The Fortitude Valley is a unique area of Brisbane catering to the live music scene. A large number of Brisbane's hippest clubs are located here. Through the 1960s and 70s it was seen as Brisbane's bohemian hub and has maintained a certain degree of that reputation. More recently it is sometimes thought of as being one of the more dangerous areas of the city but this attitude is changing as the area becomes more popular and hence, safer. This however has had an adverse affect on the area's creative vibe as locals turn their back on the area, forcing the creative epicentre of Brisbane to other areas of the city such as West End and Paddington. As with anywhere, simple common sense, caution and courtesy will keep you out of harm's way.
Alhambra Lounge 12 McLachlan St - Very stylish interior with a modern Arabic/Spanish theme, young professional and student crowd, good atmosphere and excellent cocktails. Various styles of house music. Located right next door to The Family.
Anise - 697 Brunswick St. Promotional price range from $5 to $10. Near the corner of Barker and Brunswick St in New Farm - this great restaurant has an extensive range of French, Spanish and Swiss absinthe available
Bank - Vault Lounge Ann St - Party Bar, OK atmosphere, recently renovated, the Vault Lounge is perfect for functions. Outdoor seating available, woodfire pizza and pasta.
Barsoma 22 Constance St - Trendy little bar tucked away on Constance Street (off Ann St) offers great cuisine & an array of delicious (& creative) cocktails. On some nights it plays alternative dance music parties.
The Beat 677 Ann St - Downstairs has three dance areas dedicated to hardcore/rave, electro and popular music, upstairs is gay (generally a younger crowd than the Wickham) & has two dance floors & a beer garden
Birdee Num Num 608 Ann St - OK atmosphere, mainly student (popular with this crowd because of the lack of cover charge) and backpacker clientele. Commercial dance music.
Bowery Bar 676 Ann St - A small & chic New York inspired bar. Formal/Smart dress code. Amazing cocktails.
Cloudland 641 Ann St - Recently opened cocktail lounge on Ann Street with a retractable roof, 10 metre waterfall, 5,000 plants and a glass bar made from 17,000 glass balls threaded by hand. Caters to a very upmarket, sophisticated crowd. Smart dress code which is strictly enforced on busy nights.
Club 299 299 Brunswick St - Fantastic if you enjoy metal, emo or any kind of alternative music.
The Empire 339 Brunswick St - alternative dance club, nice long balcony overlooking busy Brunswick Street, a few levels, less pretentious but darker than other dance clubs in Brisbane although no less expensive.
The Family 8 McLachlan St – A bit pricey to get in, but it's one of the biggest club in Brisbane and has great music and atmosphere. Decor is now outdated to other clubs, but still attracts large crowds; Sunday nights (fluffy) are gay. Also
Glass Bar 420 Brunswick St - Vibrant atmosphere, small restaurant & bar/lounge, really expensive drinks.
GPO 740 Ann St - Bar and nightclub situated in a former Post Office on Ann Street; trendy spot with great tunes.
Limes Hotel 142 Constance Street - Rooftop bar and cinema situated above a boutique hotel. Gets busy on weekends with young-professional crowd. Try the mojitos!
Mana Bar 420 Brunswick St - Small cocktail bar, with video games to play with other patrons while working through the themed drinks menu. Very unique concept, which pulls a surprisingly diverse and sociable crowd.
The Met 256 Wickham St – The biggest club in Brisbane. Host to many international DJs. Amazing decor with great attention to detail. Many different rooms to explore. Although a bit expensive, a huge variety of different types of people inside.
Monastery 621 Ann St - Top dance club in Brisbane plays house and Electro/Electronic. Small but action packed. Freshly renovated interior.
The Press Club 339 Brunswick St - Small club with large lounges to stretch out on. Host to funky Jazz blended with dance music.
Rics 321 Brunswick St - Live music most nights. The Valley's hipster institution. Venue also includes "Fatboys Cafe", which is a popular restaurant serving breakfast, steaks, pizza and pasta.
Royal George (RG) Hotel 327 Brunswick St - Large Beer garden in the Brunswick St Mall, great atmosphere, great food deals most nights.
Spanish Tapas Bar 455 Brunswick St - The only authentic Spanish Restaurant in Brisbane that embraces the Spanish food and Culture. The Sangria is excellent.
The Wickham 308 Wickham St - A gay & lesbian dance club with outdoor seating, drag shows most nights
x&y Bar 648 Ann St - One of the least pretentious venues in The Valley. There is no strict clothing policy and you're likely to get in so long as you're wearing shoes, long pants and a shirt. Has a variety of music from live bands, DJs and special events.
Zuri 367 Brunswick St - Upmarket ambience, strict door entry conditions regarding clothing and shoes. Male to Female ratio strictly enforced. Quite expensive drinks.
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