Adelaide’s bar scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from a handful of traditional pubs into one of Australia’s most exciting and diverse drinking landscapes. Whether you are searching for the best bars in Adelaide for a special celebration, a casual weeknight drink, or an unforgettable rooftop experience, the South Australian capital delivers with creativity, quality, and atmosphere that rivals Melbourne and Sydney. From underground speakeasies tucked beneath heritage buildings to soaring rooftop cocktail lounges with panoramic city views, Adelaide’s best bars cater to every taste and occasion.

What makes the Adelaide bar scene truly special is its concentration within a compact, walkable CBD. The city’s famous laneways—particularly Peel Street, Leigh Street, and the East End—have become vibrant corridors of creativity, each hosting a collection of intimate venues that reward exploration. Unlike larger cities where you might spend an evening commuting between neighbourhoods, Adelaide lets you discover half a dozen world-class bars in a single evening stroll. This guide to the best bars Adelaide has to offer will take you from the city’s highest rooftop venues down to its most secretive basement hideaways.

Adelaide’s Best Rooftop Bars

Adelaide’s skyline has welcomed several impressive rooftop venues in recent years, giving locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy cocktails with sweeping views of the Adelaide Hills, the coast, and the city grid below. These elevated venues are among the best bars Adelaide has to offer for those who want to combine great drinks with unforgettable vistas.

Merrymaker at Hotel Indigo (16 Floors Up)

Sitting 16 storeys above the Adelaide CBD, Merrymaker is the city’s highest rooftop bar and one of the best bars in Adelaide for panoramic views. Located atop the Hotel Indigo on Frome Street, this venue offers 360-degree vistas stretching from the Adelaide Hills in the east to the Gulf St Vincent coastline in the west. The cocktail menu draws on native Australian botanicals and local spirits, with drinks like bush-tomato-infused negronis and finger-lime margaritas. The outdoor terrace features comfortable lounge seating, fire pits for cooler evenings, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for sunset drinks. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 pm, Merrymaker gets busy on weekends so arriving early is advisable if you want the best seats.

2KW Bar on the Eighth Floor

Perched on the eighth floor of a King William Street building, 2KW is one of the original rooftop bars that helped spark Adelaide’s elevated drinking scene. The venue offers stunning views over Adelaide Oval and the River Torrens parklands, making it particularly spectacular during cricket and football matches when the stadium lights up below. The interior blends industrial chic with botanical touches—expect exposed concrete softened by hanging greenery and ambient lighting. The cocktail list is inventive and seasonally rotating, with a strong emphasis on Australian spirits and local wine. 2KW also serves a refined food menu, making it ideal for a longer evening. Smart casual dress applies, and bookings are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

Sol Rooftop at SkyCity (9 Floors)

Sol sits nine floors above North Terrace within the SkyCity Adelaide complex, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop experience that feels worlds away from the street below. With its open-air terrace, retractable roof for unpredictable weather, and a menu of share plates and creative cocktails, Sol has become one of the best bars in Adelaide for groups. The drinks list highlights Spanish and South American influences—think pisco sours, sangria on tap, and a curated selection of sherries. The venue also connects to the broader Adelaide nightlife precinct at SkyCity, making it easy to continue your evening with dining or entertainment downstairs.

Hidden Speakeasies and Laneway Bars

Adelaide’s love affair with hidden bars and speakeasy-style venues has produced some of the country’s most atmospheric drinking experiences. These best bars in Adelaide require a little local knowledge to find—unmarked doors, secret staircases, and password-protected entries are all part of the charm. The thrill of discovery adds an extra dimension to your night out.

