Lefty's is a lavish, honky tonk, whiskey and beer drinking establishment with a definite New Orleans saloon feel. What an eye opening experience, when first you see that plush hall where you enter and the bountiful relics that hang on walls and catch your eye in every direction. The ruddy walls, chandeliers and gold gilted mirrors suggest ritz, the leather booths and Chesterfields upstairs, moose heads and curios left over from the Velvet Cigar days confirm that you have entered a luscious world a long way from Brisbane's other bars...with this place I think it is a true experience.
The bar upstairs is a completely different space, not razzle dazzle like the hall below by any means yet just as enchanting. Called the Mermaid lounge it is decked out as you might imagine, with a small grotto nautical theme including fish nets across the ceiling, a few stuffed sea creatures on the walls and a bulwark of 70 varied rum bottles.
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| The Mermaid Lounge |
Music at the Mermaid lounge is eclectically varied from sea shanty punk to stylised rhythmic tunes and food aptly fare of the sea. Again, in contrast, the Music Hall 'sounds' consist of live bands and country music. Bill of fare includes corn dogs, jerk of catfish, southern fried chicken, popcorn shrimp and free popcorn.
This place is swanky!! Walking through the door you can almost hear a pianola pumping away and women laughing and pawing at wealthy men in their pinstripes. An incredible atmosphere and one I would hate to miss.
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| Lefty's Music Hall |
Lefty's Old Time Music Hall
15 Caxton St
Petrie Terrace
Wed-Sun 5-3
The Burrow is one of my favourite bars in West End. I love the beer list or should I say book of beer choice. Lots of craft beers and beers from afar and the wines, alcoholic ginger beers and ciders are as good, and they update their tap beers regularly. Meals are awesome there and my fave is definitely the pizzas. Huge range of pizzas, gourmet and large enough for two, but other items include lamb cutlets, chicken wings, burgers, salads and pork and chicken terrine. The prices are reasonable.
The ambiance is harmonious and comfortably light with stained glass and open windows and doors and while there are lots of people coming and going it isn't the sort of place where that does your head in. There are two levels, an alley and bench seating downstairs to cater for larger groups. The staff are great but can be busy on a Friday or Saturday night and waiting to order can be a while. Personally, I like to perch on a stool and watch the people pass by on Mollison Street as I peruse the almost intimidating beer list and then drink a Brooklyn Ale then a cider in a glass jar!
37 Mollison St, West End
Open brekkie, lunch and dinner every day except Mondays.
Ph:3846 0030
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The Bearded lady welcomes all clientele but seems to entertain mostly those in their late
20's to early 40's, hipsters and thick bearded lads with pomped hair and tight trousers. What a place. Classic West End with recycled wood paneled walls and bar, craft beers, cocktails and wines. There's no food available but you can BYO eats. Not a bad deal I think. The best beer we tried was an ale and came from the Sunshine Coast Brewery, it was delish! No Chardonnay or Sem Sav on the menu but a Verdehlo sufficed in the end. Loved the atmosphere.
The front part of the bar looks out onto Boundary Street and you can perch your self upon a stool and watch the West Enders go by.
Up the back is a retro suite of mix matched furniture including lounge chairs and rustic tables and walls of graffiti. The feel is almost burlesque with a constant line up of circus, music and circus gigs. Don't miss venturing in here if you can help it!
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138 Boundary St
West End
Wed-Sun 5-12
0403 604 708
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