Hidden away in Gresham Lane is Super Whatnot, one of Brisbane CBD’s best-kept secrets. The rather intimate cocktail haunt comes alive at night courtesy of its talented bartenders, revolving line-up of DJs and array of latino-inspired nibbles. 48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City; superwhatnot.com

Younger sibling to lauded restaurant (and neighbour) Gerard’s is Gerard’s Bar. While a haven for wine and charcuterie, the industrial-style drinking den is just as famed for its rather decadent cheeseburger. 13a/23 James Street, Fortitude Valley; gerardsbar.com.au

Nestled into the revamped antiques precinct of Woolloongabba (or the Gabba if you’re local) is Canvas Club. The quirky bar is decorated in an array of murals, mis-matched vintage furniture and rustic timber and serves theatrical cocktails aplenty. 16 Logan Road, Woolloongabba; canvasclub.com.au

Named after the pelican in famed Aussie classic Storm Boy, Mr Percival’s is one of Brisbane’s latest drinking holes. The overwater bar sits amidst the new 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.

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 den, the corner 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

As its name suggests, late night haunt The Bowery takes plenty of inspiration from New York. The clandestine bar is one of Brisbane’s most awarded drinking holes and continues to lure in crowds courtesy of its lethal espresso martinis and live music throughout the week. 676 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; thebowery.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.

If lively is your preference, you can’t afford to skip a night out at Lefty’s. The honky-tonky style establishment is a velvet-clad two-storey bar settled in a former gentleman’s club. Go for the live music, the rum-based drinks, and the secret Mermaid Bar. 15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace; leftysoldtimemusichall.com

Younger, boozier sibling to Gauge is Maker. Tucked away in South Brisbane’s Fish Lane (right by GOMA) is this eclectic drinks hub which serves up eclectic cocktails partnered with an array of charcuterie. 9 Fish lane, South Brisbane; explorefishlane.com.au/pf/maker/

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.

Brisbane’s brightest new restaurant ARC comes equipped with its own wine-focused bar. More than 400 wines are on offer, selected by awarded sommelier Ian Trinkle and accompanied by ‘unusual yet approachable snacks’ from head chef Alanna Sapwell. Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City; arcdining.com.au