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A Guide to the Top Places in Brisbane to Spot Hipsters

A Guide to the Top Places in Brisbane to Spot Hipsters

| Last Updated: November 2023

Brisbane isn’t your ordinary Australian city. 

Aside from being the place you go to if you need to escape to nature, Brisbane is also the perfect city to visit if you’re looking to immerse yourself in hipster culture.

But where exactly do you go to spot hipsters in Brisbane? Let’s discover the hippest suburbs in the city!

Petrie Terrace

Petrie Terrace

Image source: ClassBento

Located 2.1 kilometers west of the Brisbane General Post Office, Petrie Terrace is a small but thriving inner suburb in Brisbane with a population of 1,124.

You’ll also find several heritage sites around the suburb, which gives it that old school charm with modern twists in between.

Walking around Petrie Terrace, you’ll instantly feel the hipster vibe in the area with many locals sporting the hipster look.

The community is also filled with these restaurants, quaint little vintage shops, rooftop bars and a boutique hotel where you can experience Petrie Terrace’s hipster tribe:

Lefty’s Music Hall

Website: https://leftysmusichall.com.au/ 

Address: 15 Caxton Street – Petrie Terrace – Queensland 4000 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3924 8027

Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM

One of the best places to spot hipsters in Petrie Terrace is the local’s favorite music joint.

Lefty’s Music Hall has been an institution in this suburb where locals gather to experience the Americana vibe with classic American food, good music and the best atmosphere.

Aside from its regular gigs, Lefty’s Music Hall also hosts different events throughout the year where people can dress up, enjoy the performance of artists and mingle with the hipster community.

Moda Tapas Brasa Bar

Website: https://www.modarestaurant.com.au/  

Address: The Barracks Shopping Centre – 61 Petrie Terrace – Queensland 4000 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3221 7655

Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM

Named the best tapas bar and eatery in Brisbane, Moda Tapas Brasa Bar is a favorite spot for hipsters and regular folks alike.

This restaurant is located at the police stables at The Barracks giving it that rustic charm, especially with its boot chairs and exposed wood beams.

But more than its classy interiors, Modas Tapas Brasa Bar is famous for its entremeses or “appetizers” and its delicious brasa dish that’s cooked over live coals.

Brewski

Website: https://www.brewskibar.com.au/ 

Address: 22 Caxton Street – Petrie Terrace – Queensland 4000 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3369 2198

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

If you’re wondering where the hipsters enjoy their favorite craft beer,  head to Brewski in a historic cottage in Petrie Terrace.

Stepping inside this bar, you’ll instantly feel its character with its dim lighting, exposed brick walls and blow-torched pallets for its bar counter.

Brewski is also famous for over 12 rustic craft beers and cider on tap that are sourced from micro breweries around Australia.

Caxton Street Brewing Co.

https://www.instagram.com/caxtonstreetbrewing/ 

Website: https://www.caxtonstreetbrewing.com/ 

Address: 52 Petrie Terrace – Queensland 4000 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3506 3656

Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM / 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Craving for burgers and beer? Hit one of Petrie Terrace’s new hotspots Caxton Street Brewing Co.

This joint highlights its fresh beers on tap including Easy Stout, Hazy Pale Ale and Helles Lager.

And you also need to try this bar’s burgers and sides that compliment its beers pretty well.

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley
Image source: Bhavesh Patel on Unsplash

Classic and classy, that’s how you would describe Fortitude Valley on the northeastern side of Brisbane’s Central Business District.

This inner suburb is also called “The Valley” by locals and it’s known for its bustling nightlife scene.

Fortitude Valley is also where you’ll find a lot of hipsters who settled down on this part of town for its relaxing vibe and rustic atmosphere.

So, if you’re visiting the suburb, check out these hotspots where you can find most of the hipster community:

The Tivoli

Website: https://thetivoli.com.au/ 

Address: 52 Costin Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3852 1711

Contact details: +61 7 3852 1711

Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Tivoli was once a bakery in 1917 and it was later converted as an event space, theater and music venue where most of Fortitude Valley’s crowd converge to have fun.

Here, you’ll see everyone including the hipster community watching concerts, comedy shows and the cabaret. 

Black Bear Lodge

Website: https://www.myvalley.com.au/black-bear-lodge 

Address: 1/322 Brunswick Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3252 4276

Operating hours: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM

Brick walls, dim lighting and a mixed crowd of hipsters and regular individuals define Black Bear Lodge’s bar.

