19 Brisbane Bars That Are Hard To Find But 100% Worth It

Venture off the beaten track with these out-of-sight watering holes.

1. Next Episode, Fish Lane

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Hidden behind an operational barbershop in Fish Lane is Next Episode – a '90s style hip hop bar inspired by New York's speakeasy scene. A pink, neon sign will tell you to "Pick up the phone, baby!", where you'll dial in a weekly code, found in their Instagram "Code" highlight. Once you’re in, admire the wall murals of iconic rappers from decades passed, order a Hendricks Lamar cocktail and get ready to boogie to all your favourite '90s bangers.

2. Vaquero Dining, Albion

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From the street, The Albion Butchery on Sandgate Road looks like just that – a butchery. But go inside and you'll find not only a bar hidden away behind a door, but an entire RESTAURANT as well. Vaquero Dining serves up European style cuisine, while the bar stocks an impressive selection of craft beers, quality spirits and classic cocktails.

3. Jack Rabbits Whiskey Bar, Woolloongabba

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Live out all your Narnia fantasies by entering Jack Rabbits through an ANTIQUE WARDROBE located on the upstairs level of the Electric Avenue bistro. This 1920s-style speakeasy boasts luxurious leather seating, smooth jazz and a variety of premium whiskeys from around the world, including Canada, Ireland and Japan!

4. The Cloakroom, Brisbane CBD

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Made-to-measure menswear store, The Cloakroom, has its own secret watering hole, easily remembered as The Cloakroom Bar. To access it, walk down Cloakroom Lane via Elizabeth Street. There will be no signage except for a dapper gentleman who – stay with me – will lead you up a fire escape to ANOTHER door where a hidden bar will be revealed. If things weren't fancy enough, The Cloakroom Bar also specialises in customised cocktails where even their ice is carved on-site to ensure it's of the highest quality. You'll be feeling like James Bond in no time at all.

5. Legends Speakeasy Bar, Brisbane CBD

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Prepare yourself for a miniature scavenger hunt if you're planning on visiting Legends Bar. Head to the corner of Ann Street and North Quay and look for an antique telephone. You'll need to enter a four digit code to pass through the door, which changes weekly and can be found on their Instagram page. Don't worry though, all your hard work will pay off when you step into this prohibition era speakeasy, complete with silent films, intimate lighting and plenty of cocktails.

6. The Walrus Club, Toowong

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The Regatta Hotel may be a Brisbane icon, but what you might not know is that beneath it lies a hidden bar called The Walrus Club. Complete with exposed brick interiors, ambient lighting and live jazz music, The Walrus Club prides itself on its premium rum range which includes 150 different blends.

7. Greaser Bar, Fortitude Valley

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Located down an alleyway in Fortitude Valley, Greaser Bar lovingly refers to itself as a dive bar. Serving up American classics like cheeseburgers and hot dogs to a soundtrack of live music, this rock 'n' roll bar KNOWS it's hard to find. But the challenge of finding them is well worth it, especially when you sink your teeth into their succulent southern fried chicken. Complete with an outdoor area and a pool table, it might just be your new favourite place.

8. Can You Keep a Secret?, Woolloongabba

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What do you get when you mix a vintage store, a building from the 1860s and a wine bar together? Can You Keep a Secret? No, seriously, it’s called Can You Keep a Secret? and you’ll find it on Brisbane’s south side! Formally just a vintage store, the owners expanded their super funky, retro-themed store into a cosy drinking spot that’s bursting with personality and Insta-worthy shots at every turn.

9. The Boiler Room, Fortitude Valley

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Get ready for a cool bar hidden inside ANOTHER cool bar. Fortitude Valley's Tomcat is a little tricky to find, but inside — hidden behind a graffitied door — is another bar altogether. Step back in time with The Boiler Room — a glamorous watering hole complete with dapper bartenders, Chesterfield lounges and a huge selection of classics.

10. The Malecón, Milton

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In the heart of Milton lies The Malecón – a nondescript Cuban rum bar. It’s opposite Suncorp Stadium, but its lack of signage means it stays hidden from rowdy crowds. Inside reveals a little slice of vintage Cuba, complete with lace iron balustrades, antique couches and live Cuban jazz band on Thursday nights. While they don’t serve food, it’s good to know they actually let you bring your own, including your fave Uber Eats!

11. Proud Henry Wine Bar & Ginoteca, Fortitude Valley

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Gin lovers unite! Proud Henry, tucked away in a hole in the wall on busy Wickham Street, boasts over 80 gins from around the world, as well as a curated selection of wines. With its art deco chandeliers, stunning oak tables and intimate garden courtyard, it's the best place to catch up with friends with a cheese platter and a drink of your choice.

12. Fitz + Potts, Nundah

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Fitz + Potts is one of Brisbane's first and only suburban rooftop bars and is well-worth a visit. Located just out of sight, one level above Nundah's main drag, its laid-back attitude, funky furnishings and wraparound balcony complete with astroturf, make it the best place for after-work drinks or a Sunday session.

13. Bean. Cafe & Bar, Brisbane CBD

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Brisbane’s George Street is home to Bean., an underground specialty coffee house and bar. Self described as "Melbournesque", it’s an eclectic, warm and inviting venue serving up a great cuppa, craft beer and a selection of wines and cocktails. With free wi-fi, cosy seating and a bunch of board games to enjoy over a cold one, you’ll find it pretty damn hard to leave.

14. Heya Bar, Fortitude Valley

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Hidden underground, in the same location that The Sun newspaper first ran their printing press, is Heya Bar. Serving up Asian street food, live music, pinball machines, pool tables and a faux Asian grocery store, this bustling little hot spot is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

15. The Gresham, Queen St

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Tucked away in a corner of the heritage listed National Australia Bank is The Gresham. It's an old, timely bar, with soaring 7-metre high ceilings, antique Victorian fireplaces and an extensive range of rye whiskeys and bourbons.

16. Brew Cafe & Wine Bar, Lower Burnett Lane

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Escape the chaos of the city with Brew, a coffee house and bar hidden within Little Burnett Lane in the middle of the CBD. During the day, you'll find classics like breakfast burgers and bagels on offer. But if you come at night, you'll be able to sample their evening tapas menu, including spiced meatballs, share-boards and more, as well as their range of wines, beers and cocktails.

17. Super Whatnot, Burnett Lane

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Located in Burnett Lane is Super Whatnot, an intimate, industrial-chic bar that serves up beers, wines and cocktails. There's also small plates of food called "morsels" on offer, as well as a DJ playing records on a turntable. While there's no signage to find this place, the entrance is marked by an intertwined S and W on its exterior.

18. Savile Row, Fortitude Valley

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Behind an orange door on Ann Street lies Savile Row — an ultra-opulent hidden gem that serves up full 1920s Titanic-vibes (minus the huge iceberg). The bar is extensive to say the least, with 400 whiskeys, 60 rums, 50 tequilas and 40 gins on offer. From intimate lamp-lit corners, to upstairs booths that look out over the bar, everything is set up to encircle Savile’s crowning glory — a lavish crystal chandelier.

19. Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane CBD

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If live music is your jam, look no further than Brooklyn Standard in Eagle Lane. This American-themed basement bar has live acts every night, which give the place a laid-back yet undeniably atmospheric vibe. They serve up everything from beer and wine, to spirits and cocktails. And while they don't serve food, they DO provide free bowls of pretzels — which is enough to win me over.