City directory · Australia · 2026

Best bars in Brisbane

Frog's Hollow Saloon, an old-west whisky saloon in Brisbane's CBD, was Queensland's best new bar in 2023 and the national Bar of the Year in 2026. Savile Row hides a speakeasy parlour and a wall of around a thousand bottles behind an orange door in Fortitude Valley. Alice, a basement off an Elizabeth Street laneway with 150 bourbons and an 80s jukebox, pours until 3am every night.

Current: 23
Best global rank: 208
Closed: 7

What this list covers. Kinda Decent follows bars with one or more meaningful signals from awards, peer lists, guest ratings, and editorial coverage. It is a ranked view of our sourced corpus, not a directory of every bar in Brisbane. Global ranks and stars stay consistent across the site. Read the published methodology.

2026 city ranking

Brisbane ranking

City rank is each venue's position among the 23 current listings shown here. Global rank is its position in the worldwide Kinda Decent ranking. Profiles with unverified operating status are labeled.

How to read the signal scores

Signal charts show scores out of 100 before weighting. Open a venue for sources.

Est. = proxy estimate · None = checked, none found · Out = outside the scoring window · — = unavailable.

1City
Global #208
Frog's Hollow Saloon
Brisbane, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
A Brisbane CBD whisky saloon that went from Best New Bar in Queensland in 2023 to Bar of the Year at the Australian Bar Awards 2026.
Whisky saloon and cocktail bar · site · IG
47.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
90 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
18 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
2City
Global #317
Savile Row
Brisbane, AustraliaProvisional Kinda Decent 2026 1-star — Kinda Decent
A Brisbane speakeasy behind an orange door in Fortitude Valley, with a vast spirits wall and the 2024 Australian Bar Awards' Cocktail List of the Year.
Hidden whisky and cocktail bar · site · IG
43.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
33 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
52 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
3City
Global #407
The Gresham
Brisbane, Australia
Bar Team of the Year at the 2026 Australian Bar Awards: a spirits-first Brisbane bar working out of a heritage former bank.
Heritage spirits and cocktail bar · site · IG
41.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
4City
Global #447
Cobbler
Brisbane, Australia
Twice a Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30 pick, this West End bar pairs well-made cocktails with whisky know-how and a warm welcome.
West End · Cocktail and whisky bar · site · IG
40.1
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
47 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
5City
Global #468
Before + After
Brisbane, Australia
A Brisbane basement built around amaro, aperitifs and digestifs, twice named in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30.
Basement amaro and cocktail bar · IG
39.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
49 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
7 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
6City
Global #472
Alice
Brisbane, Australia
A Brisbane laneway basement bar with 150 bourbons, an 80s jukebox and a 3am last call every night, crowned Nightclub of the Year in 2026.
Late-night cocktail and bourbon bar · site · IG
39.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
17 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
7City
Global #490
Antico
Brisbane, Australia
The Cuatro Group's Italian-leaning cocktail bar on Burnett Lane, reworking the classics with the seasons in a split-level room of leather booths.
Classic cocktail bar · site · IG
39.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
42 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
16 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
82 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
8City
Global #497
The End
Brisbane, Australia
A West End neighbourhood bar in a former video store, pouring natural wine and creative cocktails with genuinely warm hosts behind the bar.
West End · Natural-wine neighbourhood bar · IG
39.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
47 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
6 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
85 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
9City
Global #507
Death & Taxes
Brisbane, Australia
A basement bar on Brisbane's Burnett Lane with a deep back bar and excellent cocktails, twice in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30.
Underground cocktail bar · site
38.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
41 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
8 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
10City
Global #587
Shaman
Brisbane, Australia
Rum and tequila rule at this Edward Street basement bar in Brisbane, named Queensland's Best New Bar at Boothby's 2026 awards.
Basement rum and tequila cocktail bar · site · IG
37.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
44 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
11City
Global #602
Dr Gimlette
Brisbane, Australia
A late-night Brisbane bar where the Martini trolley comes to the table, twice named in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30.
Late-night cocktail bar · site · IG
37.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
41 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
12City
Global #610
Maker
Brisbane, Australia
