The 15 Best Pubs In Adelaide

Adelaide is culturally enriched by its wonderfully trendy pubs that all offer a distinctively different experience.

The capital of South-Australia doesn’t fall behind any of its northern counterparts when it comes to it’s pub culture. In fact, it’s ahead in many ways!

The vast array of cosy, intimate venues along with larger, bistro-style pubs means that there’s an array of options to choose from and the live music scene is also thriving as a result.

Whether you are looking to source a new ‘local’, catch up with family and friends, organise a work event or simply catch a glimpse of upcoming talent, you’ll be certain to find the venue to suit you from the list below. 

15 Best Pubs In Adelaide

Stanley Bridge Tavern

Location: 41 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun, SA 5245 Ph: (08) 8388 7249
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm

This venue boasts a stunning, open fire that ensures the tavern has a cosy ambience.

It is a favourite with locals due to its generously sized beer garden. The kitchen also knocks out some excellent pub meals. In particular, the Tomato Braised Lamb Shoulder ($80 for 2) gets rave reviews.

This place will never leave you disappointed when you’re simply seeking wholesome food and familial comfort on a cold evening.

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Stirling Hotel

Location: 52 Mount Barker Road, Stirling, SA 5152 Ph: (08) 8339 2345
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11am – 12am, Fri: 11am – 1.30am, Sat: 8am – 1.30am, Sun: 8am – 12am

The Stirling Hotel is an older venue that is undoubtedly part of the fabric of Adelaide’s pub culture.

There is something to please everybody here as they boast a luxurious restaurant, a pizza bar, bistro, reputable accommodation, a library and a function area. Seriously, What doesn’t the Stirling Hotel have?

They also switch up their menu with an abundance of fun twists and modern takes on pub classics.

The stunning veranda and outdoor area makes the Stirling Hotel the perfect spot for gatherings of family and friends alike.

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The Crafers Hotel

Location: 8 Main Street, Crafers, SA 5152 Ph: (08) 8339 2050
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11.3am – 10pm

This pub has undergone a classy transformation into a stunning bistro-pub that boasts internationally renowned wines.

With opulent decor, luxurious rooms, and superb food and drink, The Crafers Hotel is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Adelaide. Or just to pop in for dinner and a glass of wine if you’re a local.

The Uraidla Hotel

Location: 1198 B26, Greenhill Road, Uraidla SA 5142 Ph: (08) 8390 0500

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 10pm, Sat – Sun: 8.30am – 11pm

What once was a dingy old venue, this pub has transformed into one of the trendiest spots in Adelaide and is renowned for its wonderful craft ales.

There is also a humongous glasshouse that boasts stunning views of the oval. The menu is also experimental and their pork ramen is a must-try!

If you are looking for a more British option to suit the vibe, be sure to try their SA fish and chips. You are guaranteed to have a wholesome time at this venue!

The Austral Hotel 

Location: 205 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8310 0210

Opening Hours: Tues – Wed: 12pm – 12am, Thurs: 12pm – 1am, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 3am, Sun – Mon: 12pm – 10pm

The Austral Hotel is always ready to embrace the crowd and has become a marked favourite on Adelaide’s main street since as far back as the 1880s!

It’s reputation speaks for itself and their traditional pub meals and vast array of alcoholic beverages ensures that no night out is complete without first stepping into this venue.

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The Hotel Metropolitan

Location: 46 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8231 5471

This is the perfect pub for hearing music from local musicians and it is well known for its relaxed ambience.

There are also two outdoor beer gardens where you can pop out and escape the noise whilst sipping on the finest beer Adelaide has to offer.

Their pub dishes are crafted with an International twist making this the perfect venue for your avid traveller too. This is an authentic pub experience that shouldn’t be slept on.

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Sparkke At The Whitmore 

Location: 317 Morphett Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 7123 0808
Opening Hours: Mon – Tues: Closed, Wed – Sun 12pm – 12am

This venue is the perfect spot for those seeking a hearty pub meal and a beer in the CBD. Their beers also champion social justice making them a standout option on this list.

With slogans like “consent can’t come after you do”, this industrial pub undoubtedly has warmth and integrity at it’s core and the service is undoubtedly reflective of this.

Definitely one to recommend.

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Grace Emily Hotel

Location: 232 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8231 5500
Opening Hours: Mon 4pm – 1am, Tues: 4pm – 9pm, Wed – Fri 4pm – 1am, Sat 6pm – 1am, Sun: Closed

15 Best Pubs In Adelaide

Quirky tends to be an over-used word these days. However, the Grave Emily Hotel is often described as such and with good cause. It’s also, in our view, one of the best pubs in Adelaide.

This reputable venue hosts slam poetry nights as well as general open mics and live music events. Whilst their food menu may not be extensive, their wine menu is.

So be sure to come ready to indulge in the finest SA wines in the whole of Adelaide presented to you on an old school chalkboard.

Crown And Anchor 

Location: 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph:(08) 8223 3212
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 3am, Sun: 2pm – 12am

This pub is known to Adelaide’s locals at “The Cranker” and this name abbreviation should tell you all you need to know about the level of love that people have for it.