This spot is famous for its unique atmosphere and aside from enjoying some drinks, you can also watch different musical acts in the lounge regularly. 

Bakery Lane

Website:https://thelanesfortitudevalley.com.au/ 

Address: 22 McLachlan Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 413 960400

Do you want to see where the hipsters hang out during the day? Head to Bakery Lane, which is part of retail spaces called “The Lanes” in Fortitude Valley. 

This lane is lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries, a hip cake shop, some quaint cafes and different boutique designer studios that attract the hip crowd in Fortitude Valley.

Valley Laneway Markets

Website: https://valleylanewaymarkets.com.au/ 

Address: 356 Brunswick Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia

Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you happen to be in Fortitude Valley on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month,  you should check out The Valley Laneway Markets, a hip providore boutique market.

Here, you’ll find the hip crowd shopping for produce, vintage items and other local products.

New Farm

New Farm
Image source: TimeOut

Another must-visit suburb if you’re looking to spot hipsters is New Farm. 

This inner riverside suburb is located over 2 kilometers east of Brisbane’s City Business District right by the bend of the Brisbane River. 

Although it has been developed throughout the years, New Farm has maintained its old world charm, thanks to its many 19th and 20th century colonial homes.

The suburb also takes pride in its selection of art deco buildings, the most impressive in all of Brisbane.

Combining its eclectic vibe and relaxing atmosphere, New Farm has attracted the hipster community for many years.

So, if you’re visiting the area, here are some of the top spots that you should check out if you want to spot the hipster crowd:

Brisbane Powerhouse

Website: https://brisbanepowerhouse.org/ 

Address: Yagara Country – 119 street – New Farm – Queensland 4005 – Australia

Contact details: 07 3358 8622

Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

One of the most iconic buildings in New Farm is also one of its hippest entertainment venues.

Brisbane Powerhouse used to be the engine room for the city’s tram network. After being decommissioned, the space was converted into a multi arts venue.

Today, this bustling venue has two theatres where you can watch comedy shows, film festivals, dance and musical acts, and other entertainment shows. 

New Farm Deli

Website: https://newfarmdeli.com.au/ 

Address: Merthyr Village Shopping Centre – 90 Brunswick Street – New Farm – Queensland 4005 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3358 2634

Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

New Farm Deli has been the go-to spot for hipsters and regular folks alike for their fix of some Italian cold cuts, cheeses and other related products.

Since 1975, this deli has been serving top quality parmigiano, olives, prosciutto and more.

Gertie’s Bar

Website: https://gertiesbar.com.au/ 

Address: 699 Brunswick Street – New Farm – Queensland 4005 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3358 5961

Operating hours: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Good cocktails mixed with good company is what you’ll experience at Gertie’s Bar. From its oak doors to its classy interiors, you’ll surely love the vibe of this unique New Farm hotspot.

Hipster or not, this bar sure knows how to impress its guests with a wide selection of cocktails and a sumptuous tapas spread made by the chef.

Powerhouse Farmer’s Market

Website: https://www.janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au/powerhouse-farmers-markets 

Address: The Brisbane Powerhouse – 119 Lamington Street – New Farm – Queensland 4005 – Australia

Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM

A favorite among locals in New Farm, this farmer’s market is filled with shops where you’ll find produce, sauces, pastries and other products that are grown, made and sourced by their seller.

And if you get hungry while shopping, you can choose from one of the many food stalls in the area.

The Powerhouse Farmer’s Market also features a stunning backdrop of New Farm park and the old power station.

West End

West End
Image source: The Courier Mail

Located on the west end of Brisbane bounded by the Brisbane River on the western and southern side, West End is one of the suburbs that has a thriving hipster crowd.

This inner suburb is known for its culture, history and community making it a very attractive area to visit in Brisbane.

Here are some of the top spots to check out if you want to spot hipsters on West End:

Ballistic Alehouse and Kitchen

Website: https://ballisticbeer.com/pages/venue-west-end 

Address: 1/208 Montague Road – West End – Queensland 4101 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3844 5295

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

With over a dozen Ballistic brews to choose from, Ballistic Alehouse & Kitchen prides itself for its award-winning craft beers that have been enjoyed by locals for many years.

But aside from its impressive selection of beverages ranging from beers to gin and tonics, this spot also offers a great atmosphere that attracts the young and hip crowd.

