Death & Taxes, Brisbane City 

Wander down Burnett Lane and discover Death & Taxes a heritage bunker style venue inspired by Paris and London's underground bars. With more than 600 bottles on display and a carefully curated 30 drink cocktail list you will sip the night away. BYO snacks and dinner options are encouraged, so check out the local surrounds and bring some cheese from The Cheese Pleaser or visit the neighboring Spanish delicatessen tapas bar Alba.   

Bar Brutus, Fish Lane South Brisbane 

Impressive and intimate setting, Bar Brutus makes the perfect spot to perch for a spritz and people watch along Fish Lane. Expect a cocktail of the week and a mostly Italian wine list, with small bites also on offer; think cured meats, flaky breads and crispy snacks. 

Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley 

Up-and-coming acts and DJs spinning vinyl have found a home at Black Bear. Join them for a relaxed drink and enjoy live music in this cosy bar above busy Brunswick Street Mall. Occasionally there is a small cover charge.

Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City 

Enjoy a slice of NYC cool at speakeasy live music venue Brooklyn Standard. Located underground on Eagle Lane, Brooklyn Standard hosts live music six nights a week specialising in jazz, funk and blues – all accompanied by a well-stocked bar of whiskeys and classic cocktails. 

Bloodhound, Fortitude Valley 

Bloodhound makes the most of the building's original interiors with exposed brick, high ceilings and fireplaces to keep everyone toasty warm. Latin-American share plates and local craft beers are best of friends at Bloodhound Bar. The rustic corner venue serves incredible tacos and has a few sneaky backrooms and an upstairs area to hide in. 

Brew, Brisbane City 

Brew is one of Brisbane City's best-kept secrets. Hidden down Burnett Lane, it is open from 7am weekdays and 8am on Saturday, and till late Monday to Saturday. It offers great coffee and food by day and brews of a different kind by night – wine, beer and cocktails, with delicious tapas.

Maeve Wine Bar, South Brisbane 

This is a great up-late spot open till midnight. Here you will find a vintage style space reminiscent of the bank it used to be with warm wooden tones, 1940's style orb lighting and banquet seats. With a European inspired menu of delights including chicken liver parfait, blood orange jam on milk toast; oysters or the confit duck lasagne al forno you will not go hungry and with a wine list that focuses on small producers with unique, tasty and approachable notes, you'll find it easy to stay till closing.  

Canvas, Woolloongabba 

Canvas Cocktail and Wine Bar is a vintage-inspired treasure in the heart of Gabba Village, serving delectable cocktails, boutique wine, craft beer and rustic food. The front has couches and soft lighting for a moody night out. 

Can you keep a secret? Woolloongabba 

Step inside retro-themed Can You Keep A Secret? to unearth a cosy and welcoming craft beer and wine bar, and boutique lounge with live music. The cosy and welcoming bar serves up a curated beer, wine and cocktail list, and a vintage clothing boutique too. 

Cobbler, West End 

Like whiskey? You'll like Cobbler. This small West End bar boasts an astounding 400+ whiskeys from all over the world (Scottish, American, Canadian, Irish, Japanese and Australian varietals). Cobbler doesn't have a kitchen, so feel free to BYO food and settle in for a cocktail or three. 

Electric Avenue, Woolloongabba 

Old world glam meets contemporary fine dining, so step back in time to a prominent era of Brisbane's history. Used-to-be hotspot for antiques, this Woolloongabba area is now roaring with nightlife so Electric Avenue wanted to bring back a little of that antique vibe. Fantastic bistro fare can be combined with over 75 wines, beers or cocktails - this venue has really outdone itself. But wait, there is more. Have your Narnia moment by making your way upstairs and stepping through an antique wardrobe to a hidden whisky bar called Mrs J. Rabbits. So cosy up to a glass of golden liquid from the heavens and relax in the vintage comfortable surrounds.  

Savile Row, Fortitude Valley 

Step behind the glossy orange door, push back the curtains and discover the charm of this old-world bar. Named after the Mayfair Street in London known for bespoke tailoring, made-to-measure is exactly what you will get here with over 900 spirits, 20 rotating wines and a 20 long cocktail list, your personalised beverage awaits. Find a perch under the stunning chandelier or seat yourself in one of the leather booths and enjoy the excellent service and atmosphere. 

