beers, international brews and a tight collection of wines on the drinks list, but no liquor lover should go without sampling the bar’s own expressions of house-spiced and fruit-infused spirits. Think fresh batches of booze infused with juniper berries and rum echoing hints of mandarin, grapefruit, allspice and lemongrass. The bar geniuses even whip up their own blend of tonic, so G+T lovers will be hard pressed to find a reason to leave.

Escobar dishes the kind of top-notch fare you’ve come to expect from Pablo, with a beautifully sentimental twist. Moroccan spiced apricot chicken sees braised free-range chicken breasts poached with apricots, toasted almonds, cinnamon and brandy butter cous cous, while the Nana’s Nuts & Bolts is straight from the recipe archives of Lee’s grandma. Vol au vents, devilled eggs and cheese fondue have all made the list, benefitting from exceptionally fresh ingredients and a modern reinterpretation. An edited version of the menu is served until last drinks at midnight – yes, that means late-night gourmet jaffles for beer-laden bellies. Perch at the bar with a board game along the lines of Guess Who, Trouble or Connect 4, or kick back in the outdoor courtyard, which is perfect for balmy Brisbane evenings sipping a cocktail or necking a beer.

For trading hours and contact information, check out our Stumble Guide. Images courtesy of Shaun Maluga.