Home to the country’s largest Australian-owned brewery and a stone’s throw from world-renowned wine regions, it’s no surprise that Adelaide boasts some incredible bars. Expert bartenders whip up drinks with a decidedly local touch, while knowledgeable waitstaff is on hand to help you choose that perfect bottle. From romantic date nights with a view to lively hangout spots, the best bars in Adelaide promise a memorable time out.
Torrensville is home to a local brewery that serves top-notch beers alongside cheesy pizzas. Goodwood hosts a neighbourhood favourite that’s been recognised as one of the best wine bars in Australia. Native plants and happy hour take over the ground floor of the Vibe Hotel, or you can head up to the 10th floor of the Crown Plaza for Japanese-inspired flavours and sweeping views. The Hilton hosts a flaming charcoal grill and a cellar with over 500 wines, and an American-style diner boasts an upstairs bar with tropical vibes. Sip on frozen cocktails while you wait for indulgent deep-dish pizzas or split sharer plates of Basque cooking over international wines.
Wherever you go and whatever kind of drinks, dishes and vibes you’re after, the best bars in Adelaide have got you covered. Don’t miss out on these must-visit bars – book your spot on OpenTable today.
The 10 best bars in Adelaide – read on for a guide
For top-notch beer and pizza – head to Yellow Matter Brewing in Torrensville
Pair unique beers with hand-stretched pizzas at Yellow Matter Brewing in Brooklyn Park. The brewery is overseen by award-winning brewer Tristan Barlow, who has created a range of beers served on tap or by the can. Savour the crisp flavours of the Kolsch lager or the tart taste of the blackberry and blood plum sour. If you’d like to try more of the range order the beer flight, which includes four butchers of your choosing. Pair your brew with a cheesy margherita pizza made with San Marzano tomatoes or a smoky beetroot and pomegranate take on the Italian favourite. Pizzas are the focus of the food menu, but you’ll also find small bites to share like soft chat potatoes and pizza sandos. Grab a counter seat by the window or gather around one of the round tables in the heart of the sleek restaurant. Add in a pool table and Yellow Matter Brewing is sure to be your new favourite hangout spot.
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For one of the best bars in Adelaide for happy hour – visit Storehouse FIinders East in Adelaide City Centre
Timber floors and native Australian plants take over the ground floor and outdoor spaces of the Vibe Hotel Adelaide at Storehouse FIinders East. Large windows ensure that whether you sit inside or out in the courtyard, you’ll soak up plenty of sunshine. The seasonal menu is complemented by a comprehensive drinks list, so there’s always something new to try. The dinner menu opens at 5pm and offers a range of small plates – perfect for pairing with a cocktail or two – as well as larger dishes for when you want to linger over a few glasses of wine. Nibble on creamy fried halloumi with roasted baby figs or dig into tender braised lamb belly with a fragrant cous cous tabouli. Monday through Saturday, Storehouse hosts a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Try local wines and bottled beer for $8 or sip on a signature cocktail for just $15.
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For a retro vibe and stellar burgers – book at 99 Gang Social in Adelaide City Centre
An American-inspired diner with fun, tropical flair, 99 Gang Social has all the burgers and cocktails you need for a great night out. For a cocktail-focused evening, book a spot in Thirsty Tiger, 99 Gang Social’s upstairs watering hole. The pared-down bar menu includes plates of crispy barramundi tacos or chive and cream cheese wontons. Alternatively, choose from a selection of 99’s iconic burgers, served up slider-style. The 99 is a classic juicy cheeseburger, while the Osaka offers a plant-based option with crunchy crumbed eggplant and vegan mayo. The cocktail menu features a range of tropical and Asian-inspired flavours like the gin-based Matcha Mama, made with matcha, coconut syrup and white chocolate liqueur. Plus, when it’s warm out, Thirsty Tigers’ ever-changing selection of frozen cocktails on tap are the perfect way to cool off. Australian wines, local and international beers and a selection of delicate sakes round out the drinks menu, so you can always find your perfect pairing.
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For one of the best wine bars in Adelaide – check out Good Gilbert in Goodwood
Good Gilbert serves up good wine and good vibes in the heart of Goodwood. Winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Wine Bar of the Year in 2023, along with numerous other awards, this neighbourhood favourite is the perfect spot for a casual catch-up or a special occasion. Choose between the full-service restaurant, with its seasonal menu, or grab a stool at the corner bar out front for light bites and unique wines. The wine list includes over 400 wines, but don’t worry – finding the right glass is easy. Select favourites come with tasting notes to help you choose, like the showstopping A Thousand Gods sauvignon blanc or the wickedly spicy Etna Bianco Superiore. In the main restaurant, enjoy a menu crafted with seasonal flavours, like a seaweed-cured barramundi sashimi with citrus or a tender lamb shoulder with juicy heirloom tomatoes. Whether you’re after a sit-down meal or just stopping by for a quick drink, Good Gilbert invites you to relax with friends, family and even your canine companions.
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For one of the best bars in Adelaide for tapas and wine – try Udaberri Pintos Y Vino in Adelaide City Centre
With an industrial-chic atmosphere in warm shades of brown and copper, Udaberri Pintos Y Vino is a moody wine bar serving up Basque cuisine seven days a week. Pair a glass of Australian wine with small plates of buñuelos (doughnuts filled with soft Manchego cheese). Or why not grab some sharer plates for the table, filled with moules-frites (mussels and French fries) or meaty portobello mushrooms with espelette peppers. Alongside a range of local and international wines, Udaberri Pintos Y Vino has curated a selection of spirits to create unique cocktails garnished with fresh citrus and herbs. If you’re not sure which drink to order, just ask the knowledgeable waitstaff for personal recommendations.