It is an undoubtedly classic venue that stands out amongst Adelaide’s ever changing and modernised bar culture.

Their pinball machine, comedy and live music makes this place an entertainment hotspot without it needing to change a thing.

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The Exeter

Location: 26 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8223 2623
Opening Hours: Mon – Tues: 11am – 1am, Wed – Sat: 11am – 3am, Sun: 11:30am – 2am

This pub is situated neatly on the corner of the busy Rundle Street and is undoubtedly one of the finest pubs in Adelaide.

They host live music events nearly every night and their inexpensive food options include a phenomenal steak sandwich as well as an array of vegetarian choices. This is not one to miss which is why it’s one of our best pubs in Adelaide.

West Oak Hotel

There’s something for everyone at this pub. It only serves local beers and wines and offers an uncomplicated, traditional menu.

Their beer garden and live music combined ensures that there is always a vibrant atmosphere at this pub.

They have also added a deli-cafe which is popular amongst the local students and the top floor boasts a stunning art gallery making this a distinctly unique venue.

Location: 208 Hindley Street, Adelaide
Opening Hours: Mon – Tues: 4pm – 11pm, Thurs: 12pm – 11pm, Thurs: 12pm – 3pm, Fri: 12pm – 12am, Sat:: 4pm – 3am

The Wheatsheaf Hotel 

Location: 39 George Street, Thebarton, SA 5031 Ph: (08) 8443 4546

Opening Hours: Mon: 3pm – 10pm, Tues: Closed, Wed – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm, Fri: 3pm – 11pm, Sat: 2pm – 11pm, Sun: 2pm – 9pm

If you are looking for a cool beer on a balcony, then this is the spot for you.

The Wheatsheaf Hotel is renowned for serving the finest craft beers from across the world and also boasts an in-house brewery.

The alternating food trucks outside make this a fun and vibrant venue that never misses

Port Admiral Hotel

Location: 55 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, SA 5015 Ph: (08) 8341 2249
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tues: 4pm – 9.30pm, Wed – Thurs: 4pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 12am, Sun: 12pm – 4pm

This is one of the oldest venues in Adelaide but it is still full of life. It boasts a stunning open-fire barbecue and serves only local beers. The Port Local is a favourite and a must-try.

Take your BBQ game up a notch with some of the newest equipment on the market.

This is also a spacious venue making it perfect for gatherings of family or friends alike.

For some of the best beer gardens in Melbourne, click here.

The Stag Hotel

Location: 299 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tues – Wed: 12pm – 12am, Thurs – Sun: 12pm – 2am

This pub adopts the persona of a classic East End pub with a classic aesthetic and delicious food.

It has been open since 1849 and so is the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernity and the interior design and food choices reflect this.

Be sure to purchase a cob loaf and split it between your friends to soak up that alcohol.

The Norwood Hotel

Location: 97 The Parade, Norwood, SA 5067 Ph: (08) 8431 1822
Opening Hours: Sun – Tues: 11am – 9:30pm, Wed – Thurs: 11am – 10pm, Fri: 11am – 2am, Sat: 11am – 1am

This is a heritage-pub and a renowned local institution. It is inspired by Irish culture and its older exterior/interior will leave you feeling like you are sipping in Dublin.

They serve the finest local beers and have an extensive list of wines on offer. There are also four distinct dining areas that serve modern Aussie meals which makes it ideal for reunions with friends.

They also host live must events and gigs from local and upcoming artists.

If you like a bit of heat in your food, check out our guide to the Best Indian Restaurants in Adelaide.

The King’s Head (BONUS)

Location: 357 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: (08) 7132 0684
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tues – Sun: 11.30am – 11.30pm

This pub takes supporting local produce to a whole new level, only serving beer, food and wine that is directly sourced from South Australia.

This means that you’ll only be sampling the finest craft beer in this venue and will only be able to drink these beers at The King’s Head, specifically.

This has attracted a wide range of returning ‘locals’, who pride themselves on only drinking locally brewed beverages.

There are also a wide range of board games abatable to play and as such, this venue has become one of the cosiest, warmest pubs in Adelaide making it perfect for a quieter gathering of friends.

If you are looking to nestle into a pub with a relaxed ambience that also takes great pride in it’s Australian heritage or if you suffer from any form of social anxiety, this is the spot for you!

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The Scenic Hotel

Location: Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit, SA 5136 Ph: (08) 8390 1705

Honestly, you really don’t have to do much to entice out of the city and into the Adelaide Hills. However, if that trip to the countryside also includes an hour or 2 at the Scenic Hotel, we’ve out the door quick smart.

Sitting pretty at the high up Norton Summit and surrounded by glorious trees, wineries and more, this boozer is true to its name.

Swing by on a sunny day and you’ll find the charming beer garden packed with contented customers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy and frosty and tucked into some superior pub grub whilst taking in the view down the valley. Our choice from the menu? Well, we’re big fans of the House Smoked Nomad Chicken, Smith Gully’s Beets, Chard & Labneh ($34). Add in a portion of the Scenic’s Shoestring Chips and House Ketchup and we can sit and graze for hours.

Why not come and join us?

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Dylan Cole
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