Gerard's Bar
Clever cocktails, wines & Levantine bites (l,d; $$-$$$)
Even Brisbane’s tsunami of hip new bars can’t knock Gerard’s off its perch. Tucked away off fashionable James St, the polished-concrete maverick remains a standout, pouring natty wines and cocktails. The latter include native twists on classics, from an Americano spiked with lemon myrtle to an Old Fashioned blended with macadamia and wattleseed liqueur.
Booze-friendly nosh merges Levantine flavours and local flair – think prawn falafels with harissa labneh, advieh-spiced garlic curd, and lamb ribs with plum molasses. Behind the menu is celebrated chef Adam Wolfers, the powerhouse behind award-winning sibling Gerard’s Bistro.
13a, 23 James St, Fortitude Valley
Opening hours: Thu 4-9.30pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sun 2-10pm, bar till midnight
Transport: Bus 470 or train to Fortitude Valley
gerardsbar.com.au