16 Best Indoor Outdoor Bars in Brisbane, Australia

We all know Brisbane is no Sydney or Melbourne when it comes to size and nightlife hence it’s ironic nickname ‘Brisvegas’ but I think that’s what makes Brisbane so special! It’s smaller scale, safe, clean, and trendy atmosphere is what makes it so unique. Oh and I must mention – Brisbane weather is so beautiful you can sit outside almost all year around! Brisbane’s bar scene is constantly growing with new rooftop and specialty bars popping up all round the city! Here are the top 16 indoor/outdoor Bars in Brisbane.

Felons Brewery

Felons is a new Brewery that’s popularity is soaring because of it’s ideal location. Along with many other bars and restaurants, Felons is part of Howard Smith Wharves on the Brisbane River right under the famous Story Bridge. You can sit with your feet practically dangling over the water while taking in the view of Brisbane’s CBD or hangout inside under the towering brewing tanks. This quickly became one of my favorite places to have a chill girls night enjoying the food, drinks, and views!

X-Cargo

This awesome open air venue gives off very trendy backyard house party vibes. Having three different bars, an open yard with seating, tables and games, three levels with balconies and bridges to connect, it is ultimately an adult playground. This is a great place for you and a group of friends to hang out,  celebrate a special event, or just grab some drinks and food before hitting the lets say – less sophisticated dance floors of Fortitude Valley.

Eleven Rooftop Bar

Eleven is great if you are feeling like a classy night out or hoping to steer clear from the younger teenagers of Fortitude valley. This bar has a sleek decor, private cabana-like booths, a little room to get your dancing on, and a view of the city that will make you fall in love with Brisbane if you haven’t already.

Fits and Pots

This quirky bar a bit on the outside of the city is one of my favorite “accidental” finds. This bar has the layout of an old second story flat with both indoor and outdoor seating. Every room is decorated with different vintage eclectic decor like the colorful patterned wallpaper, assortment of bean bags, velvet, leather, and wooden chairs, unique artwork, and plants galore turning it into a real homey escape from the busy downtown bars. The rooftop green is a great hangout spot to sip some of their amazing specialty cocktails all while, wait for it, having your well behaved fur baby by your side!! (that’s right, dogs are allowed!)

Blackbird Bar and Grille

Found in Brisbane’s business district this bar has a great mix of class and a good party. Having multiple bars, both indoor and outdoor dance floors, a great photo spot with the story bridge, outdoor lounge areas, and an espresso martini that will keep you dancing all night, this bar is just a great night out!

Southbank Beer Garden 

Grab your bikini for this one because this casual hangout is right on the edge of one of Brisbane’s must see spots, the Southbank Parklands where you can hangout on the man-made beach, swim in the pools, walk the riverside pathway and so much more all while taking in the view of downtown Brisbane. Southbank Beer Garden is a trendy plant lovers dream – it’s outdoor seating, live music, great food and drinks, lush greenery, and ideal people watching location make it a fun midday break from soaking up the sun. Tip: ask for the popcorn when you order a drink (it’s free, and unlimited!!)

The Fox

The Fox is the place to be on a Sunday night in Southbank! The Fox hotel is popular with university students who come for a fun night of live music, DJ’s and $4 pizzas! Yep, you heard that right, $4 pizzas! They call this Soho Sundays and have live music on the first floor and a rooftop bar where the real party happens, but make sure you dress according to dress-code or you won’t be allowed to the rooftop! So grab your friends, a pizza, and a Pimm’s pitcher and dance the night away.

Maker

Calling all cocktail fanatics, Maker is a small bar that focuses on perfecting unique seasonal cocktails. Take a walk down the famous Fish Lane and stop into Maker for some great nibbles and unforgettable cocktails you can’t find anywhere else!

Saccharomyces Beer Cafe

Start your morning with a coffee or end the night with a beer and karaoke, Saccharomycers Beer Cafe can do both! I have preferred hanging out in the evenings with friends and a board game while being too much of a wimp to sing karaoke and I suggest you do the same. Unless you can actually sing or your liquid courage convinces you to!

The Charming Square

If you’re still hanging around South Bank, The Charming Square is a great place for a beer and watching some Aussie footie! This micro-brewery has a big open feel, live music on certain days, located right in the middle of Southbank across from the Ferris Wheel and has a great atmosphere!

The Terrace

The Terrace is an upscale rooftop bar located in the luxury Emporium Hotel. This bar and hangout is an Instagramer’s dream. Opening at 11am, the bar has an infinity pool with one of the best views of Brisbane you can find, along with delicious and beautifully made nibbles and cocktails. 

Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar

Located in the heart of Brisbane with awesome views and vibes, this trendy bar has beautiful cocktails, live music, and a modern rustic feel with a mixture of private relaxed seating and open community space to mingle!

Hello Gorgeous

Here is another one for all you Instagram queens! This bright, colorful, and fun bar will definitely brighten your mood and your insta feed. With share plates and specialty cocktails, this place is best for afternoon drinks with your girls along with a quick photo-shoot of course! Definitely one of my first stops next time i’m over in Brisbane! 

Altitude

This new rooftop bar is located on the outskirts of the city but don’t think that makes the view any less. From this modern rooftop bar you have a great view of Queensland’s pride brewery, The XXXX Brewery. Along with the brewery, you’ll see Brisbane in the background including the story bridge. The unique decor and layout of this rooftop gives it a dark sleek look with both bar style seating around the outside and more private booth areas give it a more intimate feel while still being outdoors. Great date spot if you ask me! 😉

Tetto Rooftop Bar

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, this bar will have you looking up how to get on the next flight to the Mediterranean! It’s bright and colorful decor along with Mediterranean architecture and design gives an escape from the usual Australian bar scene. 

Retros Bar

Lastly, I’ll call this one my guilty pleasure. Right in the middle of the chaos of Fortitude Valley, Retros Bar has the best music! If you are American, not a big fan of house music, and love a good throwback song like I do, you’ll love this bar as well! It is loud, crowded, and full of dancing but so much fun! If you are bar hopping around Fortitude Valley, this is definitely one to stop by!