Our list is in no particular order, but we are starting with a Brisbane institution that has been running for over 140 years. The Crown Hotel has recently had a complete venue transformation to feature a refreshed beer garden, bistro, bar and gaming area thanks to Australian Venue Co. From the stylish bistro to the modern sports bar and bright beer garden, the pub’s heritage and character still remain; things are just – newer.

The menu also received a bit of a touch-up but still features all of the pub classics you know and love. One of the new additions, however, is the trendy share plates and grazing platters. Basically, the Crown has made it super easy for you to grab your crew on a sunny afternoon, head to the beer garden for a cold one, and pair it with some top-notch snacks. Sounds like the perfect afternoon to us!

A great pub doesn’t have to be all flashy and modern. In fact, some of the best have remained as they are for years and years. Tucked away in the vibrant neighbourhood of Inala, the Diamond Hotel is one such cherished local haunt that has a history and air of nostalgia that stands as a living representation of the community it serves.

The Diamond Hotel is a classic pub in every sense of the word, and each sip you take within its walls will be an authentic experience. With a range of locally sourced beers on tap and a menu that keeps things simple, Brisbane’s culture and spirit are captured here.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Diamond Hotel has multiple screens scattered throughout the venue, and all of the easy entertainment trimmings, from trivia nights to live music can be found here as well. If you had to sum up Brisbane’s pub culture, the Diamond Hotel has history, community, and some great stories to tell, all under one roof.

The Everton Park Hotel is a suburban, family-friendly pub in South East Queensland that your kids will love. A watering hole where you can catch up with your adult friends, and your kids are excited about going there? How can that be? The answer is the million-dollar Children’s Playcentre, which features its own Carousel. That’s right, it’s like a theme park with beer taps.

While we have a good idea of the types of drinks you are after when heading to the pub, we feel it’s important to note that the Everton Park Hotel also serves fresh coffee every morning and pairs it with fresh cakes in CC’s bar and lounge.

The Bistro features an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work, and you can enjoy the alfresco experience in the outdoor courtyard (with easy views of the Children’s Playcentre). The aforementioned CC’s bar is open from 8:30am seven days a week, and the Sports Bar includes a traditional Beer Garden, state-of-the-art TAB facility, and a huge screen that always has the most popular match of the hour on it. All boxes are ticked for all members of the family at the Everton.

The Jindalee Hotel & Functions Centre is just outside of the city, and while it’s known as a great spot for events thanks to its Grand Ballroom, it’s also a local favourite that offers a lot more than your standard pub. The chic cocktail lounge and Roadhouse Grill Restaurant make it the spot for a range of occasions, whether it’s a big meal with the family or after-work drinks where you can complain about how the copier is on the fritz again.

The venue has been designed as a tribute to the great Aussie road trip, with food, cold beers, and live sports at its core. There also always seems to be something going on, no matter when you step through the doors. With trivia, musical bingo, karaoke and live music, there is continually some sort of activity to pair with your drinks. Alternatively, just catch up with your friends and soak in the exciting atmosphere of one of Brisbane’s best-loved pubs.

The Kenmore is like a 10X pub! It’s a huge, modern venue with various sections that will suit any type of mood you are in. Want a sit-down dinner with the family? The European-style restaurant is the spot. A couple of bevvies with your friends? Head to the lounge. Ready to amp things up and watch the big game? Head to one of the four massive screens that always have pay-per-view events.

We mentioned the European-inspired eats, but the fun part is their slight Middle Eastern twist. The menu is quirky and delicious, and the handcrafted pizzas are the perfect pairing with a cold one for the big game.

Speaking of the game, all local and international games for pretty much every sport there is will be shown at this pub. If you need a good reason to leave the comfort of your couch for the match, the giant screens, delicious food, and beer selection at The Kenmore is it!

The Sundowner is one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Brisbane, and its new refresh has made it an even cooler place to hang out. The sports bar, in particular, received some attention in the renovation, which includes an epic big screen to watch your favourite games on.

The bistro also received some updates but remains one of the key spots to enjoy a classic pub parmy, beer battered chips or steak. The Sundowner keeps things relaxed and friendly and is a truly welcoming spot to enjoy a cold one, a match, and a meal with your friends, including the ones covered in fur.

The Royal is another iconic pub, which has quenched many-a-thirst in Nundah since 1888. Its recent $1.1-million refurbishment includes a fresh first-floor entertainment space accommodating up to 200 guests for live music and comedy shows. The bistro and terrace have been transformed into a family-friendly dining area with modern marble-look tables and wooden accents. The front bar and outdoor section have also been updated to perfectly suit lovers of sport, with screens perfectly placed around the venue.

One thing we love about all of these updates, however, is how well the pub’s historical significance has been preserved. The Royal is an important part of this community, and the minute you walk through the doors, you can feel it. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming pub!

Speaking of makeovers, another great pub that has received an extensive renovation is Fortitude Valley’s beloved drinking spot, The Wickham. This historic LGBTQIA+ supporting venue now boasts a revamped, weather-proof beer garden that is perfect for a cold one in the sun.

The heritage-listed site’s $3.1 million transformation maintains a delicate balance between the venue’s rich history and contemporary upgrades. The revitalised corner bar and studio sections have been renamed The Peacock Room and Garland Room, respectively, both showcasing vintage furniture, local LGBTQIA+ artists’ creations, and a nod to the iconic peacock, Frankie, while Garland Room has been designated as the club space for DJs, performers, and parties.

Executive Chef Dylan Kemp ensures you have stone-baked pizzas, bar snacks, and late-night snacks that cater for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes. For example, the cauliflower hot bites pair perfectly with a Disco Fruit Tingle cocktail if you are feeling frisky. For the designated drivers, the No-groni is an absolute must!

The Wickham also has plenty of weekly events, such as Thursday night trivia, live music on weekends, and Friday and Saturday evening drag shows. Additionally, The Peacock Room offers monthly bottomless burlesque brunch sessions,

Last but certainly not least, The Waterloo Bay Hotel, an enchanting historical establishment dating back to 1889, in Wynnum is a true pub’s pub. At the heart of the hotel lies the Fig Restaurant and Beer Garden, a family-friendly gathering spot with live music, a large high-definition screen, and an indoor kids’ room and playground.

Catering to a diverse dining experience, the Waterloo Bay Hotel presents a delectable menu available indoors or al fresco with hand-stretched gourmet pizzas, pub classics like fish and chips, pasta, burgers, and chef-signature dishes like a very special chicken parmigiana. The weekends come alive with breakfast, live music, sports broadcasts, kids’ club activities, and special guests from craft beer breweries.

The Waterloo Hotel’s legacy extends to the central Brisbane dining scene, evolving from a humble spot serving workers along the Brisbane River to a vibrant establishment in its contemporary, refreshed space. Be sure to pop in and check it out for yourself.