Bar Hopping Bliss: The Best Bars in the Adelaide CBD
Who says Adelaide’s nightlife is boring?
Adelaide’s bar scene is alive and kicking, with buzzing spots, like The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange and Maybe Mae, setting the stage for unforgettable afternoon sips and night-outs in the CBD.
If you’re ready to raise your glasses, don’t skip this article. We have listed more of Adelaide’s hottest watering holes!
High Spirits Bar
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Address: 20 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0484 670 223
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 6 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 12 am
A few steps from Hindley Street’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find High Spirits Bar. Climb up to the creaky old staircase of the 1890s Quelteller House, and voila, you’re in the lap of cocktail luxury.
Now, about those cocktails, brace yourself for a Berry Good Time. It’s like a tropical beach party in your mouth—white rum, berry syrup, pineapple, and more.
If that’s not your jam, try the Blossom Sour, zesty with lemon and a touch of orange bitters. And for all vanilla lovers out there, the Tall & Pink, with vanilla vodka and a spritz of lime, will bring some good times.
Icarus Wine Bar
Address: 23 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
You’re flying to cloud nine at Icarus Wine Bar—minus the fall. They have sleek red marble bar tops that’ll make you want to Instagram everything and spaces for everyone, with spacious booths for groups and comfy romantic corners.
For the wines, there’s the Dr. Edge Chardonnay 2022, boasting the rich buttery flavors of ripe peaches with a hint of vanilla and oak.
The Alessandro Viola Rosé, on the other hand, bursts forth with a lively and bright medley of fresh strawberries and an undercurrent of citrusy notes. Both taste like magic with the bar’s dry-aged Angus and Island Queen scallops.
La Buvette Drinkery
Address: 27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0426 017 356
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 3 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
La Buvette Drinkery is the CBD’s tribute to Parisian bars. With its rustic brick walls and exposed beams, this French-themed bar is one of the classiest in town.
They have a lineup that’ll make even the connoisseurs nod in approval. From Tanqueray Gin to Sailor Jerry Rum, La Buvette keeps the party going.
But hey, if you’re more of a wine lover, they have you covered with Sauvignon Blanc and Brackenwood Riesling blended by Adelaide Hills’ master winemakers. Plus, if you’re in for a little mixology magic, just ask; the cocktails here are available upon request.
Clever Little Tailor
Address: 19 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 4 pm to 12 am
With high ceilings and a mezzanine, Clever Little Tailor is a cozy brick-and-stone bar that knows how to set the mood.
The good brews keep rolling here, like Mismatch Lager on tap and Bowden Brewin’s session ale. If you’re feeling fancy, the 2021 BK Wines Pinot Noir Pét-Nat will deliver; it’s fizzy, fruity, and has an Instaworthy golden color.
Clever Little Tailor also doesn’t skimp on the bites. The air-cured Wagyu bresaola is the real deal here, but you can always go for the cheese of the day with quince.
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Address: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
The European-style Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange brings books and booze to the CBD’s bar scene. These folks take cocktails and books seriously, and that’s the kind of devotion we can raise a glass to.
They’re making sipping an art form with original concoctions like Lolita, a mouthwatering walnut and strawberry bourbon blend. Moreover, Don Quixote is an adventure (or misadventure) in a glass, packing a punch with pruned rum and tempranillo.
La Louisiane
Address: 89 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed – 5 pm to 12 am
- Thu – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 12 to 3 pm, 5 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun Closed
Deep below the city’s chaos lies La Louisiane, a basement brasserie with French-inspired aesthetics, live jazz every weekend, and a cocktail lineup worth every penny.
They have martinis, including their signature La Lou Martini and the La Louisiane bursting with flavors of cacao nib and Martell cognac. The Mauresco is also a must-try, with a Monkey 47 Gin, spiked with Ricard Pastis, lemon, and a dill orgeat twist.
Don’t miss the French menu too. We’re talking beef tartare, pate en croûte (pâté wrapped in pastry), and even escargot (delicious snails).
Wax Bar
Address: Frank’s La, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sat – 6 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
Wax Bar stands as the cool cat of the Adelaide nightlife scene. With vinyl records spinning and DJs pumping live music, this place is a retro paradise.
When it comes to the drinks, the top picks include the fruity Lychee Long Island and the sweet and tangy mango daiquiri. Don’t forget the Watermelon Paloma too, featuring fresh watermelon essence with a zesty combination of citrus and tequila.
