Adelaide’s 25 coolest bars for a hot summer
IT’S January, the sun is shining and plenty of bars are ready to help you celebrate the warm weather. Here are 25 hot spots worth checking out this summer.
DON’T let the holiday spirit die just yet. It’s January, the sun is shining and plenty of bars are ready to help you celebrate the warm weather. Here are 25 hot spots worth checking out this summer.
City
Hennessy Rooftop Bar
The rooftop bar at the Mayfair hotel in the historic Colonial Mutual building oozes glamour and sophistication. Along with stunning views from Rundle Mall to Adelaide Hills, Hennessy features stylish interior spaces and a glass-topped alfresco terrace and balcony. It’s a great location for summer afternoon catch-ups, pre-dinner drinks or after-dark celebrations, complete with a DJ spinning tracks on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar offers a selection of local and international wine, beer and spirits, as well as innovative cocktails. “What I love most about Hennessy is that we offer a classy bar environment and product, but match this with a style of service and ambience that makes our customers feel relaxed and at home,” bar manager Tysen Kogler says.
45 King William St, city, mayfairhotel.com.au/hennessy
Pimm’s Garden Bar
Nothing says summer like a cold jug of Pimm’s, and what better way to enjoy the drink than by visiting the Pimm’s Garden Bar at Adelaide Casino. The pop-up venue officially opened in December and will remain a fixture in Station Lane (to the right of the casino near Sean’s Kitchen) until the end of January. Visitors can enjoy live DJs every Friday from 6pm. If you’re going with a group of mates, order a jug or two and snag a spot in the laneway where you can chill out and watch the world go by. It’s open every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-1am.
Station Lane, Adelaide Casino, North Tce, city, adelaidecasino.com.au
Ambra Liqueurs Spritz Bar
Nestled in the back streets of Thebarton, Ambra Liqueurs has been producing authentic Italian liqueurs since 1998. Not only does it have a cellar door, but the addition of its outdoor Spritz Bar means locals can head there for Friday knock offs. Whether it’s a refreshing cosmopolitan or Jaffa martini with friends, the bar has got you covered with an impressive drinks menu. Most concoctions are well-priced at $10 and feature all of Ambra’s creations – limoncello, agrumello (orange), tangelo, amaretto (almond), cappuccino and chocolatino liqueurs.
43 Phillips St, Thebarton, ambraliqueurs.com.au
Spot & Co
Whether it’s a Scottish whisky, Polish vodka or Mexican rum, Spot & Co ticks all the boxes of a perfect summer bar. Its menu offering also includes a wide range of gin, tequila, wine and liqueur from boutique and family brands, plus craft beer and cider that go down well on a warm night. If it’s too hot outside, Spot & Co has a cool and cosy indoor bar. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm-midnight, and Friday and Saturday, 4pm-1am.
129 Melbourne St, North Adelaide, spotandco.com.au
Roxie’s
A welcome addition to the East End, Roxie’s opened its doors in early November at the former home of Little Miss Mexico, Little Miss Miami, Little Miss Dive Shop, Crab Shack and Superfish. Punters can expect lots of hanging plants, wood and exposed brick walls, which give the bar and restaurant an earthy, rustic feel. There is plenty of seating, ice cold bevvies and music – the perfect combination for a summer night out.
188 Grenfell St, city, facebook.com/roxiesgardenbar
WEST
Seacliff Beach Hotel
They say real estate is all about “location, location, location”, but Seacliff Hotel manager Peter Humphrey says that also rings true when it comes to enjoying an afternoon out. “As soon as it starts getting warm, we start getting slammed here,” Mr Humphrey says. People frequently are jostling for a spot on the pub’s balcony, he says, to watch the sun setting over the ocean. “Upstairs opens at midday every day and quite often at this time of year, there will be a line up there ready to go. Friday night is our biggest night – it’s called 90s at Nine, and we have $5 espresso martinis, which are all the rage.”
221 Esplanade, Seacliff, seacliffbeachhotel.com.au
The Mile End
Founded 176 years ago and still attracting strong crowds, The Mile End is a great spot to meet friends on a summer’s afternoon. The Henley Beach Rd watering hole, which boasts a beer garden out the back, has an eclectic fitout with bar tables and booths – perfect for a laid back drink or lunch. Try the Mexican burger, with tomato, guacamole, American cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, jalapeños and greens, plus your choice of protein. The pub proudly advertises its gin fizz, with a range of SA gins and flavouring, such as blackberry, blood orange and elderflower, served with tonic or soda water over crushed ice. There’s also a wide range of espresso martinis and cocktails on offer.
