Brisbane’s bar scene has expanded considerably over the past decade, with venues ranging from basement cocktail dens to rooftop restaurants with city views. Whether you’re after a quiet drink after work, a venue for a group celebration, or somewhere to settle in for the night, the city offers a genuine variety of options across different neighbourhoods and styles. The challenge is knowing which venues are worth your time and which are coasting on atmosphere alone.
The venues listed here were selected based on verified customer ratings, the volume of reviews across public platforms, consistency of service, and the distinctiveness of what each bar offers. No venue appears simply because it’s well-known. Each one has earned its place through measurable customer satisfaction and a clear identity that makes it worth visiting.
Ratings referenced throughout this guide are drawn from public review platforms at the time of publication and reflect the collective experience of hundreds or thousands of customers. Where a venue has fewer reviews, this is noted. The list covers a range of bar styles so that readers can find the right fit for their occasion rather than a single recommendation that suits none.
1. Death and Taxes Brisbane
Custom cocktails and craft beer in a spirit-filled old-world bar
Death and Taxes has built a reputation as one of Brisbane’s most character-rich drinking venues. The bar leans into an old-world aesthetic with a drinks list that spans custom cocktails, craft beer, and a serious selection of spirits. It holds a 4.7/5 rating, which reflects consistent satisfaction across a broad range of visitors.
The cocktail programme here goes beyond standard menu offerings, with bartenders who are known to engage with guests on what they’re after. The atmosphere is the kind that rewards settling in rather than rushing through, with dim lighting and a layout that encourages conversation.
It’s a venue that appeals to both seasoned cocktail drinkers and those who simply want something more considered than a standard pub. The craft beer selection means it also works for guests who aren’t reaching for spirits.
Pros
- Strong 4.7/5 rating from customers
- Distinctive old-world atmosphere sets it apart from typical Brisbane venues
- Covers both cocktails and craft beer, broadening its appeal
- Staff known for engaging drink recommendations
Cons
- The atmospheric interior may feel cramped during peak periods
- Not ideal for guests seeking a bright, open bar setting
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts and craft beer drinkers who prefer atmospheric, character-filled venues
Website: deathandtaxesbar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
2. Before + After
A Brisbane bar with some of the highest customer ratings in the city
Before + After carries a 4.9/5 rating, placing it among the top-rated bars in Brisbane by customer satisfaction. The bar maintains an active social presence, which gives prospective visitors a clear sense of what to expect before arriving. High-rated venues in this category earn those scores through repeated positive experiences rather than novelty alone.
The bar appears to draw a loyal following, which is reflected in its rating consistency. For visitors who prioritise customer-endorsed venues over media coverage or marketing, Before + After is worth serious consideration.
Given the limited publicly available details beyond its social channels, visitors are encouraged to check the Instagram presence or contact the venue directly for current hours and any booking requirements.
Pros
- Exceptional 4.9/5 customer rating
- Active social presence gives visitors a preview of the experience
- Consistent reputation for customer satisfaction
Cons
- Limited publicly available information outside of social media
- Hours and booking details require direct confirmation
Best for: Visitors who prioritise highly rated, customer-endorsed bar experiences
Website: instagram.com/beforeandafterbar
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
3. Dr Gimlette Brisbane
Classic cocktail bar with a focused drinks programme and strong customer scores
Dr Gimlette takes its name from the classic gin cocktail, and the bar’s identity is built around a genuine respect for well-made drinks. With a 4.6/5 rating, it attracts customers who know what they’re looking for and return because they find it consistently. The focus is on classic cocktails executed properly rather than novelty-driven menus.
The bar suits guests who prefer a more considered drinking experience. The staff are generally knowledgeable, and the menu reflects an interest in the history and craft of cocktail-making rather than chasing trends. It’s the kind of venue where a guest can ask for guidance and receive a considered recommendation.
Dr Gimlette works well as a destination for a dedicated drinks evening rather than a pre-dinner stop, given the level of engagement the bar invites from its guests.
Pros
- 4.6/5 rating reflects consistent quality
- Clear focus on classic cocktails done well
- Knowledgeable staff with genuine drinks expertise
- Suits guests seeking a considered, unhurried drinks experience
Cons
- Less suited to guests wanting a broad menu beyond classic cocktail styles
- May not suit large groups looking for a lively, high-energy atmosphere
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate classic recipes and knowledgeable bar staff
Website: drgimlettebar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
4. Brooklyn Standard
Basement cocktail bar with live blues, funk and soul in a New York-inspired setting
Brooklyn Standard sits below street level and brings a distinct New York basement bar feel to Brisbane’s CBD. The live music programme covers blues, funk, and soul, which gives the venue a genuine energy that sets it apart from bars that rely solely on recorded music. It holds a 4.5/5 rating across its customer reviews.
