The Best Bars in Adelaide We Drank at in 2023

Adelaide is a city brimming with fantastic bars, from iconic rooftops synonymous with summer to cosy neighborhood pubs and eclectic hidden gems.

Whether you're after a glamorous ambiance or hard-to-source wines, an intimate date night spot or inventive cocktails, there's bound to be new bar with your name on it.

These are the best bars in Adelaide that opened up in 2023. Add them to your list and visit one this weekend. Cheers!

Leigh Street Luggage

This little bar slipped under the radar when it popped up on Leigh Street in the CBD this year, but we will always find the best spots for a drink. This euro-chic wine bar will take you out of Adelaide and into a a cosy corner of Spain or France, with mood lighting and dark finishes complimenting the modern fit out, dishes with the best local produce on rotation, and orange wine for those who love a unique drop. Wanting to dip your toe in? Happy hour kicks off every weekday from 4pm to 6pm, with $14 champagne, $10 spritz, $8 wine and $6 craft beer to get to good times rolling.

22A Leigh Street, Adelaide

78 On Rundle

What once was a charming local cafe in Kent Town, 78 On Rundle has been given the glow up of the year, transforming the space into a stylish all day cafe and vibrant wine bar. Formerly known as G + Gracin, the new owners have given this venue a completely new vibe and fitout, complete with a brand new marble bar and cosy courtyard out the back that is calling our name on balmy summer evenings. With monthly cocktail specials (hello Bloody Mary November) and big and small share plates, this is the place to visit for a casual catch up without the pretension.

78 Rundle Street, Kent Town

Ambra Spirits

Following on from a bright and bold rebrand that has breathed Amalfi inspired life into Australian-owned Ambra Spirits, the liqueur distillery in Thebarton has undergone a stunning renovation to match, with the new bar open for business. Now with a dedicated in-house chef and a fancy new cocktail list (hello Ambra Limoncello), this fresh and fabulous venue is ready to host corporate events, gatherings, and anyone looking for a relaxed, welcoming place to enjoy a refreshing drink. The food menu doesn't skip out on flavour, with dishes taking inspiration direct from the Amalfi coast - think arancini with lemon ricotta, sardines with fennel, burrata with melon and juicy pork and porcini meatballs. Sign us up.

43 Phillips Street, Thebarton

East End Cellars Norwood

Popular Vardon Avenue establishment East End Cellars has expanded with a second venue, bringing the essence of their institution to Norwood in the form of East End Cellars Norwood. They're doing it in style too, by elevating the dining experience to incorporate two-hour seatings and table service. The intention is to make the East End Cellars Norwood as much of a dining and night out destination as a wine destination - and with the stunning menu in place from Executive Chef Josh Lansley, that's not going to be difficult.

Dishes range from Ligurian cumin lamb focaccia and crispy potato mille-feuille with raw beef and Murray cod caviar, to steak frites and roasted Boston Bay porchetta. 

Guests will be prompted to enjoy a drink or tasting at a communal table within the indoor space, but the primary dining setting will be outdoors, accompanied by a rotation of 1960s tunes, jazz and alternative sounds. 

East End Cellars Norwood will combine the traditional with the contemporary, and the modern, not only in terms of cuisine but also in relation to wine styles and trends. We're calling it the meeting place of the summer; a food and wine lovers' delight!

Reservations strongly encouraged for those desiring a meal

88 Magill Road, Norwood

ela at Hotel Alba

Aperitivos all 'round! Located within the striking Hotel Alba, ela, Adelaide's latest local character, is your new little slice of the Mediterranean. It's marinated in relaxed South Australian charm, inviting you to sip and swill from day to night. An unforgettable bar and dining experience awaits, as warm and inviting as the Sicilian sun, as you indulge in plates of oysters, charcuterie, octopus carpaccio and Manchego croquettes, and imbibe in good wine and better company.

Serving up locally renowned grapes, the dynamic, open-air bar is also carefully-crafting refreshing cocktails and traditional aperitivos. The only choice you have to make is whether to take your tipple poolside or by the bar.

Bottomless lunch more your vibe? Step out into ela’s poolside paradise to indulge in a three-course shared feast and two hours of bottomless prosecco and mimosas.

