The Best Bar Openings in Brisbane in 2023

If you’re still hunting down your new favourite haunt, you’ve come to the right place. Brisbane’s food and drink scene is booming (thanks in advance, 2032 Olympics), and it feels like a new venue sets up shop every other week. As unabashed food and drink obsessives, the Sitchu team take no issue with this, and you’ll find us descending on any new watering holes at our earliest convenience.

Take a scroll through the best new bars that set up shop in Brisbane 2023, to discover your new fave spot for a craft beer, bespoke cocktail or boutique wine. It’s where you’d rather be when an email hopes to find you “well”.

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

The Aviary

Bursting onto the Brisbane City scene in August, the Aviary is one of the best new bars in Brisbane for a cocktail or a well-deserved glass of wine at the end of a long day. With playful and cheeky energy, this subtropical Terrace bar is located right in the city's heart, making it the dream destination for knock-off drinks or the beginning of a sparkling night out in the city. When you’re craving a casual yet chic drink with your besties, head to the Aviary’s terrace for great views, incredible cocktails and a marvellous time!

Level 4/480 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Claw

Brisbane’s newest bar and crab shack opens on King Street, adding yet another top-tier venue to this foodie heaven destination. Claw boasts an enormous 1000-seat capacity, this all-American crab shack and grill is a fun and completely unpretentious new dinner and drinks spot that will soon become an after-work or Sunday session favourite in your social circles. Opening from August 12th, you’ll want to be one of the first Brisbanites to set foot in this fun venue.

56 King Street, Bowen Hills

Ruby Vinyl Bar

Newstead is no stranger to the latest and greatest in wining and dining destinations and has welcomed their latest addition in the form of Ruby Vinyl Bar. This trendy little bar combines rock and roll glam with creative Japanese dishes and signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. Resident vinyl DJs keep the vibes on lock while you let down your hair and enjoy an old-fashioned good time at this new Brisbane bar.

12 Longland Street, Newstead

Babylon Gardens

Babylon is a sprawling Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant and bar on the banks of the Brisbane River and needs to be added to your must-visit list, pronto.

This year, we saw the addition of Babylon Gardens to Brisbane’s riverside; a waterfront alfresco bar and a more casual dining destination for those seeking a CBD dining destination or a post-work drink. Sit by the water and enjoy the gorgeous view, fresh air and decadent cocktails at this stunning new Brisbane venue. Offering a variety of expertly mixed cocktails and elevated Levantine eats, Babylotely one of Brisbane’s best new bars to splash out in for a special occasion.

145 Eagle Street, Brisbane

The Nixon Room

The Nixon Room pays homage to years past with deep hues, tan leather armchairs and oak panelling, in a moody venue destined to inspire you to unwind. Hidden down a fig-lined alley, this hidden gem of a bar is the perfect escape from a busy day, serving up cold cocktails and snacks to treat your palate. There’s no signage to announce The Nixon Room’s existence, but you’ll find it by slipping through ESSA Restaurant, or by wandering down the fig-tree-lined laneway off Robertson Street. Once you’re ensconced within the moody interiors, surrounded by marble and leather with an expertly mixed drink in hand, you’ll understand why we’ve rated this as one of the best new bars in Brisbane.

3/181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley

Lina Rooftop

Feel like you’ve stepped out of Brisbane and into the Mediterranean when you arrive at Lina Rooftop! This luxe and spacious open rooftop bar also features a stunning infinity pool to elevate your visit to vacay vibes immediately. Recline on a day bed with rosè in hand and gourmet bites at the ready, while you enjoy the incredible view over the Brisbane city skyline. This stunning new bar in Brisbane has quickly become one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in Brisbane.

74-80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane

Stratton Bar & Kitchen

Housed within two old World War II hangars, Stratton Bar & Kitchen is a striking sight. Recently transformed into a modern, industrial-chic bar serving wood-fired pizza, delicious cocktails and plenty of quality wines, this venue is an easy selection for any night out. From date nights to a pre-show dinner, this is one of the best new bars in Brisbane to visit for a change of scenery from your tried and true favourite. We love the moody lighting, green plants in the entrance and the ‘come one, come all’ approach of this welcoming Newstead venue.

3-5 Stratton Street, Newstead

Ardo’s

Your new neighbourhood spot for a glass of wine and a quick bite, Ardo’s is a tasteful hole-in-the-wall on Wyandra Street, pouring generous Gerler wines and dishing out excellent vino knowledge, recommendations and good times. You’ll find local and international wines a-plenty, and tasty morsels in the cabinet to munch on as you catch up with your bestie over a carafe of rosè. Ardo’s is one of the best new bars in Brisbane to visit when you’re ready to take your tastebuds on a journey - you’ll be in very safe hands with their experienced Wine Guides!

During 2023, Ardo's opened their doors in Newstead, Graceville and Hawthorne, so no matter what side of town you live on, there's a cosy wine bar near you. Cin-cin!

Multiple locations

The Gatsby

Inspired by the glitz, glamour and gossip of 1920s soirees, The Gatsby is our favourite fun new venue on Ann Street to visit on special occasions, or simply to escape the world after a long day in the office. The Gatsby beckons you with one of the most extensive selections of drinks, liqueurs and cocktails, with a 74-page menu showcasing a mix of classics alongside some fantastic new twists on your favourites.

Sitchu Tip: If you feel like splurging on a bottle of something special, go right ahead. If you don’t finish it on the day, you can safely store it in the building’s original 1887 vault, where it will await your next visit. We’ll wager you won’t want to leave it too long before returning to this beautiful bar!

740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Tax Office

From your office… to the Tax Office. This new bar in Brisbane is destined to be your next favourite just-knocked-off-work drinks destination in the Valley. Located within one of Brisbane’s beautiful heritage buildings, the iconic architecture of this space contrasts with the fresh new finishes and installations that have brought the Tax Office into the future. This upbeat drinks and dining destination is destined to be a hot favourite among the pleasure-seekers and taste-makers among the city and Valley folk who love to mix work and play.

740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Flying Colours

Your new West End local has arrived in the form of Flying Colours, occupying the space that was once home to Super Whatnot. With a casual friendliness and a focus on the simple pleasures, Flying Colours is the place to pop by for tasty beers, natural-leaning wines or a cocktail to be enjoyed in one of three pockets of the venue; their leafy courtyard, cosy warehouse-style dining room or their side bar with resident DJs. On the food menu are snacks, mains and charcuterie, so all bases are covered when you’re searching for a weekend pit stop. This brand-new Brisbane bar will soon become a fast favourite, we’ve just got a good feeling about it!

63 Vulture Street, West End

Now that you’ve worked your way through the best bar openings of 2023, bring your roster up to date with this year’s best new bars. Need something to eat first? Pop by one of Brisbane’s newest restaurants for a bite.

Always on the hunt for somewhere new to sip? Follow us on Instagram @sitchu.brisbane to be the first to know when something new hits the scene.