Ruby, My Dear

Four shiny bronze speakers are the first things that’ll catch your eye at Ruby, My Dear. But not that your attention needs grabbing in the first place. Since word got out that Brisbane was joining the growing ranks of Australian cities embracing Japanese-inspired vinyl bars, this place became one of the city's most anticipated venue openings of 2023.

Back to those speakers, which were hand-built in Tasmania by Pitt & Giblin. Their sound is rich, detailed and you can still talk to the person next to you without raising your voice. That’s not only due to their quality, but to the space itself, which already had acoustic panelling before the team moved in. You could say the joint was always destined to become a vinyl-listening bar.

The venue’s vinyl collection is a constantly growing thing, but the bulk of it belongs to owners Bonnie Shearston, Pablo Warner and Tom Sanceau. Sanceau provided two vintage Technics turntables that he’s owned for a long time, and DJs spin those bad boys most nights of the week.

Just like in Japan, cocktails are a focus at this particular listening bar, and have a strong Japanese influence. Drinks at the time of writing include the Yardbird (Roku gin, lychee, peach and lemon), a Toki whisky highball and a sake Negroni. Japanese beers by Sapporo and Hitachino sit alongside local craft options, and a list of wines designed to complement the food offering.

The izakaya style menu by chef Andrew Hackworth features raw and fried dishes, plus snacks and full-size mains. Think oysters with pomelo, cucumber and ponzu; prawn-filled brioche buns with gribiche sauce; and a classic pork katsu sando. Still hungry? Order the udon noodles served with miso-roasted bone marrow. When you’ve eaten the marrow there’s the option to turn the bone into a sake luge.