226 South Terrace, Adelaide

99 Gang Social

This Hindley Street gem is one of Adelaide's best new bars, giving a nostalgic nod to the United States and Havana, Cuba with a serving of delicious burgers and summer-ready cocktail list. Expect lychee martinis, whisky sours and classic margaritas alongside a tropical mango pina colada, ribena martini and spicy paloma. The wine list is local aside from a handful of French options, and there’s a selection of shooters and beers to choose from.

It's the perfect spot for a late-night big group dinner, drinking scrumptious cocktails in abundance, and dancing the night away! 

99 Hindley Street, Adelaide

Icarus

Food til late, wine til later; new food-led wine bar Icarus is offering Southern-Mediterranean cuisine, an extensive wine list, and cocktails to complement. Helmed by award-winning Head Chef John Simpson-Clements, this Peel Street venue is the brainchild of friends and pub owners; Darren Brown and Sam Stoios. Inspired by Greek mythology to bring an elevated experience to the drinking and dining scene, Icarus’ menu has been painstakingly considered, and wholly dependent on seasonality and led by producers. Think lots of sharing plates cooked over charcoal, including wood-grilled octopus with nduja, saffron aioli and chickpeas, various steak options, and a pumpkin gnocchi with chestnut and fermented chilli. Don't skip their taramasalata either. 

It's sophisticated and welcoming setting is perfect for your next romantic dinner, work knock offs, or for those simply wanting a great foodie experience without the pretension.

Ground Floor, 23 Peel Street, Adelaide

Four Sides Bar & Kitchen

There are four sides to this new bar and kitchen in Hyde Park...and all of them are good. Four Sides Bar & Kitchen is the second venture from the team behind neighbouring eatery, Bistro Francais. The focus here is on modern Australian cuisine, showcasing a wide variety of flavours, ingredients and preparations, along with local and international products. “It’s four unique backgrounds coming together, the three of us coming from different countries combined with living the Australian way of life,” says Executive Chef, Fabien Streit. 

There are also four distinct spaces within the venue, each with their own distinct feel. Grilled, smoked and charcoal-prepared dishes are being dished out, with a focus on fermentation as well, for food and drinks. The beverage list will also be varied, with whiskey and bourbon strongly featured, excellent cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. 

165/167 King William Road, Hyde Park 

Luma

Bright and light during the day and the perfect level of mood lighting for evenings, Luma is a contemporary Art Nouveau-inspired venue in the heart of Adelaide’s North Terrace. The team are shaking up an exciting range of cocktails to try out and a fantastic ‘first light to late night’ menu option of ‘The Aperitivo’. This 5pm to 7pm daily happy hour with a difference offers a selection of canapes and a wide range of Apero drinks to sip on – it’s the perfect post-work date spot.  

120 North Terrace, Adelaide

alt. Wine Bar 

alt. Wine Bar has officially opened in Hyde Park, offering an elevated destination for delicious drops and snacks, and adding a whole new facet to the already bustling King William Road district. It's an alt-ernative to the norm, an instant hot spot bringing a sleek fit-out, a world class wine list boasting more than 200 wines, and tasty small bites to nibble on. 

This new bar in Adelaide aims to show the rich diversity and quality of Australian and South Australian wines through their highly curated wine menu, passionate and informed staff and already established relationships with some of the country’s best winemakers.

151 King William Road, Hyde Park

KHOU Cellar and Wine Bar

If you’ve experienced the family-owned Barossa Valley winery Signature Wines, you know you are in for a treat with KHOU Cellar and Wine Bar in Kent Town. Take a seat in their modern indoor/outdoor settings and choose from their menu of wine, cocktails, pizza and bar plates to enjoy at your leisure. You can even pick up a bottle to take home while you’re at it.

65 King William Street, Kent Town

Coast

Exploring Glenelg Pier and the Holdfast Promenade is made all the better by stopping off at Coast for endless views over the sea and a beautiful sunset backdrop to drink in alongside your evening cocktail. There’s all day food on offer too, from breakfast and accompanying aperitifs to a seafood-packed dinner with wines, cocktails and mocktails, beers, ciders and spirits. A simply pier-fect spot.

18 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

Hahndorf Brewing Co.

