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For a fun night out in Brisbane, add these six Fortitude Valley bars to your list to enjoy great drinks and atmosphere.
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Why visit Fortitude Valley?
Fortitude Valley is a great neighborhood in Brisbane. It has the benefit of being close to the Central Business District (CBD) while maintaining more of a local feeling and lively atmosphere. There are dozens of bars and restaurants all within a small radius, making it easy to check out multiple places in one night, or over a weekend.
When are Fortitude Valley bars open?
The bars in Fortitude Valley are open weekends typically anywhere from 12-2 am. However, many Fortitude Valley bars are closed Monday and Tuesday. Some are also closed on Sundays and/or Wednesdays, so be sure to check their hours before trying to visit.
6 Bars to check out in Fortitude Valley
There are dozens of Fortitude Valley bars all within a short walking distance of one another. This is a small sampling of the bars in the neighborhood.
Dark Red
Dark Red is essentially two bars in one. You have a small wine bar on one side, with a cocktail bar on the opposite side of the dividing wall. This is a cozy bar that includes a small outdoor seating space. The bar is nestled in Bakery Lane just off Ann Street, so if you didn’t know about it, you’d never know it was there. They have some interesting flavor combinations in their cocktails. If you enjoy vodka and bright flavors, try the Daisy Baby, a vodka, passionfruit and toffee cocktail.
Cru Bar & Cellar
Cru Bar & Cellar is a wine bar and restaurant in the upscale James Street area of Fortitude Valley. If you are a wine lover this spot is for you. They have a massive wine menu with prices that range from mid teens to mid twenties per glass. This is definitely more of a high end nightcap than your neighborhood bar or pub.
Osborne Hotel
This bar has one of the more interesting vibes of the many Fortitude Valley pubs. There are plants throughout the interior to create the feeling of being outside throughout the space. There are a number of large seating areas, which make this bar perfect for groups. The Osborn Hotel is casual, but with a very lively atmosphere.
Prince Consort Hotel
The Prince Consort is a huge, multi level bar that provides many different bars and seating areas. Their decor is cute and quirky, for example the main level bar features a hand painted floral mural. Towards the back of the main floor, there is also a well sized outdoor patio with a separate bar, to enjoy fresh air with your drink of choice. There is also typically live music in the afternoon Thursday – Sunday.
The Wickham
The Wickham is one of the liveliest Fortitude Valley bars and clubs, and probably also for Brisbane city in general. They are open every day with different events happening almost every night, which makes this a go to spot for Fortitude Valley nightlife. Events range from bingo to themed dance parties and drag nights, which you can find on their event calendar. They also have one of the most popular beer gardens in Brisbane.
Felons Brewery
This is a can’t miss brewery in Brisbane. The brewery is right on the edge of Fortitude Valley, and you have to take the elevator down to the riverfront. Felons sits right along the Brisbane River, next to the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal, and overlooks the Story Bridge. The setting alone makes this one of the best bars in Fortitude Valley, especially at sunset. The brewery itself is massive. There is more outdoor seating than indoor, perfect for warm summer days. But there’s also the Barrel Room with indoor seating if you don’t want to be outside. They have an extensive food menu as well.
Fortitude Valley bars FAQs
Is Fortitude Valley a dangerous part of Brisbane?
No, Fortitude Valley is not dangerous. Like many large cities around the world, it has its share of homeless people on the streets closer to the transit center. But overall it is safe to walk around day or night.
How many bars in Fortitude Valley?
Fortitude Valley has dozens of bars, most of which are centered around, or a short walk to, Brunswick Street. This is what makes it such a lively area of Brisbane.
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