by The Daily Telegraph, February 19, 2016
An insider's guide to the best wine bars, pubs, cocktail bars and nightclubs in Adelaide and South Australia. By Mark Chipperfield, Telegraph Travel's Adelaide expert.
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| photo by Freeimages.com/Arnout Van Scherpenzeel |
££ Apothecary 1878
A magnet for wine lovers, Apothecary 1878 is also one of Adelaide’s most eccentric bars – a Parisian-style parlour decked out with antique pharmacy cabinets, chandeliers and ornate Victorian furniture. Despite its seedy neighbours, this place is a class act with knowledgeable bar staff and a 1,200-strong wine list. I like to arrive early and enjoy a quiet drink before the after-work crowd arrives. There’s always something new and interesting in the drinks cabinet; Apothecary 1878 has some fantastic boutique gins, rums and vodkas. If you want to eat there are some good but pricey share plates – or a formal restaurant downstairs.
Address: 118 Hindley Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8212 909; theapothecary1878.com.au
Getting there: bus to King William Street (99C)
Opening times: daily, 5pm-late
Price: cocktails from A$16, share plates from A$5.50
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
BarBushka
Expensive fit-outs usually ensure a frosty reception, but not at this designer pad in Peel Street, Adelaide’s hottest entertainment precinct. Newly opened BarBushka is a tiny space packed with a multitude of Russian dolls and a fine selection of vodkas. The vibe is grungy, post-Soviet and highly individualistic. This is where poetic young men meet sylph-like dancers. And talk. When I ask for an espresso, the barman walks across the street to another bar to get one. There are vines growing up the wall and cocktails strong enough to floor Rasputin, plus a good selection of boutique wines and craft beers. Order a Moscow Mule A$18 and settle in for the nightly entertainment of people-watching.
Address: 14 Peel Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 404 036 225; barbushka.com.au
Getting there: bus to King William Street (99C)
Opening times: Wed-Fri, 4pm-2am; Sat, 6pm-2am
Price: cocktails from A$15; wine by the glass from A$12
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Caparezza Espresso Bar
During the week Caparezza is a swish espresso bar serving office workers and shoppers from nearby Rundle Mall, but on Friday evenings this pint-size café morphs into a buzzy wine bar. The vibe is 60s Milan, with designer tiles, backlit shelves and white jacketed waiters. There’s often live music in the laneway on Friday nights and the atmosphere becomes decidedly cosmopolitan. Pull up a stool at one of the outdoor tables and drink in the scene. The bar carries a good range of Italian wines, imported beers and sweet and savoury snacks. Staff will also mix you a pretty decent cocktail. Come back in the week for the best coffee and brioche in Adelaide.
Address: 36B James Place, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8221 6202; caparezza.com.au
Getting there: bus to Victoria Square (99C)
Opening times: Mon-Thu, 7am-5pm; Fri, 7am-10pm
Price: wine by the glass from A$15; Italian beers from A$16
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Clever Little Tailor
Peel Street was an unloved laneway until this Parisian-style wine bar opened its immaculate doors in 2013. Clever Little Tailor has garnered a loyal following since then – and deservedly so. Not only is this space, with its designer tub chairs and exposed rustic stone, romantic, the service is, well, joyful. Settle down with a bottle of wine from the blackboard menu. Unusually for a wine bar, Clever Little Tailor also has several beers on tap – and a decent list of cocktails. There’s only room for 70 people, so arrive early if you want to secure one of the booths. If you’re in here for the long haul, it makes sense to order a bottle of wine and a few snacks to keep you going. You won’t want to move.
Address: 19 Peel Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 407 111 857; cleverlittletailor.com.au
Getting there: bus to King William Street (99C)
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 4pm-late
Price: cocktails from A$16; wine by the bottle from A$40; glass of beer from A$7
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Nook Nosh
Adelaide’s small bar revolution is spreading its tentacles into the leafy suburbs. Nook Nosh, which opened its doors last year, is a pleasant wine bar in Unley – a ten-minute drive from the city. Owners, Chris Lamb and Lisa Stone are keen to promote small Australian wineries and craft brewers, so expect to find some unfamiliar names on the blackboard. The wine list is constantly changing. Come here to chat, relax and nibble on something tasty from the impressive bar menu. This is a useful watering hole if you’ve been shopping in nearby Hyde Park. Nook Nosh can be quiet mid-week, so Fridays and weekends are a better bet.
