Inspired by Europe’s least pretentious beach clubs, Mr Percival’s is a Queensland take on a traditional summer drinking hole that has already become a River City favourite. The overwater bar serves up fresh seafood, pizza and aperitivo-style snacks, best paired with one of the house spritzes. 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane. mrpercivals.com.au.

Inspired by the vibrant Tel Aviv dining scene, this Middle Eastern bar, eatery and all-round mecca has brought an intoxicating hit of warm spices to the ground floor of the Ovolo, Fortitude Valley. The drinks list revolves around plantation rums and Mediterranean gins, muddled with Middle Eastern fruits like persimmon, kumquat and pomegranate, and fragranced with Arabian spices. No need to set off for a kebab, they also offer their own midnight menu. 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley. zazata.com.au.

This Anna Spiro-designed drinking den is already making its presence felt in the booming Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Curated by sommelier Ian Trinkle, the wine list serves over 500 bottles with a focus on light, European-style wines and artisanal producers. Pair it with one of the unusual yet approachable snacks by head chef Alanna Sapwell, which include goose prosciutto and pressed pork hock. Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane. arcdining.com.au.

Every occasion feels like a celebration at this glittery new venue. Created by restaurateur Maris Cook (Maeve Wine) with designer Rachel Burke, the festive venue serves up a menu of birthday favourites, from fairy bread to party pies and Bolognese toasties. And just to prove that it really is for grown-ups, they also do an alcoholic Cottees Cordial cooler and boozy “Bambi” milkshake spiked with schnapps. 58 Hope St, South Brisbane. thetinselbar.com.

This historic bank has been recently transformed into a slick new wine bar and we’ve never been more happy to hand over our cash. Key to the experience is the 170-bottle, global-roaming eclectic wine list that focuses on smaller producers and minimal intervention drops. As for the food menu, the line-up works its way from snacks and small plates to larger format dishes, including a charcoal-grilled hanger steak with cafe de Paris butter and fries. Upstairs, Level 1/39 Melbourne St, South Brisbane. maeve.wine.

It’s like taking a step into downtown Manhattan when you walk through the doors of this teeny tiny small bar. Combining a great speakeasy vibe with a boutique list of beers and wines, it’s the kind of place you’ll be happy settling into for the night. 48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane. superwhatnot.com.

Kick-start your weekend with a sneaky session at this West End favourite. While rum is the focus, craft beer comes a close second, and there’s plenty to discover in both categories. It’s a cosy place, filled with comfy chairs and friendly faces, and, to add to the ambiance, music is only ever played on vinyl. 73 Vulture Street, West End.

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.

West End den Cobbler has quite the reputation among whiskey lovers (courtesy of its 400+ bottles of the stuff) but its not just dark spirits that’s the specialty here. Those who want to branch out from the Lagavulin and Ardberg will appreciate the fine selection of rock ‘n’ roll cocktails served from the pressed-metal bar. If there’s no band upstairs, expect a jazzy soundtrack. 7 Browning Street, West End. cobblerbar.com.

Younger sibling to West End’s esteemed Cobbler is Valley resident Savile Row, a dark and moody venue that boasts two separate levels on which to sit and sip. Named after London’s famed tailoring street of the same name, Savile Row is just as focused on tailoring your drinking experience. 667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. savilerowbar.com.au.