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The Saturday edition of the Courier–Mail newspaper (www.couriermail.com.au) lists live gigs and concerts, ballet, opera, theater, jazz, and other events in its Life section, while Friday's CM2 insert has a comprehensive entertainment guide for the weekend ahead. The Weekend Edition (www.theweekendedition.com.au) has suburb-by-suburb listings of Brisbane's best cafés, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife spots, as well as weekly updates on new events and establishments around the city. Alternately, visit Brisbane Art (www.bneart.com) for up-to-date listings of arts events and galleries around the city.
This award-winning saloon-style bar on bustling Caxton Street mixes old-school American charm with modern craft brews and a hefty range of spirits (including more than 100 rye whiskeys). Decked out in vintage taxidermy and moody chandeliers, the retro Americana vibe continues with the Southern-theme bar food, including po'boys, corn dogs, and popcorn shrimp and Ben's burgers. A rollicking mix of country and rockabilly tunes burst from the stage and speakers.
An "urban oasis" with fanciful design, a retractable glass roof, and street-front waterfall flowing over its contemporary architectural facade, Cloudland restaurant and nightclub woos well-heeled locals and tourists alike with an extensive drinks menu, cut-above food, and an exciting, expensive ambience.
Sleek and sophisticated, Cru Bar + Cellar has leather ottomans, a long onyx bar, circa-1800 French chandeliers, and a fine-wine-loving clientele. Cru's huge cellar houses hundreds of top Australian vintages, to drink on-site or later; the cocktail menu is also extensive and impressive. Cheese tasting plates are available all day. The dinner menu, designed by an award-winning chef, has a focus on Australian ingredients.