Address: 111 Unley Road, Unley, 5061
Contact: 00 61 8 7325 031308; nooknosh.com.au
Getting there: bus to Stop 3 Unley Road (190B)
Opening times: Wed-Thu, 3pm-10.30pm; Fri, Sat, 3pm-midnight; Sun, 3pm-9.30pm
Price: wine by the glass from A$8, by the bottle from A$36; cocktails all A$18
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Proof Bar
Tucked away down an obscure laneway off Waymouth Street, Proof Bar is boisterous, unstuffy and totally in-your-face. If you wish to avoid life’s temptations then stay away. This Dublin dark bar serves classic cocktails, robust reds and engaging conversation. The house speciality is the Sour House, a mixture of rum, punt e mes, lime, orange, clove and port. Like nearby Press Food + Wine (to which it belongs), service here is knowledgeable and efficient. Extroverts like myself will love the old school décor and loud chatter. Arrive late and order one of the famous “toasties” (toasted sandwiches). I like the sausage, onion and peas toastie for A$12. Oh, this is one of the few places in Adelaide where you can get a really dirty martini.
Address: 9 Anster Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8212 0708
Getting there: bus to Light Square (99C)
Opening times: Sat-Thu, 4pm-late; Fri, 2pm-late
Price: cocktails from A$15; wine by the glass from A$12
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Udaberri
Feel like a taste of northern Spain? Udaberri has some of the best jamon iberico in Adelaide and a good range of Australian and imported wines by the glass. Plunge into the mood by ordering a few share plates – the Spanish sardines and oven-baked chorizo are excellent. This wafer-thin bar is a superstar in Leigh Street, Adelaide’s hottest foodie precinct. The crowd is young and flirty, the music pumping. The décor is unadorned, with exposed brick walls and an industrial style counter. Service is fast and attentive. Udaberri (which means “Spring” in Basque) stocks a good range of craft beers, ciders and plenty of obscure gins. I really enjoy the powerful Negronis here. Arrive before 5.30pm to secure your spot on Friday nights. Afterwards go dancing at Casablabla across the road.
Address: 11-13 Leigh Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8410 5733; udaberri.com.au
Getting there: bus to King William Street (99C)
Opening times: Mon-Thu, 4pm-late; Fri, 3pm-late; Sat, 6pm-late
Price: cocktails from A$15; wine by the glass from A$12; bar snacks from A$5.50
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Victory Hotel
The word ‘Institution’ is an over-used word in Australia, but it can be applied with some justification to the Victory Hotel, a country pub with cosmopolitan ambitions. Just 40 minutes from downtown Adelaide, this is the ideal pit stop if you’re touring the McLaren Vale wine region. The Vic is the kind of place people take their elderly parents for lunch, but that should not deter you. There are plenty of surprises here, such as the magnificent wine cellar (look out for the daily wine specials) and the old-fashioned front bar, complete with its antique wooden fridges. At the weekends, the veranda is crowded with families tucking into plates of pasta, pork belly and steaks, so book ahead if you want to eat. Otherwise order a cold beer in the bar and enjoy one of the best coastal views in South Australia.
Address: Main South Road, Sellicks Hill, 5174
Contact: 00 61 8 8556 3083; victoryhotel.com.au
Getting there: no public transport; drive or take a taxi
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 10am-midnight; Sun, 11am-midnight
Price: wine by the bottle from A$20
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: recommended
The Collins Bar
The Hilton Adelaide has always been a trendsetter and this tradition continues with the opening of The Collins Bar, a dark and handsome new space on the ground floor of the hotel. The fit-out is expensive, the bar staff eager and the drinks list extensive. It’s all very grown-up, with tub chairs, a manly colour scheme and a vast illuminated bar brimming with gins, vodkas, rums, bourbon, whiskies and tequilas. The bar has developed a range of distinctive cocktails, such as Collins Aussie BBQ Mary and Speakeasy Iced Tea. It also offers a small range of wines by the glass, imported beers and tasty bar snacks. I like popping in here early evening on Fridays and watching the passing parade on Victoria Square.
