Categories > Guides and Tips
We explored Brisbane’s best beer gardens, and let’s just say our taste buds are still partying!
- Savor the Fresh Air at Felons Brewing Co.
- Unwind under the Stars at the Prince Consort
- Gather with Friends at the Plough Inn
- Relish a Cold Brew at Brewdog Dogtap
- Bask in the Sun at the Boundary Hotel
- Indulge in Tasty Bites at the Osbourne Hotel
- Celebrate Good Times at Revel Brewing Co.
- Enjoy a Laid-Back Vibe at the Triffid
- Drink in the Views at the Pineapple Hotel
- Mingle with Locals at Brisbane Brewing Co.
We spent countless sunny afternoons bouncing between beer gardens in Brisbane, and let me tell you, it was worth every sip!
I still remember that first glorious day: a cold brew in hand, a plate of nachos within arm’s reach, and laughter all around. With each place we visited, I felt more at home among the lively crowds and the clinking of glasses.
After exploring the best outdoor spots to kick back and relax, I’m convinced that Brisbane’s beer gardens are the ultimate way to soak up the sun and enjoy good times. So grab your friends and join the fun—you won’t regret it!
Savor the Fresh Air at Felons Brewing Co.
Media credit: felonsbrewingco
Best for: Riverside views, craft beer
Address: 5 Boundary Street
Contact details: +61 7 3188 9090
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 12am
Felons Brewing Co truly stands out as one of Brisbane’s must-visit spots! Set right on the river, it offers a breathtaking view of the Story Bridge, which looks even more magical when it lights up after dark.
It’s hard to beat this location for soaking in the city vibes. If you go, don’t miss the Moreton Bay bugs, snapper burger, or the market fish, often coral trout—fresh and delicious. The garlic pizza is a great choice for sharing, too.
The drink menu won’t disappoint, with the raspberry seltzer being a definite crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or just a few drinks, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
| Pro tip: Aim to arrive around 4:00 PM for the best experience—this way, you can secure a seat and enjoy the beautiful sunset. |
Unwind under the Stars at the Prince Consort
Media credit: theprincebris
Best for: Live music, social atmosphere
Address: 230 Wickham Street
Contact details: +61 7 3252 4136
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 5pm
The Prince Consort’s Garden Bar is the ultimate hangout for a day or night out with friends. Its spacious outdoor setting offers plenty of seating and a solid selection of beers on tap to keep everyone satisfied.
With a long bar perfect for grabbing drinks, lush greenery hanging above, and a big screen TV, it’s an inviting spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The Garden Bar is also packed with entertainment options—a stage for live music, plenty of room to dance, and both front and back bars for easy access. If you’re feeling lucky, you can even try your hand at the pokie machines.
| Pro tip: Be sure to check the nightlife schedule for events during your visit, as things can get quite lively between 10 PM and midnight! |
Gather with Friends at the Plough Inn
Media credit: ploughinnsb
Best for: Central location, live music
Address: 29 Stanley Street Plaza
Contact details: +61 7 3844 7777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 1am
- Sunday: 11am to 11pm
Situated in South Bank, just a stone’s throw from the river cat terminal and overlooking Streets Beach, this pub is an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal.
It’s a spacious venue with a large beer garden, and inside, you’ll find walls adorned with the pub’s rich history. The balcony is a great spot to sit back and watch the world go by.
The menu offers classic pub fare with generous portions that should cater to all tastes. Some of our favorites include mussels, battered cod and chips, sticky toffee pudding, and pavlova’s meringue.
| Pro tip: If you choose a seat in the front near the mall area, keep an eye out for opportunistic birds—they can be quite aggressive and may swoop in to snatch any leftover food from your plates! |
Relish a Cold Brew at Brewdog Dogtap
Media credit: dogtapbrisbane
Best for: Dog-friendly, craft beer lovers
Address: 77 Metroplex Avenue
Contact details: +61 7 2139 8325
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 12am
- Sunday: 11am to 10pm
BrewDog DogTap is a fantastic choice for a group outing, especially if you enjoy soaking up the sunset on the patio. The festoon lights, fire pits, and the glow from the nearby bridge create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
There’s plenty of entertainment to keep everyone happy, from pinball machines to a giant chessboard, plus some eye-catching wall murals that add to the vibe. It’s the kind of place that appeals to just about anyone.
As for the food, the pizza was satisfying, the sweet potato fries had a nice firm texture with a crunchy exterior, and the loaded fries and calamari were decent. The portions are generous enough to share.
| Pro tip: It’s a good idea to book ahead of time; otherwise, you’ll find yourself checking every table’s reservation sign, hoping to see if there’s enough time for you to sit and enjoy your meal! |
Bask in the Sun at the Boundary Hotel
Media credit: theboundaryhotel
Best for: Rooftop vibes, heritage venue
Address: 137 Boundary Street
Contact details: +61 7 3844 6504
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am to 12am
- Friday: 9am to 2am
- Saturday: 9:30am to 2am
- Sunday: 9:30am to 12am
The Boundary is a long-standing pub right on Boundary Rd, perfectly situated in the heart of the West End’s bustling dining and entertainment scene. One of its highlights is the well-priced beer jugs, making it a go-to spot for a relaxed drink.
