Toast the week with sensational sips and guaranteed good times at the best Brisbane bars.

Flushed with mixology masterminds and hospitality trailblazers, Brisbane is finally exploiting its after-dark potential. Just add burgeoning entertainment precincts and river views to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for seriously exceptional revelry. From waterfront marvels and laneway gems to unassuming holes-in-the-wall and bustling al fresco spaces, the best Brisbane bars unleash world-class good times. Let’s drop into the most exceptional.

1. Stan’s Lounge

Elevating Stanley at Howard Smith Wharves to all-new heights (literally), Stan’s Lounge is perched above the fine dining restaurant and dazzles from every angle.

Taking inspiration from the intoxicating charms of Hong Kong, the vibe is sexy on steroids—think velvet furnishings, mirrored wall features, brass tables and a solid palette of jewel-upon-dark.

The drinks are smashing, spinning classics and signature concoctions with finesse, but it’s the fact that they can tailor your specific hankering to a drink that’s entirely you that’s most impressive.

Food-wise, it’s a new-world homage to old-school Hong Kong as refined Cantonese-inspired plates, like crayfish San Choy Bao and lobster dumplings, send spirits soaring. The cherry on top? Epic, sweeping views over the Brisbane River.

Address: Upstairs at Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

2. Maker

A sliver in the wall along Fish Lane, right near South Bank in Brisbane’s CBD, Maker is a slick operation you can’t resist dropping into.

A shimmering 7.5-metre brass bar slings low, allowing you to cosy right into the bar top for a good look at the action. The gang are supremely talented, shaking and stirring the classics with precision while spinning seasonal ingredients into smooth, far-too-drinkable winners.

You’ll struggle to avoid ordering a gourmet toastie, which you’ll smell coming fresh out of their sandwich press by the window overlooking a couple of al fresco tables. Or, perhaps it’s something from the charcuterie cabinet that’ll hook you…

Address: 9 Fish Lane, South Brisbane

3. Canvas Club

See the wooden doors next to that vintage tailor on the main road in Woolloongabba? Step through them to find one of the city’s most enchanting bars.

Canvas Club is a cocktail and tapas bar serving up high-quality concoctions, spirits, beers and wine alongside delicious small plates (and that tailor is just for show, by the way).

The vibe is entirely intimate and unique, led by the 1940s-inspired decor and living room-friendly interiors, and that’s before you find The Tailors, its Friday night speakeasy that’s home to live jazz. One of the best Brisbane bars, there’s even an open-air Secret Garden dotted with leafy foliage and fairy lights.

Address: 16 Logan Road, Woolloongabba

4. Death & Taxes

Pick your poison from more than 500 whiskeys (if you don’t believe the count, take one glance at the haul crawling up the wall behind the bar) at Death & Taxes.

One of the best Brisbane bars propelling the city’s growing laneway culture, the dimly lit space is filled with rich leather bar stools and leather booths dotted with candles.

Drinks-wise, you’re spoilt for choice but don’t miss their masterful cocktails that pay tribute to Hollywood film stars, fictional characters and Aussie legends like Layne Beachley (tropical like a Harvey Wallbanger) and Kath & Kim (zesty like a mojito).

Address: 36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City

5. Pawn & Co.

There’s nothing in Australia, let alone Brisbane, like Pawn & Co..

As wickedly peculiar as the type of hideaways more often found in New York (Manhattan’s Beauty & Essex instantly springs to mind), this Brisbane bar doubles (well, triples) as a perfumery, where you can create your own scent, and a pawn shop as you can purchase everything in the bar for the right price.

Then there’s the drinks. Don’t be surprised to see them smoke up a storm or pour right out of glass perfume bottles. It’s theatrical and barrels of fun.

Address: 680 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

6. The Old Seven

A suburban star located about 20 minutes from the CBD, The Old Seven in Camp Hill is a charming wine bar stocked with dreamy, cheesy accompaniments.

The fromagerie and charcuterie menu stalks the globe for outstanding delicacies, and the team even turn some of their most suited cheeses into piping hot jaffles.

Chase the gourmet treasures down with exceptional international wines, including dozens (yes, dozens) available by the glass.

