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We kept ordering ‘one more round’ at Brisbane’s best outdoor bars… and now we have stories to tell!

We started our day planning to visit just one or two of Brisbane’s outdoor bars… but somehow, that turned into a full-blown bar-hopping marathon. 

After the first round of cocktails on a rooftop with stunning river views, we thought, “Why stop here?” Next thing we knew, we were swapping sunscreen for shade under palm trees and debating which patio had the best craft beer. 

By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, slightly tipsy, and completely in love with Brisbane’s outdoor bar scene. Let’s just say going back indoors felt like a serious downgrade!

Unwind at Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar

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Website

Best for: Skyline views, rooftop ambiance

Address: Pullman & Mercure Hotel, Cnr Ann &, Level/16/2 Roma Street

Contact details: +61 466 463 742

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm to 10pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 3pm to 12am

Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar is a top spot for cocktails with a view, offering a fantastic cityscape backdrop that makes it stand out. Even if you’re not seated right at the edge, the views are still impressive. 

For $88, you get two platters loaded with meats, cheeses, and bread, plus two small dishes of lamb and chicken kebabs. The cocktail menu is extensive, and they’ll even whip up custom drinks if you ask. 

We definitely recommend heading up for a sunset cocktail – the views are stunning, and the mist does wonders for beating the heat.

Pro tip:
Since it’s bar service only, consider ordering by the bottle instead of by the glass to keep things easy.

Sip Cocktails under the Stars at Riverbar & Kitchen

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Website

Best for: Riverside location, casual atmosphere

Address: 71 Eagle Street

Contact details: +61 7 3211 9020

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday: 11am to 12am
  • Thursday to Sunday: 7am to 12am

Riverbar & Kitchen is a fantastic riverside spot with sweeping views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, set in a bright and airy space. The venue is stylishly decked out, with a special shout-out to the impressive restrooms. 

The menu features a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, perfect for pairing with their delicious food. Don’t miss the prosciutto pizza and the gnocchi—they’re must-tries.

Pro tip:
Just a heads-up: a 5% service fee is automatically added unless you specifically select the ‘No Service Fee’ option.

Relax at Eagles Nest – Kangaroo Point

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Website

Best for: Sunset views, live music

Address: 21 Lambert Street

Contact details: +61 1800 088 388

Operating hours: Thursday to Sunday: 3pm to 9pm

Eagles Nest is a charming spot to relax with friends, offering stunning views of the city skyline. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance—classy yet laid-back—with limited seating that keeps it lively but never too noisy. 

The cocktails and tapas are top-notch, especially the salt and pepper squid, and there’s always a live band that keeps the vibe going without being overwhelming. 

It’s an ideal spot for riverfire viewing or sunset drinks, with sweeping views of the Brisbane River and cityscape. 

Pro tip:
Just note that on Sundays, bookings start at 3pm, which might be a bit earlier than expected.

Savor the Sunshine and Craft Brews at Soleil Pool Bar

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Website

Best for: Poolside luxury, South Bank vibes

Address: Podium Level, Rydges South Bank, 9 Glenelg Street

Contact details: +61 7 3364 0870

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday: 1pm to 5pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 12am
  • Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Nestled in the picturesque South Bank Brisbane, the Soleil Pool Bar is a stunning rooftop destination. While it can get a bit chilly, there are plenty of outdoor heaters to keep you cozy. 

As part of the Rydges Hotel, this bar features comfortable seating and offers a delicious late-night snack menu. 

With a diverse drink selection from around the globe, it’s definitely worth a visit. The chicken sliders are tasty, the chips are fabulous, and the ice-cold bubbles are even better!

On a sunny afternoon, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends, whether you prefer lounging by the pool or sitting on bar stools while enjoying tunes from the DJ. 

Pro tip:
We recommend heading over in the late afternoon or early evening when the outdoor area is mostly shaded.

Escape to the Lush Oasis of Eleven Rooftop Bar

Website

Best for: Trendy nightlife, rooftop views

Address: 757 Ann Street

Contact details: +61 7 3067 7447

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday: 12pm to 11pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 3am
  • Sunday: 12pm to 12am

Perched 11 stories high, Eleven Rooftop Bar offers the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset over Brisbane City while sipping cocktails and enjoying delectable bites. This top-floor venue boasts stunning city views that are simply unbeatable. 

