The 2023 Openings That Raised The Bar in Brisbane
Have you checked all of these off your list? Discover the best bars that opened across Brisbane in 2023.
2023 was a busy little year for the Brisbane bar scene. From chic cocktail lounges to neighbourhood pubs, the river city has welcomed a diverse range of new bars. Notable mentions go to Ardo’s, who have seemingly opened a cosy little wine bar on every corner, making those post-work wind-downs even easier. And if you’re searching for the quintessential Sunday session vibes, nothing could beat the newest rooftop bars like Sunsets.
Keep on scrolling to discover the best bars that opened in Brisbane during 2023.
Nok Nok
A mysterious green door awaits you on Brunswick Street. Embellished with an old-fashioned brass door knocker, once you step through this door you’ll be transported into a lamp-lit, tropical-themed bar. On the menu is a mix of bespoke cocktails and boutique wines, so it’s the best new bar in Brisbane to visit to try something new after a long day in the office.
362 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Alice Bar
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a sneaky little laneway bar. So we’re suitably thrilled to add the brand new Alice Bar to our rotation of inner-city haunts! Hidden down an alleyway opposite the Hilton Hotel on Elizabeth Street, Alice is an eighties-inspired rock’n’roll bar that boasts more than 150 bottles of bourbon. If you prefer a different spirit, you’ll find a generous mix of gins, rums, whiskies and vodka on the shelf at this new bar in Brisbane.
Laneway, 195 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane
Midtown
Why not make plans to meet for a martini? Impress the group chat by making a date to visit the best new bar in Brisbane for a two-sip martini at this intimate new bar. Perfect for date night, Midtown is a cosy, 40-seater bar in the thriving foodie hub of Fish Lane. Split into three distinct areas (Uptown, Midtown and Downtown), guests can opt for a casual, private or alfresco experience when they visit this supper club for a classic cocktail and a bite to eat. When it comes to the menu, you’re in safe hands. Midtown is operated by the brilliant duo behind One Fish Two Fish, so expect to nibble on dishes with Spanish, Italian and Balkan influence.
Sitchu Tip: Visit Midtown on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night to make the most of their Supper Club offering, with drink specials and live music on offer to set the tone for a glitzy night ahead.
15 Manning Street, South Brisbane
Brew Baron Beer Co.
Parched Brewing has had a makeover! The Brew Baron Beer Company are the new Aussie family behind the revamped space on Montague Road in West End. With plenty of beermaking experience under their belt, you won’t be disappointed when you drop in to visit the Baron for a refreshingly frosty beer. The menu offers a hearty spread of brewpub classics, with a few fun surprises, like the “birramisu pie” (which may sound like a dessert, but is in fact a braised, beef cheek pie served with mash and greens). The menu also offers options for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diets.
391 Montague Road, West End
FOSH Bar & Restaurant
Seafood: reimagined. That’s what Portside’s freshest addition promises and we’re excited to see it deliver! FOSH Bar & Restaurant is a chic new modern seafood restaurant dedicated to freshly caught fish, brought to you by the team behind Yamas Greek, Massimo Restaurant and Opa Bar + Mezze. Cosy up in the open-plan interior or unwind in the leafy alfresco dining area with bountiful plates of market-fresh fish and a tipple or two from the extensive cocktails or wine list.
Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton
Sunsets Rooftop
The newest rooftop bar on the Brisbane scene, Sunsets Rooftop lives up to its name with an incredible vantage point over Kangaroo Point. Opening just in time for spring and the warmer months to arrive, Sunsets’ aesthetic is inspired by the vibrant and sun-kissed climate of Queensland, presented in the style of a desert oasis, where warm breezes meet refreshing cocktails to create a rooftop paradise. With a menu paying homage to the diverse culinary traditions found in tropical regions around the world, Sunsets manages to make this multicultural attitude feel distinctly Brisbane… and we’re oh so here for it. See you there for sundowners this spring!
95 Linton Street, Kangaroo Point
Antico Bar
The talented crew behind some of our favourite Brisbane bars, Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette, have just raised the stakes on the sipping scene with their brand new venture; Antico Bar. This stunning Italian-inspired, three-level cocktail bar is housed within the CBD’s Burnett Lane (the oldest lane in Brisbane, that once served as an exercise yard for prisoners!), and is set to become one of the best hidden gems in the city. The exposed brick, sunken lounge and sparkling arch back bar set the mood for a date night, catch up or a cosy spot to unwind after a long day at the desk.
48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City
The Reserve Cellar & Wine Bar
Touted as the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts, the Reserve Wine Bar is The Emporium’s newest inhabitant. With an extensive wine list of over 3000 wines to choose from, the sommeliers are at hand to ensure a memorable experience with personalised recommendations. Of course, there’s also a Coravin system in place, so that you can try wines by the glass that are usually only available by the bottle. And if that weren’t enough to draw you into this new Brisbane bar, you can also utilise their ‘try before you buy’ concept, where you can enjoy a glass (or just a taste test) before purchasing a bottle to take home.
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Now that you’ve got the scoop on Brisbane’s best new bars, it’s time to plan the rest of your weekend! Check out our event guide to find the best happenings across the city, or scroll through our list of the newest bars in Brisbane and find somewhere brand new to sip.
