To make the most of our sub-tropical weather and kicking cocktail scene, Brisbane/Meanjin’s best rooftop bars are the perfect place to hang out all year round. From killer views to good time vibes matched with delectable food and drinks menus that’ll have your tongues wagging, you better believe the crew at Urban List has tried them all.
So, don’t waste your drinks order somewhere where the sun doesn't shine—make the most of our iconic climate with a sesh in the sky at one of the best rooftop bars Brisbane has to offer. After all, alcohol is so much better with altitude.
How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.
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At A Glance:
Luxury & Glam
The Terrace
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: The Terrace | Instagram
If views all the way to Moreton Island take your fancy, The Terrace at Emporium Hotel is the spot for you. Taking the title of South Bank's first rooftop bar, this elevated setting will have you sipping on carefully crafted cocktails as you sit back and revel in the sights from the open alfresco area. A sunset sesh hits different from The Terrace.
Aloria
Queens Wharf, 33 William Street, Brisbane City
Image credit: Aloria | Instagram
Craving a rooftop experience where the drinks are bang-on and the bites are even better? Aloria is sitting pretty on The Star’s Sky Deck, blending European elegance with Australian charm in a rooftop restaurant that’s as grand as it is welcoming. Munch on seasonal plates crafted with time-honoured woodfire and grill techniques, pairing perfectly with sips picked from the official ‘cellar in the sky’.
Iris
458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Iris | Instagram
Perched atop of Hotel X on the outskirts of the Valley, Iris comes to us from the team behind Donna Chang, Blackbird and Boom Boom Izakaya—so you know it's a banger. Positioned with some impressive views of the Story Bridge, comfy booths for big groups, and a stellar menu of Spanish-inspired eats, cocktails await you up the elevator.
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Laidback & Chill
Valley Hops
641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Valley Hops Brewing | Instagram
Located above the clouds of Cloudland, Valley Hops Brewing is more glam than your usual neighborhood brewpub. The sun-drenched rooftop venue features detailed metal work arbours, creeping vines, and a fire pit perfect for the cooler months. Adding to the ambience of the experience, you can witness steel tanks turning hops in lagers, ales, and sours. Feeling hangry? Sit tight, the kitchen can sort you out. Take your pick from a selection of woodfired pizzas, share plates, or antipasti platters and fill the void.
The Balfour Kitchen & Bar
37 Balfour Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: The Balfour Kitchen & Bar | Instagram
If you’re after a leafy, less vibrant joint, we’ve got you. A true hidden gem, Spicers Balfour Hotel’s secret rooftop bar has some scenic views of Fortitude Valley and the Story Bridge (and boasts some pretty delicious cocktails too). Kick back here for relaxing evening sips.
Sixteen Antlers
2 Roma Street, Brisbane City
Image credit: Sixteen Antlers | Instagram
You’re a city slicker with a penchant for knock-offs at dizzying heights; where do you go? Sixteen Antlers, obviously. Hidden high on top of the Pullman Hotel, you’ll be greeted by flawless views of King George Square and the CBD. Pair that back with a cocktail menu that’ll blow your mind, drinks in the city never tasted so good.
Eagles Nest Brisbane
21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Eagles Nest | Instagram
Hidden inside The Point Hotel and high above the city is where the aptly named Eagles Nest resides. With perfect, uninterrupted views of the city skyscrapers, plus some of the best cocktails in town, this is the ideal bar to while away an eve. Just take note: they're only open from 3pm from Thursdays through to Sunday.
High-Energy & Party
Sunsets
95 Linton Street, Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Sunsets | Instagram
We don’t play favourites often, but sometimes, you have to make exceptions. A regular rooftop hangout of ours, thanks to its desert-inspired Mediterranean details, Sunsets offers exotic bites, refreshing drinks, and a view that’ll knock your socks off. From the city skyline to the bird’s eye view of the Gabba and surrounds, Sunsets (literally) raises the bar.
Lina Rooftop
74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Lina Rooftop | Instagram
Skip the plane fare to Europe—we’ve got the next best thing. Boasting a rooftop bar with a pool of its own, Lina Rooftop is better than your average sky high haunt. Offering a prestige restaurant, elevated landscape, and sweeping views of Brisbane, Lina has it all. Settle into the sunken lounge with friends or stretch out by the pool (or in it) with a cocktail or two and a selection of Mediterranean dishes and watch the world go by.
Soko
Level 14/470 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Soko | Instagram
As well as being one of Brisbane's best, Soko could also take out the title of the largest rooftop bar in town, with a massive open air space underneath the towering white metal framework atop Jubilee Place. Whether you choose to sit out in the sunshine in their open air space or nab a table inside in the jungle-inspired restaurant, here you can sip endless Pisco Sours and nibble on Peruvian and Japanese eats.
