POTM September- The Pineapple Hotel
If you were to ask someone to describe a traditional Aussie pub, they would describe the Pineapple Hotel. From the renowned lunch specials to the overload of screens showing footy, this pub is Brisbane. It sets the benchmark for all Australian pubs to aim for, and because of this, it has garnered a reputation as the ol’ reliable meet-up spot. This is the dependable pub that “I’m not a fan of the Pineapple, let’s go somewhere else” is yet to be uttered by a true local.
The pub’s origins date back to 1864, making it a landmark for this modern metropolis. Few venues in the city can balance heritage and relevance quite like it.
The tap selection at the Pineapple isn’t groundbreaking, but it covers the basics and delivers them well. You’ll find all the standard Australian lagers alongside a handful of local craft options. It’s the kind of lineup that doesn’t demand much thought, perfect for a quick schooner before the game or a session with mates where conversation is the focus, not the beer list.
Where the Pineapple Hotel sets itself apart is in its deals. Happy hour runs daily from 4 pm to 6 pm with schooners starting at around $6 and jugs from $15. It’s easy to see why the bar stays busy in the late afternoon. While plenty of pubs in Brisbane try to undercut each other with rotating discounts, the Pineapple doesn’t need to. Their pricing is fair and the servings are always generous.
The lunch specials are what most people talk about, and they deserve the reputation. Classics like schnitzels, steaks and burgers are priced from $11 to $14 on weekdays, with larger options stretching closer to $18. The meals arrive quickly and the portions are large enough to satisfy without needing to look at the sides menu. This is pub food that has been tested over time and perfected for the crowd it serves. You’re not coming here for reinvention or fine dining. You’re coming for consistent, no-nonsense meals that rarely disappoint.
If there’s a negative, it’s the very thing that makes the Pineapple so dependable. The place doesn’t take risks and it doesn’t push beyond what’s expected. For some, the lack of variety on tap or the predictable menu might feel tired. On game days the atmosphere can be overwhelming and finding a quiet corner is nearly impossible.
Still, the Pineapple Hotel remains the model of what an Australian pub should be. Straightforward, dependable and deeply rooted in Brisbane’s culture. It is the definition of reliable, and in a city that changes fast, that’s exactly what keeps people coming back.