The cocktail list fits the bar’s aesthetic, leaning into American classics and spirit-forward drinks. The combination of live music and a considered drinks menu makes it a strong choice for evenings where guests want more than a standard bar visit. The basement setting contributes to the atmosphere, creating an enclosed, immersive experience.
Brooklyn Standard works especially well for groups who want a venue with built-in entertainment, where the music adds to rather than competes with conversation at lower volume moments between sets.
Pros
- 4.5/5 rating from customers
- Live blues, funk and soul music provides genuine in-venue entertainment
- New York-inspired aesthetic is executed with consistency
- Good choice for groups seeking atmosphere alongside cocktails
Cons
- Basement setting can feel loud during live music sets, making conversation difficult
- May not suit guests looking for a quieter drinks experience
Best for: Music lovers and groups wanting a lively cocktail bar with live entertainment
Website: brooklynstandard.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
5. The Gresham Bar
Premium spirits bar serving craft cocktails and a curated selection of whisky and wine
The Gresham is one of Brisbane’s better-known destinations for premium spirits. Located in a heritage building in the CBD, the bar has cultivated a reputation for depth in its spirits selection, particularly whisky. Its 4.6/5 rating reflects a customer base that returns for the quality of both the drinks and the setting.
The cocktail programme at The Gresham is built around the spirits on offer, which means guests who are interested in exploring different expressions will find staff who can guide them through the list. The heritage venue adds a sense of occasion that suits both business drinks and more relaxed evenings.
The Gresham is a strong choice for guests who want a bar where the spirits selection itself is a reason to visit, rather than treating the back bar as an afterthought.
Pros
- 4.6/5 customer rating
- Exceptional spirits list, particularly for whisky drinkers
- Heritage building adds atmosphere and a sense of occasion
- Knowledgeable staff capable of guiding spirits selection
Cons
- Premium pricing reflects the quality of the spirits on offer
- Can become busy during CBD after-work periods
Best for: Spirits enthusiasts, whisky drinkers, and professionals looking for a quality after-work venue
Website: thegresham.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
6. Miss Demeanour Laneway Bar
Underground cocktail bar with burgers and light bites in Brisbane’s CBD
Miss Demeanour occupies a laneway position in Brisbane’s CBD and brings together cocktails and casual food in an underground setting. With a 4.7/5 rating, it performs well across customer reviews and has built a following among those who want a bar that also caters to hunger without requiring a formal dining commitment.
The menu of burgers and light bites means guests can make a proper evening of it without needing to plan around a separate dinner reservation. The laneway location gives the venue a certain discovered quality, which contributes to its appeal for guests who enjoy venues that don’t shout for attention from the street.
It suits both small groups and couples, and the underground setting creates a contained atmosphere that works across different occasions, from casual mid-week drinks to a more deliberate night out.
Pros
- Strong 4.7/5 rating from customers
- Food menu means guests can eat and drink without a separate restaurant booking
- Laneway location provides a distinctive, tucked-away atmosphere
- Suitable for both small groups and couples
Cons
- Underground setting may feel confined for guests who prefer open venues
- Laneway location can be easy to walk past without knowing it’s there
Best for: Groups and couples wanting cocktails alongside casual food in a distinctive CBD setting
Website: missd.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
7. Alice Bar
Established Brisbane cocktail bar with close to 200 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating
Alice Bar carries a 4.5/5 rating from nearly 200 reviews, which represents a meaningful volume of customer feedback for a venue of its size. That volume of reviews adds credibility to the rating, as it reflects consistent performance across a broad range of visitors over time rather than a small, potentially skewed sample.
The bar suits guests who are after a reliable cocktail experience in Brisbane. Alice Bar appears to deliver consistency, which is often what keeps a rating stable across a growing number of reviews. It functions well as a go-to option for occasions where guests want a quality experience without the uncertainty of trying somewhere newer.
For Brisbane locals and visitors alike, Alice Bar represents a dependable choice that doesn’t require extensive research or a leap of faith.
