Brisbane is the ‘in’ place for dining and drinking, with the River City boasting a rich offering of bars and eateries to suit all budgets, from fine dining through to amazing pubs and bars.
Brisbane’s dining scene has recently been described by a national newspaper as “In Overdrive”, which naturally had my ears pricked.
While definitely nothing to do with transmissions, many of these restaurants are within a stone’s throw of the Brisbane Truck Show’s host venue. Top that with the amazing pub and bar culture in and around the South Bank area and it’s safe to say the fun continues once the show doors close for the day.
Here is a local expert’s guide to the best restaurants and bars nearby the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
The Plough Inn, South Bank
What makes the Brisbane Truck Show special is how the trucking world takes over the city. Once the doors shut, South Bank and the nearby suburbs come alive with the transport industry.
Iconic Brisbane pub, The Plough Inn, knows how to embrace the transport industry. Year after year, people flock to the pub post-show to take in the atmosphere it provides. Street parties, corporate functions, live music and a venue situated in the heart of the South Bank Parklands, the iconic The Plough Inn is one of the River City’s most iconic watering holes.
Established in 1864 and placed on the World Heritage list in October 1992, this beautiful pub delivers a beloved historical charm with the modern extensions and comfort.
Like the Charming Squire, expect to see familiar faces, as this is a popular venue for truckies attending the show.
>> 29 Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane; (07) 3844 7777
Otto Ristorante, South Bank
Next year will mark 10 years since the opening of Otto, one of Queensland’s most-accomplished restaurants.
Set a few blocks from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre along the beautiful Brisbane River, Otto is one of the amazing fine-dining restaurants you must visit when in town for the show. Italian is the cuisine, and spectacular is what you’ll get.
If you’re a classy trucker, and looking for the best Brisbane has to offer, Head Chef Will Cowper’s seasonal and produce-driven menu will certainly have you licking your lips.
But for something a little more low-key Otto Osteria (same location) is the perfect place to enjoy a more casual bite to eat and drink while taking in our river city.
>> River Quay, Sidon Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3835 2888
Poca Madre, South Brisbane
The new kid on the block, Poca Madre has quickly become one of South Bank’s hottest spots to dine and sip.
This Mexican-inspired oasis is bringing bold flavours, modern twists and tasty margheritas to the precinct and is receiving rave reviews.
Did you know Poca Madre actually means awesome or impressive in Mexican slang?
A bit like the Brisbane Truck Show …
Mexican food has never been more popular, and this joint’s classy twist on the much-loved cuisine is certain to become a place to visit come the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show. The sharing plates are epic!
>> 14 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3846 5555
Tippler’s Tap, South Bank
Brisbane loves its craft beer. Independent pubs are plenty and micro-breweries are scattered around the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.
A quick search online shows an incredible 92 craft beer bars are in Brisbane, but none like Tippler’s Tap.
Here you’ll find 18 self-service craft beer and cocktail taps.
Equipped with the fully certified and RSA-compliant PourMyBeer system, patrons have the freedom to try whatever they wish and only pay for what you pour!
Apparently, this trend is becoming common in America, but this is one of the first brew-pubs of its kind in Queensland to offer this technology.
For beer-aficionados, Tippler’s Tap is located towards the end of Little Stanley Street in South Brisbane, amongst our epic National Show ‘N’ Shine Championship event.
>> 3/184 Grey Street, South Brisbane; info@tipplerstap.com.au
Calida, South Bank
You’re truckies, so you’re probably wondering where you can sink your teeth into a good steak, right? Well, Calida is a good spot to start.
Upmarket yet humble, this Argentinian-styled steak house is where you should go if you’re looking for something more than a pub feed.
Vegetarians beware, you’ll struggle to find something that isn’t Queensland beef on the menu … it even offers a mouth-watering tomahawk steak for the hungrier showgoers.
Wash it down with a bottle of wine from its fantastic collection (try a Malbec), and that could be a perfect post-show meal.
>> 164C Grey Street, South Brisbane; (07) 2141 5715
Julius Pizzeria, South Brisbane
Julius Pizzeria makes the list again because simply, it’s one of the best pizza joints in the country.
Classy, bustling, tasty and inventive, Julius Pizzeria will make you think again about buying from the big chains.
You can find Julius tucked away down Fish Lane, South Brisbane’s bustling ‘foodie’ precinct, just a few hundred metres up the street from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, home of the Brissy Truck Show.
You can’t go wrong with a staple like Margherita (but done really, really well) or the Number 1. But trust us when we say tiger prawns or roasted potatoes DO go on pizza. Extremely popular among foodies, so make a booking if you’re looking to dine in, though takeaways back to the hotel room will treat you just the same.
>> 77 Grey Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3844 2655
Pig ’N’ Whistle, West End
Keen to wind down after a long day of buying trucks and trailers? Looking for a classic pub with hearty food and a good atmosphere? Then step across Merivale Street to the rear of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and enjoy the Pig ‘N’ Whistle.
The iconic British-styled pub has a few locations around Brisbane, but the one near the Truck Show is probably the best.
Good for watching a footy game, feasting on classic pub-grub (Beef and Guinness pie is a winner) and a refreshing pint, the Pig ’N’ Whistle is winner if you’re after that no-fuss kind of night.
>> Merivale Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3062 2510
The Charming Squire, South Bank
A Brisbane Truck Show favourite, the Charming Squire brewhouse is a must-visit if you’re new to show.
Serving the well-known line of James Squire beers, the Charming Squire’s stunning fit-out and large entertaining space makes for a popular venue to host a function.
Winner of eatSouthBank’s 2024 foodie award for best bar, you can find the Charming Squire right at the front of the Truck Show venue’s doors on Grey Street, making it one of the closest establishments to the venue.
Get in early to find a table, because it’ll be one of the busiest venues in town (rightfully so).
>> 3/133 Grey Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3077 7254
Rose & Crown, South Brisbane
Tucked between the impressive Emporium Hotel and Southpoint Tower is the equally impressive Rose & Crown Gastro-Pub.
This heritage-listed Queenslander has been lifted and spectacularly renovated into one of the area’s most spectacular pubs. Like the Pig ‘N’ Whistle, the Rose & Crown is British-inspired but with a posh twist.
Motivated by decades in the UK, owners Alex and Bella Derricks wanted to create the feel of a good British pub where regulars love bringing friends to their local and staying up later than they should.
Impressively, it’s the only pub in Queensland to offer traditional hand-pulled traditional ale direct from the cask.
Pop up to its amazing balcony for its Sunday roast.
>> 275 Grey Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3518 3400
Honourable Mentions
>> Brooklyn Depot (172 Grey Street, South Brisbane) – Ripper burger joint
>> Chu the Phat (111 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane) – One of the city’s best restaurants
>> Ramen Danbo (52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane) – A fantastic spot for Ramen across the street from the BCEC
>> Southbeach (30aa, Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane) – Hotspot for socialising, eating and enjoying a drink next to the beach
>> The Ship Inn (Sidon Street, South Brisbane) – One of the oldest pubs and prettiest in Brisbane, beautiful spot along the river