Bars & Pubs

14 Of The Best Rooftop Bars In Brisbane For Sky High Drinking

By – who always has time to go to breakfast, no matter how busy she is.

Making the most of both the sub-tropical weather and the kicking cocktail scene, Brisbane/Meanjin's best rooftop bars are the perfect spots to hang out in during summer (and let's face it, all year round—this is Queensland, after all). As we here at Urban List have plenty of first hand experience with, atop these bars you'll find drinks, paddling pools, and snacks a-plenty to help you ride out the heat wave in style.

So don't waste the sunny days hunkered down in aircon, make the most of our iconic climate with a summer-long sesh hopping around the best rooftop bars Brisbane has to offer, because, as we all know, alcohol is so much better at altitude. 

Valley Hops 

641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Located on the rooftop of Cloudland, Valley Hops Brewing is far more glam than your usual neighborhood brewpub. The sun-drenched rooftop venue features stunning metalwork arbours, creeping vines and a massive fire pit for the cooler months, while behind a latticed glass wall you can see the steel tanks turning hops into lagers, ales and sours. Meanwhile, coming out of the kitchen is a selection of wood-fired pizzas, share plates and antipasti, perfect for pairing with a brew.

Cicada Blu 

Queens Wharf, 33 William Street, Brisbane CBD

Taking out the title of highest rooftop bar in Brisbane, Cicada Blu is located high above the city on the Sky Deck of The Star Brisbane—and the views are 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 to add to the night time ambiance. On the menu you'll find a list of botanical-imbued cocktails and bar snacks, perfect to get you through to dinner, or just help you destress from your work week. 

Sunsets 

95 Linton Street, Kangaroo Point 

Image Credit: Sunsets | Ranyhyn Laine

Sunsets became one of our favourite rooftop bars in Brisbane and a regular summer haunt from the moment we stepped out of the elevator and into its gorgeous surrounds. There's double the views on offer at this dessert-inspired Mediterranean spot, with the city skyline on one side and a bird's eye view of the Gabba on the other. They've also got a killer drinks list and a stellar menu of Mediterranean eats, whether you're after snacks or a full on feast. Basically, there's so many reasons we love them, and you should make your way up to the venue as soon as possible. 

The Terrace

267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

If views all the way to Moreton Island take your fancy, The Terrace at Emporium Hotel is the spot for you. Christened as South Bank's first rooftop bar, this stunning elevated setting will have you sipping on carefully crafted cocktails as you sit back and take in the views from the open alfresco area. Make sure you order the Mamacita cocktail.

Lina Rooftop 

74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane

Image Credit: Lina Rooftop | Facebook

If anything screams summer, it’s a rooftop bar with its own pool. Lina Rooftop is more than your average rooftop bar, serving up a prestige restaurant alongside this elevated landscape and, of course, breathtaking views of Brisbane. Settle into the sunken lounge with friends or stretch out by the pool (or in it) with a cocktail in hand. The restaurant will deliver their Medditeraneian-esque plates directly to you, making this the most relaxed way to indulge up high.

Dirty Sultan 

14-18 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley 

Turkish-inspired and Instagram-ready, this Turkish-inspired bar has taken over the rooftop of the Tryp Hotel on Constance Street. There's massive day beds on the edge of the rooftop to laze on while you sip on Turkish Delight cocktails and nibble meze platters and Turkish pide. Be sure to save room for a slice of Nutella baklava for dessert.

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Soko

Level 14/470 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley 

Image Credit: Soko | Supplied

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 sit out in the sunshine to enjoy the view under the striped umbrellas or nab a table inside in the jungle-inspired restaurant, here you can sip endless Pisco Sours and nibble on Peruvian and Japanese eats. 

Fiume 

Level 3/5 Boundary Street, Howard Smith Wharves

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 Wharf, the Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane river all in one glorious panorama. With a truly enviable position, you'll feel totally on top of the world with a cocktail in hand as you nibble on bites like wagyu croquettes, honey nut pastry stuffed with cheese and lamb fillet skewers. 

Maya

757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley 

Image Credit: Maya | Ranyhyn Laine

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 cactii-adorned rooftop area has this whole Tulum theme going on—it's truly a vibe. Sip on a watermelon margarita and watch the sun go down. 

Spicers Balfour Hotel

37 Balfour Street, Fortitude Valley 

A true hidden gem, Balfour Hotel’s secret rooftop bar has some whopping views of Fortitude Valley and the Story Bridge and boasts some pretty delicious cocktails too. Kick back here for relaxing post-dinner evening drinks.

Iris 

458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley 

Image Credit: Iris | Supplied

Perched atop 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. With possibly the best Story Bridge views in Brisbane, comfy booths for big group and a stellar menu of Spanish-inspired eats, we're sure we don't even need to talk about how good the cocktails are to get you up the elevator. 

Sixteen Antlers

2 Roma Street, Brisbane City 

You’re a city slicker with a penchant for knock-offs at dizzying heights; where do you go? Hidden high on top of the Pullman Hotel, Sixteen Antlers boasts flawless views of King George Square and the CBD, giving you eye-gasms aplenty paired with a kick-ass cocktail menu ideal for summer sessions that go on into the early hours.

Cielo Rooftop Bar 

209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Image Credit: Cielo Rooftop Bar | Website

The newest spot on this list, Cielo Rooftop Bar is a little slice of the Italian Riviera high above Fortitude Valley. While the views are sublime, it's the cocktails you'll want to come here for, with 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. 

Eagles Nest Brisbane

21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point

Hidden inside The Point Hotel, and high above the city is where the aptly named Eagle’s Nest resides. With perfect, uninterrupted views of the city, plus some of the best cocktails in town, this is the ideal bar to while away a balmy eve, but take note, they're only open from 3pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Looking for more bar-spiration? Head here: 

Image credit: Valley Hops | Facebook 

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