Adelaide might be known as the ‘City of Churches’, but it’s also a place with a vibrant bar and pub scene.
Incorporating everything from historic pubs that have operated for over a century, to trendy cocktail bars and hip gastro pubs, there are plenty of places you can go to for a drink.
Whether your tipple of choice is a craft beer, inventive cocktail, top-shelf spirit, or a glass of imported wine, the city always offers a good night out.
Below is a list of 18 of the best pubs and bars in Adelaide to visit, should you need some inspiration on where to go.
Stirling Hotel
One of the most prominent venues in the Adelaide pub and bar scene has to be the Stirling Hotel.
Set within a stately venue that is over 100 years old, this historic pub offers something for everyone in the one spot.
Not only is there a great space to enjoy a drink, but you’ll also find a fine-dining restaurant, as well as a pizza bar, bistro, library, an events area and even a well-appointed boutique accommodation.
At the pub, there are a number of beers on tap, as well as cocktails available too. While the traditional pub food comes in very hearty portion sizes.
The hotel also has a huge open verandah, as well as outdoor furnishings which you can make use of when the sun is out.
Address: 52 Mount Barker Road, Stirling, SA 5152
Phone: (08) 8339 2345
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 am – 11 pm, Sat: 8 am – 12 am, Sun: 8 am – 10 pm
The King’s Head
If you are the kind of person who likes to support local businesses then you will love visiting The King’s Head.
Situated on King William Street, this fabulous pub only serves alcohol or food that has been made in South Australia.
This means you can try some excellent regional beers or wines that you won’t find anywhere else and meals that are made from outstanding local produce.
In between enjoying your food and beverages, the pub has several board games you can play, which always makes for a fun evening.
Address: 357 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8212 6657
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 am – 2 am, Sun: 10 am – 12 am
Earl of Leicester
Nestled within the suburb of Parkside, the Earl of Leicester has to be up there are one of Adelaide’s best pubs.
Contained within a historic 1800s venue, this quaint establishment offers a huge range of beers, boutique wines and delicious pub food. The latter of which is a major drawcard on account of its generous-sized meals. Which include schnitzels that are a whopping 600 grams!
As well as a bistro and a gaming room, this old-school haunt has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Address: 85 Leicester Street, Parkside, SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8271 5700
Hours: Mon: 4 pm – 10 pm, Tues: 10 am – 10 pm, Wed – Thurs: 10 am – 11 pm, Fri – Sat: 10 am – 12 am, Sun: 10 am – 11 pm
Port Admiral Hotel
Originally named the Railway Hotel, The Port Admiral Hotel is one of the oldest continually operating pubs in Adelaide. First opening its doors all the way back in 1850.
Today, the pub is a popular spot which features an impressive open-fire barbecue. Stocking a range of local beers, including The Port Local, this venue also has a bottle shop attached to it, in case you fancy taking a tipple home with you.
Address: 55 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
Phone: (08) 8341 2249
Hours: Wed – Thurs: 4 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat: 12 pm – 12 am, Sun: 12 pm – 5 pm
The Grace Emily
If you are looking for a pub that has very good entertainment, then The Grace Emily is a decent choice.
Based on Waymotuh Street, within the CBD, it is a stalwart on the Adelaide live music scene, hosting regular gigs from local bands.
In addition to the music, they also have open mic nights, as well as slam poetry.
While there is not much in the way of food on offer here, the venue is known for its quaint wine chalkboard that has plenty of Ochota Barrels and other South Australian wines on it.
Address: 232 Waymotuh Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8231 5500
Hours: Mon – Thurs: pm – 11 pm, Fri: 4 pm – 1 am
The Hotel Metropolitan
The Hotel Metropolitan is another pub in Adelaide that is great for live music gigs.
What appeals to many punters about this place is its relaxed vibes, which are perhaps best enjoyed in either of its two outdoor areas. Both of which are perfect retreats for when the gigs hit full volume.
Known affectionately as ‘The Metro’ to locals, this CBD venue is located opposite the Adelaide Central Hotel, in a building that dates back to 1883.
It has a very good selection of beers and wines available, while the food offering is classic pub fare, albeit with an international twist.
Address: 46 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8231 5471
The Archer
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a pint close to the Adelaide Oval, then The Archer is a terrific spot.
Only a short walk to the ground in North Adelaide, this is the perfect place to visit after watching the AFL or cricket.
Extensively renovated back in 2019, the pub has a massive beer garden, as well as an atrium eating area and pool tables.
It also has a wide selection of beers, spirits and wines, as well as a terrific food menu too.
Address: 60 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Phone: (08) 8361 7223
Hours: Mon – Wed: 11:30 am – 9 pm, Thurs: 11:30 am – 10 pm, Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 1 am, Sun: 11:30 am – 5 pm
The Exeter
There are many reasons to love The Exeter. For a start, it has an idyllic setting on the corner of vibrant Rundle Street.
Also, it has an excellent beer garden, puts on live music pretty much every night and has some incredibly delicious, and very affordable food options. Like their steak sandwich which is only $10, as well as plenty of vegetarian options.
All of which combine to make this one of the best pubs in Adelaide to visit.
Address: 26 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8223 2623
Hours: Mon – Tues: 11 am – 1 am, Wed – Sat: 11 am – 3 am, Sun: 11:30 am – 2 am
Stanley Bridge Tavern
Known for its comely open fireplace, lovely bar area and massive beer garden, the Stanley Bridge Tavern apart is a popular pub in Adelaide.
Situated in Verdun, this charming venue also has an original shingle ceiling that dates back to 1853 when it first opened.
It’s a lovely place to go for a catch-up with friends, as the atmosphere is always casual and relaxed, and you can hear yourselves talk.
