Bars Brisbane | The Weekend Edition

Crown & Co. Barbers unveils boozy California Lane extension King Tiki

17 Jan 2019

Four years ago, tiki and retro-inspired barber outfit Crown & Co. opened on Fortitude Valley’s Brunswick Street strip, and has been deftly lining up patrons ever since. Last year saw the barbershop undergo a significant evolution thanks to the development of California Lane, affording the Crown & Co. crew the opportunity to open an on-site tiki bar at the venue’s rear. King Tiki is a charming specialty boozer offering authentic tiki cocktail recipes, craft beer and plenty of friendly chat. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best craft-beer brewery crawls to embark on

17 Jan 2019

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed a surge in craft-beer breweries opening around Brisbane. Over the past three to four years, Brisbane has seen a huge influx of froth-soaked newcomers, with loads of independent brewers opening tipple temples to great acclaim. There’s never been a better time to be a beer fan in Brisbane, so if you’re keen to tick a few names off this summer, we’ve assembled a list of Brisbane's best craft-beer brewery crawls to give you a sample of the plethora of Brisbane's top-notch breweries. more

Food & Drink

Sea Legs Brewing Co. finds solid ground in Kangaroo Point

10 Jan 2019

While commonly associated with sailors finding their footing on land after extended periods away at sea, to have sea legs can also refer to the familiar wobble one experiences after one too many double IPAs. Colorado-born Jon Fuchs would know – it’s how he got his nickname. Jon’s sea legs and passion for craft beer have seen him cross oceans and switch occupations to become the head brewer of Kangaroo Point’s new craft-beer outfit Sea Legs Brewing Co. – a community-focused brewery that looks to instil a bit of creativity into its frothy product. more

Food & Drink

Get excited for the new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in 2019

10 Jan 2019

It’s going to be a tall order to top the banner year Brisbane’s dining scene had in 2018, but we truly believe that this year is going to be just as exciting for foodies. We know it’s only January, but there are numerous openings on the horizon that have got us keyed up with anticipation. We’ve assembled a handy list of announcements to keep an eye on, including brand-new dining precincts, inner-city wineries, riverside eateries and much more. more

Food & Drink

From dining room to dance floor – Mr. Mista brings the good times to Fortitude Valley

20 Dec 2018

From the minute you step inside the dimly lit interiors of Mr. Mista, its intentions for you are clear – you're here to chow down and drink up. In case the neon sign at the entry wasn't enough of a hint, the giant mural of The Hangover character Mr. Chow wielding a bottle of Dom Pérignon should signal that you're in for a good time. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: what’s open in Brisbane on New Year’s Day 2019

20 Dec 2018

Well the year 2018 really did whiz by, didn’t it? Time flies when you’re having fun! Whether you’ve woken up fresh as a daisy after an early night (damn you), you’re feeling a little dusty or you haven’t been to bed yet, we’ve got you. We put the call out and compiled a handy list of spots trading this New Year’s Day – from #newyearnewme clean feasts to big ol’ hangover feeds, these venues have you covered. more

Food & Drink

The Happy Boy team opens Snack Man in Fortitude Valley

20 Dec 2018

The Chinese fine diner has become a bit of a trend of late, moving away from sweet-and-sour pork to take the robust flavours of East Asia to new heights through intricate plating and techniques. Considering Happy Boy’s take on regional Chinese food, Greenglass' unique approach French cuisine and Australian wine, and Italian Food Restaurant's shift away from traditional pizza and pasta, it's safe to say owners Cameron and Jordan Votan aren't ones to follow trends. For their latest venture, the brothers will instead celebrate the ‘Chinese food of the people’, focusing on flavoursome on-the-go-style eats using simple fresh ingredients. more

Food & Drink

It’s playtime – Welcome to Bowen Hills shows off its new arcade

13 Dec 2018

King Street’s food-truck hub is capping off the year with a new look and some engaging entertainment options. Welcome to Bowen Hills has undergone a sprucing, and with this new vibe comes a host of arcade machines. From Air hockey and pinball to giant chess and PacMan, Welcome to Bowen Hills now has everything to keep you occupied on a night out. more

The Locals Next week:

Food & Drink

Soapbox Beer announces its arrival in the heart of Fortitude Valley

12 Dec 2018

Scott Robertson and Luke Nixon are two craft-beer enthusiasts with something to say. They reckon beer should be approachable and playful, eschewing the mainstream formula with some brewed-in quirkiness to keep tastebuds interested. Instead of standing on a street corner and vying for your attention like a town crier, the duo transformed their metaphorical soapbox into a brewery of their own on Fortitude Valley’s Gipps Street, where drinkable statements are being offered to the public from tomorrow, Thursday December 13. more

Food & Drink

Get a glimpse at Howard Smith Wharves’ overwater bar Mr Percival’s

06 Dec 2018

Following hot on the heels of the gangbuster opening weekend of Felons Brewing Co., the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is looking to go two-for-two with its brand-new bar Mr Percival’s. An adventurous architectural endeavour, this world-class octagonal bar and eatery sits above the lapping waters of the Brisbane River, uniting European flair with a resonant Brisbane-inspired familiarity. Mr Percival’s officially opens its doors at 8:00 pm tonight, Thursday November 29, but we’ve got a the sneak peek inside for you ahead of another record-setting weekend. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s must-try openings of 2018