Address: 233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8237 0760; thecollins.com.au
Getting there: bus to Victoria Square (99C)
Opening times: Mon-Thu, 4pm-midnight; Fri, 3pm-1am; Sat, 4pm-1am; Sun, 4pm-10pm
Price: cocktails from A$16; wine by the glass from A$9; pint of beer from $A7.50; bar snacks from A$7
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
The Rising Sun Inn
This unusual suburban pub is as far removed from the classic Australian watering hole as you can imagine. The Rising Sun feels more like a private club with its miniscule front bar, intimate dining room, open fireplaces and battered Chesterfields – arrive early if you want to secure one of these. Come here mid-week to experience this establishment at its best. Order a couple of share plates over the bar and a few glasses of local craft beer. Finger food includes mini Yorkshire puddings with rare roast beef, Peking duck pies and smoked rainbow trout with goat’s cheese. There are eight beers and ciders on tap. I’d suggest a pint of Steam Exchange Steam Ale from Goolwa in South Australia.
Address: 60 Bridge Road, Kensington, 5068
Contact: 00 61 8 8333 0721; therisingsun.com.au
Getting there: bus to Kensington Road (141)
Opening times: Mon-Sat, midday-midnight
Price: pint of beer from A$8; wine by the glass from A$8; share plates from A$30
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
The Wheatsheaf Hotel
Rescued from certain demolition, this large and ugly suburban pub is now one of the most vibrant, feral and downright amusing places to hang out. Best known for its astonishing range of craft beers, “the Wheaty” also offers a well-chosen wine list and plenty of rare and exotic whiskies. There’s live music on most Friday nights and weekends – everything from bluegrass, to jazz, ska, rockabilly and alternative country. But most people are here to sample hand-made, full-flavoured beer from around the world. The Wheaty has 12 beers on tap and around 200 in bottle form – there’s also an English-style hand pump. This is a great place to explore some of the boutique beer brands from Australia and New Zealand. Anything from Yeastie Boys, 8 Wired, Bridge Road and Moo Brew is worth trying – or ask the bar staff for a tasting paddle.
Address: 39 George Street, Thebarton, 5031
Contact: 00 61 8 8443 4546; wheatsheafhotel.com.au
Getting there: tram to the Entertainment Centre (Thebarton stop)
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight; Sat, midday-midnight; Sun, midday-9pm
Price: bottled beer from A$9; wine by the glass from A$7.50; whisky from A$13
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Street-ADL
For decades this space was occupied by the Universal Wine Bar, but no longer. New resident Street-ADL wants to chart a new course for dining out in an Adelaide wine bar, serving high-end street food using plenty of local ingredients, such as marron (crayfish), pipis (shellfish) and Spencer Gulf prawns. The new-look dining room is pretty industrial, with plenty of hard benches and stools but not too much warmth. It is definitely saved by the food, which ranges from great to astonishing. Don’t miss the raw, thin cut Coorong Mulloway (fish) and the BBQ Pork Ribs. Sensational. This is definitely a place to graze, refuel and then move on (there’s a formal restaurant upstairs). Street-ADL prides itself on quick-fire service, but the waiting staff can be notoriously difficult to pin down. The wine list is also impressive, brimming with interesting European and Australian labels.
Address: 285 Rundle Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8227 0344; streetadl.com
Getting there: bus to East Terrace (144)
Opening times: Mon-Sun, 11am-1am
Price: sherries from A$10.40; wine by the glass from A$10; cocktails all A$15
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
The Gallery
Rooftop bars are sprouting like mushrooms across Adelaide. The Gallery, part of the Leigh Street, Peel Street and Waymouth Street precinct, is one of the slickest venues, catering to after-work office types and the city’s growing legion of hipsters. As the name suggests, there is a private art gallery space (on level one), but for most people the all-weather rooftop space is the main attraction. Apart from stocking a decent range of local wines, beers and ciders, The Gallery also serves well-priced cocktails. If you are planning to kick back for a couple of hours, order a carafe of Gin and Tonic for just A$29. There’s also a good selection of share plates (pork belly, tempura zucchini flowers etc) which you can order at the bar.
Address: 30 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8211 8820; galleryadelaide.com.au
Getting there: 99C city loop bus to King William Road
Opening times: Tue-Thu, 11am-midnight; Fri, 11am-2am; Sat, 3pm-2am
Price: wine by the glass from $A7, beer (pint) A$8, cocktails from A$18
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
Hains & Co
Most of Adelaide’s new small bars are deliberately unpolished. They are hard industrial spaces with bad lighting and a smattering of retro fittings. This handsome laneway bar is cut from different cloth – a sophisticated space with a playful cocktail list and professional bar service. I love the layout of this place, with its compact polished bar and intimate little nooks; there's also a scattering of pavement tables. The walls are decked out with old portholes and naval prints – there’s even a historic ship’s anchor in here. In keeping with its maritime flavour, the bar carries over 25 rums and an equal number of artisan gins. This is the sort of place which is cosy enough for a late-night assignation. Hains & Co is tucked away down an obscure alleyway, but your efforts will be rewarded once you find the joint.