The venue caters to a variety of vibes, from a classic pub experience with live bands to a laneway café and a sleek alfresco dining area. The food never disappoints, especially the pizza, which is consistently top-notch.
With fresh drinks and a fantastic setting, the upstairs outdoor area is always buzzing with energy, making it a great spot to hang out.
| Pro tip: For those visiting on Mondays, keep in mind that the discount applies only to the second meal, which is 49% off—not the first! |
Indulge in Tasty Bites at the Osbourne Hotel
Media credit: osbournehotel
Best for: Large groups, trendy vibe
Address: 766 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
Contact details: +61 7 3252 9833
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 11pm
- Friday: 11am to 3am
- Saturday: 11:30am to 3am
- Sunday: 11am to 10pm
The Osbourne Hotel truly earns its reputation as one of Brisbane’s top pubs, consistently taking home the QHA best pub award year after year. With a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and spirits, along with some mouthwatering food, it’s hard to go wrong here.
The mac and cheese croquettes with bacon jam come highly recommended, though the new ham and cheese croquettes are worth a try as well.
With various areas to choose from—be it a quiet corner or a lively sports bar—you’ll find the perfect setting. The food is top-notch, and the order-at-your-seat service is impressively quick, though traditional bar service is also available if you prefer.
| Pro tip: Be prepared for large crowds and long queues on Friday and Saturday nights! |
Celebrate Good Times at Revel Brewing Co.
Media credit: revelbrewingco
Best for: Craft beer, local hangout.
Address: 41 Oxford Street
Contact details: +61 7 3899 5470
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4pm to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 9pm
Revel Brewing Co. is a fantastic local indie brewery that pairs great beer with delicious wood-fired pizzas. It’s truly one of the best spots around—anywhere, really. But don’t just come for the drinks; the authentic Italian food here is among the finest in Brisbane.
The pizza bases are exceptional! We tried the spicy sausage, prawn, salami, and vegetarian options, and each one was delicious and served in a timely manner. For starters, we enjoyed the pizza bread and some delightful little garlic bread bites.
You absolutely cannot miss this place. Just a short walk from Bulimba’s Ferry, it’s the perfect spot to sip on Revel’s beers while indulging in a tasty, crunchy wood-fired pizza.
| Pro tip: During peak hours, you may need to park a bit farther away, perhaps on one of the side streets. |
Enjoy a Laid-Back Vibe at the Triffid
Media credit: thetriffid
Best for: Live music, casual outdoor drinks
Address: 7/9 Stratton Street
Contact details: +61 7 3171 3001
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm to late
The Triffid’s beer garden is an awesome spot to unwind. With great music, charming guys in hats, and delicious food and drinks, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself.
The decor is on point, featuring plenty of hanging and potted plants that create a lovely atmosphere.
On weekends, you can often catch free live music in the beer garden, adding to the vibe. The main gig area is fantastic—not only will it boost your Instagram game, but there’s also a fantastic selection of brews inside.
In short, The Triffid is a cool hangout close to the Valley, with convenient on-street and paid/secure parking options available.
| Pro tip: While it’s standing room only inside, this setup allows for a good capacity and lets you choose your spot, meaning you can get up close to the band! |
Drink in the Views at the Pineapple Hotel
Media credit: pineapplehotel
Best for: Sports fans, casual hangouts
Address: 706 Main Street
Contact details: +61 7 3393 1111
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 2am
Pineapple Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly pub for lunch, with a menu featuring options priced between $15 and $20. They also serve dinner and have a different special each night.
Drink prices are comparable to other pubs, with a great deal on $10 schooners and pints. You can choose from three different menus, offering quality food with $15 specials available for dining anywhere in the venue.
The pub boasts ample indoor and outdoor seating, complete with big TVs for sports fans.
There are plenty of alfresco dining areas out the side and back, as well as a well-equipped public bar on the other side, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal or catch a game.
| Pro tip: It’s a delightful experience to sit in the back section of the sports bar, where you can enjoy a lovely view of the park. |
Mingle with Locals at Brisbane Brewing Co.
Media credit: brisbanebrewingco
Best for: Craft beer lovers, relaxed patio setting
Address: 601 Stanley Street
Contact details: +61 7 3891 1011
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10am to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am to 1am
- Sunday: 10am to 11pm
At Brisbane Brewing Co., you’ll find an impressive selection of beers at great prices, and they brew their own just down the road.
The menu is wonderfully diverse, catering to all tastes and dietary needs, complemented by seasonal craft beer options.
The pub itself is inviting, featuring a wide range of their own brews as well as guest taps, allowing you to sample something unique from other breweries. The beer offerings have evolved significantly over time, and there are always some exciting limited-release options to try.
| Pro tip: Make sure to arrive earlier, especially on Fridays, to secure a good spot! |
