Sunsets Rooftop, Kangaroo Point: The newest entrant on this list is also one of the best. Sunsets in Kangaroo Point is a desert-inspired oasis in the sky operated by the Tuivaiti, Mead and Hartley families. Located at the summit of Linton Apartments, Sunsets pairs north-facing views of The City’s skyline (and a cheeky glimpse inside The Gabba) with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired tapas-style bites and shareable mains, plus a clutch of fruit-forward, tropical cocktails. As for the space itself, Sunsets is tastefully accoutred with sand-toned tiling, low-set couches, woven lamp shades, sun-bleached timber furnishings and bar top, cacti gardens and gold accents.
Soko, Fortitude Valley: This lush tropical sanctuary can be found 14 floors above St Pauls Terrace at the pinnacle of Jubilee Place. Owned and operated by hospitality powerhouse, Potentia Solutions Leisure, Soko’s tropical rainforest-inspired aesthetic takes cues from the Amazon, with deep emerald-green tiles and marble, timber and stone accented by gold trim and decorative artefacts, slender-stemmed Bird of Paradise plants and creeping vines on the walls. The Soko kitchen marries Peruvian and Japanese fare and cooking techniques for a menu that includes Latin-style grilled street corn with huancaina salsa, a selection of ceviche, bao buns, yakitori and maki sushi rolls. Soko’s beverage list is led by 40 kinds of pisco sour, available alongside signature cocktails, shooters, wines and beers.
Iris Rooftop, Fortitude Valley: Found at the top of luxury accommodation spot Hotel X is Iris, one of the more recent (and certainly most impressive) additions to Brisbane’s rooftop bar scene. Channelling summery vibes year round, Iris by the Ghanem Group houses a rooftop bar, a 200-seat restaurant area, a boutique 14-seat private dining space, a cluster of poolside bungalows and even room for a dance floor. Uninterrupted views of the city skyline and Brisbane River can be enjoyed with Iris’ alluring range of ambrosial cocktails and share-style menu imbued with the flavours of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Valley Hops Brewing, Fortitude Valley: Perched atop Cloudland in Fortitude Valley, craft-beer brewery Valley Hops Brewing has uninterrupted views of The City and surrounds. Up the elevator and out onto the roof, folks are surrounded by a glam aesthetic that softens Valley Hops Brewing’s material palette of stone, brick and metal. A metalwork arbour is coated in lush vines, while wooden picnic tables, booths and high-bar seats (plus built-in benches ringing a large fire pit) offer plenty of opportunities to sink a cold one and take in the scenic views. A core range of six beers are available, including a light-bodied lager, tropical ale, fruity sour, pale ale, an IPA and a Hazy IPA (small batches of seasonal brews also feature on a rotating basis). Non-beer drinkers are able to order from a list of premium wines and signature cocktails, while woodfired pizzas and charcoal-grilled snacks are aplenty.
Fiume Bar at Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane City: The Howard Smith Wharves precinct is great for those looking to dine with some river views, but Fiume Bar at the top of Crystalbrook Vincent is perfect if you’re seeking a little bit more elevation (and one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane). This chic-yet-relaxed watering hole offers glimpses down the riverwalk in both directions and the underside of the towering Story Bridge above, which makes a perfect backdrop to sip spritz and sample Italian finger food all night long.
MAYA Mexican, Fortitude Valley: Sitting pretty above Ann Street, lively lookout MAYA is one of Brisbane’s most popular vantage points, with a breezy open-air decor inspired by Mexico’s gorgeous coastal regions. An all-white aesthetic is offset by desert cacti, stone, marble and timber, while furnishings in the form of oversized lounges and intimate booths score eye-catching views of The City and The Valley’s surrounds. Guests can kick back and take in the view with a margarita at their elbow while they dig in to the likes of kingfish ceviche, beer-battered snapper tacos and chipotle fries.
Lina Rooftop, South Brisbane: The Potentia team went to great heights for its first rooftop venture, ascending several floors above ground to create high-rise bar and restaurant Lina. This stunning spot sits atop the only commercial office tower in Australia equipped with an infinity rooftop pool, channelling Mediterranean beach club vibes across its 1500-sqm footprint. The 30-m infinity pool comes complete with cabanas and daybeds (the latter which can be rented all day), affording incredible views across the Brisbane River to the city skyline. Lina’s restaurant serves a tasteful amalgam of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, including sashimi platters, kingfish crudo, snapper ceviche, and barramundi harumaki. The drink menu is similarly stacked – think slushy cocktails, spritzes, loads of wine (including Dom Perignon by the glass), beers, bottle-service spirits and low- or no-alcohol options.
