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
No, you haven’t stumbled across a time warp that’s transported you back to the mid-80s – we’re in 2017 and arcades are back, baby. Woolloongabba locals are waking up to the news that there is a new hub for gaming enthusiasts, offering more than a dozen pinball machines, a host of arcade consoles and loads of board games. Pincadia is looking to establish itself as a family-friendly haunt for those with a competitive streak, easy-going diners and lovers of everything retro. Bring your loose change, flex your fingers and get ready to play – it's game time. more
When the happy hour siren starts blaring, it’s advisable to heed its call and seek shelter at the nearest speakeasy. Archer’s Brewing is one of the newest faces on the beer scene, but it’s already stirred up a good bit of support from the craft community. Nestled underneath The International Hotel in Spring Hill is Archer’s Bunker – a secluded, aviation-inspired bar and brewery that is offering a comprehensive range of freshly concocted beverages to sip in safety. more
We’re so excited – we just can’t hide it. One of the most popular food trucks is letting all the people know that it’s back to run the show. That’s right – Daddy Mac is making us jump (for joy). Mac From Way Back has set up shop inside Fortitude Valley haunt Sabotage Social, pumping out overflowing bowls of gooey and golden mac 'n' cheese with a variety of twists, as well as loaded burgers that make our hearts pound or stop beating entirely – frankly it could go either way. more
Don't worry – we’re not going to beat you over the head with puns about rebirth. That being said, we do want to talk about a significant metamorphosis that has been going on in The Valley. Like a caterpillar cocooning itself and emerging as a beautiful butterfly, the heritage-listed Osbourne Hotel on the corner of Ann and Constance Streets has been transformed into a truly impressive destination pub, boasting everything from a leisurely beer-garden atmosphere to a seductive lounge-bar vibe. Officially opening today Friday October 6, the Osbourne Hotel is a crisp new addition to The Valley’s array of watering holes, pairing history with modernity in fine form. more
It’s no secret that The Cloakroom’s Louis Ialenti and Andrew Byrne are committed to more than simply creating bespoke threads. From the moment you step inside the refined tailor you’re exposed to much more than mere suits on a rack – an invitation to sit down, the offer of a whisky, the time taken to cater to a dapper gent’s every need. Expanding on its offering of experiential pleasure The Cloakroom is turning its bespoke attention to liquid concoctions, with The Cloakroom Bar opening its elusive doors this Friday October 6. more
If we told you about a venue that offered breakfast, lunch, dinner, tap beer, sublime barista-made coffee, top-shelf whisky and gin, a shady beer garden and a well-stocked charcuterie fridge, you’d accuse us of making up places that don’t exist. Rest assured, we’d never lie to you, our dear friends. This unicorn of an eatery exists and has a name – Cribb Street Social. Located in the heart of leafy Milton, Cribb Street Social is a new venue from the team behind inner-city staple Mr. Edward’s Alehouse & Kitchen, and offers a premium range of eats and drinks within a warm and friendly atmosphere. more
There are few feelings better than knock-off time, especially on a Friday. The only issue we can see is that descending upon the closest pub for a pint at week's end can get a bit stale after doing so nearly every week. If your after-work drinks routine is getting a tad staid, then you need to inject a bit of fun into your evening schedule. Should you and the crew decide to make plans for this Friday, consider some of these inner-city activities that will really have you exclaiming ‘TGIF’ with appropriate vigour. more
We've all had those nights. You head out for a couple of casual negronis, then suddenly it's 10:30 pm and you're starving. Pickings are slim, let's be honest, and sometimes the only thing to bring you back from the brink of starvation is a cheeky kebab or a greasy burg. Don't get us wrong, we love the odd naughty indulgence, but as we get older we find our cravings have become a little more refined. Enter The Palace Supper Club, Fortitude Valley's decadent new oasis, serving up delectable eats until the early morn. more
The past few months have seen the cork popped on Brisbane’s dormant wine bar scene, and now the vino is flowing! The latest face to emerge in town comes from the minds of a savvy collective born in the laneways of Melbourne, and now they’ve brought their style of service north. The Valley Wine Bar has opened at the base of the new FV Gurner building, offering a selection of 300 wines sourced from some of the world’s most acclaimed vineyards. more
