Wander up a red staircase into a 1920’s building sitting proudly on a corner of Brisbane’s cultural precinct (at the beginning of Fish Lane) and discover an inviting bar where quality wines are swilled. At Maeve Wine Bar an evolving wine list champions smaller producers (from the youthful and funky to the more established, traditional makers) and, a produce-driven, imaginative share-plate menu is on hand to match your wine, and mood. 39 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; maeve.wine.

Named after the pelican in famed Aussie classic Storm Boy, Mr Percival’s is one of Brisbane’s best-loved drinking holes. The overwater bar sits amid the Howard Smith Wharves precinct and is a haven of clashing prints, colours and textures courtesy of interior design guru Anna Spiro. Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; mrpercivals.com.au.

A historic post office is now home to one of Brisbane’s most awarded bars. The grand design calls for a classic cocktail or something straight up. If the bartenders can’t sway you towards something from the American and Scottish-dominated whiskey list, have them design you a custom flight, and retreat to the library-esque lounge bar to sip your snifters. 308 Queen Street, Brisbane City; thegresham.com.au.

Younger sibling to lauded restaurant (and neighbour) Gerard’s Bistro is Gerard’s Bar. Chef Adam Wolfer’s new menu pays homage to the cuisine of Lebanon and its surrounding regions – think mezze and manoushe with zing. As for drinks? The team has created a Middle Eastern-inspired menu worthy of its own mention. We recommend the Pistachio Fizz, the Lebanese Fig and the Beirut Punch. Who needs travel?3a/23 James Street, Fortitude Valley; gerardsbar.com.au.

In a breezy, open warehouse space in Fortitude Valley lies Byron Bay’s Stone & Wood’s Brisbane outpost. Chilled brews, hearty snacks and long tables makes this venue a favourite for groups. The working brewery allows guests to watch the fermenters at work, while enjoying a drink from one of 24 taps (showcasing the brewery’s finest drops, of course). 99 Bridge Street, Fortitude Valley; stoneandwood.com.au.

While London’s West End may be a world away right now, Brisbane’s is not. With hundreds of gin – including many Australian speciality gins – on offer, this nod to merry old England will have you feeling like a queen. A contemporary Australian food menu, which is entirely gluten-free, sees share plates celebrated (the sweet potato gnocchi is a triumph), but it’s the drinks you’re here to sample. The Queen of Hearts cocktail is a popular choice, featuring Kalki Moon Gin, Green Chartreuse, raspberry, lime and coconut. 142 Boundary Street, West End; coventgarden.com.au.

Cru Bar & Cellar is somewhat of a James Street icon and remains a go-to drinking den for Brisbanites of all ages. Both bottleshop and suave wine bar, the corner-perched venue is home to a seriously impressive array of leading wines collected from all around the globe. 1/22 James Street, Fortitude Valley; crubar.com.

Sitting pretty above The Fantauzzo hotel, Fiume Bar offers river views by day and a sparkling cityscape backdrop by night. Catch the lift up via the adjoined hotel’s lobby and enter a chic bar that celebrates the very best of the Sunshine State’s year-round rooftop-friendly weather and serves up a mean Negroni. 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; howardsmithwharves.com/eat-drink/fiume-bar.

Tucked away in moody Fish Lane, Bar Brutus is a fresh addition to the South Brisbane after-dark scene. Younger sister of neighbouring Julius Pizzeria, the Italian-inspired bar does three things and does them well: aperitive, spuntini and digestive. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm, Bar Brutus adjoins the precinct’s Town Square on Melbourne Street and presents an idyllic spot for a spritz come sundown. Try ‘The Mayor,’ made on Amaro Montenegro, Cynar, grapefruit bitters, prosecco and soda. 2/49 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; barbrutus.com.au.

Younger, boozier sibling to Gauge is Maker. Tucked away in South Brisbane’s Fish Lane (right by GOMA) is an eclectic drinks hub, which serves up vibrant cocktails partnered with an array of charcuterie. Cocktails aside, Maker is fast-becoming a go-to for those who fancy a natural wine of a Friday evening. 9 Fish lane, South Brisbane; instagram.com/maker.bne.