Brisbane Rooftop Bars
In a city that specialises in stunning views and laidback vibes, these are the hottest spots for a sky high drink or two.
When it comes to kicking back after a long, hot day, there are some things Brisbane does better than anywhere else. Warm afternoons and an iconic city skyline means watching the sunset over the river is a must. There’s no better way to take it all in than from a rooftop bar, and that’s an area in which the river city excels.
From ambitious fusion cuisines to world-renowned cocktails, these sky-high venues are more than just a place for a drink with a view. With such a diverse array of offerings, ticking them all off only seems like the right thing to do.
The Terrace, South Brisbane
The jewel in the crown of South Bank’s Emporium hotel, The Terrace is a commanding presence with its power to wow. Great glass panels make up the balcony and roof, giving panoramic views along the river. On offer are an impressive selection of signature cocktails, taking in the subtropical air of Brisbane and channelling it into vibrant, fruity flavours. The food takes its cues from Japanese and Korean cuisine, with ingredients such as white miso and yuzu kimchi making their mark on local meat and seafood.
Location: Emporium Hotel South Bank, Level 21/267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Views: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane River and Brisbane City.
Top tipple: The Para-Paradiso, the happy meeting place of Tiki cocktails, Queensland tropical fruit and zesty yuzu citrus.
Valley Hops, Fortitude Valley
Up on top of Valley clubbing mainstay Cloudland is a unique entry to the list, Brisbane’s only rooftop brewery. Hanging plants and glass panels give the feeling of a greenhouse, cooling down with a few of Valley Hops’ specialty craft beers. Also on offer are an impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas, arguably the perfect companion to an afternoon on the pints. For those less beer-inclined, Valley Hops aren’t afraid to put their spin on a classic cocktail, and have a commendable list of primarily Australian wines.
Location: 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Views: Fortitude Valley
Top tipple: The 21 Pubs Pale Ale is a classic, but keep an eye out for a rotating roster of special releases.
Fiume, Brisbane City
Sitting pretty above Brisbane’s hippest new dining precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, is where you’ll find Fiume. Sip cocktails poolside under the shade of the magnificent Story Bridge without a care in the world and watch as this cliffside hotspot comes to life below you. While its name comes from the Italian word for river, it is unabashedly Queensland through and through. With nods to the wider South East Queensland area, such as Montville mushrooms and Moreton Bay bug, Fiume’s adventurous menu champions local ingredients.
Location: Level 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Views: Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane River
Top tipple: You can’t get any more Queensland than a Milton Mango and this one is a tropical rum delight.
Cielo, Fortitude Valley
Cielo has the right idea: drink cocktails by award-winning Sydney bar Maybe Sammy without having to be in Sydney. A collaboration between the bar that regularly ranks among the best in the world and the successful Salt Meats Cheese group, Cielo is a ray of sunshine in the heart of the Valley. The menu is an impressive commitment to Italian street food, with porchetta sliders and housemade pizzette. The drinks follow a similar theme, many of them named for the coastal Italian getaways you could almost mistake Cielo for after a refreshing sip.
Location: Rooftop, 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Views: Fortitude Valley
Top tipple: The Rialto Bellini 2.0 is worth it for the novelty of a signature lollipop garnish, but the Positano’s alluring mix of toasted coconut and ‘house perfume’ is not to be missed.
Soko, Fortitude Valley
Soko is sure to be Brisbane’s only rooftop bar serving up Peruvian/Japanese fusion, and for that alone it’s worth checking out. It’s a venue that’s not prepared to do things in half measures: with over 40 flavours of pisco sours, and a wine and sake list painstakingly curated to each menu item, Soko refuses to be anything less than spectacular. It’s echoed by the striking metal structures on the rooftop, leading out to sleek glass railings giving an unobstructed view out over the city. Come for exquisite seafood-focused fusion dishes and stay for the live music and fire juggling.
Location: Level 14/7 Symes St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Views: Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City.
Top tipple: Build your own pisco sour, with flavours ranging from strawberry and elderflower to melon and wasabi.
MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley
Born from a love of artisanal tequila forged during a trip to Guadalajara, MAYA’s owners want to show Australia what real Mexican food and drink looks like. From the bright rooftop courtyard adorned with cacti, MAYA’s share plates focus on good company and good times. Enjoy local produce and seafood with an authentic Mexican spin, focusing on freshness, spice and chargrilled flavour.
Location: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Views: Fortitude Valley.
Top tipple: With limoncello, cucumber and jalapeño, the East of the Border refreshes and sizzles all at once.
Iris, Fortitude Valley
Iris has proclaimed itself ‘Brisbane’s Most Luxurious Rooftop Bar’, and with menu items such as lobster paella and spanner crab and saffron bruschetta, it’s hard to argue. The Spanish-inspired venue sits atop the lavish Hotel X, and has taken home industry awards for its food and wine list every year since 2014. Stay for the long haul and take on the banquet menu with nine expertly crafted dishes at $75 a person.
Location: 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Views: Brisbane City, Story Bridge, Brisbane River
Top tipple: Sangria is Spain’s national drink and, with three different types on the menu, Iris does its homeland proud.
Nautilus Pool Bar, Brisbane City
In a lot of other cities, a swim-up bar in the CBD might come off as kitsch. But in Brisbane, it’s a celebration of the city’s glorious climate and iconic skyline. The bar in question is Nautilus, on top of the Westin hotel, and it brings elegance and style to the carefree nature of a tropical locale. Entry is ticketed at $29 a person but includes a towel and a Summer Spritz. From there, snack on oysters and tiger prawns poolside or submerge and sip on classic cocktails and craft beers.
Location: 111 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Views: Brisbane City
Top tipple: Go for the refreshing, zesty Limoncello Spritz.