The staff is attentive and happy to let you taste-test cocktails if you’re unsure what to choose. We tried the kingfish ceviche, a couple of tacos, and the guacamole, all of which were outstanding—each dish packed with incredible flavors! 

Pro tip:
Seating is extremely limited, and standing space is tight, so it’s wise to reserve your spot in advance.

Bask in the Open-Air Vibes at Canvas Club

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Website

Best for: Creative cocktails, intimate patio vibes

Address: 16B Logan Road

Contact details: +61 401 636 029

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 5pm to 10pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 4pm to 1am

Canvas Club is a funky, eclectic cocktail bar tucked away in Woolloongabba’s Logan Road antique precinct, complete with a secret fairy-lit beer garden out back. The atmosphere exudes a unique, vintage vibe that you won’t find anywhere else. 

It’s the perfect spot for sharing plates and tapas, with an ambiance so rich you could practically slice through it! With a vast selection of cocktails and a menu featuring a variety of tastes and textures, you’ll want to return to try everything.

The setting is both comfortable and inviting, accommodating every dietary requirement with ease, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Pro tip:
If you’re planning a gathering, they can handle large groups—just remember to book in advance!

Discover the Laid-Back Charm of Brewhouse Brisbane

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Website

Best for: Craft beer lovers, relaxed patio setting

Address: 601 Stanley Street

Contact details: +61 7 3891 1011

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10am to 11pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10am to 1am
  • Sunday: 10am to 11pm

Brewhouse Brisbane boasts a fantastic variety of in-house brewed beers, making it a popular spot that can get a bit loud on busy Friday nights. With a vast selection and great prices, you’ll be thrilled to know they brew their own beer just a short distance away. 

The menu is impressively diverse, catering to all tastes and dietary needs, featuring seasonal craft beer selections and excellent staff recommendations.

You can’t go wrong with the pork roast dinner—it’s a solid 10/10! Think tender meat, crispy crackling, crunchy Yorkshire pudding, delicious veggies, and that gravy! And don’t forget the optional side of cheese curds; they’re a must-try.

Pro tip:
A strong tip: if there’s a game at the GABBA, be sure to give the staff your registration number, or you might find your car towed!

Kick Back at Lennons Pool Terrace Bar

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Website

Best for: Poolside drinks, city center location

Address: 72 Queen Street

Contact details: +61 7 5647 1234

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 6:30am to 9pm
  • Saturday: 7am to 9pm
  • Sunday: 7am to 8pm

Located within the Hyatt Hotel, Lennons exudes a modern sophistication that’s enhanced by the soothing sounds of jazz music. The atmosphere is both relaxing and conducive to business discussions or casual meet-ups.

The expansive outdoor deck features a stunning pool at its center, creating a resort-like feel right in the heart of the CBD.

The seared salmon is a standout dish, perfectly crisped on the skin and accompanied by succulent mushrooms. You can choose one side and sauce; the char-grilled Winter Garden Vegetables are smoky, fresh, and delicious.

There’s something truly special about sipping a mojito or a fine single malt scotch while sitting poolside, four floors up, as day transitions into night. 

Pro tip:
Be sure to grab a seat by the balcony to soak up the sun and relish your escape from the hustle and bustle below.

Dine Outdoors with Cityscape Views at Pilpel Balcony Bar

Website

Best for: Waterfront views, tapas

Address: Cnr Griffith Rd & Boardman Road Newport

Contact details: +61 7 3284 3817

Operating hours: Thursday to Sunday: 3pm to 9pm

Perched above Sutton Beach, Pilpel Balcony Bar invites you to unwind with its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking seafront views. This charming spot is the perfect setting for a relaxed weekend outing, where Middle Eastern tapas and cocktails make for an ideal pairing.

Accessed via a grand staircase, it’s located atop a historic art deco building, providing a stunning vantage point to enjoy sunset views with a refreshing beer and a mezze plate. 

Once a bathing pavilion, this delightful venue is about a 40-minute drive from Brisbane, offering a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and enticing cocktails.

Pro tip:
When visiting Pilpel Balcony Bar, be sure to arrive in time for sunset! The views overlooking Sutton Beach are absolutely breathtaking as the sky changes colors. 
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