5 Spicy Places to Eat/Drink in Bris-Vegas

If you had asked me a year ago where I could find a decent place to dine in Brisbane I wouldn't have known. Pre-Covid was tough on all of us, especially the hospitality industry. But boy have we come back with a bang!

And with that, I present to you, '5 'Spicy' Places to eat/drink in Bris-Vegas':

1. DR GIMLETTE: BAR

109 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

If you ever come down to the lobby of Hilton to have a chat to yours truly and you're inquisitive about where to find a vibe-y bar, yet within walking distance then I would tell you to get your butt immediately down to Dr Gimlette on Edward Street. It's a feel-good, speak-easy, located next to the Victory Hotel. Just look for the sign with the black plague mask on it and you've reached your destination. This gorgeous space dates back to 1892 and features luxuriant leather booths, polished timber floors and a 9 metre long marble bar with genius bartenders serving martinis to die for...literally. Did I tell you that they also offer Martini Trolleys so you never need to leave your seat for another round. Peak service I'd say.

2. CASA CHOW: RESTAURANT

4b/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102

Conveniently located just downstairs from my new apartment, Casa Chow set off like a rocket on opening night. Why? Because it's the first of its kind to open in Brisbane. Combining Chinese with Peruvian and you get Chifa - a delectable combination of spicy meets comfort. With upbeat Latino beats from the DJ booth above the bar, to the waitstaff who are just as excited as you are to order you a Pisco Sour (their speciality cocktails), the vibes are immaculate here. Bursts of blues and pink neon elements, combined with soft baby pink curtains to breakup the mismatched chandeliers, it's truly an experience you NEED to have. And yes, it's in Brisbane!

3. ENOTECA 1889

10-12 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102

Traditional dishes in a traditional setting. You cannot go past Enoteca 1889 in Woolloongabba. This laidback, yet sophisticated Roman restaurant serves up some of the most authentic Italian dishes I've tried since, well, being in Italy myself (on one of those find-myself-European-trips). Dining at Enoteca makes you feel like you are in a glorious wine library, and there's only one thing more beautiful then that...cacio e pepe pasta which believe me is the best dish ever.

4. ALBA BAR & DELI

34 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000

For when you're out in the CBD doing some shopping on Queen Street, and your feet are killing you so you feel like a nibble of some Spanish tapas plates. Yes this has happened to me - the cravings to be back in Barcelona are strong. Skip down Burnett Lane to Alba Bar & Deli. Their snack/smallish plates range from fresh oysters, scallop ceviche in citrus and chilli, and steak tartare, but why stop there? Pair it together with an ever-changing cocktail list and brilliant selection of wines both locally and from Spain. Alba Bar & Deli is a must have on your list from next time your wandering the streets of Brisbane absolutely famished.

5. BIANCA

Shop AM5, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

I'm part Italian, so of course I had to add another Italian restaurant to the list. Stepping away from a more traditional space such as Enoteca 1889, comes another James Street legend called Bianca. She's classy, she's flirty, pops of orange bouncing from wall to wall, and she has a soul that will captivate you, and then linger. You will absolutely love this place, not only for the food which is all of the good things, prosciutto di parma, burrata, pizza and pasta, but the service and explanation of the dishes is top notch. Be careful, Bianca might not let you leave.

I hope you get the opportunity to try out some of these places on your next trip to Brisbane. Or if you are local like me then you take the chance to step out of your comfort zone of sushi and Uber Eats in bed and try something new with friends, or even by yourself.

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Elly-Grace Rinaldis is currently in her final semester at QUT as a Fine Arts student majoring in Creative Writing. She adores writing about her Greek heritage on the island of Kythira and the many summers she has spent there. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe, Elly-Grace is found in Brisbane watching the sunset with a glass of pinot noir. Her debut poetry collection ‘Five Summers: An Anthology’ is available now

www.ellygrace.com.au

https://www.amazon.com.au/Five-Summers-Miss-Elly-Grace-Rinaldis/dp/B08SGN13XT