Maybe Mae – Peel Street’s Underground Gem

Descending a narrow staircase beneath Peel Street, you’ll find Maybe Mae—widely regarded as one of the best bars in Adelaide and consistently ranked among Australia’s top cocktail destinations. This intimate underground speakeasy holds around 60 guests in a space designed to feel like a secret 1920s jazz club, complete with exposed brick walls, leather banquettes, and moody candlelight. The cocktail menu is a work of art, with each drink telling a story and made with precision using house-made syrups, tinctures, and infusions. Bartenders here are genuine craftspeople, and the venue frequently hosts guest shifts from internationally acclaimed mixologists. The dress code is smart casual, and walk-ins are accepted but bookings through their website are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

Clever Little Tailor – Peel Street’s Pioneer

One of the venues that kickstarted Peel Street’s transformation from forgotten laneway to bar destination, Clever Little Tailor offers a more accessible entry point to Adelaide’s speakeasy scene. Spread across two levels with an upstairs balcony overlooking the laneway below, this bar delivers expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The gin menu is particularly impressive, featuring over 100 varieties from around the world and across South Australia. The food menu of bar snacks and share plates is designed to keep you settled in for the evening. It is one of the best bars Adelaide has to offer for those who want speakeasy vibes without the exclusivity.

Hains & Co – The Nautical Hideaway

Tucked behind an unmarked door on Gilbert Place, Hains and Co channels the atmosphere of a ship captain’s quarters from a bygone era. The interior features dark timber panelling, nautical memorabilia, and intimate booth seating that makes every visit feel like discovering a private club. Open from 4 pm until 2 am daily—some of the latest hours of any bar in Adelaide—this venue is perfect for late-night drinks after dinner. The rum collection is one of the most extensive in South Australia, and the bartenders excel at classic cocktails with a maritime twist. It is a favourite among hospitality workers finishing late shifts, which speaks volumes about the quality of drinks served here.

Hellbound Wine Bar – Leigh Street

Leigh Street has cemented itself as one of Adelaide’s premier dining and drinking strips, and Hellbound sits at its edgier end. This subterranean wine bar beneath Leigh Street focuses on natural, biodynamic, and organic wines from small-batch South Australian producers alongside international selections. The atmosphere is moody and intimate—think exposed brick, candlelit tables, and a vinyl record collection providing the soundtrack. The staff are passionate about wine education without being pretentious, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore South Australian varietals beyond the mainstream. Pair your wine with their selection of local cheeses and charcuterie for a complete evening.

The Best Cocktail Bars in Adelaide

For dedicated cocktail enthusiasts, Adelaide delivers a calibre of mixology that punches well above its weight nationally. These venues prioritise craft, creativity, and quality ingredients, making them standout options when you’re searching for the best bars Adelaide has for cocktail lovers.

Proof Wine Bar & Restaurant

While the name says wine bar, Proof’s cocktail program is equally accomplished, making it one of the best bars in Adelaide for those who appreciate versatility. Located in the heart of the CBD, Proof offers a sophisticated setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street. The cocktail list balances classics executed with precision alongside innovative seasonal creations. The extensive wine list, curated by a master sommelier, complements the drinks offering with a focus on premium South Australian producers. The dining experience here is also outstanding, making Proof an ideal destination for a complete evening of food and drink.

Baddog Bar – Hyde Street

Baddog brings an unapologetically fun energy to Adelaide’s cocktail scene from its Hyde Street location. This bar refuses to take itself too seriously, serving playful cocktails in creative glassware alongside a solid menu of classic preparations. The interior mixes retro décor with contemporary art installations, creating a space that feels both eclectic and inviting. Baddog is known for its welcoming atmosphere—bartenders here genuinely enjoy engaging with guests about their drink preferences and guiding them toward something new. It is one of the best bars in Adelaide for those who find some cocktail bars too serious or intimidating.

Prohibition Liquor Co

Part distillery, part cocktail bar, Prohibition Liquor Co on Gilbert Place produces its own range of award-winning gins onsite and serves them in a beautifully designed space that celebrates the art of distillation. Copper stills are visible from the bar, and the menu showcases the versatility of their house spirits through creative cocktails you simply cannot find anywhere else. The gin flights offer an excellent way to taste the range, from their flagship Bathtub Cut to limited seasonal releases. Tours of the distillery are available and make for a unique pre-drinks activity. It is among the best bars Adelaide can offer for gin enthusiasts and anyone curious about the craft behind the spirit.

