I love the nightlife, I love to boogie
Bars
Thanks to a change in liquor licencing laws, the last couple of years has seen an explosion of small bars in Adelaide. Peel Street, running between Hindley and Currie Streets, has the highest concentration of small bars, but nowadays you’re never too far away from one in the CBD. We’ve listed a few for you below to get you started, but a more comprehensive list can be found here.
La Boheme, 36 Grote Street
Ph 8212 8884
A very cool little spot with great artwork and tunes. Laid-back early, pumping later on.
Proof, 9a Anster Street
Ph 8212 0708
Another recent addition to the streets of Adelaide, Proof serves delicious cocktails and has a vast amount of gin, all in a quaint two-storey space. Did I mention they have walking service, so you don’t even need to walk to the bar?! And if you do dabble in a few too many gins, they serve gourmet toasties to fill the belly.
Casablabla, 12 Leigh Street
Ph 8231 3939
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself swaying to the beat of a drum or dancing the night away to the exotic sounds of the planet in the two bars, or the outdoor courtyard and live music area.
Clever Little Taylor, 19 Peel Stret
Ph 0407 111 857
A cute hole-in-the wall type bar, Clever Little Taylor is brought to you by the lads from Coffee Branch. A large selection of quality and classic spirits, along with some microbrewery tap beer and vino. They do a hell of a mojito.
Clubs
Zhivago, 54 Currie Street, Basement
Ph 8212 0569
Zhivago is a hub for creative license represented through the arts, music and club culture. It is a place where people can dance, meet others and enjoy many great beverages or just let loose for a few hours and have some fun.
Mars Bar, 120 Gouger Street
Ph 8231 9639
Adelaide’s legendary gay nightclub runs until the wee small hours, making it the perfect place to kick on after a show. Along with a solid line up of DJs it also hosts drag shows and MCs.
Sugar, 274 Rundle Street
Ph 8223 6160
Sugar is open 7 nights a week with deejays every night from 9 pm until late. Hit the dance floor, shoot some pool, or just sip cocktails in the booths while you catch up with old friends or make new ones.
Live Music
The Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George Street, Thebarton
Ph: 8443 4546
Awesome beers on tap, live music, brilliant staff and an excellent all round vibe – this is our number one sponsor pub! You’re sure to find a gang of Adeladies here at any hour of the day or night.
Grace Emily, 232 Waymouth Street
Ph 8231 5500
What you’ll find: a cool pub with no pretensions and live local music 7 nights a week.
The Governor Hindmarsh, 59 Port Road, Hindmarsh
Ph 8340 0744
Just out of the city, The Gov is arguably Adelaide’s best-known and best-loved live venue.
Pubs
The Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George Street, Thebarton
See above for details
Exeter Hotel, 246 Rundle Street
Ph 8223 2623
A casual pub popular with uni students and those in the know. Good beer, good pub grub and live music every night in the beer garden.
Crown and Sceptre Hotel, 308 King William Street
Ph 8212 4159
Traditional pub meets groovy club. Eat, drink or shake it to a range of funky styles at the Sceptre.
The Metropolitan, 46 Grote Street
Ph 8231 5471
The Metropolitan is in the centre of Adelaide next to Her Majesty’s Theatre and opposite Adelaide Central Markets. Renovations have left the hotel with a traditional pub feel in a contemporary setting offering food, gaming, accommodation and entertainment.
The Botanic Bar, 310 North Terrace
Ph: 8227 0799
This is a pub, but on a fancy scale. Serving a variety of brews, but it really lies true to its cocktail roots. The cheap pizza has been replaced with food served by Golden Boy; a Thai menu designed to share.
Beer Sizes in South Australia
Schooner
Schooner = 285mls (called a ‘Middie’ ‘Ten-Ounce’ or a ‘Pot’ in some other states)
Pint
Pint = 425mls (called a ‘Schooner’ in some other states)