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The Best Cocktail Bars in Adelaide

Updated 6 months ago

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We’re lucky in Adelaide. Some of the city’s best cocktail bars are packed into the 5000 postcode and are within short walking distance from each other. That’s partly thanks to legislation introduced back in 2013, which made it easier (and cheaper) for small venues to get liquor licenses. In the following years, a clutch of drinking dens opened, such as Proof and Maybe Mae. And a decade on, relative newcomers like Smokelovers and 99 Gang Social continue to cement Adelaide’s reputation for characterful cocktail bars. Be it a well-made Negroni, or a complex, multi-layered sipper, this city has a wealth of places at which to partake. Hit these stellar spots, curated by Broadsheet’s expert food and drink editors.

  • Maybe Mae

    Bar

    A contender for Australia's most well-hidden cocktail bar. But trust us, this one is worth seeking out. But once you find this subterranean 1950s inspired cocktail lounge and take a seat in one of the comfy leather booths, you won't want to leave.

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  • Trap

    Bar

    Months of development go into the house creations at this elite 15-seat cocktail bar under Cold Chisel Lane. And they're tasty enough to trap you here for a few hours at least.

  • Bar Peripheral

    Bar

    No standing, no rowdy groups and no Dirty Martinis. This intimate, 12-seat cocktail bar isn’t for everyone. But if you’re game for a hospitality experience unlike anything else in Adelaide, Bar Peripheral is the one for you.

  • Pink Moon Saloon

    Bar

    A faux-alpine hut from the team at Clever Little Tailor.

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  • Proof

    Bar

    One of the city's original small bars.

  • Clever Little Tailor

    Bar

    A cosy classic with a drink to satisfy every mood.

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  • Smokelovers

    Bar

    This tiny, timber-panelled bar next to the Exeter Hotel is a destination for cocktails, lo-fi local wines and simple food such as olives, cheese and tinned seafood.

  • Leigh Street Luggage

    Bar

    After one of Leigh Street’s longstanding tenants closed its doors, it was reborn as this Mediterranean cocktail bar paying tribute to its former life. Visit for local craft beers, European wines and a simple food menu of cured meats and cheese.

  • Mr Goodbar

    Bar

    At this neon-lit cocktail joint, the drinks are as smooth as the blues icons lining the walls.

  • The Howling Owl

    Cafe

    New location, new energy.

  • Hains and Co

    Bar

    Relax with cigars and nautical-themed drinks.

  • BRKLYN

    Bar

    Head upstairs for a taste of New York.

  • Baddog

    Bar

    For whisky lovers.

  • Bibliotheca

    Bar

    Sip a high-end spirit while you read a novel.

  • Bar Lune

    Bar

    Park up at the sleek terrazzo benches at this approachable bar for charcoal-cooked share plates and an exciting range of wines. From the top shelf down, there’s a drop for every taste and budget.

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  • Udaberri

    Bar

    A Spanish-style small bar specialising in the finer things.

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  • 99 Gang Social

    Bar

    American-style burgers, beef rendang hoagies and tropical cocktails are the signatures at Gang Gang’s disco-ready burger bar. After the dinner trade, a floating DJ booth provides danceable tunes till late.

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  • Thirsty Tiger

    Bar

    Ascend the stairs from Hindley Street to a slice of island paradise, with pan-Asian and California-inspired bar snacks, playful cocktails, a disco ball and DJs spinning house and funk tunes.

  • Dolly

    Bar

    Stop by this slick bar, by the team behind Lune, for crab soldiers, buttermilk-fried quail and a grilled cheese sandwich with mushroom and Vegemite. Plus, an approachable wine list favouring local producers.

  • Fu Cocktail & Wine Bar

    Bar

    Fu translates to “good fortune” in Mandarin, and at this cosy spot you’ll find the recipe for just that: cocktails with pickle juice, a killer wine list, delectable dishes with an Asian flair and creative snacks for your pet.