Ooh La La, Woolloongabba: Multifaceted Stanley Street hub C’est Bon added another level to its offering in 2021, transforming a sizeable rooftop space into uber-chic cocktail and snack spot. Ooh La La not only boasts exemplary views of Woolloongabba’s surroundings, but also a designated bar and space for 45 patrons cocktail style. Those participating in a sky-high soiree will be able to indulge in bumps of Siberian and Oscietra caviar, lobster eclairs, duck-liver parfait, and pork-neck sandos while sipping on one of Ooh La La’s signature cocktails or a glass of French champagne.
The Terrace at Emporium Hotel, South Bank: Panoramic views and subtropical-luxe splendour is what one can expect when you step out onto The Terrace at the top of Emporium South Bank, one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane. Sitting 21 floors above terra firma, The Terrace matches boutique cocktails and Asian-inspired eats with poolside vibes and vistas that will have you feeling on top of the world.
Cielo Rooftop Bar, Fortitude Valley: Located six levels about La Costa on Brunswick Street, Cielo is a sunny rooftop bar that will a go-to destination for those seeking a sun-soaked locale to enjoy some top-tier cocktails. Cushy yellow booths are offset by peach, blue and white tones as well as pops of greenery, evoking the feeling of salubrious happy hours enjoyed on the iconic terraces of the Cinque Terre. Speaking of which, Cielo’s exceptional cocktail list draws influence from other coastal locales like Portofino and Amalfi, while the food offering boasts a cadre of easy-to-share snacks, pizzas and burgers.
Sixteen Antlers, Brisbane City: The Pullman Hotel has set the standard for the best rooftop bars in Brisbane, with its sky-high bar Sixteen Antlers rising above the asphalt to create a lofty and luxurious experience. This inner-city oasis has a fabulous menu of nibbles, from antipasti plates and slow-cooked lamb-shoulder gyros to artisan cheeses and mini charcoal sliders. As for drinks, sippers can choose from a stellar selection of cocktails, top-notch wines and beers.
Soleil Pool Bar, South Bank: Ascend up to the podium level of Rydges South Bank and you’ll come across the stunning Soleil Pool Bar. This is the perfect spot to soak up the sun or sashay the night away from the pool deck to the main bar. The cocktail menu boasts a bevy of colourful concoctions including sizeable share cocktails, backed up by nibbles such as prawn toast, smoky bacon and cheese arancini, charred chicken wings and sweet potato wedges.
Tetto Rooftop Bar, Everton Park: Taking inspiration from the coastal vistas, pastel-coloured seaside towns, phenomenal beaches of the Amalfi Coast, visiting Tetto Rooftop Bar is is the next best thing to getting on a plane to Italy. Though not a elevated (literally) as some of the other venues on this list, Tetto is still a sublime piece of escapism – a white, concrete, pastel coral and sherbet orange colour scheme is contoured by orange-and-white striped umbrellas, slender olive tree saplings and bougainvillea swaying in the breeze. The kitchen dispenses a range of iconic Italian-inspired dishes, while the bar pumps out everything from spritzes to wines.
Eagles Nest, Kangaroo Point: From Thursday to Sunday, Eagles Nest attracts loads of patrons keen to roost comfortably 12 floors above the world. We don’t blame them – the views at Eagles Nest are pretty spectacular. With vistas including the Brisbane City skyline, the Story Bridge and beyond, this elevated hub is near unbeatable in terms of atmosphere at altitude. The food and drink are exclamation worthy too – panko coconut prawns, brioche sliders, vegetable pakora and truffle fries make for a perfect pairing with Eagles Nest list of libations.
Dirty Sultan, Fortitude Valley: Ascend to the top of TRYP Fortitude Valley and you’ll find a lavish Mediterranean-inspired bar taking the best bits from Europe’s bar and club scene. Dirty Sultan boasts a killer cocktail list, a menu of Turkish-inspired nibbles, and a rotating selection of DJs playing the likes of Euro house, French hip-hop and lo-fi. Also, Dirty Sultan is the only spot in Brisbane with an on-site shisha lounge! Well worth a visit.
Honourable mentions: If you’re seeking more sun-soaked vantage points, be sure to check out Limes Hotel’s rooftop bar, the WET Deck at W Brisbane, Nautilus at Westin Brisbane and the Hibiscus Room at Hyatt Regency.