Maya
757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Maya | Instagram
If 180 degree views of the CBD with a cocktail in hand is your thing, then Maya in Fortitude Valley is a must. Aside from the stunning view of the Brisbane skyline, their cocktail menu is top notch and their cacti-adorned rooftop area has this whole Tulum theme going on—it's truly a vibe. Sip on a watermelon spritz and watch the sun go down.
Tetto Rooftop Bar
807 Stafford Rd, Everton Park
Image credit: Tetto Rooftop Bar | Instagram
Perched above the laneways of Everton Plaza, you’ll find Tetto. This breezy rooftop bar wouldn’t be out of place along the Amalfi Coast. With tangerine and white striped umbrellas, pops of bougainvillea and a menu full of sunset-worthy spritzes (although, with so four refreshing sips to choose from, it’s not as easy it sounds), all that’s missing is the ocean views—but when that European feeling is just a quick Uber trip away, who even needs a beach?
Cicada Blu
Queens Wharf, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Cicada Blu | Instagram
Taking out the title of highest rooftop bar in Brisbane (big flex), Cicada Blu is located above the city on the Sky Deck of The Star Brisbane—and the views are (unsurprisingly) unmatched. Centred around an eye-catching lighting installation inspired by cloud formations that lights up the venue as the sun sets, the open-air bar also features a retractable roof, which as you can imagine, only adds to the night time ambiance. Cue the drama. On the menu you'll find a list of botanical-imbued cocktails and bar snacks, perfect to get you through to dinner, or wind down after a big work week.
Romantic & Charming
Fiume
Level 3/5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves
Image credit: Fiume | Instagram
Looking for one of the best views in town? Strut on up to Crystalbrook Vincent's rooftop bar, Fiume, that boasts spectacular views of Howard Smith Wharves, the Brisbane CBD, and the Brisbane River all in one glorious panorama. With a truly enviable position, you'll feel like the king of the castle with a cocktail in hand. As for the nibbles, expect to find bites like crumbed pork belly bites, burrata with crispy prosciutto and basil oil focaccia, and chargrilled lamb riblets.
Cielo Rooftop Bar
209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Cielo | Instagram
Lift your spirits and forget your woes at Cielo Rooftop Bar—a little slice of the Italian Riviera high above Fortitude Valley. While the views are sublime, it's the cocktails you'll stay for, thanks to a list curated by none other than the gang from Sydney's Maybe Sammy—Australia's official number one bar. Frozen, swirled, and topped with bubbles that pop with a puff of smoke, they're the stuff dreams are made of.
Hibiscus Bar & Terrace
72 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Hibiscus Bar | Instagram
After a long day staring at the screen, the place you’ll want to be is Hibiscus Bar & Terrace—a sunny rooftop space above the Hyatt Regency. Hit level 4 on the elevator and be transported to a poolside lounge surrounded by vibrant yellow and white striped umbrellas (no hustle and bustle here). By night, enjoy the scenes of the star-filled sky with a drink in hand, of course. With tasty Aussie favourites including BBQ grilled plates and classic comforts, the menu here is designed to be shared, so fire up the group chat and meet your mates above the Queen Street Mall.
C'est Bon Restaurant & Ooh La La Bar
609/611 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
Image credit: Ooh La La Bar | Instagram
Just a few flights of stairs up from French restaurant C’est Bon, you’ll find the rooftop terrace, where Ooh La La Bar awaits for pre or post-dinner drinks. Nestled in the heart of the suburbs heritage precinct with views overlooking the streets, this small but inviting scene offers sophisticated nibbles and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. Pair your plates with one of their many impressive drinks on offer, and you could easily forgive yourself for thinking you’re in Paris.
Joey’s
29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Joey's | Instagram
Thanks to Brisbane’s near perfect weather, a sesh outdoors can’t be beat, and Joey’s might just be the perfect place for a meet up with mates. Located at the top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs, this local favourite is like a postcard straight out of Italy, complete with striped umbrellas. Here, you’ll find a menu of fresh flavours with a Euro spin, like the prawn sandwich with cos lettuce, chilli and mayo or their kingfish tartare. For the main event, you won’t look past the blue swimmer crab linguine. Pair that with a sunset cocktail or two and call it a day. It’s the Euro way.
Looking for more bar-spiration? Head here:
- Brisbane's Best Hidden Bars
- Brisbane's Best Breweries
- Brisbane's Best New Restaurants And Bars
- Brisbane's Best Restaurants
Image credit: Valley Hops | Facebook
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*The Star Brisbane practises the responsible service of alcohol