Pros
- 4.5/5 rating from close to 200 reviews
- Consistent customer satisfaction over a meaningful review volume
- Reliable cocktail experience suited to varied occasions
Cons
- Limited publicly available detail on the current menu or specialities
- May not offer the novelty factor of newer or more niche venues
Best for: Visitors and locals seeking a well-rated, dependable cocktail bar experience
Website: alicebar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
8. Riverland Brisbane
Riverside bar serving cocktails and street food from repurposed shipping container venues
Riverland Brisbane takes an outdoor approach that few Brisbane bars can match. Situated along the river, it uses shipping containers as its physical structure, which gives the venue an open, casual energy that works particularly well in warmer months. Its 4.5/5 rating reflects strong customer approval across a range of visitor types.
The street food menu means guests can eat without committing to a restaurant, and the riverside position provides a view that indoor bars simply can’t offer. The setting makes it a natural choice for afternoon drinks that extend into the evening, especially on weekends.
Riverland suits larger groups well, as the open format accommodates numbers that might feel cramped in a smaller indoor bar. It’s also a strong option for visitors to Brisbane who want to see the river while they drink.
Pros
- 4.5/5 customer rating
- Riverside location with outdoor setting and river views
- Street food available alongside cocktails
- Open format suits larger groups comfortably
Cons
- Outdoor setting is weather-dependent
- Can become crowded on weekends and during events
Best for: Groups, tourists, and anyone wanting an outdoor riverside drinking experience with food
Website: riverlandbrisbane.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
9. Fiume Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bar in Brisbane’s CBD with city views and a hotel-backed cocktail programme
Fiume sits atop the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel in Brisbane’s CBD, offering city views alongside a cocktail and drinks menu. Its 4.3/5 rating is the lowest on this list, which is worth noting, and partly reflects the additional expectations guests bring to hotel rooftop venues where pricing tends to sit above typical bar rates.
The rooftop position gives Fiume a genuine advantage in terms of outlook, and it performs well for occasions where the view is part of the experience. Cocktails at a rooftop bar often carry a premium, and Fiume is no exception, so guests should factor this into their expectations.
It works well for visitors to Brisbane who are staying in or near the CBD and want a scenic drinks stop, and for occasions such as birthdays or celebratory drinks where the setting matters as much as what’s in the glass.
Pros
- Rooftop position with CBD city views
- Backed by the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, providing a reliable service standard
- Strong option for special occasions where setting is a priority
Cons
- 4.3/5 rating is the lowest among bars on this list
- Hotel pricing applies, making it more expensive than independent venues
- Views are weather-dependent
Best for: Visitors and locals wanting a scenic rooftop drink for a special occasion or celebration
Website: crystalbrookcollection.com/vincent/fiume
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
10. Maker
Highly rated Brisbane bar with strong customer approval and an active following
Maker holds a 4.8/5 rating, which places it among the top-performing bars in Brisbane by customer score. Its social media presence gives prospective visitors a window into what the venue offers, and the consistency of its rating points to a customer base that returns with good reason.
With limited detailed public information available beyond its social channels, visitors benefit from checking the bar’s Instagram account before visiting to get a clear sense of the current offering, hours, and any booking requirements. High ratings at this level are sustained through genuine repeat satisfaction rather than occasional exceptional visits.
Maker suits guests who use customer ratings as a reliable indicator of quality and who are comfortable doing a small amount of research before heading to a venue they haven’t visited before.
Pros
- Impressive 4.8/5 customer rating
- Active social presence allows advance research before visiting
- Consistent approval from a loyal customer base
Cons
- Detailed venue information requires checking social channels directly
- Hours and availability best confirmed before visiting
Best for: Guests who trust high customer ratings and want a well-regarded Brisbane bar with a strong local following
Website: instagram.com/makerbrisbane
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
11. Doo-Bop Bar
Brisbane bar with a 4.6-star rating drawn from over 1,191 customer reviews
Doo-Bop Bar stands out on this list for the volume of its reviews. With 1,191 customer ratings and a maintained average of 4.6/5, it demonstrates sustained quality at scale. Maintaining a strong rating across that many reviews is a meaningful achievement and reflects a bar that performs reliably across a wide range of visitors and occasions.
The high review count suggests Doo-Bop attracts a diverse customer base rather than a narrow niche, which makes it a practical recommendation for groups with mixed preferences. A bar that earns strong ratings at this volume is unlikely to disappoint guests visiting for the first time.
For visitors to Brisbane who want a well-tested, broadly appealing bar without spending time on research, Doo-Bop represents one of the safest choices on this list.
