In certain Brisbane groups, there’s a phenomenon known as the Lefty’s Vortex. Walk up the stairs at a reasonable time for a drink or two, and find yourself stumbling out in the wee hours of the morning with, just possibly, one too many whisky apples under your belt and no idea how the hours flew by.

A live honkey tonk band keeps things fast and loose on weekends, as small groups’ crowd around candle-lit tables with scorching Nashville red hot chicken tenders, served with a side of pickles and sliced white bread, and baskets of chilli cheese fries.

Craft beer and whisky rule the bar, with most punters clutching one of the two house specialities; George Dickel whisky with fresh green apple juice and green-hued tins of Sierra Nevada pale ale.

If downstairs is too loud, sneak upstairs to the Mermaid Bar, with a secret clubhouse vibe, cheesy pirate paraphernalia and enough rum to sink a sailor.

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