Catering for a crowd

Rally your team and join in the after-work drinks action at the ever-popular Friday’s Riverside. Just down the river, Bar Pacino has uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge, Riverland features five street food kitchens, Customs House hosts pop-up bars on its leafy terrace and Blackbird puts the opulence into riverside drinking for your group shenanigans.

The City’s Transcontinental Hotel, Embassy Bar & Kitchen, Port Office Hotel, Stock Exchange and Grand Central Hotel are ideal venues for big groups craving a casual pub experience. For a British-style gastropub experience, try the Pig ‘n’ Whistle King George Square or Pig ‘n’ Whistle Riverside on Eagle St.

Mr Edward’s Alehouse has an old-school pub feel with ice-cold beers paired with a soundtrack of Motown, soul and rock ’n’ roll. If you love the craic of Irish pubs, sink a schooner of Guinness at Gilhooleys Irish Pub & Restaurant on Albert St or visit Irish Murphy’s on George St. American-themed Buffalo Bar on Mary St has wings and whiskey aplenty for your post-work needs. You’re encouraged to get rowdy in two of The City’s favourite sports bars: Winghaus and Fat Angel Sports Bar. If you’re looking to kick on, be sure to pop into Fat Angel’s sibling venue Brooklyn Standard for a boogie.

Cosy drinking spots 

The City’s laneways are heaving with small bars, cafes and street art for a wind-down with colleagues or friends, and Burnett Lane is no exception. Pop into Mr Wabi for eclectic cocktails and street eats, stop at the split-level Super Whatnot for wines, beers and snacks, channel the underground bars of London and Paris at Death & Taxes.

The Gresham on Gresham Lane is the ultimate whisky bar and a favourite for a moody drinking night or head over to Corbett & Claude on Elizabeth St for pizza and beers and Comuna Cantina for South American cuisine on Creek St.  

Positioned perfectly opposite QueensPlaza, Miss Demeanour Laneway Bar is tucked behind Edward Street and down Rowes Lane serving delicious classic and unique cocktails that pair with the moody underground venue. Further down Edward St, Dr Gimlette boasts a 9 m marble bar, cosy booths and a dedicated martini cart. 

Popular among city workers is Heritage Lanes on Ann St, where you can enjoy a tipple at Malt Traders or sit back and listen to a live DJ every Friday against the green backdrop of Gather Bistro.

Enjoy activities outside the office

Warm up your vocal cords and dazzle your colleagues with your best renditions of Queen, Beyoncé or John Farnham with karaoke at Fat Louie’s on Albert St or Music City on Adelaide St. While you’re at it, pair your after-work drinks with a game of mini golf at Holey Moley Golf Club or bowling at Strike Bowling (in Wintergarden), both offering bonus karaoke rooms to sing the night away.  

Fox In A Box escape room is perfect for your next corporate or team event. Put those creative thinking and communication skills to the test – after all, the best out-of-the-box thinking is done with a drink in hand, right?  

Work drinks with a view

Do champagne and bubbles taste better at a sky-high bar? There’s only one way to find out. Located above Queen Street Mall, the Hibiscus Room at Hyatt Regency Brisbane overlooks the shopping strip with plenty of resort-style seating by the 20m infinity pool. WET Deck offers a rooftop bar and pool area with panoramic views and a great soundtrack at W Brisbane. 

Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar is perched on the 16th floor of the Pullman Brisbane King George Square hotel with views across the city, cosy couches and a curated menu of craft beers, wine and cocktails. 

Need some more inspiration? Check out the best bars in The City to find the perfect one for you