Pros
- 4.6/5 rating across 1,191 reviews, one of the highest review volumes on this list
- Consistent performance across a broad and varied customer base
- Reliable choice for groups with mixed tastes
Cons
- High popularity may mean busier conditions during peak times
- Less suited to guests seeking a quiet or niche experience
Best for: Groups and visitors who want a proven, broadly appealing Brisbane bar with a strong track record
Website: doo-bop.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
12. Nok Nok Cocktail Bar Brisbane
Craft cocktail bar with a 4.9-star rating and a focus on inventive mixed drinks
Nok Nok shares the top rating on this list at 4.9/5, alongside Before + After, which puts it in rare company for Brisbane cocktail bars. The bar’s focus on craft mixed drinks suggests a menu that goes beyond standard cocktail offerings, with evident attention paid to ingredients and technique.
A 4.9/5 rating at any review volume is exceptional and points to a consistent experience that guests feel compelled to rate highly. For cocktail enthusiasts specifically, Nok Nok is worth prioritising as a destination visit rather than a casual stop.
The bar’s name and character suggest a venue with a distinct personality, which adds to its appeal for guests who want more than an anonymous drinks experience. Checking the bar’s website before visiting is advisable for current hours and any reservation requirements.
Pros
- Outstanding 4.9/5 customer rating
- Focus on craft cocktails signals genuine drinks expertise
- Distinct venue personality adds to the overall experience
- One of Brisbane’s highest-rated bars by customer score
Cons
- High demand may mean the venue is busy or requires advance booking
- Primarily suited to cocktail drinkers rather than those seeking a broad drinks menu
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts looking for one of Brisbane’s highest-rated craft cocktail experiences
Website: noknokbne.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
13. Antico Bar Brisbane
Italian-inspired bar in Brisbane with cocktail focus and strong customer satisfaction
Antico Bar brings an Italian sensibility to its drinks programme, with a 4.7/5 customer rating confirming that the approach resonates with guests. Italian bar culture tends to emphasise quality over quantity, and Antico appears to carry that through in both its cocktails and the overall experience it offers.
The bar suits guests who appreciate a more European-influenced atmosphere, where aperitivo culture and considered cocktails sit alongside each other naturally. It represents a different point of difference from the American-inspired or anonymous modern bars that populate parts of Brisbane’s CBD.
Antico Bar works well for pre-dinner drinks or as a standalone destination, and its customer satisfaction scores suggest it delivers a consistent experience regardless of the occasion.
Pros
- 4.7/5 customer rating
- Italian bar identity offers a genuine point of difference in Brisbane
- Cocktail-focused programme with a European sensibility
- Suits pre-dinner drinks as well as longer visits
Cons
- The Italian-influenced style may not appeal to guests seeking a more casual or local pub feel
- Limited publicly available information on specific menu details
Best for: Guests who appreciate Italian bar culture and want a cocktail-focused venue with a distinct identity
Website: anticobar.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
14. Bar Pacino
Italian bar and kitchen with riverfront views in central Brisbane
Bar Pacino combines an Italian bar-and-kitchen format with a riverfront position in central Brisbane, earning a 4.4/5 customer rating. The combination of food, drinks, and a view gives it broad appeal across different occasions, from casual lunches to evening drinks with a meal.
The riverfront location means Bar Pacino benefits from the same scenic advantage as Riverland, but in a sit-down restaurant-bar format that suits guests who want table service alongside their drinks. Italian cuisine and cocktails work naturally together here, giving the venue a coherent identity rather than the feel of a bar that added food as an afterthought.
It suits couples and small groups who want a venue that covers both eating and drinking without requiring two separate bookings across two different locations.
Pros
- 4.4/5 customer rating
- Riverfront position with views from central Brisbane
- Combines bar and kitchen in a coherent Italian format
- Suitable for both dining and dedicated drinks visits
Cons
- Rating sits below several other venues on this list
- Busy during peak dining periods, which may affect bar access
Best for: Couples and small groups wanting riverside dining and drinks in a central Brisbane location
Website: barpacino.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
15. SOKO Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Rooftop dining and drinks venue in Brisbane with a 4.5-star customer rating
SOKO sits among Brisbane’s rooftop venues, combining a restaurant offering with a bar in an elevated setting. Its 4.5/5 rating puts it ahead of Fiume on this list and reflects a strong balance between food, drinks, and the rooftop experience that customers clearly value.
The dual restaurant-and-bar format means SOKO functions well for occasions where guests want a full evening in one venue, from early drinks through to a meal with a view. Rooftop venues in Brisbane benefit from the city’s climate, and SOKO’s format takes advantage of that in a way that a drinks-only bar cannot.