30 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End, mileendhotel.com.au
Largs Pier Hotel
Snare a spot in this pub’s alfresco area to make the most of a balmy afternoon at Largs. Venue manager Gareth Clark says the pub – once a venue of choice for Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel – becomes “200 per cent busier” in summer. “We have alfresco areas out the front so you can watch the sun set every night,” he says. The pub’s Singapore sling is a popular summer choice, reflecting its Largs Bar’s loose modelling on the colonial-style luxury Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
198 Esplanade, Largs Bay, largspierhotel.com.au
Warradale Hotel
It’s been five years since the Warradale had a major renovation, and it’s still paying dividends. That is especially the case when summer hits and locals are looking for somewhere with a great beer garden to meet family or friends. With four menus – garden, bistro, tavern and platters – you are bound to find something that takes your fancy. The bistro also boasts a huge drinks list (I’m not kidding – it’s 24 pages long).
234 Diagonal Rd, Warradale, warradalehotel.com.au
The Bartley Hotel
Grab a table on the deck or a lounge chair overlooking the lake for a chilled out afternoon in the ’burbs. This recently-renovated watering hole offers a range of pub favourite food. If you’re skint after the Christmas period, you can grab a meal here without breaking the bank. They have a $13 lunch menu from Monday to Saturday, which features dishes including broad bean fritters, roast of the day, tuna patties and garden vegetable tangine. Or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the ice cream sandwich, with white chocolate and raspberry ice cream, sandwiched between Anzac cookies – yum.
Bartley Tce, West Lakes Shore, thebartley.com.au
SOUTH
The Woodcroft Hotel
This hotel is the ideal spot to enjoy a Sunday afternoon, where you can chill out on the deck while sipping on delicious cocktails. Or for something more upbeat, the Barn Bar has live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The hotel is well known for its tank beer – unpasteurised Carlton Draught delivered direct from the brewery and poured from a copper tank. Venue manager Lindsie Briscoe describes the beer as “fresh and unique”, adding a tank beer infused cocktail has been added to the menu. The Cherry Brew ($15), which includes Disaronno liqueur, spiced rum, ginger beer, lime and tank beer, is sure to spice up the night.
Corner Bains Rd and Panalatinga Rd, Woodcroft, thewoodcrofthotel.com.au
The Victory Hotel
This is the place to head to when you want to enjoy picturesque views with a glass of wine in hand. Owner Doug Govan says the hotel boasts “sensational” views over McLaren Vale and the ocean. This popular hotel is well known for its elegantly decorated 100sq m cellar, where you can enjoy wine-paired dinners.
Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill, victoryhotel.com.au
Goodieson Brewery
Chill out on the terrace overlooking a tree-lined street at this brewery. “We have a beautiful deck where you sit amongst the vines and enjoy a cold beer,” owner Mary Goodieson says. The cellar door offers guided tastings of six different beers, or visitors can try a paddle of four brews. Food is not available for purchase, but Goodieson Brewery allows visitors to pack picnic baskets for lunch, making it a family-friendly environment. Even your furry friends can come along too, so long as they are on a lead.
194 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale, goodiesonbrewery.com.au
The Beach Hotel
With its beachy design and outdoor beer garden, the Beach Hotel is a great place to unwind after a busy week. From the moment you arrive, you feel like an invited guest at a yacht club. If you’re feeling peckish, order something off the hotel’s extensive menu, or grab a specialty cocktail jug ($25) to share with friends.
Corner Commercial Rd and Griffiths Drive, Seaford, beachhotelseaford.com.au
Summer at Christies
Summer at Christies is the picture-perfect spot for beach lovers and those who feel the need to get away. Manager Hadleigh Walker says it is the best place to watch “the most beautiful sunset in SA” while sipping on an Aperol spritz. “We’re trying to show how great Christies Beach is ... the Esplanade is amazing and it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down,” Mr Walker says. If you’re feeling peckish while taking in the view, try one of the wood oven pizzas ($10). This pop-up bar will run until February 4, so get in quick.
Corner of Esplanade/Beach Rd, Christies Beach, 0412 950 116
EAST
The Edinburgh Hotel & Cellars
Some beer gardens are little more than a glorified patio with a pot plant in the corner, but The Ed’s sprawling beer garden is exactly what is says on the box – a garden. With a grassed area and trees for shade, there are few better places to kick back for a refreshing froth and soak up the beauty of summer. It is a popular spot, so you might have to fight your way to a table – even in the middle of the week. Bartender Alexis Zakula says the beer garden is a big drawcard, as is the menu, including a selection of scrumptious burgers. “Tuesdays go off with the uni students,” says Ms Zakula of the mid-week sessions, when it hosts a DJ.
1 High St, Mitcham, edinburgh.com.au
Lucky’s Beach Club
Want to enjoy a drink while sitting in the sand, but can’t be bothered packing up the car? Look no further than Lucky’s Beach Club just off Magill Rd. But be quick. There are only a few days left to enjoy this pop-up bar. Nestled in the carpark of the Maid and Magpie, you will find a makeshift beach complete with sand, umbrellas and lounge chairs. Employee Michael Hanlan says the bar offers a point of difference for punters. “We wanted to create a different area where people could come to and chill out – what better thing than a bar at the beach,” Mr Hanlan says. Lucky’s Beach Club is open until January 14, weekdays from 5pm and weekends from noon.