Adelaide’s Best Wine Bars

Given South Australia produces some of the world’s finest wines, it’s no surprise that wine bars feature prominently among the best bars in Adelaide. These venues showcase the stunning diversity of Adelaide’s surrounding wine regions—from the bold Shiraz of the Barossa Valley to the crisp Sauvignon Blanc of the Adelaide Hills.

Vinology

Vinology on Leigh Street offers an approachable wine bar experience focused entirely on Australian wine, with a particular emphasis on South Australian producers. The knowledgeable staff guide guests through a frequently rotating wine list using Coravin preservation systems, meaning even rare and expensive bottles are available by the glass. The warm, minimalist interior and communal tables encourage conversation and discovery. Whether you are a seasoned wine collector or simply curious about what makes South Australian wine special, Vinology provides the education and experience without any of the stuffiness that sometimes accompanies fine wine.

Leigh Street Wine Room

Another Leigh Street gem, the Wine Room focuses on natural and minimal-intervention wines from both Australian and international producers. The atmosphere is relaxed and conversational, with wine served alongside a menu of seasonal share plates that complement rather than compete with what’s in your glass. It is one of the best bars Adelaide has for those who want to explore the exciting world of natural wine in a no-pressure environment. The staff are particularly adept at matching wine to mood and preference rather than simply recommending the most expensive option on the list.

Best Craft Beer Bars in Adelaide

South Australia’s craft beer revolution has produced a thriving scene of independent breweries and dedicated beer bars. For hop heads and malt enthusiasts, these are among the best bars Adelaide offers.

Pirate Life Brewing – Port Adelaide

While technically in Port Adelaide rather than the CBD, Pirate Life’s massive brewpub deserves mention as one of the best bars Adelaide’s broader area has to offer. The industrial-scale venue features 30-plus taps pouring the full range of Pirate Life beers alongside limited releases you cannot find elsewhere. The space itself is cavernous and impressive, with brewing equipment visible throughout and a food menu designed to complement the beers. It is worth the short trip from the city—easily accessible via the train line—for any craft beer enthusiast.

The Wheatsheaf Hotel (The Wheaty)

The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton has been a cornerstone of Adelaide’s craft beer scene for over a decade, consistently supporting independent breweries and offering one of the most diverse tap lists in the state. With 28 rotating taps focusing exclusively on independent Australian craft breweries, plus a bottle list that runs into the hundreds, The Wheaty is a pilgrimage for beer lovers. The atmosphere is unpretentious pub warmth—think beer garden sessions on sunny afternoons and live music on weekends. It has earned its reputation as one of the best bars Adelaide has for genuine beer culture.

Sparkke at the Whitmore

Combining craft beer with social activism, Sparkke at the Whitmore brews beers with a purpose—each release supports a social cause, from marriage equality to renewable energy. Beyond the admirable philosophy, the beers themselves are excellent, brewed onsite in the venue’s working brewery. The historic Whitmore Hotel building has been beautifully restored, offering multiple bars across different levels plus a restaurant serving progressive Australian cuisine. It is one of the best bars Adelaide has for those who want their drinking to align with their values.

Peel Street – Adelaide’s Bar Laneway

No guide to the best bars in Adelaide would be complete without dedicating a section to Peel Street, the narrow laneway that catalysed the city’s modern bar revolution. Once a neglected service lane, Peel Street now hosts a concentration of quality drinking establishments unmatched anywhere else in the city. On a busy Friday night, the laneway itself becomes part of the experience—groups spill between venues, music drifts from doorways, and the atmosphere is electric. Key venues include Maybe Mae (detailed above), Clever Little Tailor, Udaberri Pintxos y Vino (a Basque-inspired wine and sherry bar), and La Buvette Drinkery. The beauty of Peel Street is that you can arrive without a plan and let the evening unfold organically, following the sounds and energy from one venue to the next. If you are visiting Adelaide for just one night and want to experience the city’s bar culture, this is where you should head.