Lately something’s changed on Petrie Terrace, it ain’t hard to define. The suburb's got itself a new bar that you’ll want to make your local. Sitting pretty on the fringes of the street’s party district is Jessie’s Girl, a sparkling and exciting watering hole that is bringing a splash of colour and character to the local scene. With four kinds of spritzes, a menu of European-style share plates and famously friendly staff, Jessie’s Girl has got all the elements of a bona fide hit. more
If we had a dollar for every time we caught ourselves dreaming of a luxurious international holiday, we’d probably have enough money to jump on a plane tomorrow. We know we aren’t alone in our wistful daydreaming – Australians are some of the most avid travellers in the world. Those of you in the planning stages of an overseas holiday are likely well aware that you will have to arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight, which means you have some time to kill. You aren’t fated to idly flipping through your Instagram feed at your terminal for hours – there’s so much to do that you might not even be aware of. Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal has everything you need to while away the hours before your flight, turning layovers into ‘play’-overs and getting you amped for the fun ahead. more
There’s a new hot-to-trot face on the inner-Brisbane dining scene, one that is sure to get you hot under the collar with excitement. The NKB Group’s newest venture is taking a two-pronged approach to its dining offering, both boasting a fiery twist. Burnt Ends Kitchen & Bar has brought sizzling yakitori, char-grilled Modern Australian morsels, tantalising Japanese-inspired tipples and a luxurious fit-out to The Barracks, quickly setting itself as a must-try dining and drinking destination. more
There’s one day a year where the entirety of Brisbane City gets lit – lit up with, fireworks that is! Riverfire is back again for another night of illuminated revelry, and plenty of The City’s finest drinking and dining spots are getting in on the action. To save you some hassle, we’ve scoped out the best locales to catch the fireworks in person and party the night away in style. more
Do you smell that seductive aroma in the air? It’s one of our all-time favourite smells – barbecue. If you’ve picked up the scent of American barbecue wafting down Hardgrave Road in West End recently, you’re probably sniffing the delightful morsels being lovingly cooked and smoked at Original Dave’s Low & Slow BBQ. This new bar and eatery specialises in grub inspired by the regional recipes of America’s barbecue belt, with a range of aromatic meaty delights luring in patrons like the Pied Piper. If you love bountiful feasts, craft beer and a splash of bourbon, make tracks to sample Original Dave’s finest. more
If your mouth inadvertently drools when walking past the rotisserie chicken section at the supermarket, then you have to get a load of what's on offer at Empire Chicken. Empire Hotel’s new chicken-centric food concept is dishing out some seriously tasty feeds, while the bar itself is getting into the sharing spirit with some very impressive (and very large) cocktails. more
Anyone that has been out and about in Fortitude Valley on a Friday or Saturday night knows that I can be a little bit overwhelming. A brand new bar has quietly opened on Wickham Street, offering a cool and casual respite from the craziness of Brunswick Street. The Gig Cocktail Bar pairs classic cocktails and Japanese whisky with good music, smooth jazz and a comfortable atmosphere removed from the dizzying revelry of the Entertainment District. more
One of the best places to get your fix of sumptuous Sichuan fare and yummy yum cha is shaking things up, adding a sexy new bar concept into the mix to create a stellar all-in-one bar and eatery. Sichuan Bang Bang in Paddington has transformed half of its space into Bang Bang Bar – a swish cocktail bar that adds a stylish twists on some classic tipples. more
Brisbane’s boutique beer brewing scene continues to go from strength to strength as evidenced by the arrival of Slipstream Brewing Co. The Yeerongpilly based brewery has been pumping out crisp cold ones since June, but the team has recently opened its brewery cellar door and bar, where locals and beer fanatics can sample Slipstream’s delicious range of beers on tap every weekend. more
Fans of American-inspired eats, rejoice! The Manhattan Line – one of South Bank’s most beloved establishments – has expanded to Bulimba, bringing with it its popular range of New York-style hot dogs, American craft beers and plenty of whisky. Opening next week, The Manhattan Line will add a charming new twist to the Oxford Street strip, boasting the same rugged vibe and stylish flair that has helped make it so popular. more