Let’s explore: choose your own adventure in The City
Unearth some buried treasures at Rocking Horse Records
An iconic music haven nestled underneath Queen Street Mall, Rocking Horse Records has been helping Brisbanites expand their musical horizons since 1975. Take a trip underground to explore its diverse and curated selection of vinyl, CDs, and other music-related paraphernalia and chat to the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always keen to recommend hidden gems, or share insights into the local music scene. Whether you’re collating the perfect record collection or looking for a present for the music-lover in your life you can easily while away an afternoon sifting through Rocking Horse’s polyphonic wares.
Eat your way up and down Burnett Lane
A little laneway with a long history, Burnett Lane is a vibrant, graffiti-adorned offshoot of Queen Street Mall packed with an incredible array of eateries. From breakfast big shots like Felix For Goodness and Brew Cafe & Wine Bar, hip hunger-slayers like upbeat Korean restaurant Funny Funny and Asian fusion street-eat spot Mr Wabi and atmospheric cocktail bars like Antico and Death and Taxes, you could happily munch away from morning to evening without ever having to step out of the laneway
Toast to the highlife at Hibiscus Bar & Terrace
Take your sips to the sky at Hibiscus Bar and Terrace. This outdoor poolside bar offers a top-down view of Queen Street Mall with an unbeatable vantage spot to take in the inner-city action in all of its splendour. Slow down and enjoy a drink beside the sun-soaked infinity pool before sampling some fine fare like Sapphire Coast oysters and seafood pizza to chargrilled Angus beef burgers and sirloin steaks. When the sun sets and the live music starts, Hibiscus Bar & Terrace is the perfect nightspot to meet for dinner with friends or intimate drinks.
Get down underground at Door 84
Door 84 is an art and music venue that provides opportunities for late-night dancing and events in The City. Known for its electric and eclectic rotating DJ nights, Door 84 also offers open-mic nights for singers, songwriters, and small bands, open deck nights for aspiring and upcoming DJs, and Jazz Tuesdays where you can unwind with smooth jazz tunes, drinks, board games and pool until early in the morning.
Tee up a good time with Funlab
Within Wintergarden lies a wealth of fun and games for you to partake in. Strike Brisbane City is raising the bar for entertainment with ten-pin bowling, laser tag, pool tables, karaoke and three thrilling escape rooms for you to test your wits against. Close by, sister venue Holey Moley mini golf offers you the opportunity to putt your way through a series of themed holes, including a replica of Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom and tributes to Forrest Gump, Steve Irwin and King Kong, amongst others.
Submerge yourself in the world of gaming at Vault Games
Enjoy a bracing board game with friends? Vault Games offers a library of over 300 board games you can play in store to broaden your tabletop horizons and whet your deck-building appetites. Snacks and drinks are also supplied to fuel your gaming frenzy (including a cheeky beer, cider or wine). Make new friends and learn new skills via the store’s roster of events, which includes communal gameplay sessions and miniature painting nights. And if you fall in love with anything you discover you can pick it up from Vault’s attached store – a one-stop shop for gamers of all stripes.
Raise your voice at Music City
Warm up your vocal cords and prepare to dazzle with your go-to karaoke number at Music City on Adelaide Street. There are more than ten private rooms for you to gather your nearest and dearest for a no-holds-barred sing-a-long, plus free BYO available to help you combat any stage fright. Music City’s extensive song list is updated regularly so you can take a swing at any of the latest hot hits alongside old favourites.
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Soak in some old-world charm at Brisbane Arcade
Brisbane’s oldest shopping arcade, Brisbane Arcade was designed by architect Richard Gailey Jr and opened in 1924, celebrating its centenary last year. To this day the heritage-listed arcade remains a bustling shopping destination, its elegant interior home to couture fashion, jewellery, tailors and dining establishments. Peruse an avenue of sparkling gems and high-end accessories then refresh yourself with finger sandwiches at the Keri Craig Emporium Coffee Lounge.
Catch the latest films in old-Hollywood style at Elizabeth Street Picture Theatre
Seek out some silver screen entertainment in opulent surroundings at the charming Elizabeth Picture Theatre. The family-run, vintage-styled cinema is housed in the heritage-listed Tara House. Formerly the site of the Queensland Irish Club, the building’s history dates back to 1919, being purchased and refurbished by the movie-loving Sourris brothers in 2015. With five screens – including three ‘Royal Rooms’ with full food and beverage service and luxurious reclining armchairs – and two ornate foyer bars, this locally-loved cinema shows a range of new blockbuster movies, anime favourites and independent flicks with something to suit any cinephile’s cravings.
This article was written with our friends at The City.