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For a stunning rooftop with incredible views – book at Koomo Restaurant and Bar in Adelaide City Centre
From the 10th floor of the Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Koomo Restaurant and Bar offers sweeping views of Adelaide’s skyline. Serving up Japanese-inspired drinks and dishes, Koomo’s calming wooden dining space is perfect for special occasions. Sip on the cherry and melon flavours of the midori based Japanese slipper cocktail or enjoy a glass of one of the Japanese beers on tap. A cup of aromatic sake is a great way to start things off, while a full-bodied chardonnay can be savoured while you eat. If you’re just after some snacks, stick to the small plates of soft pork and ginger dumplings or Smoky Bay oysters served with your choice of dressing. For a heartier meal, you can’t beat the juicy flavours of Icon Farm wagyu beef tenderloin served with sweet potato crisps. Vegetarians, meanwhile, can enjoy the umami flavours of the miso-glazed eggplant or wok-fried Hokkien noodles. Whether you’re after a full meal or just want to soak up the views with some excellent drinks, Koomo Restaurant and Bar is the place to come.
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For one of the best bars in Adelaide for special occasions – head to Coal Cellar + Grill in Adelaide City Centre
Housed in the Hilton Adelaide, Coal Cellar + Grill offers a sophisticated dining experience in the city centre. The glass cellar displays over 500 wine labels, from Barossa Valley shirazes to Venetian Proseccos. The grill-focused menu showcases top-quality produce and aims to take diners on a journey through South Australia’s agricultural regions. Start at the Eyre Peninsula with some Coffin Bay oysters before heading across to the Limestone Coast for the charcoal-grilled Mayura Station wagyu rump. Settle into the plush leather seating, warmly lit by hanging lights in this sleek, industrial-chic dining space. The open kitchen provides a glimpse of the chefs at work as they expertly handle the charcoal grill and prepare your dishes. Close out the evening with a round of drinks in the relaxed lobby lounge, where you can enjoy cocktails, tapas and coffee.
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For Chicago-style pizza and cocktails – try Remy’s – Deep Dish Pizza & Bar in Adelaide City Centre
Tucked away down a lane off Rundle Mall, Remy’s – Deep Dish Pizza & Bar is the perfect spot to indulge in creative cocktails and deep-dish pizzas. The pizzas are perfect for sharing, as a 7” splits between two while a 12” can feed four or more. Try the Basic B for a classic cheese and tomato sauce pizza, or load up with the triple cheeseburger packed with mince, cheese and pickles. Deep-dish pizzas are a labour of love, so once you’ve ordered, they’ll take around 30 to 45 minutes to arrive at the table. While you wait, it’s the perfect time to order some drinks. On- tap beers and ciders (served at a refreshing -3°C) are available by the schooner, pint, double pint or jug. The range of cocktails, meanwhile, includes tangy frozen passiona daiquiri’ and cinnamon-flavoured Southern apple pie. After a night out at Remy’s, its sister restaurant C.R.E.A.M out in Brighton is a great brunch spot for cold brews and brekky sandwiches.
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For one of the best cocktail bars in Adelaide – visit Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar in Gilberton
Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar creates an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits. The wines and spirits here are hand-selected, while the garnishes are grown locally and treated in-house. Perusing the wine list, you’ll see varietals divided into different flavour profiles, including a few bottles that are perfect to pair with food. The cocktail list is a creative collection of Asian and Australian flavours. Try the wasabi Sonic made with sake and wasabi, or the Vegemite on rye, a classic manhattan with a vegemite tincture. On the food menu, Fú offers fun snacks like salty, garlic butter popcorn and soft fried pork wontons with sweet chilli sauce. The cheese of the day is always a great pairing for a glass of wine, while the refreshing lemon granita is the perfect option on a hot summer’s day.
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For Vietnamese cuisine and cool cocktails – head to Ong Vietnamese Kitchen in Adelaide City Centre
Ong Vietnamese Kitchen is a great spot to enjoy bold cocktails alongside modern Vietnamese cooking. The sleek, warmly lit dining area is perfect for a relaxed drink in the evening, while upstairs a private dining room with a full bar is ready to host your next special occasion. The bar boasts a range of spirits that form the basis for cocktails like the white rum and pineapple flavoured jasmine milk punch. Pair your cocktails with small plates like crispy Hanoi spring rolls or soft grilled scallops with a smooth, brown butter fish sauce. If you’re still feeling hungry, pair your drinks with some sweet, crispy pork belly or a plate of fried chicken bao. While it’s technically not a bar, this is certainly one of the best hot spots in the heart of the city centre for cocktails any day of the week.
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In Adelaide, you’ll find incredible bars all throughout the city. Sip on a cocktail, savour a glass of wine or swing a pint of beer from any of these gems. With full menus, light bites and sweet treats on offer, it’s always easy to find something tasty to pair with your drinks. Whether you’re gathering with friends, sharing an evening with someone special or enjoying a solo outing, you’ll have no trouble finding the right atmosphere. From relaxed lounges to bustling hot spots, the best bars in Adelaide have something for everyone.