1 Magill Rd, Stepney, luckysbeachclub.com
Base
Whether it is sharing a nice bottle of red or digging into a crusty, wood-oven pizza, Base is your place to relax over summer. With a range of craft beers, cocktails and South Australian wines on offer, this Parade bar has become a fan favourite. If you’re looking for something to share, it is hard to look past the selection of mouth-watering pizzas. Venue manager Michael Coffey says its range of quality food is attracting a crowd. “The tapas menu, the open kitchen and the space we have provides a really relaxed feeling,” he says.
234 The Parade, Norwood, bathhotel.com.au
The Feathers Hotel
If you are a fan of kicking back in a comfortable beer garden, the Feathers Hotel is the place for you. After undergoing a $4 million upgrade two years ago, this Glynburn Rd pub has welcomed scores of people looking to unwind with a drink and a share plate of fine foods. General manager Andrew McDowell says the beer garden is a hotspot for people looking to unwind. “The beer garden definitely has a warm feel to it and is a very social space as we get that afternoon sun,” he says.
516 Glynburn Rd, Burnside, matthewshotels.com.au/feathershotel
The Duck Inn
If you’re around the hills and in need of a quick tipple, you could do well to duck in to The Duck for a sneaky one. The English-style bar with plenty of wood and chesterfield furniture spills out on to the deck, where you can enjoy a quiet drink overlooking the picturesque hills. Manager Breanna Scoldt says it is most popular with couples and families looking for a quiet beverage with a relaxed vibe. “The scenery gets them in,” Ms Scoldt says. “The outlook with the trees is quiet peaceful.” Grab yourself a G&T with one the flavoured tonics The Duck has at the moment, or perhaps a glass of rose – which is currently on tap.
393 Main Rd, Coromandel Valley, duckinn.com.au
North
Somerset Hotel
The new garden bar at this tucked-away spot in Para Hills opened last month and punters have quickly made it their new local, manager Tristan Langan says. “People are flocking to it,” Mr Langan said. “We’re bringing live music back to the area with acoustic music on Friday nights and a DJ later, and bands on Saturdays.” The pub also has new cocktail and food menus with all-day dining from noon to 9pm. There’s a TV screen in every booth so you will not miss a minute of summer sport either. Call ahead to book a booth.
505 Bridge Rd, Para Hills, somersethotel.com.au
The St Kilda Beach Hotel
Watch the sun set over the gulf with a glass of wine in hand at this beachside spot. Duty manager Natasha Lightfoot says the newly launched menu has plenty of pub favourites, and a children’s menu makes it a great spot to take family visiting during the warmer months. Escape the heat and enjoy a pint at the bar or sit down to enjoy $10 lunch specials from noon until 2pm Monday to Friday. And if you have a summer birthday or other event coming up the upstairs function area has unbeatable views.
2 Fooks Tce, St Kilda, stkildabeachhotel.com.au
The Fox and Firkin
One of Tea Tree Gully’s oldest historical buildings is also one of its most popular pubs, no matter what the weather. The Fox and Firkin is a British-style pub set at the base of the Adelaide Hills, which was built in 1853 as a flour mill. Boasting a great selection of beers on tap – many imported from the UK – the pub also does a selection of hearty meals, with dining available inside and outside in the beer garden. Cooling misters keep the temperature down in the beer garden during hot summer afternoons.
1370 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully, foxandfirkin.com.au
Coopers Alehouse Gepps Cross
Escape the scorching heat of summer in the Coopers Alehouse Gepps Cross with a pint under the water misters in the beer garden. Hire a booth for up to 15 people in the outdoor bar – there’s even fridges installed so your drinks will be waiting for you when you arrive. Manager Siobahn Miller says there is music throughout summer. “We’ve got everything from acoustic duos to bands and DJs,” she says. If you are hungry, enjoy a chicken Hawaiian or Mexicana pizza or salt and pepper calamari in the restaurant while swilling down a range of craft beers from a $10 beer paddle.
560 Main North Rd, Blair Athol , coopersalehousegeppscross.com.au
Paradise Hotel
Paradise Hotel reopened last month with a new menu, two in-house theatres and a new dining area following a $3 million renovation to make the popular pub more family-focused. The new restaurant area, now at the front of the hotel off Lower North East Rd, can seat up to 250 people with extra space at the bar. The theatre rooms, replacing an old play area, screens children’s movies and TV shows, while there is a renewed focus on live entertainment from Thursdays to Sunday. Hotel manager Adrian Prosser says the old pub had become a “little bit rundown” and needed an overhaul. “Overall, the response has been really positive,” he says.
700 Lower North East Rd, Paradise , paradisehotel.com.au
What summer bars would you add to the list? Leave your suggestions below.