The Best Bars in Glenelg for Your Next Night Out

As the warmer weather (finally) approaches, it's time to dust off the summer wardrobe and reignite your social calendar. Prepare for delicious drinks and endless hours of fun in the sun as the days get longer, and the drinks start flowing. There’s nothing quite like meeting up for a tipple in the glorious sunshine, clinking glasses of refreshing cocktails while soaking up the stunning beach views and refreshing ocean breeze.

Glenelg's top-notch watering holes are not just about drinks; they're about crafting the perfect ambience for an afternoon of good vibes – all accompanied by tasty nibbles and great music! So, why settle for the ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Head west to this buzzing beachside 'burb and make memories at the best bars in Glenelg. Cheers!

Ballet Wine Bar 

Jetty Road's newest gem, Ballet Wine Bar, brings a slice of Europe to Glenelg with its chic, French-inspired interior and a selection of boutique, old-world, and European wines alongside Australia's finest interpretations. Owned by hospitality veterans Mike and Mel, Ballet offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for sipping global wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.

The space, designed by SMFA Architects and Elite Building Co., exudes old-world charm and modern elegance, with intimate tasting rooms and open windows. Pair your drinks with seasonally curated small plates, and look out for exclusive events featuring winemakers and new vintages. 

29 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Terra and Sol

This bright and airy multi-purpose venue is an aesthetic pastel dream – so be sure to be photo-ready! Terra and Sol is a premium beachside bar with good times to be had all year, best for sunny days and fabulous functions. The kitchen also boasts a multi-cultural inspired menu that is best for sharing – we highly recommend the crispy skin salmon with pea puree, or the house-made apple crumble for something sweet.

As for the drinks – the extensive menu will delight just about any thirst-quenching desire, with proudly South Australian wines, beers, ciders and cocktails all on offer. Frozen daiquiris will keep you cool, and sensational sours add a little more punch, though sometimes it's impossible to pass up a quintessential Aperol Spritz in the afternoon sun.

18 Jetty Road, Glenelg

The Moseley Bar and Kitchen

Ask any Adelaidean for a Glenelg bar recommendation, and they’ll likely mention The Moseley Bar and Kitchen. Sitting pretty in Moseley Square, it is hard to miss this vibrant double-storey spot that calls for after-work drinks, a meal with friends on the balcony, or a late-night boogie.

With events happening at The Moseley year-round, there is always something fun to do – from insulated igloos in the middle of winter to indulgent one-off dining events. The menu is perfect for sharing with friends  – with crowd-pleasing hot chips, burgers and oysters all covered on the extensive list.

For the party people, the Moseley nightclub kicks off every weekend upstairs with resident DJs lifting the mood when you aren’t quite ready to call it a night. 

11 Moseley Square, Glenelg

Threefold Distilling

A cocktail bar and tasting room after our hearts, Threefold Distilling is home to premium gin and experienced, warm hospitality in a modern venue in Glenelg East. Pop into the tasting room to try a selection of varieties on their gin flight, or choose a gin-inspired cocktail named after our favourite romantic movies. We’ll take one Titanic and one When Harry Met Sally, please!

There are Musical Bingo, themed menus and monthly cocktail-making classes to try a new skill. Locals even get a cheeky discount on Thursdays. What’s not to love?! 

1/524 Anzac Highway, Glenelg East

Fourth

Sitting back from the beach and the main square is Glenelg’s Jetty Road – a popular shopping strip of boutiques, restaurants, ice cream shops and most importantly – great bars. Fourth quickly became a crowd favourite thanks to its stunning interiors, friendly and relaxed staff, all-day menu, and delicious drinks.

With a cocktail list that oozes spritzes and vibrant flavours, this is the place to be. Our drink of choice? We can’t look past the Limoncello Spritz or the Pineapple Express – a mix of coconut tequila, orange curacao, pineapple and passionfruit.

34 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Junipers on the Marina

Stroll down Glenelg Marina to find Junipers on the Marina, a buzzing destination for live acoustic music, world-class gins, tantalizing tapas, and a relaxed beachside atmosphere. Sometimes overlooked; this little pocket of fun is easily one of the best bars in Glenelg, with no shortage of entertainment.

Come for the views of the marina and stay for the amazing tapas-style food – think oysters, BBQ pork spare ribs, nachos and grilled chorizo – plus an impressive drinks menu placing a strong focus on gin. What's in a name after all? If gin isn’t your thing, Juniper’s has you covered with beers, wines and spirits, and is a perfect spot for your next sunset sips sesh. 

11/12 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

The Moseley Beach Club

A fabulous summer-only addition to the Moseley Bar and Kitchen that well and truly deserves a mention is the Moseley Beach Club. Taking inspiration straight from the laidback beach clubs in Europe, The Moseley sits on the sand at Glenelg Beach...and the vibes are immaculate.

Grab a sun lounge, apply the sun lotion, order a pitcher of cocktails to enjoy as you watch the sunset and for a moment, you might trick yourself into thinking you’re on a European holiday. We’ll drink to that.

Check out The Moseley Beach Club socials here for 2024 updates.

Glenelg Beach, Glenelg

Marina Sunset Bar

The sun is shining and the cocktails are waiting at Marina Sunset Bar! There's no pretentiousness, just laidback fun by Glenelg Marina, where it’s all about sharing moments with friends over tasty drinks and old-fashioned pub grub, with live music or party tunes to set the mood.

Dive into tapas - the mozzarella sticks and dip board are a crowd-pleaser, and mouthwatering pizzas are available gluten-free. The drinks menu has all you could need for a good time. Choose from wines and classic cocktails, and if you're up for a big night, kickstart the party with their epic fishbowls. Gather, relax, and soak in the sunset views as you enjoy a carefree afternoon by the water.

Shop 3, Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

Oyster Bar Holdfast Shores

What do you get when you combine South Australia’s freshest oysters, prime Glenelg Marina location, a laidback atmosphere and a drinks menu of premium wines and refreshing cocktails? Oyster Bar Holdfast Shores!

Oyster lovers rejoice and head down to Glenelg, where you can perch alfresco to make your way through seriously fresh oysters, including classic Kilpatrick, panko crumb or a chilli and cheese variety. Wash it down with your favourite drink, or go for something new like the Gin & Jam cocktail – raspberry gin with jam, lemon and sugar. Yum!

Shop 10, Marina Pier, Glenelg

The Wharf 

The Wharf is one of the best restaurants in Glenelg... but it's also one of our favourite pit stops for sundowner cocktails along the Marina Pier. Lounge at a table overlooking Glenelg Beach and indulge in a colourful array of their signature or classic cocktails; from the Strawberry Blush (vodka, strawberry and elderflower liqueurs) to the warm weather stalwart of a Pina Colada. Curating the most calming, relaxing environment for everyone, The Wharf is one of the best bars in Glenelg. 

The Marina Pier, Shop 4, Glenelg 

Has our list of the best bars in Glenelg got you in the mood for a fun weekend? Why not go from a day in Glenelg to a night on the town, with these hidden bars in Adelaide? If all this talk of food makes you hungry, look at the best Italian restaurants in Adelaide.