The food is always good here too. While there are quite a few local beers and fine wines available to order as well.
Address: 41 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun, SA 5245
Phone: (08) 8388 7249
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 am – 10 pm, Fri – Sat: 11 am – 11 pm, Sun: 11 am – 10 pm
The Elephant
The Elephant brings you a little bit of the UK in the Adelaide CBD.
Tucked away in the back streets of the city’s east end, this place offers more than 30 draught beers and cider on tap, many of which hail from good old Blighty.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the venue also hosts live music gigs.
Address: 1 Cinema Place, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8227 1633
Hours: Fri – Sat: 12 pm – 3 am
The Uraidla Hotel
In recent years the Uraidla Hotel has emerged from the shadows of relative anonymity to become a real force to be reckoned with on the Adelaide bar and pub scene.
Renowned for being a hip, yet slightly quirky spot, the Uraidla offers a superb great kitchen and an excellent selection of local wines and craft beers.
If dining there, you simply must try the pork ramen. While the SA market fish and chips are very good too.
Recently refurbishment the venue also boasts a massive glasshouse that overlooks the town’s oval.
Address: 1198 Greenhill Road, Uraidla, SA 5142
Phone: (08) 8390 0500
The Crafers Hotel
Dating back to the 1830s, The Crafers Hotel is one of the oldest pubs in Adelaide.
Nestled within the suburb of Crafers, within the Adelaide Hills, this charming establishment currently offers an excellent menu of French-bistro cuisine. As well as wines from all over the world.
Radiating an air of sophistication, it’s a good place to come for a relaxed long lunch, or a leisurely evening with your besties.
Address: 8 Main Street, Crafers, SA 5152
Phone: (08) 8339 2050
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 12 am, Sat – Sun: 8 am – 12 am
The Norwood Hotel
Situated right in the heart of the Norwood suburb of Adelaide, The Norwood Hotel is a heritage-listed pub that is a bit of a local institution.
Irish-inspired, the pub will transport you to the streets of Dublin, courtesy of its decor, music and drink selection, which are also supported by a local beer and wine selection.
Overall the hotel presents four dining spaces that all serve contemporary Australian cuisine. As well as live acts and music gigs.
Address: 97 The Parade, Norwood, SA 5067
Phone: (08) 8431 1822
Hours: Mon – Tues: 11 am – 9:30 pm, Wed – Thurs: 11 am – 10 pm, Fri: 11 am – 2 am, Sat: 11 am – 1 am, Sun: 11 am – 9:30 pm
The Cumby
Better known as the Cumberland Arms Hotel, The Cumby is yet another heritage-listed CBD hotel in Adelaide.
Enriched with a warm and congenial pub atmosphere, this venue has a lovely, sunny beer garden for you to enjoy. There are plenty of beers and wines available, while food options tend towards the classics of burgers and schnitty.
If you are wanting to shake that ass, Friday and Saturday nights are when the vibrant dance floor comes to life. With Sunday evenings being reserved for live music performances.
Address: 205 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8231 3577
Hours: Mon – Tues: 12 pm – 10:30 pm, Wed – Thurs: 12 pm – 11 pm, Fri: 12 pm – 12 am, Sat: 12 pm – 2 am, Sun: 12 pm – 10:30 pm
The Austral Hotel
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then The Austral Hotel is the pub that seemingly never closes.
A major landmark on Adelaide’s main thoroughfare, ever since it first opened in the 1880s, this heritage venue is located in the city’s east end.
It has a colourful, being the first pub in South Australia to sell Coopers on tap, (something it still does) and also being a notorious venue for illegal betting in the 1950s, As well as the city’s epicentre of its live music scene in the 1980s and 90s.
Staying in touch with its heritage, the building has changed little over the years. Today you can enjoy hearty pub grub and lots of beers on tap, either at its front bar or by its cosy fireplace.
Address: 205 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8223 4660
West Oak Hotel
Dating back to 1838, the West Oak Hotel is another Adelaide Pub destination that offers something for everyone.
Serving up a fabulous range of locally made beers and wines, as well as a classic food menu, the venue features The Jolly Bar and a mini deli-cafe. Both of which are popular spaces to frequent.
There is also a beer garden outside, as well as live music on certain nights. While the upper story accommodates a gallery for local tourists.
Address: 208 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8410 5084
Hours: Mon – Tues: 4 pm – 11 pm, Thurs: 12 pm – 11 pm, Thurs: 12 pm – 3 pm, Fri: 12 pm – 12 am, Sat:: 4 pm – 3 am
Sparkke at the Whitmore
Arguably one of the most impressive bars in Adelaide is the Sparkke at the Whitmore.
Located on Morphett Street, this venue is one of Australia’s first female-founded and managed brew pubs.
Featuring a brewery onsite, it also serves up award-winning fare, and socially conscious beers, which have slogans that include ‘Consent can’t come after you do’.
Priding itself on being a welcoming and inclusive venue, Sparkke boasts a lovely setting with a warm and comfortable interior, which contrasts rather nicely with its industrial exterior.
Address: 317 Morphett Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 7123 0808
Hours: Tues: 12 pm – 6 pm (Bottleshop only), Wed – Sun: 11 am – Late
The Wheatsheaf Hotel
One of the coolest pubs and bars in Adelaide has to be The Wheatsheaf Hotel.
Taking the form of a folksy bar this place is all about good vibes and good times.
Located in the inner west suburb of Thebarton, it serves an eclectic range of wines, craft beers from around the world and a quality selection of whiskeys,
It also has an on-site brewery, as well as food trucks outside its premises on most nights. Boasting a young and fun ambience this is a great spot to enjoy a night of drinks with friends.
Address: 39 George Street, Thebarton, SA 5031
Phone: (08) 8443 4546