About 598 Stanley St
Located in Woolloongabba’s historic Clarence Corner precinct, 598 Stanley Street was best known as The Grand on Stanley – a boutique bar and functions venue with an old-world Art Deco vibe (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). Housed in a terrace-style shop from the early 20th century, it retained heritage features like a pressed-metal ceiling, exposed brick walls and art nouveau light fittings from its days as the former “Padre” dive bar (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). With its cozy speakeasy atmosphere, gallery-lit staircases and vintage decor, it offered an intimate space for music and events. (Note: the venue permanently closed in January 2023 (www.mustdobrisbane.com ).)
Events and Programming
During its run, 598 Stanley St hosted all sorts of nightlife and functions. The ground-floor bar and basement “dance floor” regularly featured DJ parties, live music and themed club nights – for example, a July 16, 2022 drum-–bass launch party for Brisbane’s Subtropics Festival took place at “Basement 598” (www.ticketfairy.com ). The in-house Loft (a 100 m² open room upstairs) was often used for creative events like yoga classes, art exhibitions and even pop-up galleries (www.partystar.com.au ). Many nights were electronic/dance-oriented (jungle, dubstep, house, etc.), but the venue also occasionally hosted funky jazz sets or low-key indie shows. Most events were ticketed (often around $10–$20) and tended to sell out due to the club’s small size.
There were no fixed-artist residencies or weekly gigs announced far in advance – the calendar was driven by local promoters. Recurring events typically included underground DJ sessions, community music collectives and private parties (weddings, birthdays or corporate events), all leveraging the venue’s vibe. Notable one-offs included the Subtropics/DnB launch above, plus functions with local techno and hip-hop artists. In general, visitors could expect a high-energy night of dancing or a private celebration, rather than big touring concerts. The Loft upstairs was available by arrangement for workshops or intimate gigs, while the main floor turned into a club atmosphere once the remixers took over.
Tickets and Booking
There was no permanent box office at 598 Stanley St – tickets were typically sold online through event promoters (Ticket Fairy, Eventbrite, etc.) or at the door if not sold out. Advance booking was advised for popular shows; for example, the Subtropics launch party sold pre-sale tickets (around $10) online (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Often, organizers offered discounted early-bird rates, but prices rarely exceeded $20. Door sales were possible on the night until capacity filled, especially on nightclub-type events, so casual door-drop entries could sometimes be secured. Unlike a major arena, there were no front-end VIP packages or reserved seating. Instead, all ticket holders were admitted through a single entrance on Stanley Street. In short, the best strategy was to grab tickets as soon as an event was announced, or plan to arrive in time for general admission if hoping for door sales.
Seating and Layout
598 Stanley St was arranged as a flexible lounge/club space rather than a fixed-seat theatre. The ground-floor main bar area had a handful of high-top tables and stools by the wall, but most of the space was open for standing and mingling. There were no assigned rows – guests typically chose their own vantage. For dance nights, the “basement” section functioned as the main dance floor (with club lighting and sound equipment) while the bar level was more for socializing and sitting. Above the bar was a 100 m² loft space (reached via a hidden exterior door) with polished timber floors and 4 m ceilings (www.partystar.com.au ) – this was a versatile area sometimes included in hires (used for art events, classes or extra party space). From a viewing standpoint, the best spot for live performers or DJs was usually the central open area on the main floor (close enough to the bar for drinks, but with clear lines to the DJ booth or small stage). Away from this centre, seating was informal – a few scattered chairs by the bar – so most patrons stood or danced. Acoustically, the brick walls and metal ceiling gave the room an echoed yet lively sound; sound levels could be quite loud near the speakers. The upstairs loft was more acoustically dead, ideal for quieter workshops or a lounge vibe. In general, expect no obstructed-seat problems, but do keep an eye on your proximity to speakers if you prefer softer volumes.
Getting There and Parking
598 Stanley Street sits at Clarence Corner (the junction of Stanley and Potts Streets) in Woolloongabba, adjacent to the Mater Hospital precinct. The nearest major parking is not on site, but there are several options nearby (www.parkopedia.com.au ) (www.parkopedia.com.au ). For example, the Coles Woolloongabba underground car park (at 795 Stanley St) offers 2 hours free parking and is about a 4-minute walk away (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Paid public car parks include the East Brisbane Car Park (10 spaces for ~$10/2h, ~11-minute walk) and large Mater multi-storey lots (P4 and P3, ~$19/2h, ~17–21 min walk) as noted by Parkopedia (www.parkopedia.com.au ) (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Street parking can be very limited on Stanley St itself, so using these lots or local side streets is advisable. Ride-share drop-offs or taxis can pull up on Stanley Street near the venue entry.