06 Dec 2018

Phew, what a year it’s been! We’re only a few weeks away from the festive season and the New Year’s celebrations, but it seems like there’s still so much more to cram in before 2018 wraps up for good. Thankfully we’ve got some much-needed holiday time on the horizon, which should allow us to take a breath and look back at everything that’s happened this year. If you’ve been too busy to cast your eyes north, you might not have noticed Brisbane’s banner year in terms of new openings. Bars, cafes, hotels, restaurants – 2018 was a boom year for top-tier hospitality arrivals. If you’re planning a trip up the M1 over summer, pencil a stop or three at some of the best new openings in Brisbane over the past 12 months. more

Food & Drink

West End icon The Boundary Hotel reopens after a modern rejuvenation

29 Nov 2018

Never Been Kissed, She’s All That, Grease, Clueless. These classic movies have one thing in common – they all feature a stunning makeover moment. We’re suckers for a head-to-toe overhaul, which is why we’ve been champing at the bit to get a look at The Boundary Hotel’s new look. The storied boozer has been undergoing a modernisation of sorts in recent months, and now the pub is officially opening its doors to the public today, Thursday November 29. From a brand-new rooftop bar to a hot-to-trot pizzeria, The Boundary Hotel’s new amenities are looking to invigorate the venue’s appeal without sacrificing the honest vibes that made it a West End staple for more than a century. more

Food & Drink

Camp Hill celebrates the opening of wine maison The Old Seven

29 Nov 2018

There is a long list of reasons to fall in love with France, but we’d have to put its abundance of world-class wines right at the top. Come to think of it, we’d say the same for Spain and Italy too. In fantastic news for local oenophiles, a curated selection of continental European wine (as well as a swag of cheese and smallgoods) is being showcased at Camp Hill’s new wine bar The Old Seven. This charming European-inspired locale opened officially this week, unveiling its selection of worldly wines, fancy fromage and intimate vintage atmosphere. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: farewell the year that was at Brisbane’s best New Year’s Eve soirees

29 Nov 2018

Is it just us, or has it felt like 2018 has only been going for a fortnight? Although the passage of time is pretty scary, the end of the year gives us plenty of great opportunities to party like there's no tomorrow. New Year’s Eve is always a cause for celebration – a night of endings and beginnings, so you really should get it right. If you are looking to paint the town red on the evening of December 31, have a squiz at this handy list of Brisbane’s must-attend parties and ring in 2019 in style. more

Food & Drink

Howard Smith Wharves unveils impressive riverside brewery Felons Brewing Co.

29 Nov 2018

When it comes to Brisbane’s settlement history, the names Phamphlett, Parsons, Finnegan and Thompson don’t carry as much weight as John Oxley, but their story is incredibly significant to Brisbane’s founding nonetheless. These four escaped convicts are credited as the first white settlers to encounter the Brisbane River in the early 1800s, and their inadvertent journey north led to the founding of our city. This unheralded aspect of Brisbane’s genesis formed the conceptual inspiration for Felons Brewing Co. – a centrepiece tenant of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Open today, Friday November 23, the impressive waterfront locale is part architectural delight and part bastion of contemporary brewing – a sublimely executed drinking and dining destination that celebrates Brisbane’s natural splendour. more

Food & Drink

New lease on life – Alfred & Constance scores new ownership

23 Nov 2018

In the wake of the collapse of Damian Griffiths' hospitality empire, much discussion has surrounded what would become of his popular Fortitude Valley locales – especially beloved haunt Alfred & Constance. After months of reduced activity, the corner venue has officially changed hands from receivers to hospitality veterans RMS Group, signalling a new phase for the bar, which will undergo an evolution over the next 12 months. For now, Alfred & Constance is officially back open six nights a week with a new menu, a spruced-up interior and the same energetic atmosphere punters know and love. more

Food & Drink

Hidden hip-hop bar Next Episode opens on Fish Lane

22 Nov 2018

Regardless of whether you prefer Biggie or 2Pac, rep NWA or the Wu-Tang Clan, jam out to old-school hits or the new flavour, Brisbane hip-hop lovers of all kinds now have a watering hole to call their own. Tucked away in the back streets of South Brisbane, Next Episode is a secretive speakeasy that must be found before it can be enjoyed. It’s a bit tricky to find, but once you spot the neon signage and punch in the entry code, you’ll be free to enjoy house-party vibes, specialty cocktails and the greatest hip-hop hits spinning all night. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best sunny beer gardens and outdoor bars to visit this summer

22 Nov 2018

It’s almost a scientific fact that the best way to enjoy the sizzling summer months is to embrace it and find a comfortable perch to blow the froth off a cold beverage or two in one of Brisbane’s many beer gardens. Our winter hibernation has ended – now it’s the time to get our dishevelled selves some sun. Here are some of the best beer gardens and outdoor bars to seek out this summer. more

Food & Drink

Save room for sweets – The Stand is now serving dessert and drinks at California Lane

22 Nov 2018

We’ve paced past the mint-green and pink entryway to California Lane so many times now it’s becoming weird, but we can’t help it. Ever since we heard The Stand was bringing deconstructed desserts and cocktails to Fortitude Valley’s newest laneway, we figured we’d need to stop in and sample straight away. The colourful and charming corner nook has finally opened at the perfect time – just before summer sends us seeking shade, sweet treats and cool drinks. more

Food & Drink

Home to everyone – 24-hour gastropub Beirne Lane opens in The Valley

15 Nov 2018

Last Friday, Fortitude Valley’s Brunswick Street Mall welcomed the anticipated new arrival from the Celissa Group, Beirne Lane – a 24-hour haven that allows guests to dine all day, drink all day and dance all night. The newest tenant of the revitalised T.C. Beirne Building is drawing upon the enterprising spirit of its home’s namesake, looking to be a welcoming hybrid of bar and restaurant hospitality that reflects Thomas Charles Beirne’s Irish heritage, fascination with Japan and his love for Fortitude Valley. more