Whether you be a Brisbane local or travelling from afar, die-hard Brisbane Lions fans know that the Woolloongabba precinct which the Lions call home is chock-full of fantastic venues for a bite to eat, post-match beers or a cheeky cocktail.
Affectionately known as the ‘Gabba’, the Brisbane Cricket Ground is primely positioned amongst some of Brisbane’s newest and hottest cafes and bars, with the recent transformation of Woolloongabba from industrial drop zone to a modern hub oozing eclectic flair.
Here's where to go when you're in town for your team.
If you’re looking for some pub grub…
Stopping in for a steak and a beer at the Morrison Hotel has become somewhat of a tradition for many local and visiting AFL fans making the pilgrimage to the 'Gabba. While a little less flashy than some of its friendly Brisbane rivals, the Morrison has built a reputation as the of home to Fiascos, one of the city’s best steakhouses, which serves up exceptional quality steaks and other pub fare without the hefty price tags of a fine dining restaurant.
If you’re on the hunt for brunch…
Now considered a verteran of the Woolloongabba dining precinct, Pearl Café is a Brisbane institution and one of the top spots in town for a delectable but wholesome brunch. Making the most of its Victorian-era surrounds, the café exudes elegant antique ambience with exposed brick walls, a stunning curved wooden bar and cosy, softly-lit dining area. In addition to the usual breakfast menu suspects, Pearl offers a unique take on some of the classics while the lunch menu is perfect for later diners coming in after a big night out at the footy.
If you’re after something fancy…
Conveniently located less than 5 minutes walk from the 'Gabba, the heritage-listed Taylor-Heaslop building (circa 1889) is home to 1889 Enoteca, Undoubtedly the place to go in Brisbane for high end, Roman-inspired dining and boasting dishes built with fresh, hand-made pasta, a wine list with a strong focus on natural, rare and artesian drops and classic, old-world ambience, Enoteca (which means 'wine library' in Italian) rarely misses a spot in the annual assessment of Brisbane’s most popular restaurants.
If you’re chasing a cocktail…
Canvas Cocktail and Wine Bar has built a reputation as the place to go for Brisbane’s best cocktails since opening its doors in July 2010 and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With a refreshed décor keeping true to its heritage-inspired roots and a touch of grungy chic thrown in, Canvas provides the perfect backdrop for a night sipping impressive cocktails made from premium spirits and fresh, quality fruit. Even better, it’s a short, 5 stroll from the 'Gabba, making it easy to stop in before or after you’ve cheered your team to victory.
If you’re after a vino with a view…
The sleek and stylish Eagle’s Nest offers unbeatable views of the city and out over Fortitude Valley to the stretches of Brisbane’s north. Technically, the bar is located in Woolloongabba’s neighbouring suburb of Kangaroo Point but the spectacular ambience of this not-so-secret 12th floor roof top bar makes it well worth the short taxi ride down from the 'Gabba . The fact that it’s only open on Friday and Saturday from 3pm creates an exclusive vibe and makes it the perfect spot to witness a spectacular weekend sunset.
AFL Travel is now taking package bookings for the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Bookings can be made through the AFL Travel website or by contacting the AFL Travel Contact Centre on 13 17 43 from Monday to Friday 8am–6pm AEST and Saturday 9am–5pm AEST.