Adelaide’s best beer gardens, rooftop bars

Winter outstayed its welcome, but summer is finally here. And Adelaide’s leafy green beer gardens, swanky rooftop bars and oceanside cocktail spots are calling. Here are some of the best.

With winter, thankfully, a distant memory and gloriously long days and balmy nights finally here, Adelaide’s alluring outdoor bars give off a siren call.
For six glorious months, you can forget sticky dives and dimly-lit underground clubs; this is the season to lose yourself in leafy beer gardens, watch the sun set over the ocean with a cocktail in hand and soak up some rays at luxurious rooftop bars.

2KW

2KW Bar and Restaurant, Adelaide Images supplied by restaurant

It takes two elevator rides to get to Adelaide’s OG rooftop bar, but once you emerge on the ninth floor you’ll be rewarded with some of the city’s best views over Government House, the Park Lands and beyond. The impeccable beverage list includes wines poured direct from the barrel, cellared back vintage beers and an impressive collection of rare whiskies alongside elevated bar snacks from the adjoining restaurant. Put it all together, and it’s no surprise this sophisticated spot fills up quickly in summer. And here’s a tip: Book one of the private LA-inspired cabanas to skip the line and get table service once you’re inside.

Address: 2 King William St, Adelaide

2KW website

WEST ROOFTOP BAR

West Rooftop Bar. Henley Beach

West Rooftop Bar. Henley Beach

This second-storey cocktail joint beside Henley Square proves that when it comes to rooftop bars, height isn’t everything. Helmed by the bartending whiz behind Maybe Mae, it’s every bit as stylish as its city cousin thanks to a blond timber bar and plush turquoise velvet booths, but the focus is well and truly on the surrounding scenery. Visit at sunset to watch the sun sinking into the sparkling waters of Gulf St Vincent while sipping on exquisite cocktails that pair retro vibes with super-fresh flavours perfectly suited to the beachside location.

Addresss: Level 1/269 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach

West Rooftop Bar website

ROXIE’S

Roxie's on Grenfell St, city. Picture: Supplied.

There’s so much greenery at this urban oasis that it feels like you need a safari suit to enter, and that kind of get up fits right in with the fun, fashion-forward crowd inside. A street-facing café doing morning trade transforms into a bustling beer garden from lunchtime, with a dozen taps and 15 wines from across SA accompanied by fresh, colourful share plates like charred sugarloaf cabbage with macadamia cream and spring onion oil. Things get even busier on Wednesday nights, thanks to specials like $10 wood-oven pizzas and $12 jugs of beer.

Address:188 Grenfell St, Adelaide

Roxie’s website

SCENIC HOTEL

Scenic Hotel. Adelaide's best bars.

The free pool table inside is tempting, but keep walking and you’ll discover a wraparound balcony that helps this venue live up to its name with impressive views over the city, as well as a long driveway that’s been transformed into a bustling al fresco dining area. A new ownership team has transformed this old school boozer into the hippest hangout in the Hills, with regular live gigs and festivals shining a spotlight on sustainability. That sense of community extends to a drinks list dominated by boutique Adelaide Hills winemakers and a kitchen that heroes other local producers.

Address: Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit

Scenic Hotel website

MISMATCH BREWPUB

SAWeekend of Sparkke at the Whitmore.

Not content with having a hand in one of the state’s best dining venues at Lot.100, this much-loved brewery has taken over the house that Sparkke built in the CBD. The grand 180-year-old bluestone pub looks better than ever after a quick makeover, and the spacious second-storey beer garden overlooking Whitmore Square is the spot to head in summer. A dozen taps are pouring everything from the classic session ale to seasonal specials like juicy hazies and eye-poppingly tart fruit sours, and soon you’ll be able to smell deliciously smoky proteins charring on the giant outdoor barbecue as well.

Address: 317 Morphett St, Adelaide

Mismatch Brewpub website.