The ideal LGBTQIA+ first date in Brisbane

We’re not going to lie to you – first dates are daunting. All too often you don’t know where to go or what to do, and the entire date is filled with “what do you want to do” and “I don’t know, up to you”. It’s like a game of tennis, except nobody is winning in this back and forth…

Luckily, this guide dedicated to making sure that you have an LGBTQIA+ friendly first date in Brisbane that’s enjoyable, memorable, and devoid of any awkwardness. We start with breakfast and a coffee before moving you on to lunch. Then, of course, come the pre-dinner drinks, and a couple of options to consider, come time to don the dancing shoes.

Breakfast

Lady Marmalade, Stones Corner

Apart from having the most fabulous name in all of Brisbane, Lady Marmalade in Stones Corner is somewhere you absolutely must have breakfast at least once. Every morning this café is abuzz, which means not only are you guaranteed great food and drinks, but you’re also guaranteed an environment free from awkward silences. Lady Marmalade sources its ingredients locally, and caters for a wide variety of dietary requirements, which is important especially for the date who has a hidden allergy or two. Believe us, you and your date will have such a great time here that you’ll have no choice but to continue on with the day ahead.

Coffee break

LAB Specialty Coffee Co., Brisbane City

This place is on the list because it’s one of the best coffee shops in close proximity to the City’s Botanical Gardens. So, once you’ve finished brekky, head to the CBD and grab yourself a coffee from LAB. From there, take a short stroll down Albert Street until you reach the botanical gardens. There, you can enjoy the sun, the flowers, and each other’s company and get to know your date a little better, in the cutest of settings. This option is especially great for those who were just a little too preoccupied enjoying all that Lady Marmalade has to offer and didn’t get much of a chance to deep dive into their date’s life.

Lunch

Darling & Co., Paddington

After you’ve spent the time quite literally smelling the roses, you’re bound to be at least a little peckish. That’s where Darling & Co.  in picturesque Paddington comes in. Just like breakfast, this place caters for all dietary requirements, so you can bring just about anyone – yep, even the most hardcore of vegans – here. They boast fresh produce and house-made condiments, and concur that you’ll never be lost in finding something to delight your senses, one bite at a time. The only caveat we have to bring to your attention here, is that they don’t open until midday, so make the most of your stroll through the gardens before lunch.

If you slept in and are just meeting your date now, this is the place – thanks to the weekend bottomless brunch held every Saturday and Sunday,

Drinks

The Wickham, Fortitude Valley

After lunch, it only makes sense to enjoy an afternoon tipple at Brisbane’s most iconic pub and beer garden, The Wickham in Fortitude Valley. This place is as LGBTQIA+ friendly as they come, and has served the Queer community of Brisbane since the 1970s. So grab one of their signature cocktails, head out the back to the beer garden, and enjoy. If you’ve timed your arrival just right, you might even be lucky enough to catch a drag show or some other fabulous form of entertainment before you decide to go to dinner.

Dinner

Chu The Phat, South Brisbane

After a responsibly enjoyed drink or two, it’s more than likely time to head to dinner. Make no mistake, Chu The Phat is best described as an experience, not just another restaurant. Nestled into South Brisbane’s Fish Lane precinct, they offer authentic Asian street food with a modern dining flair, and their venue, set over two large levels, is connected by an expansive spiral steel staircase. Seriously, this place is incredible. Unlike breakfast and lunch however, this place is a little stricter when it comes to catering to dietary requirements. But of course, check out the menu beforehand to see if this place is suitable for you.

After dinner

If dinner went well (…and if you’re not sick of your date by now), Brisbane has some stellar LGBTQIA+ friendly clubs for you and your date to boogie late into the night. Of course you’re always welcome to head back to The Wickham, but if you’re on the search for somewhere new, you could try The Beat Megaclub, The Sportsman Hotel, or – if you’re out on a Sunday – Fluffy.

There you go – an entire day filled with incredible LGBTQIA+ friendly experiences. That’s our job done, now all you’ve got to do is find a date to share it with!

In the meantime, delve into our LGBTQIA+ guide to Brisbane.