Some places never really leave your group chat. They’re the venues that get mentioned every time someone asks, “Where should we go tonight?” The ones with a little mythology attached. In Brisbane, Boom Boom Room has always been one of those spots.
And now it’s back!
The subterranean favourite beneath the CBD returned in March with a whole new tempo. The lights are lower, the music runs later and the energy has been dialled up in a way that feels less like a reopening and more like a glow-up.
Behind the revival is the team at Ghanem Group Hospitality, who have taken the much-loved venue and turned the volume right up. The idea is simple but deliciously ambitious: a night out that unfolds in chapters. You might arrive early for dinner and a drink, linger through live music and performances, then suddenly realise it’s well past midnight and the DJ is deep into a vinyl set while the room hums with that particular late-night magic.
The evenings themselves are designed to evolve. Fridays and Saturdays begin in a laid-back groove with DJs and multi-instrumentalists setting the mood. As the night stretches on, live soul and jazz take centre stage, punctuated by sultry burlesque performances before things shift again into a DJ-led finale that carries the crowd well past bedtime.
If Thursday nights are more your speed, they come with their own ritual: an all-vinyl listening session. Think after-work drinks drifting into dinner, the crackle of records in the background, and the kind of atmosphere that makes staying for “just one more” feel entirely reasonable.
Of course, a place like Boom Boom Room has always been as much about the food as the soundtrack. The new menu leans hard into the electric spirit of modern Asian street food, pulling inspiration from Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Indonesia. Executive Chef Jake Nicolson and Head Chef Lyndon Tyers have drawn from their travels across the region to create dishes that are bold in flavour and designed for sharing.
The menu opens with a spread of bold snacks and share-style small plates. Expect things like fried soft shell crab tucked into pillowy bao with kimchi and chilli mayo, alongside yakitori-style skewers with a modern twist. Steamed lobster sui mai arrives with ginger and lemongrass broth poured tableside from a clear teapot — a detail that adds a bit of theatre to the experience.
From there, the offering moves into more substantial mains, drawing heavily on Southeast Asian flavours. There’s a rich, spice-forward beef rendang, a fragrant Thai-style green chicken curry, and a whole BBQ barramundi finished with chilli, nuoc cham and fresh herbs, designed for sharing.
Sides are given just as much attention, with options like green mango salad with crispy shrimp for crunch and brightness, and a spicy peanut soba noodle salad. Dessert leans playful and a little indulgent. Think Korean-style deep-fried milk paired with strawberries and chocolate fondue, or a matcha affogato poured over Vietnamese coffee gelato for a subtle caffeine hit.
Cocktails also play a big role in the overall experience, with a mix of bold and nostalgic influences. Some are more spirit-forward, like the Fire Starter with vodka, mandarin, verjuice and thyme, while others take a lighter, fruit-driven approach, such as the Cosmic Girl with umeshu, jasmine, plum and lemon.
There are also a few nods to pop culture woven into the drinks list, including options that combine tequila, citrus and fruit with a touch of flair, rounding out a menu that blends familiar flavours with a more playful edge.
According to Ghanem Group’s Music and Entertainment Manager Michael Watt, that immersive energy is exactly the point. “The new Boom Boom Room is designed for guests who want something more immersive than a bar and more personal than a nightclub,” he explains. “It’s a multi-dimensional music experience layered with exceptional dining.”
Boom Boom Room, 49 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City, (07) 3243 4800
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
