The Best Adelaide Bars For 2024 | Australian Traveller

Whether you’re looking for a jumping basement dive, a wine bar with a difference or a lush rooftop with panoramic views, you’ll find it in this list of the best Adelaide bars.

When Adelaide introduced the small bar licence in 2013, it changed the city’s drinking culture almost overnight. Innovative new venues soon began to pop up on every corner of the city and the ensuing decade has seen the Adelaide bar scene go from strength to strength. Visit the City of Churches today and you’ll find impeccably crafted cocktails, note-perfect wines and fragrant craft beers down just about every one of the city’s many laneways.

1. Maybe Mae

Best For: Seriously Crafty Cocktails

Peel and Leigh Streets are ground zero of the small bar explosion, so it’s only fitting that the OG of Adelaide’s cocktail scene, Maybe Mae , is hidden below a passage connecting the two thoroughfares.

a bartender preparing drinks at Maybe Mae bar in Adelaide — Sip on boozy drinks at Maybe Mae. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Push through the discreetly hidden timber doors and you’ll find the dimly lit speakeasy of your dreams, with attentive table service, a seriously refined atmosphere and a drinks list showcasing flavour combinations as imaginative as they are delicious.

spicing up a drink at Maybe Mae bar in Adelaide — Drink seriously crafty cocktails at this dimly lit speakeasy. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The cocktails are highly seasonal, but a program of ferments means that ingredients like rockmelon and grapefruit might appear at any time of year, and non-alcoholic options are treated with every bit as much respect as the boozy drinks.

Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide

2. Memphis Slim’s House Of Blues

Best For: Killer Dive Bar Blues

In the basement below Shotgun Willie’s saloon, this raucous late-night spot looks and sounds like a dive bar, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find plenty of bottled American beer available. But spend a bit of time chatting with the bartenders and you’ll also discover a rotating monthly menu of surprisingly thoughtful cocktails (think 12-year-old rum, Pedro Ximenez, cognac, spiced honey and a dash of Guinness).

a glass of cocktail at Memphis Slim’s House Of Blues — Enjoy a late night tipple. (Image: Memphis Slim’s House Of Blues)

Whatever your order, the real reason to come here is the live music that’s on five nights a week – those in the know head in on a Thursday night when local gun Dusty Lee Stephensen assembles a crack team of Adelaide’s best musicians for a riotous blues jam.

friends playing pool at the dimly lit bar in Memphis Slim’s House Of Blues, Adelaide — Amble down the Shotgun Willie’s saloon for a fun round of pool. (Image: Memphis Slim’s House Of Blues)

Address: 22 Gilbert Place Basement Level, Adelaide

3. Latteria

Best For: A Stylish Night Out

Riffing on the Milanese concept of latterias, or milk bars, which evolved from grocery stores into cafeterias and aperitivo bars, this versatile venue opens for pre-lunch coffees and keeps pouring drinks well into the night.

the leather couch at Latteria, Adelaide — Snag a spot on the cosy leather couch at Latteria. (Image: Chandler Feddern)

A gorgeous design that goes heavy on polished concrete and tinted glass evokes a playful 70s feel, and if you look past the marble front bar and cherry red booths you’ll find a DJ booth pumping ultra-cool lounge tunes that are guaranteed to have you firing up Shazam.

a glass of drink on the table at Latteria, Adelaide — Sip on Italian-inspired cocktails (Image: Chandler Feddern)

Drinkswise, you’ll find 25 wine options available by the glass and half bottle alongside twists on classic cocktails like a negroni sbagliato that uses rhubarb, currant and cranberry to create the perfect blend of bitter and sweet. Cementing its status as an all-night spot, the kitchen takes orders until an hour before close and a menu of cutlery-free snacks and larger Milanese-influenced meals is designed to be matched with the drinks – if you’re struggling to figure out the best pairing, the friendly staff will happily help you out.

a homemade Pappardelle and wild boar ragù at Latteria, Adelaide — Pair your drink with homemade Pappardelle and wild boar ragù. (Image: Chandler Feddern)

Address: 185 Hutt St, Adelaide

4. Good Gilbert

Best For: World-Class Wines in a Casual Setting

Adelaide is ringed by wine regions, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of wonderful wine bars scattered throughout the city. The best of them reflect both the high quality and the unpretentious nature of most local winemakers, and this unassuming venue in Adelaide’s inner south follows that brief to a T.

the dining interior of Good Gilbert bar in Adelaide — Sit down for a tipple at Good Gilbert.

