As Fringe continues to grow year on year, the number of artists and visitors who descend on the city grows with it. It’s an exhilarating and energising time for Adelaide. But honestly, who hasn’t suffered a little fatigue from all the excitement?
With hundreds of events happening daily at the Garden, Gluttony and across the East End it can be hard to hear yourself think – and that’s before the car race arrives.
So to help you escape the racket we’ve gathered a list of our favourite haunts at the other end of the city – places that are just enough off the festival-path for a little peace and quiet.
Whether you’re after a quick breather, a bite to eat or a place to kick back with some drinks between shows, we’ve got a few ideas.
DINNER
The Henry Austin
While the Ha Bar downstairs transforms into “Henrietta’s” during the Fringe, the upstairs dining area and mezzanine are perfect for a quiet cocktail or glass of Bollinger. Take your pick from the range of Australian “yum-cha” served by the roving waiters, or grab a tiffin-box and a bottle of wine to go.
29 Chesser Street
Osteria Oggi
With a pedigree like Osteria Oggi’s, it’s no wonder the place is packed on Friday and Saturday nights. While everyone’s in the Garden, grab a table in the underground cellar and eat your fill of freshly made pasta, gnocchi, smoky slow-roasted meats and formaggio presented on its own trolley.
76 Pirie Street
Gondola Gondola
South-East Asian street-food culture lives on at Gondola Gondola. The pan-Asian menu’s DIY cold rolls, salads and char-grilled creations will help you cool off between shows. Just be sure to save space for dessert. Meanwhile, the drinks list offers sake, spiked ice tea, Asian whisky and refreshing beers.
1 Peel Street
Two-Bit Villains
Seek out this casual soda bar and diner upstairs in the Adelaide Arcade for sneaky vegan and vegetarian offerings such as Sloppy Joes with housemade soy “mince”. Stick around for the handcrafted botanical sodas, which come in seasonal renditions such as chai, mint, blueberry and lime.
Adelaide Arcade, 150 Rundle Mall
DRINKS
Pink Moon Saloon
The tiny Alpine exterior to this Leigh Street destination hides a narrow bar devoted to independent brews, top-shelf spirits, creative cocktails and delicate frozen daiquiris. Beyond this, a leafy open courtyard beckons you through to booth seating beside a little kitchen known as the “house of fire”.
21 Leigh Street
La Buvette
Devoted to the French ritual of “Aperitif”, La Buvette is the place to go for a sip or two of French or local South Australian natural wines. Spirits, cocktails and signature aperitifs are also on offer, and go down nicely along with degustation platters of artisan breads and local smallgoods.
27 Gresham Street
Propaganda Club
A supper club for cultured folks, inspired by Manhattan’s moonlit fine dining. Descend beneath the grand chandelier to the Soho Lounge for a contemporary cocktail or glass of champagne, or grab a cosy velvet-lined booth in the Manhattan Room. The fin-dining menu can be shared from dusk until dawn.
Regent Arcade, 110 Grenfell Street
Biggies at Bertram
Biggies may pack a small grungy basement vibe, but innovation lies in the details. Their pre-batched cocktails mean your Espresso Martini is fast-poured from the tap so your bartender can keep the vinyl spinning all night long. And although there’s no kitchen, Uber Eats is still available.
Basement, 73 Grenfell Street