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CRU Bar & Cellar, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD

CRU Bar & Cellar

4.4
4.4
277 Reviews
$41 to $100
Modern Australian
Top Tags:

Home to a celebrated wine bar, retail cellar, and private dining room, CRU pairs laid-back luxury with the stylish spirit of Brisbane’s James Street precinct

Our signature green onyx bar surrounds the shimmering heart of CRU, a glorious antique Baccarat chandelier
Soak up the street scene or take a seat at the bar and lose yourself in our award-winning wine list

CRU is the perfect spot for a glass of something special, a leisurely lunch with friends, or a decadent dinner for two

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian

  • Hours of operation

    Bar Daily 11:00 am–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (07) 3252 2400

  • Website

    http://www.crubar.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Catering

    Fresh breezes and natural light wash over the relaxed-luxe dining space, where double-height ceilings and expansive windows open to the streetscape for an inviting inside-out connection We’re committed to delivering excellent service, whether you’re dropping by for Champagne and oysters or settling in for a sumptuous wine-matched meal With a focus on delicious seasonal flavours, our menus draw inspiration from around the globe while celebrating Queensland with CRU classics

  • Private party facilities

    CRU offers a selection of private and semi-private function spaces to suit your celebration. We look forward to working with you to deliver a memorable occasion The Wine Room Tucked away behind the cellar, our Wine Room offers a private oasis from the bustle of James Street. Celebrate a dinner party-style occasion, surrounded by your favourite people and glorious walls of wine. Set menu applies The Garden Lounge Secluded banquette seating is available in a leafy corner of the restaurant or, celebrate a cocktail style party with up to 35 of your closest family and friends The Cocktail Lounge With a prime corner position overlooking James Street, this sought-after space can host small groups of 10 or larger groups up to 20 Cellar Our cellar can be booked exclusively, with your own bar and waitstaff, for 30 - 60 people, for a cocktail style of event

  • Location

    Shop 1 22 James St Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD Fortitude Valley

  • Neighborhood

    Fortitude Valley

  • Cross street

    McLachlan Street

  • Parking details

    Street parking is available as well as the center car park for the James Street markets

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 277 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Brisbane

    Hot Spot

  • Brisbane

    Notable Wine List

  • Brisbane

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Brisbane

    Modern Australian

  • Inner Suburbs

    Hot Spot

  • Inner Suburbs

    Notable Wine List

  • Inner Suburbs

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Inner Suburbs

    Modern Australian

  • Inner Suburbs

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. T

    Tina

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful setting & food was delicious. Wide section of wine.

  2. BP

    BarbaraP

    Brisbane

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall2food4service4ambience1

    Food and service was great but for the third time near empty restaurant and the maître de puts two people at the very next table to us what’s the point?

  3. JL

    JaredL

    Brisbane

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Been meaning to drop in CRU for years. Did not disappoint. Food was phenomenal, atmosphere was perfect, and any place with Coravin wine options has my vote. Will definitely be back!

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service

  5. S

    Sharonymous

    Canberra

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Impressive wine and cocktails selections to match a delicious menu, served with warmth and humour - worth a few repeats to try it all!

  6. J

    John

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    Your staff are all young and (with one notable exception) have little interest in serving people or an understanding of how to serve food or wine. Several times I attempted to get staff attention to buy a glass of wine or to get the cheque only for staff to ignore me. I have been going to Cru bar since you opened back in the early 2000s and unfortunately your service offering has deteriorated over time. I am not sure that I will go back.

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food. Great service. Highly recommend

  8. MH

    MilenaH

    Sunshine Coast

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous food and great service from Cohen and Jenny! One of the best steaks we’ve had for a long time in Brisbane!

  9. AN

    AnthonyN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing place to take anyone whether it’s a date, family outing or just a casual eat/drink occasion with friends and family. Staff, atmosphere, food and drinks were of outstanding quality. Will be going back again for sure. I highly recommend this establishment for all your social needs!!!

  10. RD

    RobertD

    Brisbane

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    We had a fabulous dinner at the Cru Bar. We opted to do small shared dishes and most of the food was delicious. The wines available are always of the highest quality and never disappoint.

  11. S

    Simond

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and selection of wines. Lovely service. Make sure you book - people were being turned away as fully booked.

  12. SS

    SonSea

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome night - great atmosphere and cocktails - loved it

  13. TF

    ThereseF

    Brisbane

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience5

    Service was terrible. It was really hard to track down any wait staff.

  14. LJ

    LeeJ

    Brisbane

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    Been to Cru many times. Service was slow and lethargic. Food was cold when should have been hot. Dessert had to be sent back as was not what was ordered. May have been a bad day for staff as usually quite good all round.

  15. NM

    NaomiM

    Sydney

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall2food5service1ambience5

    The service was ‘bland’ our waitress didn’t want to be there, no smiles, no interest in going above and beyond. She walked past our table at least 10 times simply ignoring our wave out asking for support. Food was great, wine was great. It’s SO tough for restaurants at present to gain skilled staff so we want to cut them some slack. We will return but we didn’t walk away on that occasion thinking ‘they nailed it’.

  16. AB

    AzyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great meeting spot at James street. Staff are very friendly, great selection of drinks and food is really good.

  17. KF

    KiahF

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    It was really great! The service was a bit here and there but overall nice experience

  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    Hi. I booked dinner and drinks to see a friend I had not seen for 3 years due to Covid. When I booked for 600 pm there was no mention of a time limit for the table. We also checked with the waiter who also said no rush and no need to return the table by a certain time. It was therefore very disappointing to be told by an officious and rude sommelier at 730 that we were required to return the table at 800 pm. Extremely poor form and not one word of apology.