Public transport is a good way to arrive. The Woolloongabba Busway Station (for the M3 busway) is roughly 900 m (about a 10–12 min walk) from the venue. Several regular bus routes stop right on Stanley Street within a block or two – for instance, the 175 (to Garden City via Mt. Gravatt) and 204 (to Carindale) services stop at the Stanley St & Jurgens stop (jp.translink.com.au ), only ~100 m from the door. The high-frequency Brisbane CityGlider route 198 also runs just around the corner (Stanley at Gibbon St) (jp.translink.com.au ). Train users can alight at Buranda Station (~1 km east on Musgrave Road) or South Brisbane Station (on Grey Street, 1.5 km away) and then catch a short bus or walk. In practice, most gig-goers rely on buses or ride-sharing at night. Uber/Lyft and local taxis are plentiful late-night, especially along Stanley Street or at the Mater complex. Melbourne-style free tram service does not exist; the term “CityGlider” is the nearest to a rapid route in this area.
Inside the Venue
Entering 598 Stanley is like stepping into a 1920s lounge – expect dark polished woods, vintage light fixtures and cosy booths. On arrival, standard procedures were in place: security/ID check at the door, followed by order (tickets verified, hand-stamp given for re-entry). The ground floor houses the main bar (no kitchen) with a modest selection of beverages. The bar menu historically included a few local craft brews on tap (usually 2 rotating taps) plus bottled domestic and imported beers, a concise wine list, and a handful of classic or custom cocktails (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). Cocktails often had playful names referencing the nearby Mater Hospital (for instance, “Penicillin” and “Painkiller” were noted as signature drinks (www.mustdobrisbane.com )). Prices were kept budget-friendly – wine by the glass was around $8 and cocktails about $15 as a general ballpark (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). A small range of bar snacks (nuts, chips, sliders) was available on the house, but there was no full kitchen – many nights a food truck would park in the back courtyard from 4–7pm to serve dinner (www.mustdobrisbane.com ).
The basement is primarily a dancefloor and DJ domain, with club lighting and a photobooth tucked in the corner. In fact, a “Gatsby”-themed photo booth was a unique feature: guests could use 1920s-style props and outfits for instant pictures (www.partystar.com.au ). The upstairs Grand Loft (reached by a hidden external door) had its own dimensions (4 m ceiling, polished floor) and was sometimes opened for VIP or extra space. Restrooms were located on the main floor. Other touches inside included terra-cotta tile floors mixed with Victorian timber and a few stained-glass panels for atmosphere. Wi-fi access was generally not offered (phone signal in basement could drop during busy shows). Coat racks or cloak checks were not a formal service, so guests often kept jackets on or hung them on spare chairs. The ambience shifted from relaxed earlier in the evening to high-energy late at night when the music kicked in. Throughout, staff aimed to be friendly and helpful, navigating orders through limited counter space. One thing to remember is that the venue’s historic character meant a few narrow staircases and low door frames – nothing too onerous, but worth minding when moving between levels. Mitigating noise, the bar’s speakers could get loud near, so those sensitive to volume sometimes stayed on the opposite side of the room or in the loft.
Nearby Amenities
Woolloongabba’s Stanley Street retail strip is lined with dining and drinking options. For pre-show meals, there are several tempting choices. The Chinese-fusion Stanley Restaurant (around #615 Stanley St) is a popular upscale spot, and the historic Clarence Corner Hotel pub (601 Stanley) serves generous pub fare and craft beers. Bistro-style and Asian eateries are sprinkled throughout the block (nothing ultra-fast-food – most places take bookings). The Brisbane Brewing Co. is right on the corner (Stanley/East Streets) – a brewpub with pizza and sliders and a rooftop beer garden. Just a few blocks east lies the big Gasworks Precinct (around 900 Stanley St), home to a cinema and dozen more restaurants/bars (Steakford Beer Hall, rooftop bars, etc.), useful for pre/post-drinks. For caffeine and light bites, Pawpaw Cafe at 898 Stanley was known for all-day breakfast and lunch (open early), or the nearby Stanley Street Deli offers sandwiches and good coffee. In the evening, besides the venues already mentioned, new arrivals like Easy Times Brewing Co (a local microbrewery sports bar) have become part of the scene (www.mustdobrisbane.com ).
Accommodation-wise, Woolloongabba has several serviced apartment hotels on and near Stanley (e.g. Quest Woolloongabba at 778 Stanley). More options exist a short drive away in South Brisbane or Kangaroo Point. If sticking to public transit, note that the Cleveland train line’s Buranda Station (~1 km from 598 Stanley) is handy, as is the Vulture Street/Park Road light rail stop (for UQ CityCat ferry) about 1 km west. Late-night transport back (after last trains around midnight) means taxis or ride-shares; on a busy night, allow extra time or pre-book a Lockyer Valley maybe. Overall, plan to arrive early enough for dinner if you want it – Woolloongabba dining gets busy on weekends, and the venue’s main entrance glowed from around 7–8pm on show nights. For post-show, several 24-hour petrol station snacks and a handful of kebab stalls at nearby intersections serve night owls when everything else is closed.
