Best Cocktail Party Venues Brisbane for Hire

Cocktail parties are always a hit! And why not? There are free-flowing drinks, lovely bite-sized things you can eat with one hand and the freedom to move around as you please. And it’s the perfect way to cap off a gruelling week at work!

Planning a cocktail party in Brisbane? You’re in luck! This beautiful city is home to heaps of cocktail bars, function rooms, warehouse spaces, pubs and restaurants for your event. Whether you’ve been roped into putting together a corporate team event or throwing your best mate a surprise birthday party, VenueNow's Brisbane cocktail party venue guide has plenty of spectacular spaces and tips that are sure to impress.

Best places to throw a Brisbane cocktail party

A cocktail party is one of the most versatile event types you can host. From gardens to waterfront venues, popular eateries to secret bars, you can hold a cocktail reception just about anywhere. There is a wide range of venues to choose from. These are some of the most suitable cocktail party venues in Brisbane:

Pubs

Like restaurants, pubs are an easy choice for a cocktail-style event. In Brisbane, you’ll find pubs available for private hire that can accommodate a party size of as small as 15 and as large as 200. Drinks and bar food are readily available, which means you’ll have fewer things to worry about.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Brisbane are another fantastic option for hosting a cocktail party. With a variety of cuisines and atmospheres to choose from, you can easily find a restaurant that suits your preferences and event theme. With the option to hire the entire venue, you can have full control over the space and customise it to your liking. Many restaurants offer private dining rooms or event spaces that can be reserved exclusively for your cocktail party. Some even have outdoor areas or rooftop terraces where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Brisbane while sipping on your favourite cocktails.

Warehouses

Venues with an industrial aesthetic are perfect if you have a specific event style in mind and need to transform the space to suit your vision. These versatile function rooms also have an open feel that’s perfect for larger crowds.

Rooftop venues

Outdoor function spaces give your cocktail party a more laid-back atmosphere. Rooftop bars or restaurants decked out in fairy lights and candles make fantastic venues for both social and corporate gatherings, especially those held at night.

Hotel function rooms

A more traditional spot for cocktail parties, hotel function venues are great for when you have a large guest list, are planning a product launch or team event or need a more formal setting for your celebration. It's perfect for a range of events, from casual get-togethers to elegant celebrations.

Blank Canvas Venues

If you're looking for a venue where you can truly let your creativity shine, consider hosting your cocktail party at a blank canvas venue in Brisbane. These venue spaces provide a versatile space that you can completely transform to match your theme and vision. It is the perfect option for those who want to create a unique and personalised atmosphere for their cocktail party.

Outdoor Space

If you're looking to host a cocktail party with a touch of nature, Brisbane offers a variety of outdoor spaces that are sure to impress your guests. The city is known for its beautiful weather and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal setting for alfresco gatherings.

Private dining rooms

A more intimate venue, Brisbane’s best private dining rooms are perfect for smaller cocktail parties where you want to offer a more personal experience. This intimate space allows you to gather with close friends, family, or colleagues and enjoy a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere. Private dining rooms are typically found within upscale restaurants or boutique hotels, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication to your cocktail party.

What are some good events for cocktail party venues in Brisbane?

Cocktail parties can be casual and lighthearted, making them perfect for family events. They can be formal and sophisticated, as a pre-awards night reception or a corporate event for top clients would call for. These are our top types of events for Brisbane cocktail venues:

Office parties

Cocktail-style events are great for fundraising and for celebrating company milestones and employee retirements. Some businesses throw cocktail receptions to wine and dine potential clients. It could also be charity events, networking events, or holiday parties for office staff. Brisbane offers a range of cocktail party venues that are perfect for hosting office parties. Some have a regular cocktail-style gathering to give employees from different teams or offices a chance to connect.

Family parties

Cocktail parties require less work than seated dinners, which makes them the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other family events. They allow you to bring family members together over free-flowing drinks and conversation — without the pressure of putting together a menu or a seating chart. So whether you're looking for a birthday party venue or a venue to celebrate a milestone anniversary, there are plenty of great options for family parties in Brisbane.

Singles’ socials

Here’s a fun one that will suit Brisbane cocktail party venues with an intimate vibe. Invite an equal number of single women and men, and ask each guest to bring a single friend. Prepare some classy drinks and scrumptious appetisers, and get ready for some serious fun and flirting! 

What are some of the best bars in Brisbane for cocktails?

Brisbane is filled with incredible cocktail bars, old-school speakeasies, mysterious pubs and moody lounges. If your top priority when looking for Brisbane cocktail party venues is the quality of the drinks list, these are the bars you should check out:

The Parlour Brisbane

The Parlour, nestled in Fortitude Valley, exudes sophistication with its speakeasy vibe, perfect for hosting cocktail gatherings. Its ambience, reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, features dimly lit spaces, elegantly curved booths, and roving cocktail trolleys, creating a moody yet inviting atmosphere. This beautiful venue boasts an exquisite cocktail menu, curated by Maybe Sammy, which holds the prestigious title of the #11 Best Bar in the World, ensuring guests enjoy a luxurious experience while indulging in premium beverages.

Mr Mista

Mr. Mista is a cocktail bar inspired by Los Angeles and an Asian-influenced kitchen, providing a glamorous dining and party atmosphere akin to a Hollywood scene. It's the ideal spot for hosting cocktail parties and various celebrations. With its vibrant ambience, delectable cuisine, and outstanding cocktails, Mr. Mista ensures an unforgettable experience for intimate gatherings and large corporate events alike.

