Shadow Lounge

Shadow Lounge has been touted to be one of the better places around Brisbane for cocktails, even though they are at the pricey end of the scale.
Being a wannabe cocktail aficionado I was happy to head there on a recent outing for a friend’s birthday.
I must say though, I wasn’t over-​awed. The place has a good layout, lots of couches and tables to sit around and a nice balcony area which would be good for cocktails before you head out clubbing if that is your thing, or for a nice Sunday session, but at the height of an evening out, it probably isn’t the best place to head as the drinks are pricey and the dance floor is tiny and over-​crowded with patrons who began their nights there but still haven’t left and they are a little over excited after indulging on the concoctions from behind the bar. There is a bonus though as there is no cover charge.
The cocktails range from $ 18 and up but there are a few specials like $ 10 cocktails and on Sunday’s there are buckets of Corona’s or a few $ 7 classic cocktails.
I sampled a classic Cosmopolitan which was rather tasty, a Long Island Iced Tea which had a kick to it, but I was a little disappointed with the Blue Lagoon. There was a medicinal taste about it that wasn’t all that good and I quite like those drinks as they are refreshing if made correctly.
Shadow Lounge will cater for functions and parties during the week but is open on weekends to the public and I recommend it for a start to an evening out or for a Sunday sesh overlooking the water.

As a student without funds, being peer pressured into going to one of Brisbane’s more expensive places has never really been an issue. But after a work party a few weeks ago I was settled in with an older group of people who recommended we at least give it a go and man. As soon as I get my s&%t together and start earning some real money this is the place I’ll be going.
The view out over the river really sets the whole place up to be a spectacular venue. Not for the wildest nights, but if your keen to have a few drinks, kick back for a few hours of banter then seriously there’s no other place like it. Be prepared to watch some of the more intoxicated patrons tear up the dance floor in the centre of the room. We were lucky enough to arrive when a group of elderly Albanian men were just getting warmed up.

As Sunday sessions become an increasingly iconic day of the week, there is an increasing amount of competition between bars and pubs around Brisbane. Want to steer clear of the seedy pubs, and instead enjoy a quiet, tasty cocktail? Then head to Shadow Lounge (hidden above Jade Buddha).
True to Sunday session form, the Shadow Lounge offers cheap drinks — $ 7 mojitos and Mai Tais. And man, they can concoct one damn tasty Mai Tai. Or grab 3 mates and share a bucket of Coronas for $ 20. Take your liquids of choice and recline al fresco style in soft wicker chairs, gazing out over the river to Story Bridge.
Better yet, nab a large cushion and nestle inside around a game of Connect Four, Battleship or Jenga. Somewhat harnessing a 1960’s vibe, grab a skewer and tuck into the complimentary fondue fountain. This place really has a homely, community feel; where the crowd is young, chilled and merry — as are the bar staff. The perfect way to ease you into the working week.
Shadow Lounge is also open Friday and Saturday nights, and during the week for private functions.