What Makes This Venue Special
598 Stanley Street carved out a unique niche in Brisbane’s scene as a hidden gem of retro-charm. Firstly, the venue’s architectural pedigree stood out: it was a restored interwar shopfront that melded classic and Art Nouveau elements. Reviewers and locals often described it as “old world glamour” (cuisineoncue.com ) (www.mustdobrisbane.com ), with features like antique stained-glass windows, intricately patterned pressed-metal ceilings and vintage dark woodwork (www.mustdobrisbane.com ) (cuisineoncue.com ). That aesthetic gave every event a theatrical backdrop, unlike a generic warehouse club. Inside, quirky touches like the 1920s-themed photobooth and the “secret” loft entrance reinforced a sense of discovery and exclusivity (www.partystar.com.au ) (www.partystar.com.au ). Patrons often noted that even the cocktail names (Penicillin, Painkiller) and dessicated museum props carried a tongue-in-cheek nod to local history (in this case, the Mater Hospital across the street) (www.mustdobrisbane.com ).
On a cultural level, 598 Stanley St mattered as a late-night creative hub for South Brisbane’s underground crowd. Before its closure, it was one of the few inner-city venues cozy enough for boutique club events but still big enough to host a serious dance party. It joined the ranks of other historic Woolloongabba bars and theatres, keeping Clarence Corner’s antique precinct spirit alive in modern nightlife. Over the years it saw some very memorable parties and launch nights (like the Jungle/DnB gathering mentioned above), and even captured local lore (several surprise engagements and quirky pop-ups are still talked about). Artists and audiences liked it because it offered something different from standard pubs or stadiums – a speakeasy vibe where the décor and audience were both part of the show. In short, 598 Stanley Street was beloved not just for what happened on stage or on the dance floor, but for feeling like a living time capsule. Its impact was small but real: feeding Brisbane’s appetite for intimate gigs and proving that an old corner shop could still surprise and delight in 21st -century ways.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: As a heritage building, 598 Stanley had limited wheelchair access. The entrance and main bar were street-level (a slight step up from the footpath), but the basement dance floor and upstairs Loft required stairs. If you have mobility needs, you should verify access with event organizers or avoid the upper areas. The restrooms were accessed via a short corridor on the main floor. There was no dedicated disabled restroom. To play it safe, plan to stay on the ground level.
What to Bring: Bring valid photo ID (the venue was licensed so 18+ age checks were enforced on many event nights). Always check the show’s age limit – some club nights were strictly 18+. Dress was casual to smart; there was no formal dress code, but patrons often dressed in fun party or vintage-inspired attire to match the venue’s mood. If you buy tickets in advance, e-ticket on your phone was fine. Cash was less needed in recent years (credit card was accepted at the bar), but small bills could speed entry if a cover charge was collected. It can get hot on a packed dance floor, so light clothing and staying hydrated is wise. The venue had air conditioning upstairs, but when the ground floor filled up it could feel warm. Earplugs might be handy for sensitive ears – the sound system was powerful.
Portions and Policies: 598 Stanley Street followed typical nightclub rules. Bags and backpacks were searched at the door. Outside food, drinks or alcohol were prohibited. Smoking was only allowed in the outdoor back courtyard (as per Brisbane’s indoor smoking ban). Photography was generally allowed for personal use, but professional filming or flash photography could be restricted on certain nights – check with staff or the event host. Re-entry during the same night was sometimes granted (hence the hand-stamp system) but depended on event rules. Coat checks were not staffed; avoid bringing bulky coats if you want to save space. Mobile phone service could be patchy backstage or in the basement, so arrange transport ahead if possible.
Arrival and Departure: Expect door times around 30–60 minutes before show time (often 7–8pm for evening gigs, midnight for late parties). Arriving early can help avoid lines and secure a good spot. If the venue is full, entrance may be paused until capacity frees, so it’s wise to come early for a sold-out event. The neighborhood gets quiet late, so for late-night rides, flag down a taxi on Stanley Street or book an Uber in advance. Public buses still run late into the night along Stanley Street and surrounding roads, but check schedules if you plan to stay past midnight. The last trains and CityGlider buses top off around midnight, with limited weekends services thereafter – so plan your journey accordingly. Overall, treat the night like any club outing: travel in a group if possible, keep valuables secure (the old building had cozy nooks), and most importantly enjoy the venue’s unique character!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at 598 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba?