The Plough Inn

Nestled in South Bank and boasting breathtaking views of the Brisbane skyline, this iconic Queensland pub presents elegantly renovated function rooms, perfect for cocktail parties ranging from 20 to 300 guests. With an extensive array of beers, wines, and cocktails, complemented by diverse food packages, The Plough Inn stands as an ideal venue for unforgettable events including corporate meetings and birthday parties.

Mary Mae's

Nestled along the Brisbane River by New Farm Park, Mary Mae's offers an idyllic locale for cocktail parties. Its exquisite waterfront deck, sun-drenched terraces, and exclusive indoor dining areas set the scene for both cozy gatherings and grand celebrations. This stunning venue boasts a comprehensive bar, entertainment with live music, and diverse seating arrangements, all designed to enhance the breathtaking river vistas and scenic surroundings.

Top areas in Brisbane for a cocktail party

From posh restaurants in the CBD to one-of-a-kind bars in Fortitude Valley and riverside function spaces in South Brisbane, there are tons of brilliant cocktail party venues in Brisbane for your next event. Planning a party? Unlock this vibrant city’s potential and take a look at the hundreds of hidden gem venues in Brisbane.

We suggest checking out these neighbourhoods for Brisbane cocktail party venues for hire:

Brisbane CBD

The Central Business District offers a slew of stylish cafes, award-winning restaurants and picturesque function venues suitable for both social and corporate gatherings. Easily accessible by public transport and teeming with heritage-listed venues and private function rooms that offer rooftops and open terraces, you'll find the perfect venue for birthdays, wedding receptions, bridal showers and outdoor cocktail receptions in this area.

Fortitude Valley

Known as a hub for arts, entertainment and festivals, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Brisbane cocktail party venues in Fortitude Valley QLD. Whether you’re looking for an artsy spot for an intimate social gathering or a sophisticated function room for a work event, this area has both large and small cocktail party venues you won’t find anywhere else in Brisbane.

Brunswick Street, situated in the heart of Fortitude Valley, is a vibrant and eclectic area known for its trendy bars, boutique shops, and thriving nightlife. This bustling street is a hotspot for cocktail party venues, offering a wide range of options to suit any style or theme.

South Brisbane

If a waterfront venue is what you’re looking for, head on over to South Brisbane. The area is dotted with hundreds of riverside cafes, private dining room venues, pubs, restaurants and function venues. You’ll also find affordable hotel function rooms, rooftop bars, private dining rooms and gardens with views of the Brisbane River.

Milton

This inner-city suburb is home to a number of well-known restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as some hidden gems. With its proximity to both the city and Suncorp Stadium, Milton is the perfect spot for your next event. There are plenty of private function spaces available for hire, from small intimate gathering spots to large-scale event venues.

Spring Hill

If you’re looking for a more central location, Spring Hill is the perfect spot for your next cocktail party. With a number of hidden bars and pubs, as well as chic function spaces and private dining rooms, this suburb has everything you need to throw a successful event.

Kangaroo Point

Kangaroo Point Brisbane is an incredibly popular suburb in Brisbane City. It is located near the Brisbane River and offers stunning views of the city skyline. This suburb has many cafes, restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars, and function venues. The area also hosts live music events throughout the year. Kangaroo Point offers affordable hotel function rooms that are perfect for birthday parties, weddings or business meetings.

Ideas for cocktail party planning in Brisbane

The first step in planning a cocktail party is finding the perfect venue. Once that’s decided, you’ll be able to determine the catering, decorations, entertainment and other party elements. Here are some tips for planning a flawless cocktail-style event:

Don’t forget to give out party favours

Some people assume that as cocktail parties don’t last long, there’s no need to send guests home with favours. However, a simple token of appreciation will ensure that your event leaves a lasting impression. Party favours for birthdays, weddings and other social events don’t have to be fancy. Popular ones include key chains, bottle openers, wine stoppers, mini candy packs and personalised glasses.

Be strategic about food placement

At a cocktail reception, guests move around a lot. Make sure there’s food available wherever they end up by placing platters of finger foods in different areas. Make sure also the private bar is fully stocked and there are drinks available for everyone. Sit-down dinners are not common at cocktail parties. Instead, guests are encouraged to mingle, socialise, and sample various foods and drinks throughout the night. It's essential to create a strategic layout for food placement to ensure everyone has easy access to delicious treats.

Inquire about event packages

In addition to food and drink, another important aspect to consider when planning a cocktail party is the event package offered by the venue. Many cocktail party venues in Brisbane offer different packages that can help simplify the planning process and ensure that all your needs are met. Some offer catering package options, such as pre-set menus or buffet-style options, while others may include additional services such as decorations, audiovisual equipment, and even event coordination. When inquiring about event packages, make sure to ask about the different options available. Some venues may offer all-inclusive packages that include food, drinks, and even decorations, while others may allow you to customise your own package based on your specific preferences and budget.

Look after your guests

This may seem like a no-brainer, but at cocktail parties, you have to make sure people don’t indulge too much. Before your special event, you should also remind them to plan on assigning a designated driver or taking public transportation. In case someone needs assistance getting home, have the number for a local cab company saved in your contacts.

Looking for Brisbane function rooms for your cocktail party?

Brisbane has a wide variety of function venues to choose from. If you’re searching for the perfect function room to host your next event, look no further than VenueNow. We’re Australia’s largest venue-booking platform, with a wide range of unique and stylish spaces to choose from. Whether you’re planning birthday celebrations, corporate functions or wedding receptions, we’ll help you find the perfect space to suit your needs and budget.

Browse through Brisbane's captivating venues and plan your private events today!