Sneaky Spirits: Top Hidden Bars in Adelaide
Whoever said Adelaide’s nightlife is a snoozefest clearly hasn’t stumbled upon its hidden bars. You just have to dig a little deeper!
However, if scouring the city for back-alley entrances and off-the-grid speakeasies is too much work for you, our guide below will lead you to them. We’ll help you unveil the city’s best-kept secrets!
Baddog
Address: 63 Hyde St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 6 pm to 12 am
- Fri – 5 pm to 12 am
- Sat – 7 pm to 12 am
- Sun – Closed
Tucked away behind a nondescript wooden door, Baddog epitomizes clandestine cool. If you find it, you’ll see lux leather booths in a dim, sophisticated space spiced up by blues music.
The staff won’t shove menus in your face, so you must scan the shelves lined with bottles or shoot the breeze with the bartenders to find your poison. You can ask for cocktails, but whisky and gin are the bar’s premium picks.
If you’re having trouble finding this spot, just ask locals or look for the “Beware of the Dog” stamp at 63 Hyde Street. The door is a few steps from the sign.
Tip: Don’t go here with an empty stomach. The bar doesn’t have food. |
Ancient World
Address: 116a Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed – 7 pm to 3 am
- Thu – 7 pm to 2 am
- Fri to Sat – 7 pm to 3 am
- Sun – Closed
Right next to the hustle and bustle of an adult store lies Ancient World—a boozy basement bar for those in the know.
Kicking back with some quality South Australian wine, beer, and spirit is one of the go-to activities here. We say one because the intimate bar is also a safe spot for karaoke divas and rockstars.
This shouldn’t surprise you, as music has always been vital in Ancient World with local talents often setting the stage on fire on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tips: Don’t forget to check the bar’s Facebook for announcements of specials and guest performers. The weekend presents the ideal opportunity to visit with $5 drinks frequently pouring. |
Bank Street Social
Address: 48 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7080 9800
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 3:30 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 1 am
Bank Street Social is a throwback to the heyday of turn-of-the-century New York where the lighting is as romantic as a candlelit dinner, but the energy is akin to old-school disco parties.
It also has exposed brickwork that’ll take you to the 1900s—minus the corsets and top hats, of course. As for the drinks, wines, spirits, beers, and ciders are the finest pours—all go well with their drool-worthy pizza.
And when the weekend hits, live DJs and artists take over the joint, spinning beats and playing bangers on repeat.
Tip: Despite being hidden, Bank Street Social is probably one of Radelaide’s most popular spots, especially on the weekend. Secure a seat by booking online. |
The Barlow Room
Address: Hidden Basement Bar, Lindes Lane, Adelaide, S 5000
Contact Details: +61 8 8227 2613
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – Closed
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
You’ll step back in time in time to the roaring ’20s with The Barlow Room, a basement space behind Lindes Lane fireplace door. This speakeasy oozes old-school charm with its antique piano, vintage paintings, and quirky oddities.
But don’t let the retro aesthetics fool you. The Barlow Room is about shaking things up with wild concoctions. From classic margaritas to bold negronis, the bar’s mixologist’s cocktail game doesn’t miss.
And what’s a cocktail without some gourmet nibbles? Thankfully, the bar has you covered with cheese platters that pair perfectly with your drink of choice.
Tip: Exploring new things can be scary, but try their drink menu’s newer blends. You might discover a new favorite, like El Diablo. |
Hellbound Wine Bar
Address: Basement/201 Rundle St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0420 322 715
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Fri to Sat – 4 pm to 1:30 am
- Sun – Closed
Nestled beneath a Kathmandu store, Hellbound Wine Bar’s entrance lurks inconspicuously between two windows, leading you into a wine lover’s paradise.
Once inside, prepare to be wowed by the 130-year-old stonework walls, now jazzed up with vibrant hot pink lighting and contemporary art installations.
But, of course, wines steal the show here with a staggering 200 listed bottles to choose from. Their cheese and charcuterie boards pack a salty punch, too, perfectly complementing your vino selection.
Tip: Hit them up at [email protected] or via the number above (the fastest way to reach them) if you’re planning to host a private party at Hellbound Wine Bar. |
Deli Cellar
Address: 12 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8211 8871
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri – 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sat – 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sun – Closed
Patrons of Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar know its other treasure, the Deli Cellar, which is beneath the former’s French-inspired floorboards.
It’s a cozy, wine cellar-style hangout for up to 35 revelers. The bar caters to everything from intimate gatherings to raucous celebrations, and it’s a hit among employees seeking post-work chill and pals indulging in a quiet tête-à-tête over a Shiraz glass.
What truly elevates Deli Cellar to legendary status, though, is its unparalleled assortment of libations. From exquisite wines to premium gin and whisky, every sip is a taste of liquid luxury here.
