How much would you pay for a cocktail? How about $150? That’s the price for two of the specialty shake-ups at the new Stan’s Lounge at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane City. This ultra slick new bar is actually a conversion of the old upstairs dining room at Cantonese restaurant Stanley, entered through a solid timber door next to the eatery’s entrance. The space maintains its previous dark and moody vibe, with plush, velvety armchairs and banquettes, and most of the light coming from hand-sized lamps on the coffee tables scattered throughout.
New is a DJ booth with a vintage JBL sound system and shelves of vinyl records, with a DJ spinning smooth beats at a decibel level that’s ambient not deafening. The place is packed with everyone from Gen Zs to baby boomers and after a small hiccup with being seated, the smiling and helpful staff soon find us a table along a cushion-lined banquette facing the glowing bar. Signature cocktails, which are delivered exceedingly strong and with a nod to Asia through the ingredients, start at $24; while there’s also a signature martini menu, ranging in price from $24 for Belvedere to a hefty $96 for Chopin Family Reserve vodka.
Snacks at Stan's Lounge Bar. Picture: supplied But for the real big spenders, there are the “vintage and premium cocktails” coming in between $100-$150 featuring 50-year-old spirits. There’s also a succinct wine curation with Champagne and mostly Australian vino, plus a small collection of beers, three f.