From the classics to the more creative concoctions, these cocktail bars in Adelaide are sure to shake up something savourable for you to sip!
There’s no denying that Adelaide is a foodie’s haven. Packed with plenty of Cheese Shops, Fine Dining Restaurants, and even Wine Regions near Adelaide’s CBD, there’s even an exciting selection of cocktail bars to choose from.
From bookshop bars to expansive gin and whisky collections; we’ve taken the hard work out of happy hour and found all of the best cocktails bars in Adelaide for you to try. Cheers!
Photographed by Meaghan Coles.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Anchovy Bandit
If your palate is craving more than a royale with cheese, your next night out may end you up at one of the best pizza restaurants in Adelaide. Located under a cinema, restaurant and cocktail bar, Anchovy Bandit, who took its name from a Quentin Tarantino screenplay, is certainly going to stop some hearts (no five-point palm exploding heart technique needed). Led by a group of mates, this passion project now hole-in-the-wall pizza and cocktail bar draws in crowds that crave pizza and good times.
Image supplied.
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Books and booze? In a world where these two things aren’t usually paired together, at The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange they go hand in hand. Hanging off Gresham Street, this quirky venue follows the saying ‘drink between the lines’ that’s brought to life with crafty cocktails. Encapsulating the best of both worlds, this book exchange cross European style bar features everything from a lengthy list of international spirits to classic literary reads.
Image supplied.
Hains & Co
Hains & Co are here to lift your spirits with spirits – something which they’re very good at doing, especially when it comes to gin, rum and whisky. But, it’s their curation of creative cocktails that has landed them top-rated spots since their inception. The team at Hains & Co scour the four corners of the globe for the best spirits, from Launceston to London and everywhere in between. With friendly staff and a great cocktail list, what more could you want?
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
The Howling Owl
Since opening in 2012, The Howling Owl is renowned as one of Adelaide’s go-to bars for gin. With over 130 small batch gin varieties available, guests will be surprised by the fact that almost a third are sourced from South Australia. For The Howling Owl, locally sourced produce is a prime factor throughout each aspect of the dining and drinking experience. Apart from the gin, there are of course a wide array of whisky, craft beers, boutique wine and, of course, cocktails that pair beautifully with their decadent sharing menu available.
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Lotus Lounge
Lotus Lounge seems to have a predilection for the 80s. You can see it in the new age interior, as well as the music. And the grooviness permeates, whether it’s a party on the weekend or a cheeky after-work sip in the cruisy courtyard during the week. If you love a cheeky cocktail, Lotus Lounge mixes up good classics and even brings their own specials. Ask the bartender to surprise you and you’ll soon realise why this is one of Adelaide’s best cocktail bars.
Photographed by Jacqui Way Photography. Image via Food & Wine Collective and South Australia Tourism Commission.
Maybe Mae
As you can tell, Adelaide is not short of delectable cocktail bars. Take Maybe Mae for another example. Their cocktails are the staple of their businesses, putting much of their soul into their menu. We recommend the Golden Hour cocktail with apricot, local honey, allspice, St Agnes Bartender’s Cut Brandy and mezcal. Take a seat at Maybe Mae and relax with a sip… or three.
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Mexican Society
Winning 2017’s Award of Excellence for the Best National Mexican Restaurant, Mexican Society will surely make you feel like you’ve packed your bag and you’re sitting at a traditional bar in Mexico. With bartenders playing the part as tequila and mezcal connoisseurs, choosing the perfect drink to your preference will be easy here. Whether you enjoy the famous spirit smooth, spiced, chocolate flavoured or even infused with butterscotch – they have it all. And at Mexican Society, they’ll teach you to sip not shot. Don’t forget their renowned food menu. How does battered barramundi taco or chargrilled octopus with pickled jalapeño sound?
Photographed by Josie Withers.
Image via South Australia Tourism Commission.
Proof Bar
Proof Bar is all about the experience from the moment you walk in to when it’s time to leave. It’s not just another Adelaide cocktail bar to drink at, it’s a place to feel totally at home and in your own element. Order your troupe a juicy charcuterie board and a couple of wines to go with it. Or, you can take your taste buds on a journey through their cocktail menu. But, most importantly, feel at home at Proof Bar.
Photographed by Duy Dash.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Seamore's Restaurant and Bar
Seamore’s has a fast-growing reputation as one of the most sought-after waterfront dining experiences at Adelaide’s Henley Beach. Their menu is described as a combination of Italian and ‘Australian Surf Club’ with carefully hand-made pasta, hand-stretched pizza, and crowd-pleasing share plates just a small part of their extensive menu. With plenty of creative cocktails to choose from, here your visit will be paired with panoramic views of Henley Beach and its jetty – what more could you want?
Photographed by Josie Withers.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Udaberri
With dim lighting, friendly service and exposed rough brick walls, despite its resemblance to an underground bunker, Udaberri is one of the best cocktail bars in Adelaide. And trust us when we say, after your first visit, we guarantee you’ll definitely want to be stuck here. With a heavy northern Spanish and Portuguese influence, combining the gin-infused drinks with the orgasmic food available – you’ll want to lock yourself in. Along with your cocktail of choice, try the Lamb Ribs ($24) with apricot salsa verde and dried tomato. Yum!
Fancy a feast? Or are you craving a cocktail? Regardless, we’ve found the Top 5 Most Boozy Bottomless Brunches in Adelaide. Or, if you prefer pints, we’ve put together a list of the Top 5 Best Pubs in Adelaide.