Address: 567 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill

7. Bar Miette

Found in the city’s emerging Queen’s Wharf Brisbane entertainment precinct, Bar Miette is elegant, Instagram-perfect and hopefully a good indication of what’s to come down there.

One of the best Brisbane bars, the hot spot is situated right off the Brisbane River, so waterfront vistas dial up the cheer right away.

Nodding to the bistros of Europe from a look-and-feel perspective, the drinks go bigger, taking inspiration from every corner of the globe.

Don’t miss the Champagne list, which flies into extreme high-roller territory, as well as the limoncello for a real sense of escapism.

Address: 443 Queen Street, Brisbane

8. Kiki

Avoid the Queensland heat by ducking into an inner-city sanctuary set amongst lush subtropical greenery. Kiki, adjoined to Southside which is one of Brisbane’s best restaurants, is an enthralling oasis that envelops you into a hidden forest. The cocktail menu kicks into gear from midday, and you’ll find its grand circular bar right in the thick of the sprawling space (beneath the rail bridge), which spills into Fish Lane. Choose from beautifully crafted cocktails, plus there’s a broad list of wines, beers and outstanding Bánh mì if you’re there for lunch before 2 pm.

Address: 63 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

9. Cobbler

If you’re serious about your whiskey, this one’s for you. Cobbler is home to more than 500 varieties, and they’re stacked high behind a beautiful, ornate bar. They do stellar cocktails, too, doused with fruity and seasonal flavours, but it’s all about the hard stuff at this best Brisbane bar. Choose your favourite and sink into one of the leather bar stools, leather dining chairs or that all-too-delicious chocolate leather lounge.

Address: 7 Browning Street, West End

10. Savile Row

While we’re in the mood for top-shelf whiskey, let’s shine a light on Savile Row.

Peek behind the orange door to uncover yet another ode to the hard stuff, boasting more than 900 spirits, including hundreds of whiskeys.

It’s a spot for spirit purists with a range of sherry and amaro up for grabs too. Cocktails are solidly streamed, expertly blended to let the flavours of this extraordinary spirits collection oh-so-subtly shine.

Address: 667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

11. The Gresham Bar

Wrap your lips around the city’s hardest-to-source spirits and liquors at The Gresham Bar. Renowned for its beautiful range of rum and whiskey, as well as its fierce mixology chops, the popular inner-city sanctuary takes pride in old-school hospitality and its historical 1880s digs. Quench your thirst (go for a spirit tasting flight if the options are overwhelming) before sinking your teeth into small bites like toasties, spiced hummus and cheese boards.

Address: 308 Queen Street, Brisbane City

12. The Nixon Room

Brought to you by the team behind Essa, one of the best Brisbane restaurants, The Nixon Room is a completely charming little bar that hooks the cool kids.

Firstly, the interior is every shade of chocolate, dotted with trendy furnishings, and then there’s the fact that there’s space for just 25 guests at a time, so it’s instantly exclusive.

The martinis are crowd pleasers; however, a smart edit of wine and beer also impresses. DJs spinning vinyl provide the icing on the cake.

Address: Unit 3, 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley

13. Babylon Gardens

While many have fallen in love with its fine dining restaurant, Babylon Brisbane is also home to one of the city’s best waterfront bars. Set right off the Brisbane River and offering seriously soothing views, the Brisbane bar is al fresco and spills over with good vibes. A perfect place for singles keen to mingle, it attracts large groups of revellers, so get there early to secure a central spot. A menu of signature cocktails runs the entire taste spectrum, and there’s also a bunch of spritzes, wine and beer to consider.

Address: Babylon Brisbane, 145 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

14. Mr. Percival’s

An original star of Howard Smith Wharves, Mr. Percival’s was one of the first cool kids on the historical wharfage block. Set right over the Brisbane River beneath the Story Bridge, the location is unbeatable.

Elbow your way to the interior bar stools next to the floor-to-ceiling windows for an epic, river-flooded photo backdrop, or grab a spot on the deck under a blush pink umbrella.

Multiple spritzes scatter the drinks menu, as do cocktail jugs and excellent wine and beer, plus you can line your belly with top-notch crispy pizzas and other completely moreish share plates. An instant party starter, no matter when you arrive.

Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City