Best Breweries in Adelaide

Adelaide's craft brewing scene has been slow to take off. That's no surprise – Coopers has been here since 1862. Today, it's the country's largest independent brewery and retains a loyal fanbase. Then there's our proximity to so many world-class wine regions, meaning beer has always had to work harder for attention.

Lobethal Bierhaus (established 2007) was one a few forerunners, but things really started to kick off around 2013, with the arrival of breweries such as Prancing Pony in the Adelaide Hills. Here's a list of our favourites close to town, with a bar to drink at. Typically, they have a relaxed warehouse vibe and pizzas or other beer-friendly food, making them great places to lose an entire afternoon.

Words by Broadsheet Editors
Updated on 18 June 2024

Bar

Lot 100

A massive new-age barn run by some of the state’s best brewers, distillers, winemakers and cooks.

Bar

Prancing Pony

A brewshed with a big sense of community.

Bar

Lobethal Bierhaus

Twenty beers to try, all malted, brewed and bottled on-site.

Bar

The Wheatsheaf Hotel

An unpretentious pub dispensing (and brewing) some of the world’s best beers.

Bar

Little Bang Brewing Company

Two beer experts brewing and pouring in a friendly atmosphere.

Bar

Big Shed Brewing Concern

Fun, full-flavoured craft beer brewed in a big shed.

Bar

Bowden Brewing Company

The Nola team’s leafy Bowden brewpub features 14 taps pouring easy-drinking ales, seasonal sours and bold IPAs. The in-house kitchen, Masa, is all about tacos, tostadas and “untraditional” Mexican snacks.

Bar

Pirate Life Port Adelaide

A giant peacock mural, a cricket-pitch-sized bar and enough beer to sink a ship – Pirate Life’s Adelaide HQ doesn’t do things by halves. Visit for core range classics, seasonal one-offs and international beers you won’t find elsewhere. There’s also a wide-ranging menu starring flame-licked dishes, plus an on-site barber to keep you looking sharp.

Bar

Mismatch Brewing Co.

Expect foraged produce, atypical pub food incorporating Mismatch beers (think kingfish garnished with hops and a riff on beer-can chicken riff) and experimental brews made in the “Mismatch lab”.

Bar

Brightstar Brewing

Try an altbier, schwarzbier, helles lager or Berliner weisse in a pint or tasting paddle, or opt for a beer cocktail or brewed seltzer and snacks on the deck or the licensed park out front.