Here Are Brisbane’s Best Jazz Bars Right Now
Brisbane’s late-night scene is finally finding its groove and there are now a handful of stellar spots to get your jazz fix. If your jazz bar-musts include dim lighting, velvet curtains and moody martinis, we’ve got your back.
From candle-lit dens to New York-coded speakeasies, here are the best jazz bars in Brisbane right now.
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Doo-Bop Bar
101 Edward Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Doo-Bop | Instagram
It’s not a list of the best jazz bars in Brisbane without Doo-Bop, one of the original jazz joints and live piano bars located bang smack in the middle of the CBD on Edward Street. It claims it was the first late-night jazz bar in Brisbane and, after reopening its doors after the pandemic, Doo-Bop Bar cemented itself as a beloved spot for a good time. Every night from Tuesday to Sunday, you’ll find a different pianist taking to the stage with their own flavour of jazz. Most musicians will take music requests so don’t be shy if you want to hear your favourite tune, and certainly don’t be shy when the tables are kicked to the side and dance floor comes alive.
Brisbane Jazz Club
1 Annie Street, Kangaroo Point
Image credit: Brisbane Jazz Club | Website
After a brief eight-week reno, Brisbane Jazz Club is back in full swing. Go for the world-class jazz gigs, and stay for the iconic river and city skyline views, delicious eats and stellar pours. Their opening hours are dictated by gigs so it’s one to book like you would with any good live music venue.
Savile Row
667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Savile Row | Instagram
It's no surprise one of Brisbane's best bars doubles as one of Brisbane's best jazz clubs. Savile Row is widely regarded as one of the classiest drinking holes in Fortitude Valley, and you can’t help but be reminded of the moody bars from Peaky Blinders when you walk through this venue's well-known orange door. On Tuesday nights, the vibe turns full jazz house throughout the five levels. It's martinis in abundance and old fashioneds all around. Pick your spot and linger all night.
Ruby Jazz Club
Mead Lane, Fortitude Valley
One of the OGs, Ruby’s is the epitome of what you’d envision as a jazz club. A red curtained-lined stage, intimate candle-lit tables and smooth speakeasy energy. The food menu does the job, whether you’re down for a cheese platter or fluffy focaccia, but the drinks do very well—especially the top-self whiskey and prohibition-era cocktails. The shows come first at Ruby Jazz Club, and often sell out. Our recc is to browse their website here, then book ahead when you spot something you fancy.
Le Royale
169 Mary Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Le Royale | Instagram
It’s swish, it’s glam, it’s Le Royale—the latest opening from the Anyday crew (Agnes, sAme sAMe) and their first foray into the late-night jazz scene. The glitzy cocktail bar is decked out with dim warm lighting, plush velvet booth seats, a centrepiece marble bar, plus three rotating house bands so you’re never without live music. Peckish? The Friday and Saturday supper menu—plucking inspo from the downstairs French Exit—runs until 1.30am with a signature cheeseburger you’ll want to get your mitts on.
The Charles
Ground floor, 111 Mary Street, Brisbane CBD
You might be familiar with hotel lobby bars, but The Westin Brisbane has jazzed up the concept—quite literally, in this case. The Charles is a sleek operation—excellent cocktails, a refined menu and live jazz music leisurely playing to no end. Is there really any other way to end or start your hotel stay? We think not.
Mr Vain
1a/610 Ann street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Mr Vain | Instagram
Mr Vain isn’t strictly a jazz spot but it is a spectacular restaurant and bar that dedicates every Thursday and Friday night to live jazz music. Soloists, duos and trios all take to the stage from 7pm to set the tone. Think groovy 90s New York tunes, an alluring dimly lit dining room, a menu of Pan-Asian delights and unforgettable cocktails. Want in? Best to book ahead here to avoid fomo.
Now that you're all jazzed out, it's time to check out:
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Leading image credit: Le Royale | Jessie Prince