You won’t find any wine snobbery here; everyone is welcome (including dogs), and the wine list of 400 bottles rotates regularly and includes a “Fresh out of F*cks to Give" option if you want to let the bar staff do the heavy lifting.

two glasses of cocktail at Good Gilbert — Good Gilbert serves up world-class wines and cocktails.

By the glass selections unsurprisingly go heavy on local producers and offer excellent value while still showcasing makers that even the most knowledgeable customers will be unfamiliar with, while the extensive selection under Coravin allows those with cash to splash to try everything up to grand crus.

clinking glasses of wine at Good Gilbert bar in Adelaide — Raise a glass or two at Good Gilbert.

Address: 135B Goodwood Rd, Goodwood

5. 2KW

Best For: Fabulous Views

Hovering eight stories above the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace, this rooftop bar boasts the best views in Adelaide. While the private cabanas look back into the city, the main bar area gazes out over Government House and beyond to the River Torrens and Adelaide Oval.

the rooftop views at 2KW, Adelaide — Gaze out over the city from a private cabana at 2KW. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The expansive vision is matched by a drinks list that offers something for every occasion, from fresh, fruity cocktails to specially aged back vintage beers and almost 40 wines by the glass (plus an excellent selection of fortifieds).

a spread of pizza alongside drinks on the table at 2KW, Adelaide — Enjoy modern Australian bites with fruity cocktails or specially aged back vintage beers. (Image: Jonathan Van de Knapp)

Add in an excellent modern Australian restaurant onsite, and it’s easy to see why a table here remains one of Adelaide’s hottest bookings.

the rooftop bar festooned with fairy lights at 2KW, Adelaide — Head upstairs to the rooftop bar adorned with fairy lights. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 2 King William St, Adelaide

6. Hains & Co

Best For: Exception Spirits With a Nautical Twist

There’s no missing the nautical theme at this intimate spot where the bartenders are pouring every day of the year except Christmas. But look beyond the vintage maps, hawsers and glass lanterns and you’ll find one of the most finely curated spirit collections.

a bartender standing by the dimly lit counter inside Hains & Co, Adelaide — Hains & Co boasts an impressive range of gins and rums. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The seafaring motif extends to an excellent selection of gin and rum, alongside cigars sourced from across Central America and the Caribbean. There are also plenty of whiskies on offer and if you’re in the mood for something special, ask about the “break even bottle".

a man sitting in the corner at Hains & Co, Adelaide — Nab a seat at the vintage-themed Hains & Co. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

These impossible-to-find drops are sourced through owner Marcus Motteram’s extensive connections, with every pour sold at cost. Even more exclusive is Ralph Louis Frederick, the invite-only whisky lounge upstairs.

cigars and bottles on display at Hains & Co, Adelaide — Pick from the curated spirit collections. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide

7. Grace Emily Hotel

Best For: Great Live Music in an Old School Setting

Every city has at least one pub where the sticky carpets haven’t been changed in years, the bar service is hilariously retro and the publican has a single-minded dedication to keeping live music on the menu. In Adelaide, that bar is the Grace Emily .

friends sitting at the bar counter of Grace Emily Hotel — Pull up a chair for a pint at Grace Emily Hotel. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There’s no kitchen and no pokies, and time seems to operate differently in the darkened interior where the EFTPOS machine is a relatively recent addition, the shelves groan under the weight of kitsch relics brought in by patrons and ice-cold Coopers is always on tap.

friends playing pool at Grace Emily Hotel — Find your spot at the pool table. (Image: Josh Geelen Photographer)

Over the years, the back room has hosted everyone from Marlon Williams to local punks playing their first gig, while many a touring musician has been known to pop onstage at Monday’s Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam open mic night.

the bar counter at Grace Emily Hotel — Enjoy excellent beers on tap at Grace Emily Hotel. (Image: Julian Cebo)

Address: 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide

8. Nola

Best For: Bourbon, Beer And Beignets

The name is shorthand for New Orleans, Louisiana, but the offering at this stylish venue housed in a former stable, ventures well beyond the Crescent City.