Neo-Generalist

Website: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/vintage/neo-generalist-west-end 

Address: 209 Boundary Street – West End – Queensland 4101 – Australia

Contact details: +61 420 715 575

Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

If you want to know where the hipsters shop for stylish clothes, head to Neo-Generalist, West End’s famous vintage store.

This boutique in the heart of town offers clothes combining Hollywood Glamour and Wild West.

Here, you can grab a pair of vintage Levi’s jeans, beautiful lace French dresses and even cowboy boots if you’re into the style.

West End Markets

Website: https://goodwillprojects.com.au/markets/west-end/  

Address: Davies Park – Montague Road and Jane Street – West End – Queensland 4101 – Australia

Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

West End Markets is probably the most Boho market you’ll ever go to in Brisbane. Here, the hipster community gathers for a day of shopping, strolling and eating.

You can find everything here from delicious African meatballs to herbs and spices, and you surely won’t run out of options if you’re in for some good farmer’s market shopping.

The Bearded Lady

Website: https://www.thebeardedlady.com.au/gigs 

Address: 138 Boundary Street – West End – Queensland 4101 – Australia

Operating hours: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM

The Bearded Lady is one of West End’s most popular bars where you’ll see young and old patrons enjoying their Friday nights with friends.

Its interiors feature a recycled wood cabin, classic chairs and even a piano that gives you that hipster vibe.

The Bearded Lady also has an extensive selection of beers, cocktails and other drinks including favorites like Negroni, Mojito and The White Lady Loves You More.

Milton

Milton
Image source: Carles Rabada on Unsplash

Wrapping up this list is another popular Brisbane inner suburb where you can see a lot of hipsters.

Milton is located two kilometers west of the Brisbane Central Business District and it’s famous for its many residences and commercial buildings combining old and new architecture.

The suburb is also home to many of Brisbane’s hipsters because of its relaxing vibe with only 2,274 residents.

Are you wondering where to find the hipster crowd in Milton? Here are our top recommendations:

Milton Common

Website: https://www.miltoncommon.com.au/ 

Address: 35 Railway Terrace – Milton – Queensland 4064 – Australia

Contact details: +61 7 3368 1608

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

The best place in Milton to enjoy good beer and tapas, Milton Common is a local favorite for many years.

This industrial brewery  and bar serves 12 types of beers on taps including cider and alcoholic ginger beer.

Milton Common also sells craft beers from some of Australia’s best brewers including Black Hops Brewing and Aether and Soapbox Beer.

Love Me Again Market

Website: https://www.lovemeagainmarket.com.au/ 

Address: 31 Wolverhampton Street – Stafford – Queensland 4053 – Australia

Contact details: +61 428 888 508

Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Love Me Again Market is a shopper’s haven that opens every Sunday where you can buy pre-loved designer clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices.

This spot is a favorite among hipsters looking for stylish items to add to their closets because of its wide selection of products from sellers promoting sustainable fashion.

So, whether you’re looking for a comfortable shirt for running errands or a fashionable dress for a dinner date, you’ll surely find one at this weekend market. 

Bunker Coffee

Website: https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/eat-drink-coffee-west-milton/bunker-milton 

Address: 21 Railway Terrace – Milton – Queensland 4064 – Australia

Contact details: +61 422 124 767

Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where does Milton’s hipster crowd get their caffeine fix? Bunker is as unique as its brews.

This area used to be an old World War II air raid shelter that has been converted into a quaint coffee shop where you can find unique blends like its famous 5 Senses Coffee.

Bunker is literally its name, an old bunker that’s now one of the best places to take good photos, enjoy the hip crowd and grab a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

You should also try the shop’s fresh croissants and sweets to pair with your beverage.

The Scratch Bar

Website: https://www.scratchbar.com/ 

Address: Unit 8/1 Park Road – Milton – Queensland 4064 – Australia 

Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Wooden stools, leather chairs and dim lighting make The Scratch Bar your quintessential bar for good craft beer with good company.

This joining has been attracting the hipster crowd for years because of its more quiet location at the end of the strip and a more relaxed vibe than other hotspots in town.

Here, you can enjoy offerings like Moylan’s Extra Special Bitter and Three Ravens Dark Smoke.

The bar also offers a wide array of cheeses and unshelled peanuts to match your beers. But you can bring your own food or order at the Thai restaurant beside the bar if you want some grub.

The best part is, The Scratch Bar allows pets, so you can bring your dog if you want to take it out for the day or you can’t leave it at home. 

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