Stylish Maya attracts a similarly well-groomed, hip young crowd who come to slide into its padded booths and order a round of margaritas and something from the coastal Mexican–inspired menu. A ceiling dripping with greenery, club chairs with striped cushions and international guest DJs create an exclusive European beach club atmosphere, uniquely juxtaposed with the 360-degree urban backdrop of Valley rooftops and mirrored city skyscrapers. Maya’s drinks list runs the gamut from cocktails to craft beer, while, if you’re feeling flush, a bottle of singer Jay-Z’s Armand De Brignac Gold ($1100) may be just the thing to partner with your ceviche. 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley; maya-mexican.com.au.

Brisbane’s benchmark wine bar, the vivacious Cru Bar has a terrace with elevated tables overlooking leafy, fashion-forward James Street – the perfect perch for beautiful-people spotting. Protected from the elements, with comfortable seating and an irrepressible “good-to-be-alive, let’s have another glass,” ambience, Cru Bar inspires lingering. The wine list alone, (recently awarded Australia’s best), requires time to explore, with an astonishing 450 wines, from idiosyncratic low-intervention locals to inky-hued super-Tuscans, with many available by the glass. While it attracts some serious wine enthusiasts, Cru Bar remains refreshingly unpretentious and it’s worth seeking counsel from the amiable, well-versed staff, particularly if you’re keen to try something a little esoteric or a big-ticket number from the impressive Coravin list. 1/22 James St, Fortitude Valley; crubar.com.

The community vibe is strong at this raffish, Nundah Village bar, where a steady flow of locals, often with kids and dogs, stream up the staircase onto the astro-turfed terrace of the eclectically furnished house-turned-bar. Fitz & Potts’ wine list champions smaller, all-Australian producers with a focus on sustainability and natural wines, while the cocktail list kicks off with classics and builds to a kitschy finale, with a drink featuring ‘moonshine,’ maraschino cherries and a unicorn swizzle stick. There are also six independently-owned Australian beers on tap, as well as mocktails and alcohol-free beer. The snacky menu is unapologetically vegan and stays true to the retro vibe, with jaffles, stuffed filo pastries and hot chips. 1180 (Upstairs) Sandgate Rd, Nundah; fitzandpotts.com.au.

The wooden bar at this popular local looks like it has been lifted piecemeal from a British pub – albeit a pint-sized one. Housed in a heritage-listed cottage that once functioned as a bakery, there are plenty of cosy nooks, but it’s the greenery-filled, street-facing garden, with share tables and often live music (and a fireplace for the odd cool evening), that’s the most sought-after spot, the dog-friendly footpath tables running a close second. Drinks, from a compact but thoughtful list are supplemented by specials (smoked pickle sour beer anyone?) with wine served in quality stemware and a food menu serving up contemporary covers of pubs standards. 267 Given Terrace, Paddington; hopeandanchor.net.au.

Take the elevator (an experience in itself) to the 21st floor for what are arguably the city’s premium views. Certainly, the best place to view Brisbane River, South Bank and beyond with a drink in your hand. The uber-chic and always buzzing Terrace Bar has tables facing an uninterrupted panorama of the city, beneath a retractable glass ceiling, service as slick as the décor and a comprehensive and creative drinks list– from contemporary signature cocktails to craft beers, rare whiskies and an impressive selection of international and domestic gin and rum. There’s an equally appealing menu too – from small plates like Moreton bay bug rolls and kingfish sashimi, to a splash-out Queensland-summer-on-a-plate seafood platter. Emporium Hotel South Bank, Level 21/267 Grey St, South Brisbane; emporiumhotels.com.au.