the interior design of Nola bar in Adelaide — Nola is a stylish bar housed in a former stable. (Image: NOLA Craft Beer & Whiskey)

Sure, you can wash a meal of po’ boys and gumbo down with a killer sazerac, but the bar also boasts 16 craft beer taps that rotate regularly and an incredible selection of bourbon and rye whiskies.

a close-up shot of a bartender preparing a drink at Nola, Adelaide — Taste one of Nola’s signature cocktails. (Image: Lewis Potter)

If choosing between the 350 bottles proves too much, you can even book a range of flights with half a dozen 15 ml pours from around the world (or a particular region). In fact, the only rule here is the one set out by the big neon sign: laissez les bon temps rouler.

wines and spirits on display at the bar counter in Nola, Adelaide — Pick from over 350 bottles on display. (Image: NOLA Craft Beer & Whiskey)

Address: 28 Vardon Ave, Adelaide

9. Pastel Wine Bar

Best For: Mid-Week Date Night

This welcome addition to North Adelaide’s O’Connell Street precinct is an oasis of cool, with exposed brick columns and bottles arrayed around the walls indicative of the relaxed vibe. The excellent wine selection goes heavy on local and small producers (with a few options from farther afield thrown in) and caters to traditionalists and natty wine lovers alike.

a glass of drink at Pastel Wine Bar, Adelaide — Pop by Pastel Wine Bar for a drink and live jazz.

That means there’s room for plenty of skin contact and oxidative wines alongside more classical expressions, so you can be as adventurous as you want when ordering. The food options are equally eclectic, and the menu skilfully skips between the Mediterranean and East Asia – think pasta alla vodka spiked with kimchi and gochujang – with live jazz on Tuesday nights completing the offering.

a plate of food at Pastel Wine Bar, Adelaide — Order from the eclectic menu.

Address: 47 O’Connell St, North Adelaide

10. Exeter Hotel

Best For: Making Friends At The Front Bar

Just about everyone who walks through the doors of this Rundle Street institution feels some sense of ownership, from stalwarts who have propped up the front bar for decades to first-year students at the nearby University of Adelaide. The sense of tradition is impossible to miss; bartenders still pull frosted schooner glasses from the original timber-clad bar fridge and the poster-covered walls of the beer garden are the best way to find out what’s happening in town.

outdoor dining under huge umbrellas at The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide — The Exeter Hotel is perfect for an afternoon drink. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The excellent (and well-priced) meals are one of Adelaide’s best-kept secrets, though the word is out about the surprisingly extensive wine list (including $300 bottles of Krug that are usually poured into 200 ml butcher glasses as part of a late-night celebration).

friends enjoying at The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide — Catch up over a glass or two at The Exeter Hotel. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 246 Rundle St, Adelaide

11. Smokelovers

Best For: A Late Night Cocktail

It’s a testament to the Exeter’s iconic status that most staff members stick around for many years, while one who did move on only made it next door. And rather than competing with his old workplace, Hamish Tregeagle turned the neighbouring tobacconist’s store into a wine and cocktail bar with an altogether more refined feel. The outdoor seats are perfect for people watching on Rundle Street, while the dimly lit interior offers a sense of privacy. Weekend DJ sets enhance the intimate feel, and provide the perfect soundtrack for punchy cocktails and small batch winemakers that lean towards the natural.

Address: 244 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000

12. Malt & Juniper

Best For: Whisky In All Its Forms

One look at the name tells you what to expect from this cosy Peel Street whisky (and gin) den . Local legends Sans-Arc designed the narrow space, which is centred around a bar with such an extensive selection that a four-metre-high sliding ladder is required to pull bottles down from the top shelf.

people drinking inside Malt & Juniper, Adelaide — Imbibe a cold one at Malt & Juniper. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

High-backed dark green booths match the colour of the marble bar and are perfect to sink into while you savour one of the drops sourced from all over the world. And if you don’t like your drinks neat, never fear – a dedicated boilermaker menu pairs high quality whiskies with craft beers, while the bar staff are also adept at turning the signature spirits into a variety of tasty cocktails.

a bartender climbing up a sliding ladder to pull bottles from the top shelf at Malt & Juniper, Adelaide — A four-metre-high sliding ladder is needed to pull bottles from the top shelf. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 18 Peel St, Adelaide

Follow our guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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