Serving up crispy schnitzels and ice-cold pints of beer, the best pubs in Adelaide are always a good time. Swing by Torrensville for a local brewery or visit West beach for a club that serves up pizza toppings on schnitzels. Out in Parkside, a sports club gives back to the community and a neighbourhood deli serves all-day breakfast alongside fun cocktails.
The city centre has no shortage of great pubs to try, but the best include a plant-based burger joint that will convince any meat-eater and a Korean-inspired pub with a range of imported beers. A throwback tropical diner offers burgers, tacos and fruity cocktails, while a classic Japanese pub can whip you up a hearty bowl of ramen.
Whatever you’re craving, there’s nothing like being able to enjoy it in the relaxed, community atmosphere of one Adelaide’s fantastic pubs.
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Read on for the 8 best pubs in Adelaide
For local brews and pizza – head to Yellow Matter Brewing in Torrensville
Serving up pizzas, sandos and light bites alongside its own on-tap beers, Yellow Matter Brewing is one of the best casual catch-up spots in Adelaide. Grab a seat at one of the round wooden tables in its minimalistic, airy dining space and check out the range of in-house brews on offer. Pizza is, of course, one of the best food pairings for beer. Choose from the 4 cheese pie with pecorino and fior di latte and the slightly spicy meatball pizza with ‘nduja red sauce. A classic margherita with a San Marzano base is always a crowd-pleaser. The beers on tap include a mild ale, a tangy XPA and a nutty amber sour. Taste the breadth of what’s on offer with a beer flight that includes four butchers. The bar also offers a selection of cocktails and Mischief Brew sodas to choose from.
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For one of the best vegan-friendly pubs in Adelaide – check out Two-Bit Villains in Adelaide City Centre
Two-Bit Villains offers pub grub with a delicious plant-based ethos. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike are blown away by the award-winning burgers made with ‘beef’ and fried ‘chicken’ housemade patties. Housed in the grandiose Adelaide Arcade’s historic ballroom, Two-Bit Villains marries the casual and the classy with ease. Eat at classic diner-style tables beside elegant archways, or head out onto the balcony to take in the view over Rundle Mall. Beyond iconic burgers like the sweet and spicy jackfruit-based Long Arm of the Slaw, diners can also enjoy cheesy nachos (vegan cheese available) or salads like the Mediterranean nourish bowl. Pair your burgers and nachos with hand-crafted sodas, made in-house with zero additives or artificial flavours. Try the bitter-sweet Sarsparilla or the bright and fresh strawberry and add some premium vanilla ice cream and you’ve got yourself a classic soda float. Book your table between 5 and 6 pm on Saturdays for a cocktail happy hour that includes a dinner discount – and great vibes.
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For a fun Korean-inspired pub – head to GUNBAE CHICKEN & BEER in Adelaide City Centre
This Korean-inspired pub is the perfect spot in Adelaide to satisfy your cravings for fried chicken and beer. Just look for the outdoor tables and neon-lit sign on Union Street and grab a seat at this lively pub serving up traditional hand-crafted Korean fried chicken. Start with some small plates of mandoo – fluffy, lightly fried vegetable dumplings – or a crispy kimchi pancake. When it comes to the chicken you can order a half bird, a whole bird, or the small or large boneless options. Add on your choice of sauce, from the soy and garlic to the sweet and spicy yang neom. The ‘tapas for two’ set menu is perfect for date night, while the Feed me set menu is great for group gatherings. Pair your chicken with imported beers, a soju tasting board or one of the floral, fresh cocktails on offer. Plus, it’s always worth checking in on GUNBAE CHICKEN & BEER if you’re planning a holiday meal. Whether it’s Halloween or Valentine’s Day, this restaurant always has some inventive set menus planned.
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For one of the best sports pubs in Adelaide – book at Jack’s on Unley in Parkside
More than a simple pub, Jack’s on Unley gives all profits to the local Unley Community Sports Club. A meal there is actually a contribution to the community. Kick things off with some cheesy garlic bread before moving on to crispy fish and chips or a slow-cooked sticky Chinese pork belly. You can also add chips and salad to any of the starters to turn them into a light main. Enjoy your meal in the relaxed indoor dining space or take it out into the leafy beer garden. Jack’s offers plenty of deals throughout the week, with 20% off for seniors Tuesday through Friday and $15 schnitzels on Wednesdays. Every day from 4 pm to 6 pm Jack’s rings in happy hour, with $7 beer, wine and base spirits. Whether you’re after a full meal or a round with your mates, this relaxed neighbourhood club is the place to be.
