The 10 best pubs in Brisbane

When a pub’s been pouring drinks since the days of horse-drawn carriages, you know it’s got some stories. Smack bang in the middle of South Bank Parklands, this heritage-listed pub is pure Queensland charm. Alfresco seating is framed by bougainvillea, live music fills the air and the glittering Brisbane River in the background is enough to trick anyone into staying for “just one more.” While the classics (think schnitty, cheeseburgers and Caesar salad) hold their own, it’s The Plough Inn’s prawn and scallop pasta that steals the show – because why settle for pub grub when you can have borderline fine dining in your flip-flops? 

Craft beer nerds, assemble. Tucked under the iconic Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, this sprawling 1,000-square-metre brewery-slash-pub is what happens when history and modern design get drunk together and make magic. The staff’s enthusiasm is contagious enough to make you consider a flight (beer, not plane). While their range of beers is certainly impressive, it’s their pizza that stands out. Made with Felons’ own beer-infused dough, it’s the kind of culinary detail that proves these people know their way around both hops and ovens. Couple that with sweeping river views and a buzzing crowd, and you’ve got yourself a pub worth braving the bikeway for.

For a pub that’s practically part of Brisbane’s DNA, look no further than the Breakfast Creek Hotel. Around since 1889, it's famous for its premium steaks and its ‘beer off the wood’ (that’s old-school keg beer, for the uninitiated). This heritage-listed venue boasts five distinct bars, a tropical beer garden and unbeatable deals. Case in point: the $15 Bev’s Special – an aged steak with salad and chips, plus a pot of 4X off the wood chucked in for good measure. Carnivores will want to beeline to the Spanish Garden Steakhouse, where your perfect cut awaits.

Ah, the Jubilee – aka ‘the Jube’, if you’re in the know. This Fortitude Valley mainstay has been pulling pints since 1887, but its recent makeover has given the pub a fresh edge. A glass-roofed beer garden is perfect for soaking up the Queensland sun or a nail-biting game on one of the biggest televisions we’ve ever seen. With a lively crowd and cold beers courtesy of their on-site Two Dogs Brewing, there’s no better spot in the city to yell at the ref. When hunger strikes, the Jube’s pub menu delivers elevated classics that hit the spot every time. This place makes it clear: you’re here for a long lunch, not a quick one.

The Regatta proves that some places just get better with age. This iconic Toowong landmark isn’t just a pub – it’s a rite of passage. With its striking cast-iron balustrades and old-world aesthetic, this pub made history in 1965 when two feminist legends chained themselves to the bar in the ’60s to protest the ban on women in public bars. Today, the Regatta Hotel embraces its storied past while serving up modern pub food, from legendary steaks to expertly mixed cocktails. With multi-level bars and a killer waterfront view at sunset, it’s a place where history and good times go hand in hand. Girls night, anyone?

Homesick Brits will appreciate Paddington’s Hope and Anchor, where the vibe channels your British mate’s cosy living room – only with much better food. The menu features perfectly cooked steaks, a delicate scallop crudo and a standout polenta dish that’s worth the trip alone. The locals match the vibe – warm, welcoming and always ready for some friendly side chat over a schooner. By the time your glass is empty, you’ll likely be planning your next visit.  Pair your meal with a selection from their impressive wine list, and for a fleeting moment, you’ll feel transported straight to the Cotswolds.

You want options? The Prince Consort has eight (yes, eight) distinct bars and dining spaces, so there’s literally no excuse for being bored here. Situated in the Valley, this 1888 pub blends history and hedonism in equal parts. Chic cocktails on the ground floor? Done. Disco fever in La La Land upstairs? Yeah, why not? Whether you’re there for a drag night, trivia or $16 burger Tuesdays, The Prince knows how to turn a casual drink into an all-nighter. Just don’t blame us when your hangover takes all of Saturday to shake.

This pub sits under the Story Bridge like it owns the joint (because it kind of does). This hotel dodged a demolition bullet when the city's engineers rerouted the entire bridge plan just to save this beloved local haunt. Owned by the Deery family since 1967, the Story Bridge Hotel has a little something for everyone, whether it’s casual drinks in the beer garden or a proper meal in their award-winning Deery’s Restaurant. In the pub, you’ll find your staple Aussie classics, but their famous Guinness Pie? Chef’s kiss.