Address: 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: +61 8 8410 7088; hainsco.com.au
Getting there: City Loop 99A bus to King William Street
Opening times: Tue-Fri, Sun, 4pm-late; Sat, 6pm-late
Price: cocktails from A$18, wine by the glass from A$11
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Electra House
Electra House is a smart-looking establishment geared to smartly-dressed, youngish executive types. Spread over several levels, the tastefully renovated heritage building now houses an upmarket Greek restaurant (Olea), plus a bar and beer garden where most people are likely to be drawn to. The groovy indoor/outdoor space provides a sophisticated backdrop for some late-night smooching. Though the wine and beer lists are fairly predictable, you can let your hair down with the cocktails – try the muscular Firenze, a contemporary-style negroni with a Caribbean twist. If you get peckish, there’s everything from healthy salads to quality cheeseburgers.
Address: 131 King William Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: + 61 8 7123 4055; electrahouse.com.au
Getting there: City tram or City Loop 99A bus to King William Street
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 11am-late
Price: beer from A$8; cocktails from A$18; wine by the glass from A$9.50
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
£ Botanic Bar
Hankering for an old-school front bar with leather sofas, thick carpets and a chirpy bar person? Then look no further than the Botanic on North Terrace. Housed in one of Adelaide’s grandest pubs, the Botanic manages to be intimate and theatrical at the same time. At the weekends it’s a popular watering hole for wedding parties from the nearby botanic gardens – always interesting. And I love the huge painting of Napoleon resplendent on a white charger. Despite its ornate fittings, the front bar pumps out some cutting-edge cocktails. Try the Montenegro Sour or Rangoon Standard. There’s always craft beer on tap and a good selection of Australian wine. If you're feeling peckish, put your name down for a table at the in-house Thai restaurant, Goldenboy – but be prepared for a wait.
Address: 309 North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: 00 61 8 8227 0799; botanicbar.com.au
Getting there: bus to R2 stop North Terrace (140)
Opening times: Tue-Thu, 5pm-2am; Fri, 4pm- 2am; Sat, Sun, 2pm-late
Price: Cocktails from A$12; craft beer from A$16
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
Earl of Leicester
Tucked away in one of Adelaide’s most affluent suburbs is one of the city’s most raffish drinking establishments. There’s a main front bar, a bistro, gaming room and separate restaurant. The Earl of Leicester is home to the famous Liar’s Bar and carries an astonishing 150 types of beer, both imported and local, so there’s always something interesting to taste. The pub also claims to serve the biggest schnitzels (known here at schnitties) which seems to attracts patrons from around the state. Schnitzels (chicken or beef) come in two sizes: standard and extra large. The other meals are equally gargantuan. Come for lunch and meet a broad cross-section of Adelaide society between these walls.
Address: 85 Leicester Street, Parkside, 5063
Contact: 00 61 8 8271 5700; earl.com.au
Getting there: no public transport; drive or take a taxi
Opening times: daily, 9am-late
Price: glass of beer from A$6
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
The British Hotel
Unlike so many pubs in Adelaide, The British has managed to survive without installing gambling machines, massive flat screen televisions or truckloads of sports memorabilia. Dating back to 1838, this bluestone building holds one of the oldest liquor licences in South Australia and is keen to preserve its sense of heritage. The pub is a short walk from the Adelaide Oval and North Adelaide’s O’Connell Street. I like this place on a sunny weekend afternoon when you can sit on the pavement with a pint of Coopers Pale Ale and watch the world go by. For cut-price drinks get here for Happy Hour, Monday to Friday, from 4pm.
Address: 58 Finniss Street, North Adelaide, 5006
Contact: 00 61 8 8267 2188; britishhotel.com.au
Getting there: bus to North Adelaide (98A, 98C, City Connector)
Opening times: daily, 11am-12pm
Price: wine by the glass from A$7.30; Coopers beer from A$6; bar snacks from A$8.90
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
The Archer
This handsome corner pub was one of the first to embrace the craft beer revolution and continues to honour full-flavoured brews. There’s always something interesting on tap here – alongside local favourites such as Coopers Pale Ale. Apart from the bustling front bar, The Archer contains a cocktail bar, a beer garden, upstairs balcony area and several dining areas. Oh, there’s also a good pool table and a roster of live bands and DJs performing here. This is one of the best places to eat in North Adelaide, serving uncomplicated pub fare such as burgers, steaks and schnitzels. There are substantial discounts on food and drinks before major Aussie Rules Football games and daily specials from the kitchen.