Hahndorf has debuted a new brew hall in the form of Hahndorf Brewing Co. It's a true and traditional beauty, located in the marvellous Borchers Blacksmith Barn, adjacent to the Hahndorf Inn. Quintessential German bier hall vibes abound, and it plays host to its very own range of house-made and award-winning German-style beers. We're particularly charmed by its extensive 60-seat outdoor Biergarten, perfect for summer catchups with friends. 

35 Main Street, Hahndorf

1000 Island

From the team behind Sunny's Pizza comes this tiki-esque drinking wonderland. The focus at 1000 Island is set squarely on cocktails - think tropical concoctions like the classic Pina Colada or a refreshing Dark 'N' Stormy, to more unique libations like the rum and curacao-fuelled Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, and the Zombie (rum, rum, rum, rum, falernum, absinthe, grapefruit and pineapple, topped with a maraschino cherry; oh, but the name is such a good indicator of what's to come!) A few choice beers and cleverly curated selection of wines are also part of the package deal. We're calling it - this might be our favourite new bar in Adelaide. 

15 Solomon Street, Adelaide

Nearly Bar 

Three words that we've deemed essential for a good wine bar: strong snack game. That's where Nearly Bar have not nearly, but absolutely stepped up to the plate. Tuck yourself away inside this snug and low-key cool wine bar on Hindley Street, where chequerboard floors, high ceilings, a long curved bar and curved tables, stools and a communal long table invite you in. There's extra seating along the bay windows at the front of the bar and outside on the street too, which allows the small space to breathe an air of roominess. Dappled in afternoon sunlight, you'll find it impossible to resist the beautifully curated list of South Australian focused wines and more compact list of classic cocktails and beer. On the food front, order up a plate of cured meats and cheeses alongside other snacky fare, including white beans swimming in olive oil, with burnt lemon and spice, olives and the delicious homemade bread. 

179 Hindley Street, Adelaide 

Nevermind Bar

Tucked away behind the rather excellent cocktail bar Leigh Street Luggage is this late-night, low-key hangout.

Nevermind Bar is a red-lit spot for a good time and some of the best cocktails in town. The team are mixing things up with their caramelised popcorn espresso martini and bourbon-based American apple pie cocktails, whilst also providing a stellar range of other drinks that makes picking your poison a difficult (but also delightful) task. Dive in on a Thursday night, when the bar hosts a DJ night fuelled by a classic collection of old-school hip-hop.

22A Leigh Street, Adelaide

Dokeo

Cafe by day, bar by night - Dokeo is officially our new favourite spot in Adelaide. Tucked away in an old motorcycle workshop in the CBD, this friendly, unpretentious space champions local, and small batch producers with a menu brimming with fresh, seasonal fare. Whatever your poison (be it coffee or a SA-style natty wine), take a sip (and a seat) and await dishes like beef tartare with salt cured duck yolk and housemade rice cracker, Filipino chicken adobo, cauliflower with roasted chilli tahini, and grilled pork skewers with housemade pico de gallo and plenty of fresh lime. More of a morning person? Their delicious spread of sandos, toasties, and pastries will bring joy first thing.

It's food, wine, coffee and atmosphere so good, you'll want to share this spot immediately with friends (and then the 'gram). 

18 Gunson Street, Adelaide

Next Door Bar

Head here for a gin flight, blood orange spritz or strawberry Negroni ASAP. Offering a sophisticated take on a modern cocktail bar, Next Door Bar has arrived with 100 different types of international and local craft gins to its name. The sister venue to Prohibition Liquor Co, and sitting pretty right next door (we see what they did there), Next Door Bar's warehouse-chic aesthetic, with funky mural included, serves up both warmth and character in spades. An easy place to spend a few hours with friends, enjoying all kinds of cocktails (if gin isn't your thing) and sharing a selection of tasty tapas and antipasto. 

24 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 

Smokelovers Bar 

Go for a splash of nostalgia, stay for the expert wine list and finely crafted cocktails. Down in East End in a former tobacco retailer, Smokelovers will have you slipping into a dizzying haze of delicious drinking, with retro flair and simple snacks adding to the easiness of it all. The perfect meet up before moving on destination, sip on a smoky mezcal margarita, a classic martini or aromatic blanc, before departing for a French-fused feast at Hey Jupiter, for an ample serving of schnitzel from Exeter Hotel, or for a cute date night at The Palace Nova. 

