The roaring twenties are back, baby, and speakeasy vibes are on-trend. It’s hard to keep track of all the good bars in Brisbane and just a little harder when they’re purposely tucked away. Here’s seven of the best hidden bars in Brisbane, ready for you to discover.
Shhh! Brisbane
Start the roaring twenties off right by making a trip to the Valley’s brand-new gin joint. With 70 gin labels from around the world and VIP bottle service available we’re sure it won’t disappoint. Their immense cocktail menu has six variations of gin and tonic alone including mulberry, strawberry and grapefruit, and orange and elderflower. Located on Constance Street, this bar boasts speakeasy vibes complete with chesterfield armchairs and a piano bar. And don’t worry, there’s the all-important haloumi fries, arancini, and charcuterie board available too.
Jack Rabbits Whiskey Bar – Woolloongabba
If gin isn’t your drink of choice, Woolloongabba’s Jack Rabbits Whiskey Bar is all about whiskey. With premium whiskeys from around the world and an aesthetic akin to that of a 1920s speakeasy, this bar is luxury embodied. You can find it on the upstairs level of the Electric Avenue bistro, with the entrance hidden in the form of an antique wardrobe.
Legends Speakeasy Bar – Brisbane CBD
If entering through an antique wardrobe isn’t enough excitement for you, Legends Speakeasy Bar in Brisbane’s CBD is sure to provide you with the thrilling experience you crave. Entrance to the bar is gained through entering a code (found on the bar’s Instagram page) into an antique telephone located on the corner of Ann Street and North Quay. Inside you’ll find yet more 1920s vibes, complete with silent films, jazz music, and even live music on Fridays from 6pm.
Savile Row – Fortitude Valley
Some of the best things in life hide in plain sight and that’s definitely the case with the Valley’s Savile Row. Located behind a bright orange door on Ann Street, this bar is sure to satisfy all your Gatsby dreams. Sadly there’s no Leonardo DiCaprio, but there is a crystal chandelier. Their extensive bar boasts over four hundred whiskeys alone, so they’re sure to have something for everyone. Sip on one of their cocktails while overlooking the bar from one of their upstairs booths and enjoy the true opulence of the 1920s.
Death & Taxes – Brisbane CBD
Brought to you by the same people who brought you Savile Row, Death & Taxes in Brisbane’s CBD is also a whiskey lover’s dream. You can find it hidden down Burnett Lane; once you see a mural of the grim reaper facing a mural of lions, you’ve found it. Add in the wooden doors and lion door knockers and it’s just somewhat of a statement entranceway. Alongside offering up more of the 1920s vibes we’re all craving, this bar is also located in a heritage-listed site dating back to 1824. Open from 3pm daily, the bar is definitely one to put on your list for after-work drinks.
Finney Isles – Fortitude Valley
Yet another gem brought from the brains behind Savile Row and Death & Taxes is Finney Isles in the Valley, conveniently located across from the former. The cocktail and wine bar, which takes its name from the draper’s shop that occupied the building in the 1880s, is low-key yet glamorous and decidedly grown-up. What sets Finney Isles apart from other bars is their wines, which are organic and ‘low intervention’ from boutique Australian producers, and their cocktails, which are pre-made using an old technique from the 19th century. To complement these unique drink offerings, Finney Isles offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie.
Next Episode – South Bank
Located in Fish Lane across the Brisbane river, Next Episode brings together trendy prohibition vibes while also delivering on nineties nostalgia. Hidden behind a barbershop, access to Next Episode is granted by dialing a weekly code into a phone. Once inside, you’re met with a space that’s upbeat and youthful. With drink names like ‘Get Drunk or Die Tryin’ and ‘Purple Drank’ plus plenty of 90s hits, it’s sure to be a good time.
