Adelaide is underrated in terms of the quality and variety of bars on offer. Not only are the wines first-rate (to be expected) and the cocktails inspired, but the venues themselves have a lot to offer in terms of providing a chilled-out place to kick your feet up after work, meet a friend for a casual drink or experience something new. From the rooftops to the basements, you’re never going to be begging for options when it comes to Adelaide bars.
Although Adelaide isn’t necessarily renowned for views of its skyline, the rooftop views are just as impressive as Australia’s other major cities. Luckily, Adelaide has some really amazing rooftop bars where you can experience a variety of different views alongside decadent food and cocktails. Merrymaker overlooks the famous Adelaide Markets, sixteen stories up. Stay at Hotel Indigo to simply take the elevator up, but you still have to book as the venue is quite small. Sol Rooftop is found atop the Sky City Casino, and is best visited for their Friday Sunset Sessions, accompanied by DJ and seasonal wines and cocktails. The best two rooftop bars are undoubtedly 2KW Bar and Restaurant and Hennessy Rooftop Bar. 2KW’s Terrace Bar is iconic among locals and in the views it provides, as you can catch Government House, the Adelaide Oval, the River Torrens and the Adelaide Hills while shucking local oysters and their sipping signature cocktail. Hennessy Rooftop Bar is located at the top of the Mayfair Hotel, in the heritage listed CML building, where you can seek refuge in their sophisticated indoor space before venturing out to the terrace to appreciate views of the city’s centre.
If you’d rather something on a less grand scale, there are too many small bars to count in Adelaide. Proof Bar balances small with rooftop as their venue contains a second-floor patio for some light breeze while you sip wine, or dine on one of their signature toasties. Other smaller venues worth a trip include Pink Moon Saloon and Mr Goodbar. Pink Moon Saloon is an alleyway conversion, put together by the minds behind Clever Little Tailor, another small bar worth a try. We’d put Pink Moon ahead of its predecessor as it’s the quintessential small bar—a cabin squeezed into an alleyway, cozy vibe, somewhat hidden for that exclusive feel, with so many Australian wine, beer and spirits varieties that you wonder how they fit behind the bar. Mr Goodbar is equally hidden, found upstairs in a produce market archway. Here, South Australian wines are paired with funky cocktails like the ‘Vincent Man Gogh,’ (a mango wine and vodka fusion), with classic moody booth lighting and neon décor.
Trending even more hidden are the number of underground and basement bars around the CBD. Maybe Mae is a highlight, where you’ll find international award-winning cocktails utilising local ingredients being served out of a speakeasy-type venue that was once a disused stock cellar. Their sister venue Bread and Bone is upstairs for when you’re hungry for wood-grilled burgers or hot dogs. Trap is another basement venue that gets the nod from us. It’s extremely intimate with limited seating, making for an unmatched ambiance.
Themed bars can be found for those looking for something niche. Haines and Co is nautical-themed and offers outdoor seating for cigar smoking, NOLA Adelaide focuses on whiskey and the cajun and creole cuisine found in New Orleans, Belgian Beer Café combines Belgian food and beer with the standard Australian pub fare, and Shotgun Willies captures a Western theme, plying their patrons with American classic bites with live music.