A small Fish Lane bar in Brisbane pouring drinks made to the season and the guest, Small Bar of the Year at the 2024 Australian Bar Awards.
Intimate seasonal and bespoke cocktail bar · IG
36.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
13City
Global #642
Bar Brutus
Brisbane, Australia
A South Brisbane neighbourhood bar off Fish Lane, twice in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30, with inventive cocktail specials before a show.
South Brisbane · Neighbourhood bar · site · IG
36.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
47 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
5 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
14City
Global #652
Brooklyn Standard
Brisbane, Australia
A Brisbane cocktail bar where live bands and good drinks share the bill, twice placed in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30.
Underground live-music cocktail bar · site · IG
36.3
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
41 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
6 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
15City
Global #782
Ruby, My Dear
Brisbane, Australia
A vinyl listening bar in Newstead pairing casual food with cocktails, named in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30 for 2025.
Newstead · Vinyl bar and casual-dining venue · site · IG
34.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
25 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
16 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
16City
Global #815
The Alliance Hotel
Brisbane, Australia
A heritage Spring Hill pub with a whisky-focused bistro, named Pub of the Year at the 2026 Australian Bar Awards.
Heritage pub and whisky-focused bistro · site · IG
34.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
11 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
17City
Global #817
Milquetoast
Brisbane, Australia
Twice honoured at the 2025 Boothby Best Bars Queensland awards, this Elizabeth Street laneway wine bar in Brisbane pairs share plates with well-chosen wine.
Wine bar and dining room · site
34.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
72 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
35 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
78 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
18City
Global #849
Patio by Range
Brisbane, Australia
Range Brewing's neighbourhood bar in Rosalie, Brisbane, named Best Speciality Beer Venue at the 2026 Australian Bar Awards.
Neighbourhood craft-beer and wine bar · site · IG
34.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
9 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
19City
Global #1107
Dark Red Wine Bar
Brisbane, Australia
An Italian-focused wine bar in Fortitude Valley, named in Boothby's 2025 Queensland Top 30, with friendly advice in a relaxed room.
Fortitude Valley · Italian-focused wine bar · IG
31.5
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
68 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
25 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
20City
Global #1118
Walter's Steakhouse & Bar
Brisbane, Australia
A New York-style Brisbane steakhouse with its own bar for wine, premium spirits and classic cocktails, in Boothby's Queensland Top 30 for 2023.
Steakhouse with a separate classic-cocktail, wine and spirits bar · site · IG
31.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
21 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
21City
Global #1244
Bar Miette
Brisbane, Australia
A riverside terrace wine bar in central Brisbane, in Boothby's Queensland Top 30 for 2025, liked for its wine, cocktails and friendly welcome.
Terrace wine bar · site · IG
29.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
61 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
25 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
22City
Global #1286
Suzie Wong’s Good Time Bar
Brisbane, Australia
A Hawaiian-inspired surf shack in Fortitude Valley pairing cocktails with live bands, named in the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30 for 2023.
Fortitude Valley · Hawaiian-inspired live-music cocktail bar · site · IG
29.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
21 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Social Vibes
66 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
23City
Global #1409
LOS (Land of Smiles)
Brisbane, Australia
An upstairs Fortitude Valley agave bar mixing Mexican and Southeast Asian flavours, twice in Boothby's Queensland Top 30.
Fortitude Valley · Agave-focused cocktail bar · site · IG
25.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100
Guest ratings
32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
World's 50 Best
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Top 500 Bars
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Spirited Awards
checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
Regional Recognition
41 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Serious press
16 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Social Vibes
65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores

Evidence key: — unavailable · Est. proxy estimate · None checked with no qualifying signal · Out outside the scoring window. Unavailable, none and outside-window signals contribute zero; estimates use their disclosed proxy score. The published weights stay fixed.

Historical record

Closed venues

These venues remain in the corpus for their awards history. Every one is marked Closed and is not presented as a place to visit.

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