An eclectic coffeehouse by day, cosy bar by night, Johnny's is European quintessence. You could be in that tapas bar in Spain. If you want coffee and company, Johnny is an instant best friend. Interesting beer on tap including their very own brewed lager, and a range of cocktail/premium liqueur. Johnny supports local music, so if you hear sounds coming from there one evening, pop in and escape the Briz madness for a while.

Rics Bar is kinda famous as a venue that has given a lot of local bands their break to play live, there probably wouldn't be a band in Brisbane that hasn't played there, and also some great touring acts passing through. So you never quite know what you will get, so it is an indie/alternative dream for music fans. Has the tightest venue you will ever feel, where the band probably has more room than the audience. (No cover charges). Out the back though is a huge beer garden, and front has chairs and tables to eat at within the Mall. The back area is scruffy, the type that can be hosed down easily, so not for the faint hearted. We were overcharged for our meal, but even then it was still a reasonable price for a big meal in BrizVegas. The menu is your wholehearted alcohol soaking stuff, big chips, crumbed fish etc. Overall a venue for musical discovery with a couple of beers, or for a wild night if you prefer freedom and slouching over dress regulations and sitting up straight.

A year ago I had the worst experience here. The beer was rotten, and the staff didn't care or even offer a replacement on a $13 pint of beer! Tried it again this week, and at least the staff give you the time of day now. I'm still not sure what is attractive about this pub except that it is central and has a wide choice of beers around a big bar, (although just one craft beer amongst them). Otherwise the live music element is dire cover version dross, there's nothing atmospheric about the decor, and basically there's nothing to do but stand around with the TAB blaring at you. It's just a typical Aussie 'milking bar' in disguise as something trendy. Convenient, but boring.

Discovered this place when going to see a touring band. I've walked up and down Brunswick St so many times, but never knew this place was there. Perfect cosy venue for a quiet chat with friends, views of the mall, great decor and staff that talk to you! Music venue is cosy and yet the loud band never burst our eardrums, so full marks to the sound system and PA. Could do with more beers on tap, but the one they had was delicious, and plenty of interesting bottles from the fridge. Try it for a quiet one someday and discover.

Every fresh kind of seafood you can imagine, right in front of you. Choose the pieces you want and how you want them. These guys are experts at cooking fish, no real trace of oil and what there was was clean. Eat in the outdoor area with the trawlers lapping in the water right next to you. For the ultimate in choice and a treat that will deliver, you can't go wrong here.

Approximate cost: $15

Not the cheapest shop for perishables, but the petrol price is never a real sting, and if you want a fast repair job on your vehicle, this is the wisest choice around here. We are always seeing tourists pulling in for quick fixes to tyres etc. These guys will attend to you promptly and get you going, or give you best advice.

Great place for fish and chips, burgers etc, and also have wood cooked pizza. Range of sandwiches, salads to keep you going, and nice area to eat in. All looks clean and appetising. Pretty much the only place you will get fresh cooked fish in Blackbutt.

Great to have a local butcher again. Shane works hard to offer a lot of choice, developing his own ideas for the customer such as meat marinated and crumbed meat. Nothing is too much trouble, they will slice it how you like it, and even suggest things you didn't even think of. It's great to have attentive service. They can advise you on getting full value for your dollar. And the premium quality meat is very satisfactory, we've never spent a bad dollar there.

Incredibly impressive cake selection, and pastries. However the bread and pies can be lacking. Pricing is quite high and I don't feel I'm getting the quality I'm paying for. Bread is very lightweight and bleachy, they could do with more wholemeal options for a country bakery.

We don't eat out much, but whenever we are in South Bank, we make a point of going here for the perfect belly filling treat before a night out in Briz.

Approximate cost: $10