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Restaurant

The Rusty Nail

44 Ipswich City Mall, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

Recommended by 66 people

Updated

Find The Rusty Nail

44 Ipswich City Mall, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 468 552 615
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Rusty Nail

Tucked opposite the Nicholas Street cinema, this cozy hideaway spares Ipswich locals the trek into Brisbane for creative cocktails and thoughtful tapas. Regulars drop in for a quick knock-off or settle into the subterranean cellar room over indie craft beer taps. Plates arrive fast from the kitchen—think golden halloumi with warm pita, crisp fish tacos, and saganaki alongside house pours like the Lemon Drop Sour.

  • Craft Taps & Shaken Cocktails: Independent craft brews rotate on draft beside signature sips like the Lemon Drop Sour and Chocolate Martini.
  • Subterranean Cellar Space: A basement space tucked below street level offers a secluded setting for dates and small group celebrations.
  • Pre-Show Tapas: Quick-fire plates like grilled saganaki, fish tacos, and charcuterie boards fit right in before an evening screening or gig.
RestaurantTapasBar

What's On at The Rusty Nail

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose The Rusty Nail

Why locals and visitors choose The Rusty Nail for cocktails, tapas, and intimate gatherings in Ipswich.

  • City-Caliber Cocktails & Tapas Close to Home

    Guests can enjoy premium bespoke cocktails and inventive seasonal tapas locally in the Ipswich CBD without needing to commute into Brisbane.

    If you’re looking for a relaxed, quality spot to enjoy a great atmosphere, food and drink without going to Brisbane city, then check it out

    James Jackson

  • Independent Brews & Signature Craft Menus

    Rotating craft beers from independent breweries pair alongside house-crafted cocktails and diverse small plates like tacos and charcuterie.

    Love their support of independent breweries; they had 4 outstanding beers on draft plus a tasty looking cocktail and tapas menu.

    Andrew Burke

  • Effortless Pre-Show Dining in the Precinct

    Conveniently situated in the Nicholas Street Precinct directly opposite the cinema and near local entertainment, it offers an ideal pre-show stop.

    stuck away from Stony Creek Brewing for a quick bite and drink before the theatre.

    Deryk Anderson

  • Intimate Cellar & Basement Setting

    A subterranean basement cellar offers a tucked-away, intimate setting suited for private functions, gatherings, or a cozy evening retreat.

    Cass and I checked out the cellar at The Rusty Nail—what an absolutely charming space!

    Kez Things to do in Ipswich

  • Lively Date Nights & Relaxed Catch-Ups

    A vibrant yet relaxed ambiance with live music sets an easygoing backdrop that lets conversation flow naturally on dates and catch-ups.

    There was live music, it was busy but not too noisey, the cocktail were rocking (highly recommend the lemon drop sour!), and the food was decent too. Best date night in Ipswich

    Charlie & Lauren

  • Attentive Hospitality & Genuine Care

    Welcoming owner-operators and attentive staff create a genuine, community-focused connection where patrons feel truly looked after.

    the people working here are just so lovely and kind, they actually care

    Rebecca S

Standout cocktails and shared tapas favored by guests

  • Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos were excellent.

    Jeremy Gregg

  • Pork Belly

    We tried the pork belly, fish tacos, baked scallops, baked brie and pear wrapped in prosciutto and arancini and were impressed with every dish.

    Discover Ipswich

  • Charcuterie Board

    The portion size were good value for money, especially the charcuterie board compared to other places we've been to.

    Arlinna Furuto

  • Chocolate Martini

    You must have a Chocolate Martini... delicious!

    Noelene Williams

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details and tailored hospitality that set The Rusty Nail apart.

  • Custom Cocktails and Attentive Care

    Owner Charlie and the bar team tailor bespoke cocktails on the spot and actively check in on group comfort throughout the night.

  • Tucked-Away Basement Cellar Space

    A tucked-away subterranean cellar room offers a distinct, cozy, and charming enclave away from the main bar for private gatherings and intimate drinks.

  • Acoustic Sunday Sessions and Live Music

    The venue pairs its tapas and cocktails with acoustic sets curated at conversation-friendly volumes, including vibrant Sunday afternoon sessions.

  • Seasonal Tapas and Craft Brewery Rotations

    Rotating seasonal tapas plates like caramelised halloumi, fresh charcuterie boards, and house-made pork belly are paired with rotating independent brewery draft beers.

Before you head over

Practical advice for booking, arrival, and ordering at The Rusty Nail.

  • Book Online & Order via Table App

    If attending on busy weekend evenings or prior to local gigs, book online ahead of time and order food and drinks directly from your phone using the table app for prompt service.

  • Take Advantage of Sunday Parking & Sesh

    Visiting on a Sunday gives you access to afternoon live music, between-meal hours when many surrounding restaurants close, and free parking in the Nicholas Street precinct.

  • Spotting the Entrance & Cellar Space

    The bar entrance can be discreet from the bottom of the mall at night, so keep an eye out directly opposite the Hoyts cinema in the Nicholas Street precinct, and ask staff to see the cozy cellar downstairs.

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