Maybe Mae
Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0416 498 192
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 1 am
Maybe Mae might be easy to miss, but once you find it, you might find it hard to tear yourself away. This award-winning 1950s-inspired cocktail lounge is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, elegant interior, and top-tier cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, go for the Pineapple Club. This blend of pineapple, lime, coconut, and rum is a taste of the tropics.
You can’t go wrong with Booze & Juice too. This Maybe Mae classic is a juiced-to-order concoction made from apple, lime, cracked pepper, and rye whiskey.
Treasury 1860
Address: 144 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0413 603 987
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 6:15 am until late
- Sat – 8 am to 11 am, 3 pm until late
- Sun – 8 am to 11 am
Treasury 1860 is a masterclass in refurbishment, blending light, space, and an eclectic mix of textures, from wood and brass to marble and mirrors. But, of course, the wines and spirits shine the most.
The bar features wines like the Riverland’s 1860 Red Grenache, known for its robust and fruity notes, and McLaren Vale’s Ministry of Cloud Rose, which offers a delightful mix of floral and red fruit flavors.
Their cabinet also has Scotch and Irish whiskey waiting for you. And for those looking for local flavor, they have South Australian gins like Never Never Juniper Freak and 23rd Street Signature Gin.
Therapy Cocktail Bar
– From theofficialcocktailblogger
Address: 2 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0435 098 126
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 5 pm to 10:30 pm
- Fri – 5 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
Therapy Cocktail Bar is a sultry speakeasy with plush furnishings, brick walls, super friendly bartenders, and over 100 cocktails up their sleeves.
Our go-to cocktail here is The Cocktopus, a tequila-based masterpiece with grapefruit and smoked sea salt. You can also indulge in the Bull-Shot, blending sloe gin, Aperol, and raspberry.
But if you want to take the party to another level, you can rent the bar for private gatherings.
A Social Undertaking
Address: 25 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Wed – 5 pm to 9 pm
- Thu – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
A Social Undertaking, a compact yet brimming-with-character bar, proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to delivering a good time. This head-turning spot has dark walls and coffin memorabilia, courtesy of its funeral parlor-owning hosts!
For the libations, don’t underestimate their chocolate martini and Shobbrook Poolside Syrah red wine, best served icy-cold. They also have tap classics like Coopers Pale and session ale, not to mention the unmissable Adelaide Hills Cider.
And as you sip your drink, you can also engage in epic board game showdowns with your buddies or other bar-goers!
Hains & Co
Address: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8410 7088
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sat to Sun – 4 pm to 2 am
Hains & Co is the bar where fine spirits and cigars collide in a trendy watering hole that’s as stylish as they come.
This spot offers outdoor seating and gin masterclasses to sharpen your spirit knowledge, all set against a sailor-inspired backdrop.
The real stars of the show are the drinks. Hains & Co. keeps things interesting with a rotation of seasonal tap beers.
For bottled options, they have heavyweights, including Pirate Life, Moon Dog, and Lord Nelson. Pair these drinks with their cheese and meat-heavy munchies, and you have a recipe for a satisfying evening.
Trap.
Address: Basement, Cold Chisel La, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 12 am
- Fri – 4 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 4 pm to 12 am
Trap. is one of the prime destinations in Adelaide for small gatherings and more chill drinking sessions. This underground bar only has 12 seats, so be an early bird to secure a spot.
As for the drinks, the headliner is their signature lemongrass mezcal with tantalizing notes of shrub and dry curaçao.
For those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for herbal notes, set your eyes on the strawberry gin mixed with caramel and whey.
Proof Bar
Address: 9 Anster St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 3 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sun – Closed
If you love nostalgic 1950s decor, toe-tapping jazz jams, and drinking on a private terrace, Proof Bar has you sorted. In addition, this small but sublime drinking spot has a tempting array of cocktails, gin, vodka, wines, whiskies, and absinthes.
You can also expect a meticulously organized brandy list, sorted by the fruits of origin, and an impressive lineup of Australian vermouth to tickle your taste buds.
Hennessy Rooftop Bar
Address: 45 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8210 8888
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 3 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 3 pm to 10 pm
Hennessy Rooftop Bar is your ticket to breathtaking panoramic views of Adelaide. It’s a stylish hangout adorned with shimmering crystal chandeliers and custom-crafted furnishings, and, of course, it has a top-shelf selection of premium libations.
When it’s time to wet your whistle, this soaring spot comes in clutch with Italian and Australian champagne like Bottega DOC Prosecco and Howard Pinot Chardonnay.
Their cocktail creations are also mixes made in heaven. You have Matriarch, a refreshing blend of lime Mediterranean tonic, and the bar’s signature Honey Trap, honey-gingered caipiroska featuring Absolut Vodka and lime.
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