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The Best Bars in Adelaide

Updated 5 months ago

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Picture this. An out-of-town friend is coming to Adelaide for one night only. You want to show them a real good time – loose and boozy with a high chance of random late-night encounters. Something typically “Adelaide”.

We’ve got plenty of ideas, whether you’re chasing a schooner in the sun or a tailor-made cocktail. And thanks to some outstanding terroir right on our doorstep, our wine bar scene is a force to be reckoned with. Let’s hope your friend doesn’t have an early flight.

  • Proof

    Bar

    One of Adelaide’s original small bars also happens to have one of the city’s strongest drinks lists. It's also turning out elite bar snacks in the form of levelled up toasties.

  • Clever Little Tailor

    Bar

    CLT is cosy, classic and has a quality libation to satisfy every whim. If you’re after snacks, it’s got you covered with imported tinned fish, local cheese and sliced-to-order charcuterie.

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  • Hains and Co

    Bar

    Come to this versatile bar for red-hot fried chicken, nautical-themed drinks, and even a range of stogies to puff on – if that's your thing.

  • Bar Peripheral

    Bar

    No standing, no rowdy groups and no Dirty Martinis. This intimate, 12-seat cocktail bar isn’t for everyone. But if you’re game for a hospitality experience unlike anything else in Adelaide, Bar Peripheral is the one for you.

  • Cry Baby

    Bar

    A "polished-up" dive that splits the difference between pub and small bar. You could just as easily come here to sip from the 300-strong spirit list heavy on tequila and bourbon, or dance to the jukebox rock 'n' roll tunes spinning until late.

  • Pink Moon Saloon

    Bar

    This narrow, faux alpine hut hits all the same targets as sister bar Clever Little Tailor.

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  • Maybe Mae

    Bar

    A contender for Australia's most well-hidden cocktail bar. But trust us, this one is worth seeking out. But once you find this subterranean 1950s inspired cocktail lounge and take a seat in one of the comfy leather booths, you won't want to leave.

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  • 99 Gang Social

    Bar

    American-style burgers, beef rendang hoagies and tropical cocktails are the signatures at Gang Gang’s disco-ready burger bar. After the dinner trade, a floating DJ booth provides danceable tunes till late.

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  • The Scenic Hotel

    Bar

    This hilltop boozer may look vintage from the outside – but its dizzying wine list and modern Australian pub grub say otherwise. The festoon-lit beer garden is a destination in its own right, offering gorgeous views of the city at night.

  • Bar Lune

    Bar

    Park up at the sleek terrazzo benches at this approachable bar for charcoal-cooked share plates and an exciting range of wines. From the top shelf down, there’s a drop for every taste and budget.

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  • The Exeter

    Bar

    This old pub hasn’t been updated since 1929, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

  • Loc Bottle Bar

    Bar

    At this tiny natural wine bar, there's no service bar, removing the barrier between staff and guests. Instead, you can pick your wine off the shelf – a bit like a bottle shop, but it's a bar.

  • Leigh Street Wine Room

    Bar

    A former drycleaner is the setting for one of Adelaide's most exciting drinking dens – a cosy, cleverly designed natural-wine bar serving world-class vino and inventive plates by a young chef with Michelin Star cred.

  • Bowden Cellars

    Bar

    A permanent collaboration between two long-time roving brands, Adelaide Wine Markets and Caro Club. Visit this lofty, open-plan space inside Plant 3 for small-batch Aussie wines paired with American-style drinking food.

  • Good Gilbert

    Bar

    Good Gilbert is the kind of neighbourhood bar you could easily lose track of time in. It’s a laid-back spot, with a wine list split between Australian and European labels. On the retro-ish menu, expect fun snacks and plates focused on sustainability.

  • Malt & Juniper

    Bar

    Sip on whisky and gin in sleek, dimly lit surrounds.

  • The Crown and Anchor

    Bar

    Better known as “The Cranker”.