Leigh Street – Dining and Drinking Strip

Leigh Street offers a slightly more refined alternative to Peel Street’s energetic buzz. This pedestrianised laneway in the CBD’s west end combines acclaimed restaurants with sophisticated bars, creating a precinct where dining and drinking blend seamlessly. The street itself is beautifully maintained with string lights overhead and outdoor seating spilling onto the pavement. Notable venues include Hellbound (detailed above), Leigh Street Wine Room, Press Food & Wine, and Bar Torino. Leigh Street tends to attract a slightly older, more food-focused crowd than Peel Street, making it ideal for couples and those who appreciate a more relaxed pace to their evening. It is easily one of the best bar streets Adelaide can offer for a sophisticated night out. For pre-dinner drinks before heading to one of Adelaide’s top restaurants, Leigh Street is perfect.

Best Bars in Adelaide by Occasion

Best Bars for Date Night

For a romantic evening, Adelaide’s intimate speakeasies lead the way. Maybe Mae’s underground atmosphere and exceptional cocktails create instant romance, while Hellbound’s candlelit wine cellar vibe is equally compelling. For something with a view, 2KW’s eighth-floor terrace overlooking the Oval provides a memorable backdrop. The key to a great date night in Adelaide is combining two or three venues—perhaps starting with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar, moving to a laneway dinner, and finishing at a speakeasy. The compact CBD makes this progression effortless.

Best Bars for Groups and Celebrations

When you have a larger group, you need venues that can accommodate numbers without losing atmosphere. Sol at SkyCity handles groups well with its spacious terrace and share-plate-friendly menu. Clever Little Tailor’s two-level layout gives groups room to spread out while staying together. For birthdays and celebrations, Merrymaker’s rooftop setting provides a special feel without requiring a private event booking. Many of Adelaide’s best bars offer group packages and reserved areas for celebrations—it is worth calling ahead to arrange.

Best Bars for After Work

Adelaide’s after-work drinking culture centres on venues that open from 4 pm and offer a seamless transition from professional to social. Proof is a favourite among the corporate crowd for its central location and refined atmosphere. The outdoor areas of Peel Street bars fill quickly on sunny afternoons, with Clever Little Tailor’s balcony being particularly sought after. For something more casual, the craft beer bars like Sparkke at the Whitmore provide a relaxed setting where smart office attire blends comfortably with more casual dress.

Practical Tips for Bar-Hopping in Adelaide

Dress Codes

Most of the best bars in Adelaide operate a smart casual dress code. This means you should avoid thongs (flip-flops), singlets, and overly casual beachwear. For rooftop bars and speakeasies, err slightly more formal—collared shirts for men and a nice top or dress for women will ensure entry without issue. The craft beer bars and laneway spots are generally more relaxed, but neat presentation is always appreciated. If in doubt, smart casual covers you for almost every venue in the city.

Getting Around Between Bars

One of Adelaide’s greatest advantages for bar-hopping is the walkability of its CBD. You can reach virtually every venue mentioned in this guide within a 15-minute walk of any other. The free City Connector bus is available until late on weekends, and rideshare services operate efficiently throughout the city. For those staying in the CBD at one of the best hotels in Adelaide, you can easily walk to all major bar precincts.

Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit

Most Adelaide bars open between 4 pm and 5 pm on weekdays and from midday on weekends. Peak hours are 8 pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. For a more relaxed experience at popular venues like Maybe Mae and 2KW, consider visiting on a Thursday evening or arriving early (before 6 pm) on weekends. Many venues close at midnight during the week and between 1 am and 3 am on weekends, with Hains & Co being a notable exception with its consistent 2 am closing time seven days a week.

Price Expectations

Cocktails at Adelaide’s best bars typically range from $20 to $28, which is generally comparable to or slightly below Melbourne and Sydney prices. Wine by the glass ranges from $12 to $22 depending on the venue and producer. Craft beer pints sit between $10 and $16. Most speakeasies and rooftop bars operate at the higher end of these ranges, while laneway bars and beer-focused venues tend toward the lower end. Tipping is not expected in Australia but is always appreciated for exceptional service.

