It doesn't look like much of a club from the outside, more like an old Beach House... but on the…read moreinside, it is a classy little Jazzy dive. I went here for the Ozmanouche Festival Final night, it was amazing. The sheer talent from all over Australia which comes here during this Festival to play is amazing. If you are a jazz lover like I am, you should definetely check this place out. It is the Brisbane hub of all things Jazz, events through the year, you can go as a member/non-member, usually there is some sort of fee to go to an event, but it's a reasonable price. You can even volunteer if you have free time to give. The prices may be a little up there for the food and drink with a lemon lime and bitters going to $4. But for the ambience, music, talent and experience, it's worth it.

The Brisbane Jazz Club is a not-for-profit that has a house band, it's own building (a former boat…read moreshed) that survived floods of 1974 and 2011, and which books national and international acts. The place is attractive for its location, as an alternative night out, for the good drinks, but first of all of course as a live Jazz venue. The setting feels like a real venue of old with a series of tables placed on a sloping surface toward the stage. With a glass half-empty outlook one could say that it feels a bit cramped; I'd prefer the glass half-full approach where it is clearly nice that some extra space between rows of chairs allows for dinner and a more total experience. That dinner was not the highlight in our case (with uber-mild green curry - but very nice pork fillet with sweet potato) but the bar was excellent. Add to that the unique riverside location with great views of the city skyline (and the CityCat serenely gliding by at regular intervals) from the deck but also from inside the club during the performances, and you're bound to have a great night out.

Usually twice a year QPAC team up with students from the Conservatorium of Music to produce a night…read moreof Jazz and fun on the Melbourne Street green at QPAC. It's the perfect start to the weekend when there's a classic cocktail of friends, wine and great music by Brisbane's best up and coming musicians. The event occurs every Friday night when the season is on and there is usually one running from February to June and another from September to December. On a balmy evening there is no better way to spend a night. And when it's all over, it's so easy to wander down to South Bank for a meal at one of the great restaurants nearby. Yet another reason to love Brisbane living!

Want a nice way to wind down on a Friday afternoon? Meet some friends for some free jazz, grab some…read morefood and a cushion for a relaxing picnic. What a great chill-out zone!

If life's a cabaret (or circus) then the Judith Wright Centre is where I want to see it unfold…read more I've had the pleasure of being at The Judy for performances that evoke a determined inspiration to find flexibility and agility like the performers of Casus, and to learn from peers at industry networking nights. It stands to demonstrate this space's versatility. There's a (cash) bar on performance nights and if that's not enough there's the Glass Bar adjoining. The team at the Judy look after you even more with dinner partnerships with near by restaurants so you can dine pre-show near by. Pro tip: the venue has free WiFi making it a wonderful spot for a midday work sesh!

I love the Judith Wright Centre. I've been here for art exhibitions, launches and performances…read more Last year I saw Wunderkammer here. When we walked in, there were tables and chairs set up with white table cloths and candles. People looked romantic while they lounged, sipping their wine in the warm light. The regular seats are just the same as you'd expect to see in a cinema. With the addition of the front table and chairs, it was really quite charming. (The seats up front cost more). Often times, because a lot of the performances shown at Judith Wright are the products of local emerging artists, they will have a Q & A session after the show. The artists get to discuss their work in a public forum, and the public get to meet fresh, new local talent. I always look to the Judith Wright Centre for a good quality night out. By this I mean that I can usually find a performance to see, get a few drinks into me, and get home feeling on say, $50-$60. That's not bad. I should mention that the bar service is great, and there is a big contemporary outdoor area to drink and smoke in. It's an all round win for the Judith Wright Centre.

I was actually heading to salsa at Casablanca when the flags of my two favorite states (Arkansas…read moreand Tennessee) caught my eye across the street. I ventured in to have a sneak peek. Unfortunately I had just missed the live music so I will have to go again but the vibe made me feel like I had been transported back down South. I really liked the red interior, booths, and chandeliers. I am a bit confused by the stuffed monkey on the stage though... Will be able to give a better review next time when I grab a drink off the menu! Will share if the drinks are as good as they make them in the South.