Tip: Given the guest limit, it’s important to make reservations before driving here. You can book by calling the number above. |
The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange
Address: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 5 pm to 11 pm
- Thu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
The name isn’t just for show. The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange is a hub for bibliophiles and booze aficionados alike.
This one is a European-style pub hiding in a Gresham Street alleyway. Swing by, and you can peruse pages while you sip on spirits from around the globe or timeless martinis and appletinis.
However, what really attracts crowds here are their signature literary-themed cocktails, like the Lolita, a sweet and strong blend of walnut and strawberry bourbon—ideal for stressful days or when the elements are too much to handle.
Tip: Check out their Instagram for updates on events, such as promotions and themed cocktail evenings. |
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
You don’t need to fly to the City of Light to experience Parisian chic and liquor—not when La Buvette Drinkery is bringing a taste of France right to Adelaide.
Bar lovers can find this French-themed bar snugly in a bank vault. The style is evident in the stunning artwork as well as the French spirits, cocktails, organic wines, and food.
The only downside is the venue is only available for special events, but hey, just message your crew or fam and drink Paris-style without getting bothered by the outside world.
Tip: You need to email them at [email protected] to book the venue. |
Therapy Cocktail Bar
Address: 2 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0435 098 126
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Thu – 6 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 6 pm to 12 am
Sometimes, the only therapy you need is a well-mixed drink at Therapy Cocktail Bar, tucked below in the basement of no. 2 Peel Street.
It’s undeniably old-fashioned—dark, moody, oh-so-relaxing, and complete with posh leather chairs and brick walls. Just don’t expect your usual drinks menu here. Therapy has over 100 different cocktails.
Our personal pick is the Pine Passion, a glass of vodka, elderflower, pineapple, and passionfruit. The French Martini featuring vodka, Chambord, and pineapple is a great choice, too.
Tip: If you want to save, drop by on Wednesday or Thursday nights (before 8 pm) for their happy hour deals. |
Hidden Pour
Address: 111 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 11 pm to 6 am
- Tue – 11:30 pm to 6 am
- Wed to Thu – 11 pm to 6 am
- Fri to Sat – 7 pm to 6 pm
- Sun – 11 pm to 6 am
Hindley Street’s unassuming alleyways hide many secrets, and Hidden Pour, an elegant and invigorating cocktail bar, is one of them.
The moment we entered, our team was whisked away by its softly lit ambiance. Vintage bulbs and candles cast a romantic glow over raw brick walls, and neon signages infuse contemporary feels.
Hidden Pour also knows how to turn up the volume when the weekend rolls around. DJs pump up the energy with RNB and hip-hop bops, tunes that can make martini-sipping and beer-chugging extra fun.
Tip: Stay around after hours (around 10 pm to 12 am) for enticing offers like 2-for-1 cocktails. Catch updates on their Instagram for the latest deals. |
trap.
Address: Basement, Cold Chisel La, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – Closed
- Thu – 6 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sun – 4 pm to 2 am
trap. is another reason you should swing by the off-the-grid but flamboyant Cold Chisel Lane. It’s hard to match this bar’s exceptional bartenders and their experimentative cocktails.
We always go for their signature lemongrass mezcal, a hard-hitting glass of shrub and dry curaçao.
But for those with a penchant for the sweeter side of life, the strawberry gin mixed with caramel and whey is a must-try, balancing herbal notes with a touch of candy-esque indulgence.
Tip: You must visit early to secure a spot, as trap. only has 12 seats |
Fumo Blu
Address: 270 Rundle St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: 0456 036 438
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 9 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 7 pm to 3 am
- Sat – 7 pm to 3 am
- Sun – 9 pm to 3 am
You’ll never feel the blues at Fumo Blu, which is kind of ironic since the bar is decked out in moody blue lighting.
Most go to this slick establishment for its top-shelf spirits and quirky cocktails, such as the Cadbury Chocolate Toblerone, Vegan Lindt Toblerone, and Snickertini.
Their menu also features themed drinks, such as a special selection of sour, sweet, fruity, and downright weird cocktails you can only taste here. And if hunger pangs strike, you can wolf down cheese toasties and nachos.
Tip: If you prefer an atmosphere banging with loud music, pop by Fumo Blu from around 12 am to 3 am when DJs and live performers take center stage. |
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
We can’t make a list of ultimate hidden bars in Adelaide without Maybe Mae.
Go down behind a secret door downstairs from Bred & Bone Wood Grill. You’ll come across this 1950s-inspired speakeasy—a pioneer in Adelaide’s hidden bar scene.
With an extensive menu designed to showcase the best of South Australia, featuring three sections inspired by the coast, hills, and valley, there’s something to tantalize every palate here.
And those looking for a booze-free option, fear not. Maybe Mae also offers a range of alcohol-free cocktails that are just as delicious as their spirited counterparts without the risk of waking up with a lampshade on your head the next morning.
Tip: Maybe Mae is renowned for its vibrant events, ranging from martini nights to exciting collaborations with other bars. Visit during these occasions for a better experience. |