Address: 60 O'Connell Street, North Adelaide, 5006
Contact: 00 61 8 8361 9300; archerhotel.com.au
Getting there: bus to North Adelaide (98C)
Opening times: Sun-Fri, 11am-late; Sun, 11am-2am
Price: pint of beer from A$7; wine by the glass from A$7.50
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
Smiling Samoyed Brewery
It’s worth driving here from Adelaide just to say the word Myponga. Named after a particularly hairy breed of dog, the Smiling Samoyed is one of South Australia’s most interesting microbreweries – and certainly its most eccentric. Housed in a giant, corrugated shed, the brewery only opens on weekends. The rest of the time these guys are brewing. Apart from its own range of pale ales, bitter beers and Kolschs, the visitor will also find plenty of other brews from around the world. I particularly like its Chili Bear. If you get bored, the shed is packed with all sorts of agricultural, musical and brewing memorabilia. A wood-fired pizza oven operates on the weekends, between midday and 3pm. The brewery usually throws a special party when releasing a new seasonal beer; check out its Facebook page for further details.
Address: 48 Main Road South, Myponga, 5202
Contact: 00 61 8 8558 6166; smilingsamoyed.com.au
Getting there: no public transport; drive or take a taxi
Opening times: Fri-Sun, 11am-6pm
Price: draught beer from A$6.50 a glass; tasting paddle A$7 (five beers); pizzas from A$17.90
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
Queen's Head Hotel
This low-slung,19th-century pub is surely one of the prettiest in Australia – and quite handy if you’re watching the cricket at the Adelaide Oval. The interiors have been given a drastic makeover and are now bright and funky if a little nondescript. There’s limited seating on the front veranda. Apart from serving really affordable drinks, the Queen’s Head also has an excellent little restaurant serving traditional pub grub like burgers, pizzas and steaks. There are plenty of local and imported beers on tap and a decent (and well-priced) wine list. The chefs roll out something special each Friday lunchtime, so check it out.
Address: 17 Kermode Street, North Adelaide, 5006
Contact: 00 61 8 8267 1139; queenshead.com.au
Getting there: bus to North Adelaide (98C)
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 11am-midnight; Sun, 11am-10pm
Price: wine by the glass from A$7; small plates from A$12.90; pizzas from A$18.90
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not necessary
Brew and Chew
Adelaide is currently obsessed with both craft beer and gourmet burgers, so why not combine both in one of the city’s grubbier precincts? Brew and Chew is refreshingly unpretentious and offers great value for money for those who want to settle in for the evening. Unlike so many craft beer joints, this Americana-themed pop-up bar has only four beer taps, plus a few more well-chosen brews in the fridge. The range includes some of Australia’s most reliable craft beer, such as Feral, Malt Fiction, Full Steam and Thunder Road, but guest brews are always welcome. Drop in for some spicy buffalo wings, a dose of thumping rock music, some pinball and the free floorshow that is Hindley Street.
Address: 111 Hindley Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: +61 8 8221 5688; facebook.com/brewandchew
Getting there: City Loop 99C bus to Hindley Street
Opening times: Mon-Thu, 3pm-3am; Fri, Sat, noon-3am
Price: pint of beer A$7, jugs of beer A$10
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
Jack Ruby
Long before Adelaide surrendered to the gourmet hamburger, this atmospheric basement joint was flying the flag for classic American grub and knee-trembling cocktails. It's named in honour of a famous assassin, and you can expect to find some killer concoctions here such as Kevin Bacon’s Espresso Martini, alongside a good showing of boutique South Australian wines and a global range of craft beers – many of them on tap. Jack Ruby may look uninviting from the street, but it’s worth the short descent into Sixties Americana. Drop in for a pre-show drink, a finger lickin’ snack (the Nashville Hot Chicken is fantastic) or groove to the resident DJ at the bar.
Address: 89 King William Street, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: +61 8 8231 5795; jackruby.com.au
Getting there: City Loop 99A bus to King William Street
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 11.30am-late
Price: cocktails from A$18; wine by the glass from A$9; craft beer from A$9
Payment type: credit cards accepted
Reservations: not possible
An insider's guide to the best wine bars, pubs, cocktail bars and nightclubs in Adelaide and South Australia. By Mark Chipperfield, Telegraph Travel's Adelaide expert.
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