244 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Noori

Regional wine bar Noori is the perfect place to head for a much-needed escape from the city. Their bright and minimalist interiors of bare stone and open ceilings are decorated with wine bottles that give a taste of what’s to come as you browse a tasty menu of pintxos and oysters, joined by an excellent range of wines, aperitifs and cocktails.

2/20 Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga

Bar Riot

This fantastically sleek wine bar is Gilbert Street’s trusty new local watering hole, rolling out South American fare and a wine list that celebrates fresh South Australian easy-drinkers alongside iconic wines from far-flung vineyards. Stop by to say hey and grab a carafe from their Riot-filled vase, settle in for the Chef’s impeccable tasting menu, or pop through for a quick glass and a feed.

There are oysters with tomato consommé and fermented jalapeno, Sobrassada with sourdough and pickled vegetables, and pan-fried paprika and garlic prawns for all you happy snackers out there. A beacon for better wines and better times, Bar Riot is a smooth operator and the relaxed local hangout every great neighbourhood needs.

57 Gilbert Street, Adelaide

The Light Room

Located upstairs above Aurora Dining Room and The Lab, The Light Room really is new art and soul of Adelaide. It’s a three-in-one bar, gallery and event space bringing people together to celebrate, connect and explore, while commanding a marvellous view over Light Square. Serving up bespoke cocktails with a side of immersive experiences and fine art, it must be seen to be believed.

Step inside for more than just a cocktail or local, sustainable wine – there’s also a small but vibrant selection of snacks to tide you over until you move into the moody, all-black gallery next door, including the freshest Leeuwin Coast oysters served with ponzu sauce and cheese and charcuterie platters.

Take your time walking through the expansive gallery, before discovering the studio, a futuristic space with two huge LED screens that wrap entirely around the walls.

A super cool blend of creativity, technology and hospitality invoking breathtaking and innovative experiences – and a new way to think and drink in Adelaide.

Light ADL, Level 1/63 Light Square, Adelaide

Dolly

Hello, Dolly! From the crew behind Bar Lune, Unley’s cool new kid on the block is making waves. Dolly is a bar and eatery oozing sass and sophistication, perfect for date nights, late nights, and great nights. Enjoy a fun selection of cocktails as your perch at the cool concrete bar in the middle of the room, or dive into the approachable, locally skewed wine list like you will the mirrored chrome ceiling above – never will your reflection be more arresting!

While the menu is more drinks-focused, the food is no afterthought. It includes an inspired menu of snacks and share plates that will have you on an endless ordering stream; think crab soldiers, kangaroo tartare, and even a grilled cheese sandwich with mushroom and Vegemite. 

With a DJ on site on Friday and Saturday nights, this is our new go-to for drinks and mingles with a couple of the girls, with a winning combination of club, bar and restaurant, with a touch of disco.

246 Unley Road, Unley

Thirsty Tiger 

Head upstairs to paradise, at Gang Gang Social's newest sister bar and restaurant, Thirsty Tiger. This watering hole is for those looking for a weekend escape from the bustling Hindley Street. Open Friday through Sunday, it's serving up burgers, shared plates and bar snacks, tropical cocktails and natty wines aplenty. 

99A Hindley Street, Adelaide

Pastel

This new timber-lined neighbourhood wine bar is serving up delicious drops, a sharp snacks menu and larger plates like chargrilled octopus skewers, kingfish sashimi and coconut-braised beef short rib with green mango and roasted rice. Nightly DJ's and a lush courtyard round out this smooth operator. 

47 O'Connell Street, North Adelaide 

Mismatch Brewpub

The Mismatch Brewpub has opened its location at Whitmore Square, previous home to Sparkke at the Whitmore. Patrons can order a pint fresh from their in-house brewery, everything from classic favourites to their range of experimental beers, and all best enjoyed alongside some food on the sunny rooftop space. Bottoms up.

317 Morphett Street, Adelaide

Looking for more spots for a good time now that you've had a cocktail in one of the best bars in Adelaide that opened in 2023?  We've got plenty of delicious eateries and drinking haunts (aka the coolest pubs in Adelaide) to fuel your appetite. From gourmet burgers to Italian joints, there is no shortage of delicious food in Adelaide, either!