Five of the best cosy bars to check out this winter

THE cooler weather means getting out on a Saturday night and stepping into a cosy bar with friends. Here are five you need to check out over winter.

55ml Bar owners Seamus Noone and Seira Hotta. Picture: Mike Burton

THE cooler weather means getting out on a Saturday night and stepping into a cosy bar with friends. Here are five you need to check out over winter.

BRKLYN

Whether you want a haircut, a bite to eat or drinks with friends, BRKLYN has got you covered. From the outside it looks a little mysterious, but wander up the stairs and you’ll be greeted with smooth tunes and some of the nicest bartenders you’ll ever meet. The drinks menu is overwhelming but if you’re a gin lover there are loads of different concoctions to try – such as the blood orange and thyme. Pair it with nibbles, including mozzarella sticks, pickled mushrooms and croquettes, and your night is sorted.

BRKLYN, 260-262 Rundle St, city, brklyn-adl.com

BRKLYN on Rundle St. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Alfred’s Bar

Alfred's Bar on Peel St. Picture: Supplied

It can be hard to pick your hangout spot down Peel St, but a favourite of mine is Alfred’s. There is a central bar where punters can pull up a stool and watch as the bartenders do their thing, or you can snag a spot out front – just don’t forget to rug up if it’s a cool night. As for the drinks, you’ll find local beer and wine, plus all the classic cocktails including G&Ts and espresso martinis.

Alfred’s Bar, 14 Peel St, city, alfredsbar.com.au

Hellbound

For those who love their big reds, fruity whites and sweet fortifieds, Hellbound is where it’s at. The wine menu is impressive with everything from champagne and chardonnay to cab sav and shiraz. Not a wine drinker? There’s also a great cocktail menu featuring negroni and martinis, or opt for a cold beer or cider. Then, make your night complete with one of Hellbound’s platters full of cheesy goodness. You won’t regret it.

Hellbound, 201 Rundle St, city, hellboundwinebar.com

Baddog

Finding this bar can be a little hard but that’s what’s so charming about Baddog. Here you’ll find live music, intimate booths and a bar flowing with drinks using the finest vodka, whisky and rum – you name it, they’ve got it. If there’s a musical friend in your group, no doubt they will try to jump on the piano and bash out a tune or two. Just remember, if the light is on out front, the bar is open. It’s the only way you’ll know.

Baddog, 63 Hyde St, city, facebook.com/baddog-832030446870700

Baddog Bar on Hyde St. Picture: Facebook

55ml

Tucked away in Mill St is this small, rustic bar set in a 1920s warehouse which once housed the Daws Family Fish Factory. It features a rotating craft beer selection and wines sourced from across the globe. Live bands regularly grace the stage or, if you consider yourself a bit of a superstar, grab the mic and take part in one of 55ml’s many karaoke nights – as long as you don’t scare off the patrons.

55ml, 33-35 Mill St, city, 55ml.bar

Where’s your favourite winter bar? Comment below.