This year Queensland’s pubs are pulling out all the stops. From footy themed menu takeovers and fanzones with live music, to face painting and kids’ activities sorted for the family crowd, there’s a lot more going on than just a telly in the corner. Here’s where to be for the NRL Grand Final.
Finals footy is better with a table full of good food and a few mates around it, and the Regatta’s got you covered from 11 September right through to 4 October with a dedicated NRL Finals Footy Menu — pub favourites built for sharing, not fighting over.
Whether you’re settling in for the full game-day feed or just swinging by for a few plates between beers, this is the westside spot for finals season. Multiple levels, river views, and a menu that’s a genuine step up from your standard pub fare — there’s plenty to dig into.
If Grand Final day had a spiritual front door in Brisbane, The Lord Alfred would be standing right next to it with a cold one ready. The NRL Grand Final will be up live and loud on the big screen and you can settle in for the biggest game of the season.
Expect plenty of noise, chef’s specials and a pub full of fans hanging on every set, line break and trip to the try line.
For footy fans who want a bit more polish with their pints, Port Office Hotel is the pick. Set in a beautifully restored CBD venue, it’s built for exactly this kind of occasion — settle in for one of the biggest sporting days of the year and watch the action live and loud on Sunday 4 October, or make a full evening of it in the city.
There are normal pub crowds watching the footy, and then there are Irish pub crowds watching the footy. Finn McCool’s is going all in on Sunday 4 October, with its Fanzone taking over the causeway and plenty happening around the game itself.
Get in early for pre-game live music, grab the $20 Guinness & Wings deal, and test your footy knowledge with NRL-themed trivia before kick-off. At half-time there’s a jersey giveaway up for grabs, and once the final siren sounds, the DJ takes over and the session rolls straight into the night.
Newly renovated after 140-plus years serving the inner north, Crown Hotel is keeping it simple but solid for Grand Final Sunday — every moment of the game live and loud on the big screens, a great atmosphere, and your favourite food and drink on hand from kick-off to the final siren.
Get ready for the biggest rugby league showdown of the year — Burleigh Town Hotel is doing Grand Final day properly, with live game action across multiple large screens, ice-cold drinks and pub grub that actually hits the spot. Why watch anywhere else?
Want to catch the footy without leaving the kids at home? Coomera Lodge Hotel has your Sunday sorted. Join the crew on Sunday 4 October for the NRL live, with plenty happening for the little ones while you settle in and enjoy the game — think face painting, a ball toss competition and a colouring comp, plus chef specials running throughout the day.
Grab the family and make a day of it.
Looking for somewhere local to watch the biggest game of the year? Runaway Bay Tavern has the NRL Grand Final live and loud on its LED screen on Sunday 4 October, surrounded by a crowd just as invested in every tackle and try as you are. Reserved seating is available, so lock in your crew’s spot ahead of time.
Right in the heart of Surfers, The Local Tavern is keeping it classic: big screens, cold beers and a proper pub atmosphere. Round up the crew, settle in for every tackle, try and game-changing moment, and fuel up with food specials running throughout the game. There’s no better place in Surfers Paradise to catch the footy.
Grand Final Sunday only comes around once a year — get in early, grab your table, and make sure you’re watching it somewhere worth being. See you at the pub.