This address was the home of The Grand on Stanley, a small vintage-style bar and events venue. It used to be a 1920s-era shop front in the heritage Clarence Corner precinct (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). The Grand on Stanley is now permanently closed (as of Jan 2023) (www.mustdobrisbane.com ), so currently no live venue operates at 598 Stanley St.
What types of events were held at 598 Stanley St?
It was mainly an intimate nightclub and function space. The venue regularly hosted DJ dance parties, live music nights and private functions. Examples include electronic music nights (drum’n’bass, dub, etc.), art and yoga workshops upstairs, and even surprise weddings in the loft (www.partystar.com.au ). One notable event was the “Junkyard x Subtropics” drum-and-bass launch on 16 July 2022 (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, expect club-style gigs and small gigs by local acts rather than large touring rock shows.
How can I buy tickets for shows at 598 Stanley St?
There was no on-site box office. Tickets were sold online via event pages (e.g. Ticket Fairy, Facebook events) in advance. For most shows, purchasing ahead was recommended. There were often limited walk-up tickets at the door until capacity was reached (for example, a $10 door charge was listed for some parties (www.ticketfairy.com )). Always check the specific event listing for booking links. In short: buy early online if possible, but door sales were sometimes available if the show wasn’t sold out.
What is the seating and layout inside the venue?
The space was mostly standing-room-only with a flexible layout. The main floor had a bar and a few high tables/stools along the walls, but no fixed rows. The dance floor (“basement”) was open. Upstairs was a 100 m² loft area (reached by an external hidden door) for extra open space (www.partystar.com.au ). There were no VIP boxes or reserved seats – all ticket-holders circulated freely. In practice, people chose near the bar or DJ area for the best experience. The venue capacity was small (around 100 people), so seats were minimal and viewers mostly stood or danced.
Where can I park near 598 Stanley Street?
On-site parking is not available at 598 Stanley. Nearby options include the Coles Woolloongabba car park (795 Stanley St) with 2 hours free parking (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Paid lots at the Mater Hospital complex (P4 and P3) charge about $19 for 2 hours (roughly a 15–20 min walk) (www.parkopedia.com.au ). A smaller public car park (East Brisbane Car Park on Holden St) charges about $10/2h (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Street parking is very limited along Stanley St. Rideshares or buses are often easier alternatives late night.
What are my public transport options?
598 Stanley St is served by several buses. The Stanley St at Jurgens St stop (50m away) has routes like the 175 (Garden City) and 204 (Carindale) (jp.translink.com.au ). The CityGlider 198 (high-frequency Brisbane circular bus) stops on Stanley St at Gibbon St nearby (jp.translink.com.au ). The Woolloongabba (busway) Station is ~1 km on O’Keefe St for express busway services. If traveling by train, the Buranda station (Cleveland line) is about a 10–15 min walk east, or catch a bus from South Brisbane or Park Road station to Stanley Street. For late nights, taxis and Uber easily drop off/pick up on Stanley Street.
Is 598 Stanley Street wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility was limited. The front entrance and main floor were at street level (with a small step up). However, the basement and upstairs loft were only accessible by stairs. No lift or ramp was provided. If you have mobility issues, planning to stay on the ground floor is advised, as the upper areas are not wheelchair-friendly. Restrooms were standard size, which may be narrower than modern accessible facilities.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No outside food or drinks were allowed by policy. 598 Stanley St was fully licensed, so guests purchased beverages inside. The bar served beer, wine and cocktails (no kitchen on site). There was a small snack selection at the bar, and often an outside food truck parked in the courtyard early in the night (www.mustdobrisbane.com ). Smoking indoors was prohibited by law, though an outdoor courtyard was available for smokers.
What is the age restriction at this venue?
Many events at 598 Stanley were 18+ (no minors) due to the late-night club atmosphere. Some afternoon or soft music events might have allowed all ages. Always check the specific event’s policy. On club nights, staff required a valid ID for entry as with any licensed bar. In practice, on our example event the listing clearly stated “Ages 18+” (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is there a coat check or lockers?
No formal coat check or lockers were provided. Patrons usually brought small bags or hung coats on spare seating. Since space was tight, it’s best to travel light (e.g. fold jacket to carry or leave it at home) to avoid crowding the entrance. On very busy nights you might briefly hang a coat over a chair or on the lamp behind the bar, but security did not take responsibility for stored items.
Are cameras or photography allowed inside?
Casual photos with a smartphone were generally fine, as was personal use photography around the venue. The 1920s-style photobooth even encouraged themed snapshots (www.partystar.com.au ). However, professional camera setups or video recording might have been restricted, especially at music events. No flash photography was preferred during concerts. If in doubt, ask an event staff or promoter at the door.
