Where to Sink a Schooner: Your Mate’s Guide to Brisbane’s Best Pubs

Reckon it’s time for a cold one? Brisbane’s pub scene is absolutely humming, and we’ve rounded up the spots where you can park yourself for a proper feed and a few froths with your mates.

The Local Legends

If you’re kicking around Calamvale way, you can’t go past the local hotel. The beer garden’s a ripper when the weather’s good (which, let’s face it, is pretty much always in Brissie). Chuck in some top-notch tucker and plenty of space for when the whole crew rocks up, and you’re laughing.

Over in the Redlands, the Alex Hills Hotel’s become bit of a institution. They’ve gone all out with a putt putt course – perfect for settling those mate’s debates after a few cold ones. Plus, if you’ve had a few too many, they’ve got rooms upstairs. Clever thinking, that.

The Paddo’s still going strong as one of those proper Brisbane pubs where you can catch the footy on the big screen while demolishing a schnitty the size of your head. The place gets absolutely packed when there’s live music on – just how we like it.

Worth the Trip

Fancy a drive down the coast? The Tugun Tavern’s your spot for that proper Gold Coast vibe. Nothing beats knocking back a cold one while you’re still sandy from the beach. Their breaky is the perfect hangover cure too, if you’re backing up from a big one.

For the southside crew, the Yarrabilba Hotel’s got a screen that’s basically cinema-sized for the footy. When State of Origin’s on, this place goes absolutely mental – exactly how a proper Queensland pub should.

Hidden Gems

The Junction over in Annerley’s had a bit of a glow-up, but they haven’t gone all fancy on us. The beer garden’s mint for a Sunday session, and they’ve kept all the classic pub grub that keeps us coming back. Their parmy still hits the spot every time.

Logan Village Hotel’s one of those proper community pubs where you’ll probably run into half the neighborhood. Their trivia nights are famous for getting pretty competitive – nothing like a bit of healthy rivalry over a few pots and some brain-teasers.

For the Family Feed

The Colmslie’s nailed that sweet spot between a decent family feed and a proper pub atmosphere. You can bring the kids for dinner without feeling like you’re at a playground, but it’s still casual enough for a few quiet ones after work.

Corinda Tavern’s another good shout for when you’ve got the whole clan in tow. The outdoor area’s a pearler, and they do a Sunday roast that’ll remind you of your nan’s (but don’t tell her we said that).

The New Kid

Queenslander Marsden keeps things sweet and simple – cold beer, hot chips, and friendly faces. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for ‘just one’ and end up staying for dinner because the schnitty special is too good to pass up.

Whether you’re after a quick schooner or settling in for the long haul, these pubs have got you sorted. Each one’s got its own character, but they all nail the essentials: good tucker, cold beer, and that laid-back Brisbane vibe we’re famous for.

Just remember to get yourself a designated driver, or better yet, chuck the Uber app on your phone. Nothing ruins a good pub session like having to worry about how you’re getting home.