Greaser, Fortitude Valley 

Greaser takes its patrons deep beneath the streets of Fortitude Valley to a bluesy rock ’n’ roll basement bar, serving up American-inspired pub nosh. Make your way down one of Brunswick St’s back alleys and you will find an ominous red door – the gateway to this grungy underground-bar destination. 

Hope & Anchor, Paddington 

English pub food screams cosy to us, and Hope & Anchor's homemade pie of the day with a pint sounds just grand. Be transported to the English seaside and enjoy the pub-dining atmosphere from the comfort of one of the plush booths. 

Junk Bar, Ashgrove 

Located inconspicuously behind an ageing shop front, Junk Bar features quirky décor including deer antlers, forest wallpaper, small palm trees, old couches, dim lamps, and vinyl played on an old record player. Junk Bar's main focus is its creative drinks menu, with intimate table service provided, and fresh cocktail concoctions among the offerings. 

Jungle, West End

Bringing tropical all year, like Brisbane, is Jungle bar. This tiki bar serves up tasty fruity cocktails in an array of glassware from monkey cups, volcano bowls, coconuts and more. Colourful, appealing and fun this Polynesian-styled urban oasis has limited seating so, it you are a big group you will want to make a booking. 

La Lune Wine Co, Fish Lane South Brisbane 

La Lune Wine Co is a European-inspired wine bar, dedicated to stylish inventive dining that heroes Australian ingredients. With a strong focus on amazing wines, a seasonal menu and perfect pairings, La Lune is the perfect destination to bring out your inner wine connoisseur. 

Maker, South Brisbane 

A 7.5m long oxidised brass bar defines the space inside this bar that seats only about a dozen patrons. The cocktail menu is ever-changing with a focus on boutique liqueurs, native ingredients and creativity. 

Next Episode, Fish Lane South Brisbane 

Anyone say secret bar? Hidden behind a barbershop façade, enter the secret code on the vintage telephone to unveil a mirrored wall unlocking the door to the bar. Inside the hip-hop inspired Next Episode, booths line the walls of spectacular murals featuring rap artists, mosaic tiled bars and neon sign with DJ spinning hip-hop on the decks 

Netherworld, Fortitude Valley 

An old-school arcade games bar and diner, Netherworld is home to gaming relics from the past that will transport you back in time. There's pinball machines, arcade machines, classic consoles and countless board games from the 70s to present day. Not convinced? 

The End, West End 

The End is a small-town hideout and hangout in West End, tucked nicely off the main drag. The drinks menu is a toast to the local and unique. And to hand-picked flavours and refined libations.   

The Gresham, Brisbane City 

Tucked away on the edge of Gresham Lane branching off Queen St, The Gresham Bar is a whisky and bourbon saloon oozing old-world charm with an eccentric touch. Walking through the large cedar doors you will feel like you've stepped back in time thanks to the soaring 7m-high pressed-metal ceiling, dark timber floorboards, Chesterfield couches and an antique Victorian fireplace. The upmarket drinks list will satisfy even the most avid whisky drinkers, with an extensive range of bourbons and whiskies, many of which you won't find anywhere else in Australia. 

Antico, Burnett Lane

A 3-level Italian inspired cocktail bar on Burnett Lane has comfy booths as well as intimate bar stool seating paired with dim lighting that accentuates the cosy feel. The unique cocktail menu make it a must visit down this popular laneway.

Finny Isles, Fortitude Valley

From the owners of Savile Row and the orange door, is the blue door at Finny Isles. The lamp and candle lit wine and cocktail bar is perfect for a few quite drinks with friends or an intimate date night where you can pair your drinks with a charcuterie board and chic vibes.

The Tailors, Woolloongabba

Who doesn’t love a secret bar? The Tailors is hidden behind a dressing room mirror that is in the suit tailor shop in front. It opens to a sophisticated yet cosy speakeasy cocktail bar that has live music every Friday night, with drinks that align to the music playing.