For guests planning a birthday, a date, or a group dinner with drinks, SOKO offers a complete package in a single rooftop venue without the need to coordinate multiple venues across an evening.
Pros
- 4.5/5 customer rating
- Combines rooftop bar and restaurant for a complete evening in one venue
- Suits a variety of occasions from casual drinks to group dinners
- Rooftop position takes advantage of Brisbane’s outdoor-friendly climate
Cons
- Combined restaurant and bar format means the venue can fill quickly, particularly on weekends
- Rooftop experience is weather-dependent
Best for: Groups and couples wanting a rooftop venue that covers both dining and drinks in Brisbane’s CBD
Website: sokobrisbane.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Brisbane
Who is the best bars in Brisbane?
Based on customer ratings, Before + After and Nok Nok Cocktail Bar both hold 4.9/5 ratings, making them the highest-rated bars on this list. Maker follows closely at 4.8/5. Death and Taxes Brisbane, Miss Demeanour, and Antico Bar all sit at 4.7/5. The right choice depends on the type of experience you’re after: Nok Nok suits dedicated cocktail drinkers, Before + After suits those seeking a broadly excellent bar experience, and Maker suits guests who trust high customer scores as a guide. Doo-Bop Bar is worth noting for its volume of over 1,191 reviews at a 4.6/5 average, which gives it one of the most reliable ratings on the list.
How much does a bar cost in Brisbane?
Drink pricing in Brisbane varies significantly by venue type. At a standard cocktail bar, expect to pay between $18 and $25 for a cocktail. Premium spirits bars such as The Gresham may charge more for rare whisky or aged spirits. Hotel rooftop bars like Fiume and SOKO tend to price above independent venues, with cocktails often starting at $22 and above. Craft beer at venues like Death and Taxes typically ranges from $10 to $16 per drink. Food items at bars with kitchen menus, such as Miss Demeanour and Bar Pacino, generally range from $15 to $35 per dish. Pricing can shift during peak periods or special events, so checking menus in advance is worth doing for budget-conscious visits.
How do I choose a bar in Brisbane?
Start with your occasion. A quiet after-work drink calls for a different venue than a group birthday or a date. Consider whether you want food available, as venues like Miss Demeanour, Riverland, Bar Pacino, and SOKO offer both eating and drinking in one place. If live music matters, Brooklyn Standard is the clearest option on this list. For views, Fiume and SOKO offer rooftop positions with city outlooks, while Riverland and Bar Pacino sit on the river. If customer ratings are your primary guide, Before + After and Nok Nok lead the field. For those who want a large review volume as reassurance, Doo-Bop’s 1,191 reviews at 4.6/5 provides one of the strongest track records.
What should I look for in a bar?
A few factors consistently separate good bars from average ones. Staff knowledge matters, particularly at cocktail-focused venues where guidance through the menu can significantly improve the experience. Consistency is equally important, which is why review volume alongside rating is a useful double check. A bar with 1,000 reviews at 4.6/5 is a safer bet than one with 20 reviews at 4.9/5. Setting and atmosphere should match the occasion, as a venue that works perfectly for a first date may be completely wrong for a group of ten. Food availability is worth considering if your evening extends beyond two drinks. Finally, look at whether the venue takes bookings, as several of the higher-rated bars on this list can fill quickly on weekends.
Are there good bars for small businesses in Brisbane?
Several venues on this list suit small business occasions such as client drinks, team events, or informal meetings. The Gresham Bar, with its premium spirits focus and heritage setting, works particularly well for professional gatherings where atmosphere and quality matter. Brooklyn Standard is a strong option for team events where live music adds energy without requiring a formal event booking. Miss Demeanour’s laneway setting and food menu make it suitable for small client groups who want something more considered than a pub but less formal than a restaurant. Venues such as SOKO and Fiume offer private or semi-private areas that suit small business functions with advance planning. Contacting venues directly about group bookings and any minimum spend requirements is always advisable before confirming a business occasion.
Brisbane’s bar scene covers enough ground that most visitors and locals can find a venue suited to their specific occasion, budget, and preferences. The venues on this list range from underground laneway bars to rooftop restaurants, from classic cocktail dens to high-volume crowd favourites, and each has earned its place through genuine customer approval rather than marketing or reputation alone. Using ratings alongside review volume, atmosphere, food availability, and venue type as your selection criteria will lead you to a better result than choosing by name recognition alone.