Brisbane’s Best Hidden Bars You’ll Want to Keep Secret

Concealed behind an unassuming orange door in Fortitude Valley, is a true icon of the Brisbane hidden bar scene. As you step inside, you are transported into a low-lit, jazz-infused cocktail lounge that takes its drinks very seriously. The menu changes regularly, showcasing inventive techniques, rare spirits, and beautifully balanced flavours. It is intimate, elegant, and one of the finest speakeasy bars Brisbane locals swear by.  

Blink, and you might miss it. Cobbler hides behind a simple frontage on Browning Street, but inside it is a whisky lover’s paradise. The focus here is classic cocktails, expertly made, alongside an impressive collection of whiskies from around the world. It is relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for a quiet catch-up or a refined nightcap. Cobbler remains a standout among Brisbane’s hidden bars thanks to its timeless approach.  

Discreetly tucked beneath the heritage-listed National Mutual Life Building, The Gresham is one of the most polished underground bars Brisbane has to offer. With dark wood interiors, leather booths, and a whisky-heavy menu, it feels like stepping into a bygone era. Cocktails are classic and confident, and the atmosphere is ideal for after-work drinks or late-night conversations. 

Accessible via a small stairway off Burnett Lane, Death & Taxes is a sleek, European-inspired cocktail bar that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly cool. The menu focuses on classic cocktails, seasonal ingredients, and an excellent selection of gin. The moody interior and refined service make it one of the best hidden bars Brisbane CBD has to offer, especially for those who take their cocktails seriously.   

Hidden beneath the busy stretch of Queen Street, Boom Boom Room feels like stepping into another world. Accessed via a discreet entrance and a flight of stairs, the bar opens into a dark, sultry space built for late nights and unhurried drinks. The focus here is on classic cocktails done properly, alongside premium spirits and a soundtrack that leans smooth and nostalgic. With its plush interiors and low-lit atmosphere, Boom Boom Room is the kind of place you settle into rather than rush through, making it a favourite for evenings that stretch a little longer than planned.

Tucked away on Edward Street, Exhibition Restaurant is the kind of place you’d never stumble into by accident. With its discreet entrance and reservation-only format, it carries the same sense of discovery as some of Brisbane’s best hidden bars, just with a sharper focus on food. Inside, the room is intimate and calm, designed to keep attention on the experience rather than the noise around it. While the menu is firmly fine dining, the drinks program is just as considered, making it an ideal spot for a refined evening that begins or ends at the bar. It’s understated, thoughtful, and quietly memorable.  

Hidden above Electric Avenue in Woolloongabba, Mrs J. Rabbits (the bar portion of the restaurant/bar duo) is one of Brisbane’s most theatrical speakeasies. Entry requires a password and a journey up antique staircases and through a wardrobe, setting the tone before you even reach the bar. Inside, the space is warm and whimsical, filled with vintage details and low lighting. The focus is on premium whisky, gin, and playful cocktails, supported by a concise bar food menu designed for lingering. It’s immersive, indulgent, and quietly unforgettable. 

Tucked out the back of Mr Badger's Deli in Woolloongabba, The Copacabana Club is one of Brisbane’s most unexpected finds. With no signage and an entry that feels deliberately misleading, the journey is part of the fun. Step through the hidden door, and you’ll find a relaxed alfresco bar inspired by the legendary New York nightclub, complete with nods to its musical past. Cocktails are playful, beers and spritzes lean European, and the food comes straight from Mr Badger’s much-loved kitchen. Easy going, nostalgic, and quietly brilliant.