Brisbane's best late-night eats 2016

Post-pub food choices in Brisbane don't have to involve golden arches, greasy chicken and dodgy kebabs. There are plenty of top-notch venues offering beer ballast to keep you going until all hours of the morning. Or at least as long as the lockout laws permit...

The Apo

French foundation is used to showcase flavours associated with Lebanon and Turkey, but it's not a strict formula. A bar menu by consulting chef Ben Williamson (Gerard's Bistro) and head chef Steve Harry (Gerard's Bar and Charcuterie) is available until midnight on weekends and contains excellence such as smoked beef tartare laced with aniseed, juniper and creamy egg yolk, and mussels escabeche with toasted rye.

690 Ann Street Fortitude Valley, 07 3252 2403, theapo.com.au

Chingon

Tacos! Tequila! Fun! The first Chingon opened in Melbourne a few years ago, the brainchild of two brothers out of New Mexico who wanted to bring authentic south-of-the-border flavours to Richmond. The joint was a hit for its fresh and delicious tacos and now they've arrived in Brisbane. The tortillas are made in-house daily and Chingon is open for sustenance until 2am on weekends.

Eagle Lane Brisbane, 0405 414 131, chingonbrisbane.com.au

Public

The kitchen lights flicker until 11pm six days for diners chasing finesse and sophistication. The one-hatted restaurant serves salmon ceviche on prawn crackers with black ants, plus KFD (Kentucky fried duck) alongside slightly more conventional dishes at this hidden location, just up an escalator.

Level 1, 400 George Street Brisbane, 07 3210 2288, lovepublic.com.au

Red Hook

Char sui tacos, heart-stoppingly decadent burgers and salty vinegar fries appear from a food truck-sized kitchen – best paired with a cheeseburger martini or US craft beer. The petite laneway bar serves New York street food until around 11:30pm Thursday to Saturday.

3/88 Creek Street Brisbane, 07 3220 0462, red-hook.com.au

Alfredo's Pizzeria

With loud music, flowing beer and tradition limited to red-check plastic tablecloths, Alfredo's is the discerning drunk's choice for a late-night Valley slice. Open until 3am on weekends, pick up a rock 'n' roll tribute pizza like the Sweet Home Alabama with popcorn chicken and pancetta.

39 Alfred Street Fortitude Valley, 07 3251 6555, alfredos.com.au

Statler & Waldorf

Stepping up the game for pubs everywhere, Statler uses seasonal produce, rooftop honey and makes its own pasta. A share plate menu with charcuterie, duck sausage rolls and bruschetta is on offer until 11pm most nights.

25 Caxton Street Brisbane, 07 3368 1932, statlerandwaldorf.co

Fat Noodle

Yeah, it's at the casino, which is hardly the most intimate of venues, but a bowl of Luke Ngyuen's pho at 11pm on a Saturday is sure to replenish and refresh after a night on the sauce. The Singapore laksa will fix you right up, too.

Level 1, Treasury Casino, 130 William Street Brisbane, 1800 506 889, treasurybrisbane.com.au/casino-restaurants/fat-noodle

Heya Bar

Inspired by the street markets of south-east Asia, Heya is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Dive into this underground rabbit warren for a round of pool, cocktails and cheeseburger spring rolls until late, seven days.

351 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley, 07 3252 3234, heyabar.com

Super Whatnot

There's a correlation between laneway bars and late-night eats. This split-level venue has a New York speakeasy feel with dark interiors and a central bar. The menu is American inspired with nachos, Rasta chicken and hotdogs.

48 Burnett Lane Brisbane, 07 3210 2343, superwhatnot.com

Sonny's House of Blues

Pounding blues and rolling licks welcome midnight revellers most nights of the week. The daily menu is simple, American-influenced drinking food – crumbed olives, cheeseburgers, poutine, fried chicken – with nothing over $12. The kitchen operates so long as the place is open.

Rowes Lane Brisbane, 07 3229 9256, sonnyshouseofblues.com