Drink the night away at the best cocktail bars in the Adelaide CBD
As the sun sets, it signals the end of office hours and the beginning of Adelaide CBD’s nightlife. Do you know what this means? It’s time for drinks!
The problem is that there are over 30 mixology bars in the city center!
So you won’t have to spend the night milling about, I hopped from one bar to another to find the perfect place to unwind. Fortunately, I have a high tolerance! I’m sharing my top finds with you here.
Maybe Mae
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Website: http://maybemae.com
Address: 15 Peel St
Phone: +61 416 498 192
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday – 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Price: $
8-time winner of “South Australian Cocktail Bar of the Year,” Maybe Mae is an intimate hidden bar in the Adelaide CBD.
Their mixologists are highly skilled and passionate, offering recommendations based on the customer’s preferences. I tried the suggested Nocturnal, a smooth and nutty drink. It had an earthy bitterness balanced by the maltiness of Milo.
They also make great out-of-season cocktails like the White Sands. For $22, I had a refreshing tropical drink made from sweet melon, pineapple, and vodka. It was light, smooth, and citrusy!
Tip: Eat before visiting Maybe Mae, as they don’t offer snacks or food.
Mr. Goodbar
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Website: https://mrgoodbar.com.au/drinks/
Address: 12 Union St
Business hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday – 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Price: $$
Mr. Goodbar is a cozy spot on a rooftop. The dim lighting and vintage decor create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for drinking with friends or enjoying a date.
The cocktails can be pricey, though, but I think they’re worth it. I loved their Bowden Drought’s crispiness and dry taste with a hint of floral. It was a refreshing drink!
I enjoyed the relaxed crowd and quick service here. While they aren’t too generous with promotions, they have various events for customers to enjoy, like DJ nights and Thirsty Thursdays.
Tip: Mr. Goodbar gets busy during peak hours, so arrive early to grab a good spot.
The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange
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Website: https://www.bibliotheca.com.au/
Address: 1/27 Gresham St
Phone: +61 8 7093 6582
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $
Are you a bookworm with a desire for some alcohol? The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange is the place for you! It’s cozy with book-lined walls that create the perfect backdrop for sipping drinks and relaxing. Plus, you can trade books here!
I was very impressed with their long list of creative and classic drinks made from fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. My favorite was the Honey Pot, a cocktail made from whisky, honey, and truffle oil. It was sweet, warm, and smoky with an earthy twist.
Tip: Bring a variety of book genres to exchange, improving your chances of finding something new and interesting.
Baddog
Media from: baddog_bar
Website: http://baddogbar.com
Address: 63 Hyde St
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday – 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Price: $$$
If you’re looking for a lively and fun bar in the Adelaide CBD, the Baddog Bar is a great option. It has a unique decor and energetic vibe, perfect for those who want to have a fun night.
Although they don’t have a menu or drinks list, the bartender Sam impressed me with creative twists based on my preference. I ordered an espresso martini, but he added an orange zest. The taste was unique, as the orange brought a citrus note to a perfectly balanced rich espresso and smooth vodka.
Tip: Be honest with what you like in your drink so the bartender can craft a drink that suits your taste.
Proof Bar
Media from: proofwinebar
Website: https://www.proof-bar.com/
Address: 9 Anster St
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday – 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Price range: $
If you want cheap, sophisticated drinks, the Proof Bar is the place to go. It’s cozy and intimate, perfect for a quiet drink or catching up with friends.
They have a short but inventive cocktail menu that highlights unique flavor combinations and fresh ingredients. I ordered the Strawberry Basil Fresh Press, and it was delightful! Priced at $12, the drink was sweet and peppery, which reminded me of summer.
As for the food here, the Killer Mac n’ Cheese is my favorite. It was very creamy and went really well with my cocktail.
Tip: Proof Bar hosts many events. Follow them on social media to see what special occasions they’ve planned.
La Buvette Drinkery
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Website: http://www.labuvettedrinkery.com.au/
Address: 27 Gresham St
Contact: +61 426 017 356
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday – 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Price range: $
Go French by making your way to La Buvette Drinkery for some very nice cocktails. The place has elegant decor, soft lighting, and plush seating, making the vibe feel luxurious. This is the perfect spot for a special night or refined happy hour with friends.
This Parisian-style restaurant is known for its wine selections. However, they’re also great at mixing cocktails.
My personal favorite was their Charlie Chaplin cocktail, a mix that paid homage to the classic film star. The apricot brandy added a strong flavor, and there’s a hint of berry from the sloe gin.
Tip: Check their website for available wine-tasting events.
Hains & Co
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Website: https://www.hainsco.com.au/
Address: 23 Gilbert Pl
Contact: +61 884 107 088
Business hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Friday – 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price range: $
Curious to know what a sea captain often drinks? Head to Hains & Co, founded by Marcus “The Admiral” Motteram.
I tried their Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail. It had a deep amber color and a bold, spicy taste from the dark and ginger rums. I paired it with their famous sausage rolls that were tender and spicy.
Apart from cocktails and food, this nautical-themed bar also serves tap beers, whisky, and cigars.
Tip: Wear leather or denim to help prevent the smell of cigars from lingering on your clothes.
Therapy Cocktail Bar
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Website: http://therapycocktailbar.com.au/
Address: 2 Peel St
Contact: +61 435 098 126
Business hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Price range: $$
Do you need some liquid therapy? The Therapy Cocktail Bar has the remedy for your cravings with its creative cocktail menu that will soothe your soul and tease your taste buds.
For a unique and delightful experience at this therapeutic cocktail bar, try their Quandong Sour. The tartness of the quandong fruit was balanced by the warmth of the Australian gin.
Apart from creative drinks, they have classics like the Bramble, Cosmopolitan, and Margarita. They can also make out-of-season mixes upon request!
Tip: Enhance your experience by attending one of Therapy Cocktail Bar’s cocktail-making workshops.
HENNESSY Rooftop Bar
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Website: https://www.mayfairhotel.com.au/dining-bar/hennessy-rooftop-bar
Address: 45 King William St
Contact: +61 882 108 888
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price range: $$$
Sip cocktails while enjoying the fresh air at the HENNESSY Rooftop Bar, where you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the Adelaide CBD.
Are you a fan of lychee? The bar has the perfect cocktail for you—the Lychee Lover. It has the fruit’s floral sweetness and gin’s crispiness, making me feel like I was enjoying an afternoon drink on a beach.
Tips:
- Arrive early to enjoy the sunset from the rooftop.
- Bring a jacket since it can get chilly, especially in the evening.
Pink Moon Saloon
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Website: https://www.nearmint.com.au/pink-moon-saloon
Address: 21 Leigh St
Business hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price range: $
Last on this list but definitely worth visiting is the Pink Moon Saloon. The bar has an energetic atmosphere and a unique cocktail menu.
I ordered the Pink Moon Clover. It’s a mix of gin, lemon, and raspberry that was tarty and fruity with the perfect level of acidity.
Besides cocktails, they also serve snacks, gin, rum, and wine!
Tips:
- Make a reservation on their website to secure your spot, especially on busy nights or weekends.
- Use their tasting notes if you’re unsure of what to order.