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For one of the best burger spots in Adelaide – try 99 Gang Social in Adelaide City Centre
If you like your pub food served up in a tropical-style diner, complete with disco balls, classic RnB and neon lights, then book a spot at 99 Gang Social. Settle down in the main dining area and dig into juicy burgers like The 99 classic cheeseburger or the spicy Route 66 fried chicken burger. Alternatively, grab a stool at Thirsty Tiger, the colourful cocktail bar upstairs. Drink frozen margaritas alongside a bar menu of sliders and loaded crunchy fries topped with melted cheese, salsa and smashed avo. On the main menu downstairs, try juicy fried chicken burgers like the Original GG, with buttermilk tenders dusted with 99’s original spice blend. Or why not sample the Coast Line, with panko-crumbed flaky barramundi or the double beef and cheese Beverly. Add on some sharer plates of cheeseburger dumplings and crispy popcorn chicken and your next hangout is sorted.
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For one of the best pubs in Adelaide with a view – book at West Beach SLSC in West Beach
Enjoy a tasty bistro menu paired with unbeatable ocean views at West Beach SLSC, one of the best pubs in Adelaide. Book a table out on the verandah and watch the ocean rise and fall to meet the shore right below you. Schnitzels are definitely one of the main highlights here. Choose between crispy crumbed chicken or beef and enjoy it plain or turn it into a cheesy parmigiana. You can also browse the pizza menu and add any available pizza toppings to your schnitzel (head here on Thursday nights for $5 off all schnitzels). Other tasty options include seafood dishes like the creamy seafood chowder with mussels and calamari, and fluffy focaccias topped with bacon, chicken and avocado. West Beach SLSC has over ten varieties of gin that make for a perfect aperitif – perhaps alongside some house-made dips. Follow it up with a sweet and tangy cosmopolitan or a full-bodied red.
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For one of the best pubs in Adelaide for beers and burgers – visit GANG GANG Parkside in Parkside
GANG GANG Parkside is a spacious neighbourhood deli serving up all-day breakfast and tasty burgers to the Parkside community. Head into the yellow-accented indoor dining area or keep moving through to the outdoor courtyard (where furry friends can join in on the fun). Head here for breakfast, brunch or dinner and enjoy fluffy hot waffles with house-spiced buttermilk chicken or the California Love double smashed beef patty burger. Alternatively, order a round of crispy tacos filled with Nashville spiced beef or grilled mushrooms. The drinks menu includes cocktails like the spicy wasabi bloody mary or the sweet Keep it Mello (a shot of fireball whisky in a creamy s’more frappe). For something a little different, try one of the house sodas (be sure to check the board for the soda of the month), South Australian wines or the range of beer and cider.
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For one of the best izakaya pubs in Adelaide – check out Ramen & Izakaya Himeji in Adelaide City Centre
If you were looking for a casual spot to enjoy some drinks and comfort food in Japan, you’d head to an izakaya, which is a type of traditional Japanese pub. These hole-in-the-wall pubs serve up everything from crispy tempura to fresh sushi alongside glasses of sake and beer. Ramen & Izakaya Himeji brings these Japanese favourites to the heart of Adelaide’s city centre. The kitchen pays special attention to each ingredient, offering only the highest-grade sushi, sashimi, wagyu and noodles. Order boats of sushi for one to four people with Tasmanian sea urchin, South Australian kingfish and Hokkaido scallops. On the ramen menu, meanwhile, you’ll find the rich flavours of Yokohama tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen and spicy Sekiryu ramen made with house-made chili oil. The food menu is complemented by more than 50 types of sake, shochu and umeshu alongside Japanese whiskies.
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Whether you’re after sushi, pizza or burgers, the best pubs in Adelaide have got you covered. Paired with fun cocktails, unique beers and smooth glasses of wine, these pubs are the perfect spot for family dinners, solo dates or romantic evenings. Plus, with happy hours and deals throughout the week, many of these pubs also offer excellent bang for your buck. Whether you’re there for the food, the drinks, or the atmosphere, these pubs are ready to welcome you for a great night (or day) out on the town.
