Le Bon Ton

Le Bon Ton is owned by The Ghanem Group, a hospitality group that operates some of Brisbane's best restaurants and bars. When Ghanem took over the reins to this Collingwood staple, it didn't overhaul it so much as refine a successful formula.

It's a New Orleans-inspired bar and smokehouse, where you'll find plenty of drinks and cocktails dedicated to The Big Easy, alongside a menu that's driven by the Southern-style smoker in the courtyard. All meats are pit-smoked over iron bark and fruit woods for up to 12 hours. So expect pull-apart beef brisket and pork shoulder, lamb ribs and burnt ends. There's also a range of Southern-inspired burgers and sandwiches. A substantial part of the menu is also available for takeaway.

Drinks are where the New Orleans theme really comes out to play. There's a good list of champagnes, always served ice cold, and Le Bon Ton's take on the quintessential NOLA cocktail, The Sazerac, is done justice. The rest of the selection, both classic and signature, is well worth exploring. Plus, there's a good line-up of American beers on tap.

It's hard to go wrong with seating here – on a nice day, the astroturfed courtyard is unbeatable. In winter, find a nook in the vast, moody interiors.