Hey, Lefty's! I'm feeling what you're putting down. You're so cool and yet you probably don't even…read morerealise it. Well played, Sir, well played. We were set to see a movie at The Barracks across the road from Caxton Street and rather than dine at any number of the respectable choices in the Barracks centre, I made a beeline for Lefty's. Arriving just before 6 I was the sole punter in this seriously brooding and sexy bar. Would it seem out of place to see Saloon girls do the can can atop the higher level balcony? Probably not. I approached the bar and asked the bar keep what their house drink was. "Whiskey and apple," he said tossing a Granny Smith apple in his hand. Yeah, not just apple juice from a bottle but freshly squeezed, baby. I was all prepped to order said drink when he let slip it also goes well with Gin. You, mister, are good. "I'll take a gin and apple, thanks!" My dining partner arrived and we settled each on having their interpretation of the cheeseburger. Be warned: unless you are ravenous, you'll easily be able to share this between two. We didn't realise this and I tapped out long before I could claim my plate of fries and burger complete. Still, it was delicious and for $12 it's an affordable take on "pub grub." This place already had some serious swagger at 6pm on a Wednesday night, I can only imagine (and look forward to seeing it) in full swing on a Friday or Saturday eve.

If you didn't know this place was here, I doubt you would find it. And that's part of the appeal…read more Walk into the very unassuming doorway under the simply lit "BAR" sign, wander down the dimly lit stairway, and all of a sudden, you're in a whole different country. Brooklyn Standard is a very cozy underground bar, themed (as per the name) in a very American way. Having just come back from a 3 week holiday in America, this place just totally appealed to us in just the right way :) It has a very casual feel to the place, and you can easily sit at the bar, or hideaway in a booth. They've got a good selection of beers including our personal favourite American Beer - Blue Moon. Some on tap, some in bottles. They've also got a very interesting selection of cocktails, one that even includes root beer, which is absolutely delicious! To make things even better, they have live music every night from about 7.30pm, and serve free pretzels. Beers are about $8.50, cocktails range from $14-$16. Note though, and this has also been mentioned in other reviews - those pretzels are the only food that you will find here. This is purely a drinks and cocktails bar. Still, I rate this 5 out of 5, and will definitely be back.

What better location to stay out a looming storm than a bar that instantly feels like everyone…read moremight know your name? Brooklyn Standard is classier than Coyote Ugly but not the type of place to have an exclusive guest list, this "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" venue gives the CBD a cool and classic bar to enjoy a few brews (or cocktails) with a live band playing. It's frills and whistles are few but, you know, when you're the cool kid you just are. You don't need to do a song and dance about it. And that's Brooklyn Standard. It was a grand spot to catch up with a girlfriend and we enjoyed table service. There is no food menu - it's a bar in the truest sense and the most you'll get to devour is a bowl of tasty pretzels. Between her beers, my one cocktail and a cider we left satisfied and surprisingly not a lot poorer. The prices are reasonable and not about to skin your purse alive. The underground cavern is cosy and there's table & chair dining or booths for the more romantic gestures. Of course, it's early days but I can't wait to return. It's the friend you don't have to pretend around - you can just be yourself.

My friends that live in the area kept raving about this place as their favorite building in the…read morecity so we went out of our way to come. It's awesome, a historic powerhouse building has been converted into a performing arts venue. The main floor has high ceilings and a stage. Down below are smaller theatre rooms for comedy, music, and whatever else is needed. They have a welcoming area and gift shop too. It's really well done with exposed brick and metal columns, but ultra modern too. They have a bar and restaurant overlooking the river as well, which offers picturesque views of nearby neighborhoods and passing boats. I hope to visit again and see a show here!

You say: Comedy. I say: Brisbane Powerhouse…read more You say: Sunday drinks with your crew. I say: Brisbane Powerhouse. One visit to Brisbane's iconic Powerhouse and you'll soon understand what makes this venue one of our best. From comedy shows (check out Livewire on a Sunday night - it's free!), independent theatre, bars and restaurants with river-side views - this restored power station has a tick in virtually every box. Each March it provides the perfectly rustic / diamond in the rough backdrop for the Brisbane Comedy Festival where you can catch some of our country's best comedic talent. Throughout the rest of the year you can let the Powerhouse treat you to an array of creative events including theatre, live music, film festivals and more.