Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 5 . BRISBANE
Finds
Brisbane’s Historic Pubs
Brisbane’s attractive historic pubs, many of them recently revitalized,
have wide shady verandas and beer gardens just perfect for whiling
away a sunny afternoon or catching a quick meal at night.
The best known is undoubtedly the Breakfast Creek Hotel on Kingsford
Smith Drive, Breakfast Creek (see “Great Deals on Dining” earlier
in this chapter). Built in 1889, the hotel is a Brisbane institution. For
many people a visit to the city isn’t complete without a steak and beer
“off the wood” at the Brekkie Creek.
Another landmark is the Regatta Hotel, on Coronation Drive,
Toowong. This heritage hotel with three stories of iron lace balconies
is the perfect spot for a cool drink overlooking the Brisbane River. In
2002 it underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that now sees it
bursting at the seams on weekends. The new Boat Shed restaurant is
popular but not inexpensive, and I think the tables around the hotel
verandas are a better choice.
Not far from the Regatta, in High Street, Toowong, is the Royal
Exchange Hotel, known simply as “the RE.” The RE is popular with students,
probably because of its proximity to the University of Queensland.
It has a great garden bar at the back.
The Story Bridge Hotel, at 200 Main St., Kangaroo Point, is wellknown
as the venue for some of Brisbane’s most unusual events, such
as the annual Australia Day (Jan 26) cockroach races. Built in 1886, it is
also a great place to find live music.
Another of the city’s oldest pubs is the Plough Inn at South Bank
Parklands, which has stood its ground through major changes in the
neighborhood since 1885. There’s even a ghost, they say . . .
Empire Hotel Friday and Saturday nights find this Heritage-listed pub
packed with the Hip, the Young, and the Beautiful. Don’t come here in a suit,
and forget about it if you’re over 35—you’re not welcome. Super-cool groovers
dance to an all-night beat upstairs, and most nights a DJ plays in the downstairs
Art Nouveau bar. By day, the place is more like a friendly country pub. 339
Brunswick St. at Ann St., New Farm. & 07/3852 1216.
Friday’s This indoor/outdoor bar, restaurant, and nightclub complex overlooking
the Brisbane River is a haunt for “the Zoolander generation” of 18–40s.
Every Tuesday to Saturday night sees some kind of happy-hour deal, cocktail
club, or drinks special, and the dance action starts pumping around 11pm on
Fridays and Saturdays. Every third Wednesday of the month from 6–8:30pm the
Wine Club welcomes over-30s with all the wine, champagne, spirits, beer, food,
and live bands they can take for A$30 (US$20). “Sounds on Sunday,” from 2pm
till very late, features top DJs from around Australia. Upstairs in Riverside Centre, 123
Eagle St. & 07/3832 2122. Cover A$7–A$10 (US$4.55–US$6.50). CityCat to Riverside.
Margaux’s A smart mid-30s to mid-40s crowd gathers to dance and chat over
cocktails and supper at this clubby joint. It’s open Friday and Saturday from
9pm to 3am; happy hour is 9:30 to 10:30pm. 5th floor, Brisbane Hilton, 190 Elizabeth
St. & 07/3234 2000. Cover A$5 (US$3.25) Sat night.