Planning Your Adelaide Bar Crawl

For visitors planning a comprehensive exploration of the best bars Adelaide has to offer, consider dedicating at least two or three evenings to the bar scene. One night might focus on Peel Street and its surrounding laneways. Another could centre on rooftop bars, starting at Sol for sunset before moving to 2KW and finishing at Merrymaker for the highest views. A third evening might explore Leigh Street’s wine bars combined with an after-dinner speakeasy visit. If you are planning your overall trip, check our guide on the best time to visit Adelaide—the bar scene is vibrant year-round, but summer brings rooftop season to its peak, while winter makes the cosy speakeasies even more appealing.

For those combining nightlife with broader Adelaide exploration, the city’s bar scene integrates beautifully with its world-class dining. Many of the best bars in Adelaide sit adjacent to or within acclaimed restaurants, making it natural to flow between eating and drinking. Consider starting your evening at the Adelaide Central Market for a pre-dinner snack, heading to a Leigh Street restaurant, then exploring laneways bars afterwards. Adelaide rewards those who approach it with curiosity and without a rigid plan—some of the best experiences happen when you follow a local recommendation or simply open an unmarked door.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adelaide Bars

What is the best bar in Adelaide right now?

While “best” is subjective and depends on what you are looking for, Maybe Mae on Peel Street consistently ranks as Adelaide’s top bar in national and international awards for its exceptional cocktail program and speakeasy atmosphere. For views, Merrymaker at Hotel Indigo holds the crown as Adelaide’s highest rooftop bar.

Where should I go for a first date in Adelaide?

Start with sunset drinks at 2KW for impressive views, then move to Maybe Mae or Hains & Co for intimate conversation over expertly made cocktails. The progression from open and view-focused to cosy and intimate works perfectly for building connection throughout the evening.

Do Adelaide bars have a cover charge?

The vast majority of the best bars in Adelaide do not charge entry fees. This is one advantage over larger Australian cities. The only exceptions might be during special events, New Year’s Eve, or Adelaide Fringe performances at certain venues. Standard visits to all bars mentioned in this guide are free entry.

What time do bars close in Adelaide?

Most Adelaide bars close between midnight and 2 am. Sunday through Wednesday closings are typically earlier (midnight), while Thursday through Saturday extends to 1-2 am for most venues. Notable late-night options include Hains & Co (2 am nightly) and several Hindley Street venues that operate until 3-5 am. The Adelaide nightlife guide covers late-night options in more detail.

Is Peel Street safe at night?

Yes, Peel Street and surrounding bar laneways are well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and populated with bar patrons throughout the evening. Adelaide consistently ranks as one of Australia’s safest capital cities. Standard common-sense safety practices apply—stay in well-lit areas, keep an eye on your drinks, and arrange transport home before heading out.

Can I visit Adelaide bars on a budget?

Absolutely. Many of the best bars in Adelaide run happy hour specials between 4-6 pm, with discounted cocktails and wine. Craft beer bars offer tasting paddles that let you try multiple beers for the price of two pints. Wine bars frequently pour premium wines by the glass at very reasonable prices compared to bottle shop costs. A well-planned evening enjoying the atmosphere of two or three venues with a drink at each is entirely achievable for $50-80 per person.

Are Adelaide bars suitable for visitors who do not drink alcohol?

Yes, Adelaide’s bar culture has embraced the non-alcoholic movement enthusiastically. Most cocktail bars offer a dedicated zero-proof cocktail menu, and venues like Maybe Mae apply the same creativity and craft to their non-alcoholic options as their alcoholic ones. Craft beer bars stock non-alcoholic beers, and wine bars increasingly offer alcohol-removed wines. You will never feel out of place ordering a non-alcoholic drink at any of the best bars in Adelaide.