A local’s expert guide to the best places to grab a beer, wine or cocktail when the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show doors eventually close for the day
You’ll be happy to know that your day doesn’t need to end when the Truck Show doors close for the day. It’s time to hit the streets of South Bank – one of the River City’s best bar and restaurant hubs. Here is our expert guide to the best bars and pubs to experience at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.
The Charming Squire, South Bank
Located essentially under the Brisbane Truck Show’s venue, there isn’t a more convenient stop for a beer than the Charming Squire.
This ‘brewhouse’ is a fantastic venue, which also plays as an on-site microbrewery (brewing the popular James Squire line of beer).
Its a popular spot with the locals due to its location, great atmosphere and relaxed vibe.
The Ship Inn, South Bank
Built in 1864, the Ship Inn is another iconic pub that graces the River City with its 19th-century charm.
Located near the Maritime Museum, the Ship Inn is as classic as it gets, with no pokies, no TVs, not even a TAB, just beer and food and a wonderful pub vibe.
If you’re after a quality pub to pitstop at post-Truck Show, this classy old pub is a winner.
Plough Inn, South Bank
Situated in the heart of the South Bank Parklands, the Plough Inn is one of the River City’s most iconic watering holes.
Established in 1864, this pub delivers a beloved historical charm with modern extensions and comfort.
The heritage building mixed with its four bars and 50 beer taps makes The Plough Inn a ‘must-go’ post-Truck Show stop with mates.
Be quick, the beer garden fills up quick!
Southbeach, South Bank
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Truckies love cocktails and pop music … don’t they?
This beach holiday-inspired bar on the South Bank foreshore is one of the hottest spots in town.
It’s fun, hip and refreshing, boasts wonderful city views and mixes a summery cocktail like no other, making it perfect for the Truck Show pundit.
Southbeach is like the beach vacation you were hoping for after the Truck Show!
MAKER, South Brisbane
Some of Brisbane’s best digs can be found on Fish Lane, none more so than Maker. This hole-in-the-wall bar is arguably one of the hottest in Brisbane.
At Maker, you will explore stunningly presented handmade seasonal cocktails which are best paired with its elegant food.
The best way to describe the experience is fine dining for cocktails.
A tiny, minimalist bar that packs huge flavour and flair.
Saccharomyces Beer Café, South Brisbane
It’s all about local with Sacchromyces Beer Cafe, the Fish Lane gem that offers up the best of the independent craft beer and wine world to you.
This bar and kitchen is one of the best in the business, evident from its 17 rotating beer taps.
With quality beer and wine must come quality food as well, which Saccharomyces happily helps you pair.
A must-do for beer and wine lovers.
Barbossa, South Bank
Barbossa is a Caribbean-inspired venue featuring an extensive bar with over 200 cocktails, barrel-aged infused rums made in-house, and a large variety of beers, wines and ciders.
The kitchen cooks up a storm until midnight seven days a week.
Its fresh new functions menu offers a wide range of food options, Caribbean-inspired tapas and Australian classics.
Southbank Beer Garden, South Bank
Brisbane’s only beach-side beer garden is right here in the heart of South Bank.
Take a peek through the glass windows to see the char-grilled magic that puts juicy steaks on your plates.
The Beer Garden is a celebration of all things carnivorous with its tender, flavourful meats, triple-cooked hand-cut chips, and alfresco dining experience.
Savour the taste of its gourmet eats with a pint of craft beer overlooking Streets Beach.
Archive Beer Boutique, West End
Welcome to West End, more specifically Boundary Street, the cultural hub of Brisbane.
Here you’ll find hipsters and greenies and plenty of bicycles, but with that also comes some of the city’s best trendy cafes and bars, a standout being Archive.
A craft beer haven, Archive is quite the institution in this part of the world.
Open seven days a week, and just a quick Uber or an easy walk from the show, if you’re into your beers and live music, Archive has you sorted.
Brisbane Brewing Co, Woolloongabba
If you’re looking for something a bit upmarket with amazing independently brewed beer, then Brisbane Brewing Co should be your point of call.
Technically in Woolloongabba, on the corner of Stanley Street and Annerley Road, Brisbane Brewing Co is the city’s original brewpub.
A fan favourite for sports lovers, being only a short walk from the Gabba, Brisbane Brewing Co opened its doors in 2005.
Take in the heritage-listed building that is the former Clarence Hotel and relax with its quality beer brewed on-site and up-market pub grub.
Hop & Pickle, South Bank
Little Stanley Street’s resident gastronomy experience is Hop & Pickle, a relaxed pub focused on good, fresh food and simple, classic drinks.
Based on providing good old-fashion hospitality, Hop & Pickle exudes a style the staff refer to as ‘Hop Culture’.
Specialising in deep-fried pickles, daily changing mains, and the traditional Sunday roast of old, Hop & Pickle allows its diners to really appreciate the full experience of a homey gastro-pub with a modern flourish.
Tippler’s Tap, South Bank
Tippler’s Tap is the answer for every craft beer lover seeking a new local haunt.
Unpretentious in nature, it offers a smattering of craft beer varieties against a rustic backdrop.
Rotating brews of ales, lagers and ciders on its appealing unmarked taps, Tippler’s Tap specialises in showcasing local and renowned brews.
You’ll also find a tasty menu inspired by the Chicago street food scene including hotdogs, sliders and Tippler’s famous wings.
The Bearded Lady, West End
Just up the road from Archive you’ll find another West End gem, The Bearded Lady.
Entering through the front doors you’ll see a honky tonk piano which sets the scene for its organised-chaos vibe, which makes it so popular with the locals.
Its ethos is all about being safe, having a good time with friends, and partying like no other with a great selection of craft beer and cocktails.
If you’re feeling like taking in some West End culture, then The Bearded Lady is the perfect bar.
The Sangria Bar, South Bank
The Sangria Bar is something a little bit different for truckies, but rest assured, it features on almost every ‘best bars’ list in Brisbane.
Located next to its sister restaurant, Ole, the Sangria Bar brings the best of Spain to South Bank.
It’s vibrant, trendy and offers something a little bit different for visitors. Sit back and nibble on some tapas while sipping on a sangria … it’s as relaxing as it sounds.
