Enjoy a tipple at one of these Adelaide hotspots.

Hains & Co

It may be one of Adelaide’s newer establishments, but this whimsical laneway bar feels like it’s been here forever. Tucked away behind King William Street, this nautically themed establishment (note the portholes, pewter tankards and model ships) pays due respect to both artisan spirits and boutique wines from around the globe.

Closed on Mondays.

Gilbert Street Hotel

Located on Adelaide’s southern fringe, this popular corner hotel offers a convivial atmosphere, superior pub fare and a quirky (and sunny) beer garden. The handsome front bar serves a good range of craft beers on tap, plus a decent selection of affordable local wines. Thursday is Buffalo wing night.

Open daily.

Botanic Bar

Baroque is not a word often used in Adelaide, but the Botanic Bar, on the corner of East Terrace and North Terrace, surely qualifies. This old school space with its gilt framed paintings, chandeliers and leather banquettes, is perfect for people watching. The theatre style bar serves craft beers, small batch wines and classic cocktails.

Closed Sunday and Monday.

Clever Little Tailor

This stylish Francophile bar on Peel Street helped kick start the city’s small bar revolution in 2013 and remains one of the most professional outfits around. While the moodily lit space is skewed towards estate-grown wines and robust cocktails, it also serves craft beer, artisan ciders and tasty share plates.

Open daily.

2KW Bar & Restaurant

Your journey to this slick rooftop space involves two elevators and braving the fashion police, but the view alone is worth the effort. 2KW offers two bars (indoor and outdoor), an open kitchen and a handful of private cabanas. The extensive drinks list includes a wide choice of wines, beers and cocktails – try the signature Governor’s Garden.

Open daily.

Proof Laneway Rooms

Proof is hidden away down a tiny laneway leading off Waymouth Street. The downstairs space eschews designer lamps and Danish chairs in favour of strong liquor and loud conversation. The staff here can whip up a decent espresso martini, but the bar also serves some delicious wines by the glass.

Closed Mondays.

Hennessy

Once reserved for Mayfair Hotel guests only, Adelaide’s newest and sexiest rooftop bar is now open to the public. The chic yet rambling top floor space offers an intimate cocktail bar, a cute outdoor deck and a blinged out salon, complete with chandelier. Come here for well-made cocktails, interesting Australian wines and expensive French champagne.

Open daily.

Mothervine

Always wanted to know more about wine? Then make a beeline to this sophisticated wine bar in the city’s East End. The 350-strong wine list covers everything from robust Barossa Shiraz to delicate Italian varietals. Each week the bar showcases a small, regional winery on its blackboard. The kitchen serves light, Mediterranean-style fare. 

Open daily.  

The Collins Bar

Adelaide has a plethora of backstreet bars for earnest Gen Y types, but few places for grown ups looking for a classic cocktail and smooth backing track. The Collins Bar ticks both boxes. The elegant bar, which occupies the ground floor of the Hilton, brings a touch of glamour to the city’s drinking scene.

Open daily.

Howling Owl

First launched as a specialist gin bar, Howling Owl, just off Rundle Street, has since morphed into a shabby chic coffee shop and cocktail den. Apart from its massive range of artisan gins, the bohemian bar also serves small batch wines, craft beers and artisan ciders. The cocktail list is equally eccentric. Try the extra strong negroni if you dare. 

Closed Sundays.

 

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