  19. SM

    SteveM

    Brisbane

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    Service was slow and very poor. The quality of food was way off the mark too.

  20. MC

    MattC

    London

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is always great here no matter what time of day. Wine list is superb, love the Coravin wine selection. 10 out of 10 as always

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Enjoyed a very pleasant pre dinner drink. Good wine selection and polite and attentive staff

  22. DR

    DanielleR

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great selection of wine and beer. Loved the pork dumplings

  23. ME

    MichelleE

    Brisbane

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience4

    Food and drinks great as per ususal! Service was very slow, rude and hard to get attention in the corner. We were also billed for drinks that never arrived (lucky we were paying attention!!).

  24. C

    aCeramics

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a setting and 10/10 service ⭐️ This Brisbane institute really is a must on James St for a reason!!!

  25. JL

    JamesL

    Brisbane

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    The service was very poor, food was not great for the price - you need to consider the prices you charge for the value you provide, far from worth the money. The wait staff seemed not interested. Its hard to get good staff at the moment and that is unfortunate but something you need to look at with their attitude. Its a shame as the restaurant was a great place however after yesterday I would not be back,

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience3

    Rude waitress Didn’t acknowledge order. Stormed off after one drinks order Came back abruptly Clearly did not want to be at work

  27. AJ

    AnnaJ

    Northern Territory

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall4food4service1ambience4

    Have always enjoyed Cru bar for a quick catch up drink or sit down dining. Our most recent visit on Saturday night was still enjoyable however service was incredibly disappointing. The young lady who looked after our table was incredibly rude and abrupt.

  28. CI

    CIsabella

    Brisbane

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    This is my local and I am generally here every other week and yesterday we had to wait 50mins for service, the incorrect food was delivered and we were made to feel like we were in the wrong. Water was not filled at all in the 3 hours we were there. The dessert we ordered was then not available after 20 mins of ordering. Yesterday was very disappointing indeed.

  29. J

    Jenny

    Queensland

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Great food, friendly staff but service was a little slow

  30. MM

    MahirM

    Gold Coast

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience4

    The food prices are extremely high for what it is.

  31. D

    Dominique

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Enjoyable Saturday afternoon drinks and cheese. Would recommend.

  32. GF

    GerardF

    Exclusive

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    Had a lovely lunch at Crew Bar yesterday. Food was great. Always plenty to choose from by the glass on the wine menu also. We had a table by the window with a nice breeze blowing..... you could while away hours. Can be a place 'to be seen', but it's better than that. The food can be seriously good, as it was yesterday. Great job, keep it up.

  33. LT

    LindaT

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love visiting the cru bar Every time we visit we enjoy our time here

  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food, we had entrees,mains and dessert. The wine was Devine. Great pricing for everything

  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    It's been a long time since I've been to Cru, so Valentines Day seemed q good opportunity to reconnect. The bar/restaurant looked classy and well staffed. My partner and I are the sort that like to share meals. We were given the A La Carte menu that happened to have the awesome Snack Menu on the back. We ordered a beer, cocktail and Argentine Malbec. For food we ordered pate, in-house bread with cultured butter, and butcher cut steak with chips/salad. The place was packed, but drinks and food came easily within reasonable time. Food fantastic apart from steak that lacked tenderness. Staff responded with top of the range steak, gratis. That steak was top drawer with surprising but lovely condiments. Perfect! What stood out for me was the brilliant care and service of the staff and manager. As I said, the place was chockas, but these guys weren't fazed. Thank you Cru for a perfect Valentines Day memory.

  36. GF

    GailF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely meal before we went to the cinema across the road. The wait staff were very helpful and friendly, and with good wine knowledge too.

  37. M

    Michelle

    Sunshine Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Top points - Great location, attentive service, delectable food and wine selection impressive Low points - Hard to have conversation due to noise

  38. BR

    BRV67

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Lovely service from every staff member! A total gem!

  39. HU

    HUGHC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Thanks for the perfect setting and service for our night.

  40. LW

    LindaW

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Reliably good service and food. Great wine menu and atmosphere

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

CRU Bar & Cellar is rated 4.4 stars by 277 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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17
18
19
20
21
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7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today
Google Map for CRU Bar & Cellar

Shop 1 22 James St Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD Fortitude Valley

Additional information

  • Cross street

    McLachlan Street

  • Neighborhood

    Fortitude Valley

  • Hours of operation

    Bar Daily 11:00 am–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street parking is available as well as the center car park for the James Street markets

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.crubar.com/

  • Phone number

    (07) 3252 2400

  • Catering

    Fresh breezes and natural light wash over the relaxed-luxe dining space, where double-height ceilings and expansive windows open to the streetscape for an inviting inside-out connection We’re committed to delivering excellent service, whether you’re dropping by for Champagne and oysters or settling in for a sumptuous wine-matched meal With a focus on delicious seasonal flavours, our menus draw inspiration from around the globe while celebrating Queensland with CRU classics

  • Private party facilities

    CRU offers a selection of private and semi-private function spaces to suit your celebration. We look forward to working with you to deliver a memorable occasion The Wine Room Tucked away behind the cellar, our Wine Room offers a private oasis from the bustle of James Street. Celebrate a dinner party-style occasion, surrounded by your favourite people and glorious walls of wine. Set menu applies The Garden Lounge Secluded banquette seating is available in a leafy corner of the restaurant or, celebrate a cocktail style party with up to 35 of your closest family and friends The Cocktail Lounge With a prime corner position overlooking James Street, this sought-after space can host small groups of 10 or larger groups up to 20 Cellar Our cellar can be booked exclusively, with your own bar and waitstaff, for 30 - 60 people, for a cocktail style of event

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