Brisbane's die-hard party animals come here for the drink specials, the DJ beats and the writhing bodies on the dance floor.
This massive complex lounges on the banks of the Brisbane River. It's a one-stop entertainment shop for dining, dancing and, of course, drinking, with six bars scattered throughout the venue.
On a sultry, steamy night, Friday's Riverside is all about its terrace, from where hundreds of sipping socialites can watch the fairy lights of Story Bridge reflected in the water with one eye, while browsing the crowd for hotties with the other.
Wednesday night is cocktail night, when drinkers can indulge in a monthly changing menu of boozy creations while listening to icy cool jazz, followed by fabulously daggy '80s hits. Get into the retro spirit with a Summer of '69 cocktail (muddled lemon, coconut liqueur, sugar syrup and apple juice) or a Jaffa (triple sec and chocolate liqueur shaken over ice).
On Thursdays, Brisbane comes alive with uni students and this venue is no exception. It draws in bargain-hunting party animals with its 'University of Good Times' night, which is dedicated to cheap drinks and dance hits.
The whole complex heaves on Friday and Saturday nights, with the sedate dining areas melting away to make room for more writhing bodies. DJs dominate the main areas, pumping acid jazz, house, disco and R&B until the crack of dawn, when the last of Brisbane's play-hard partiers finally drift home.
Shelley Tustin
