Hidden Oases: Top 5 Underground Bars to Hang out in Adelaide

Bank Street Social is memorable for its New York-inspired decor and a menu heavily inspired by everything Adelaide.

It was founded by Shaun Campbell and Simon Orders in a former State Bank Building, with the latter’s stripped facade giving the place a timeless atmosphere. The soft lighting and elegant decor only elevates the ambiance further. 

Their goal of making the bar feel authentically Adelaidean is seen in menu choices like the meaty Barossa (featuring chicken from the region) and the classic Riverland (featuring tomatoes that grow in the said area). 

Their beers, ciders, and wine are also local.

Their staff is also praiseworthy for their rich knowledge of mixology that allows them to brew custom requests. They are also attentive to clients seeking recommendations and advice regarding drink choices.

That said, a downside with the bar is that their space could be bigger. They also have limited seating especially during peak hours.

Maybe Mae has a very elegant Art Deco-inspired architecture, which you can see in details like green leather booths, geometric wall claddings, and the liberal use of gold and bronze. The bar has a great selection of cocktails to complement the atmosphere. 

It was founded by the owners of its sister venue, the Bread & Bone Wood Grill. Its hard-to-find entrance adds to its charm; you’ll have to find a tunnel between Peel and Leigh streets to enter it. 

The owners wanted to create a sustainable bar, so they don’t use plastic packaging or straws. They use locally sourced ingredients free from harmful insecticides and preservatives and serve drinks with ingredients that are in season.

This eco-friendly philosophy made them creative with cocktails, with crowd favorites such as the frothy Peel St. Corpse Reviver (ginger, honey, gin, and lager) and the Bill Murray (apricot, mint, and Archie Rose Double Malt Whiskey).

In terms of downsides, however, one is that their drinks are pricey. Another one is that they’ve received complaints for having impolite servers.

Fumo Blu is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an underground bar with a great ambiance. The intense blue lights of the bar, along with its aquarium, make it memorable.

The bar was founded in 2000 and is built on what used to be a cigar and cognac bar.

It’s suitable for large groups of up to 24 people because of its generous food and drink servings. Crowd favorites include toasties, bruschetta, and piña colada pitchers.

Furthermore, the bar offers ample space and seating to accommodate large groups. That’s why their crowd is typically composed of groups of friends.

As for the downsides of the bar, one is that they’ve received complaints for having rude bouncers. Also, some clients complained about slow service.

Hellbound Wine Bar is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts, as their bottles span a wide range of local and internal choices. The prices range from $8 to $2,200, accommodating people with different budgets.

Wine and spirit distributor Mark Reginato and winemaker Louis Schofield founded the bar. They source their stock from local distilleries, many from Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills.

The bar has an intimate and cozy look. The dining experience here is generally calm, and it’s often a spot for dates and friendly hangouts.

Some of their best choices are the Nervi-Conterno Nebbiolo rosé (with hints of berry) and the Vieux Télégraphe red wine (with wild strawberries, spices, and flowers). Their servers are prepared to offer recommendations for those unfamiliar with their drinks.

That said, a downside with the bar is that the space could be bigger. Also, their options for beers are limited.

Therapy Cocktail Bar stays true to its name by providing a relaxing atmosphere for clients through excellent customer service and cozy decor. The bar’s combination of red brick walls, leather sofas, and gentle lighting keeps the place comfortable.

Their cocktail selection is highly recommendable because of its creativity, great flavors, and reasonable prices. They have up to 100 variations to match different preferences.

The bar was founded in 2017, with the owners envisioning a bar where creativity in drink offerings takes center stage. Moreover, in line with this vision, they provide cocktail-making classes for those interested.

The servers here are quick and can provide drink recommendations.

A downside, however, is their drinks are pricey. Another is that the bar tends to get crowded quickly.