A Brisbane institution
Jimmy’s on the Mall holds a special place in the history of dining and entertainment in Brisbane.
The venue holds the distinction of being the very first venue to open in the Queen Street Mall when it was transformed into a pedestrian precinct in the early 1980s.
One of Brisbane’s most enduring and popular dining and social outdoor destinations, Brisbane icon Jimmys on the Mall has welcomed guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week for more than 40 years.
Located right in the heart of Queen Street Mall, it offers a prime position for people-watching and casual dining, with outdoor seating, two levels and the vibrant buzz of Brisbane’s CBD.
The beginning of Jimmy’s
Opened in 1982, Jimmy’s on the Mall was a pioneer as one of the very first outdoor dining venues in Brisbane’s pedestrianised Queen Street Mall – a space that had just been developed ahead of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
The venue soon became one of the most popular outdoor restaurant-bars in Brisbane’s CBD, helping shape the Mall’s café and restaurant culture.
Founded by Brisbane hospitality figure Godfrey Mantle, the concept was groundbreaking for its time.
At a period when most dining in the city took place indoors, Jimmy’s introduced one of Brisbane’s first truly outdoor restaurant experiences. Its leafy setting, casual energy, and prime position quickly made it a favourite meeting place.
At its peak, the Jimmy’s brand extended beyond a single address. Three venues operated along the Mall: Jimmy’s Downtown near Edward Street, Jimmy’s on the Mall at the central Albert Street intersection – the only surviving location today – and Jimmy’s Uptown near George Street, which later became Milano’s before being demolished.
Together, these venues cemented the Jimmy’s name as a defining feature of Queen Street Mall’s social landscape.
One of the venue’s most distinctive traditions has been its commitment to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week trading.
Jimmy’s on the Mall is known as a reliable late-night hub, welcoming everyone from hospitality workers finishing their shifts to early-morning commuters grabbing coffee.
A new chapter
In 2014, the original single-level “pod” structure that had housed Jimmy’s for decades was demolished as part of a major revitalisation project led by the Mantle Group in partnership with Brisbane City Council.
The vision was to create a larger, more contemporary “super venue.”
The new design merged the Jimmy’s site with the adjacent former Cafe East premises, expanding the footprint and reimagining the restaurant for a new generation.
The result was a striking two-storey structure incorporating modern architectural features while preserving the open-air essence that defined the original.
Growing with Queen Street Mall
Jimmy’s on the Mall and Queen Street Mall share a parallel history.
On 9 August 1982, a brass band heralded the official opening of the Mall. Two months later – on 7 October – the Mall received a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II while in Brisbane to attend the Commonwealth Games.
Queen Street Mall evolved into one of Brisbane’s busiest pedestrian and retail precincts, and over more than four decades, Jimmy’s has become an iconic part of its dining landscape.
The Jimmy’s experience
Today’s Jimmy’s on the Mall features a retractable roof to accommodate Brisbane’s unpredictable weather, outdoor heating for cooler evenings, and dramatic “living green walls” composed of thousands of plants.
The venue is divided into two distinct levels, each offering a different experience.
The Upper Deck leans into pub classics and comfort food, with burgers and hand-stretched pizzas among the staples. Elevated views across the Mall make it a popular choice for after-work drinks and a relaxed vantage point above the crowds.
The Lower Deck delivers street-level, open-air dining immersed in the buzz of pedestrian traffic. Here, the menu showcases bold Asian-inspired flavours and share-style plates.
The focus on vibrant flavours and generous portions makes it well-suited to group dining, casual catch-ups, and long lunches that stretch into the evening.
Atmosphere remains central to the Jimmy’s experience, with a lively and bustling environment ideal for people-watching.
A family-friendly approach ensures the venue appeals to a broad cross-section of Brisbane locals and visitors alike.
Part of the community
In the heart of Queen Street Mall — where shoppers, office workers and tourists flow through Brisbane’s busiest pedestrian strip — Jimmy’s on the Mall has remained a constant for more than four decades.
Come in for a sip and stay for a bite. You’re always welcome.
