Midtown

Martini lover? Whether your usual order is a dirty, pornstar or espresso variation, you’ll find it on the menu at West End’s intimate new cocktail bar, Midtown. Set to open on 8 September, this 40-seater is joining the buzzing Fish Lane precinct, taking over the space where Butler used to reside. With Daniel and Amelia Miletic, owners of One Fish Two Fish, at the helm, you can expect to find evidence of their extensive international travels weaved through the venue, from atmosphere and branding to the dishes coming out of the kitchen.

Divided into three appropriately-named sections, the bar features a 20-seat bar inside (Midtown), a cosy private dining room for 6-8 (Uptown) and a leafy outdoor area (Downtown). Once you’ve found a seat in your chosen area, you can mull over which sip from their extensive martini menu you’re going to start with. Will it be a classic French, or a more adventurous olive leaf or apple and rhubarb martini? If you can’t decide, there’s even the option of a flight of martinis, featuring three half serves of their elderflower, espresso and signature Midtown martinis. Of course, it’s not just about martinis here, there’ll also be a list of classic cocktails, beer and wine and spirits. 

As for the nibbles, you’re covered whether you just want an afternoon snack or a full feed. Share charcuterie, seacuterie or cheese boards, work your way through the raw menu of oyster shooters and steak tartare cigars or treat yourself to a caviar bump. The mini lobster croissants are sure to be a firm favourite, but if you’ve got quite an appetite, there’s also larger dishes like 10-hour BBQ bourbon brisket and spanner crab tortellini to feast on. 

Best of all, for anyone who is always bemoaning the lack of good food available late at night (or just after 8p) in Brisbane, Midtown will host a Midnight Supper Club between 10pm and midnight every Friday and Saturday. Featuring tunes turned up loud and lights turned down low, the weekly event will see the kitchen dishing up all but a few of their menu items, meaning instead of resorting to a kebab you could snack on prawn croquettes, Cajun shoestring fries and even a sweet pina colada tartlet. And a martini alongside is a given, of course. 

Image credit: Supplied