Antico

The news that Super Whatnot was closing was a shock to us all—but perhaps especially to those who regularly stopped by on a Friday afternoon for a post-work tipple. Well, while the Super Whatnot team just opened their new venue over in West End, the empty space left behind in Burnett Lane was a cause for excitement for some—specifically, the cocktail-loving crew behind Death & Taxes and Dr Gimlette. 

With two of Brisbane’s best bars already under their belt, the foursome (that includes Belinda and Blake Ward and Martin and Wiebke Lange) knew the location was perfect for a third, and immediately set about transforming it into Antico, a European-inspired bar that focuses on classic cocktails and high end spirits, leaning heavily on Italian influences. 

As you walk into the moody venue, which is hidden away behind a grungy-looking entrance that belies the sophisticated interior, be sure to take note of the tiled floor in front of the bar—it was done completely by hand and delayed the opening by a month, so definitely deserves some appreciation. The rest of the space is almost unrecognisable from its former life as Super Whatnot—a gleaming chandelier hangs above the black marble bar, with massive dark leather booths in a sunken seating area. There’s still a balcony upstairs, where you’ll find leather bar stools overlooking that chandelier, and several more large booth tables to cosy up in. 

The short but sharp menu features sips like the ‘If You Are Not Into Yoga,’ a pina colada-inspired sip served up in an uber cute tiki cup, and the ‘Lady Sage,’ featuring gin, chartreuse, apricot brandy, citrus and fresh pineapple. There’s also a handful of draft beers and wines, along with two (yes, just two) snack options: a bruschetta or buffalo mozzarella with mortadella. 

Image credit: NIRA Creative