Adelaide’s laneway renaissance has brought with it an abundance of small bars. From a book-themed cocktail den to a gin bar curated with a selection of 25 local gins, there’s something for every drinker.
Wine lovers will be well taken care of at Mother Vine. The cellar door is stocked with natural, minimal-intervention wines and has recently been joined by a sommelier from 2KW.
Merrymaker Rooftop Bar
Merrymaker claims to be Adelaide’s tallest rooftop bar and it is certainly a fun place for a day drinking session. This bright and airy spot is full of good vibes and they offer a great selection of cocktails, wine and beer. You can also enjoy a range of local tapas, including Cheesy Corn & Macaroni Bites and Mediterranean Octopus Salad.
The 145-room Hotel Indigo has put the laneways of Peel and Leigh Street on the map as one of Adelaide’s most interesting dining hotspots, with Market & Meander Eatery bringing locally sourced produce to its modern Australian menu and rooftop raw food bar Merrymaker a must-visit. Across the hotel’s public spaces, there is an engaging connection to its neighbourhood with exposed terracotta brick feature walls and intriguing neighbourhood references.
As the sun goes down, head to Rocket Bar & Rooftop for some evening boozing and live music. This vibrant spot is also home to a nightclub downstairs, making it a great choice for a weekend partying session.
Sol Rooftop Bar
If you’re a fan of sweeping city views and the party vibe, Sol is the place to be. The rooftop bar and restaurant is set high on the SkyCity Adelaide expansion with stunning 270-degree vistas from the hills to the coast. Locally sourced artisanal produce is celebrated on the menu, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list.
The restaurant has ditched the fine dining ethos and replaced it with a menu that caters to all occasions. Chef Rhys Nicholson has designed a selection of small and large plates catering to everything from all day grazing through to special occasion dining.
Aside from the rooftop, SkyCity Adelaide has a raft of other great eateries. Huami unashamedly aims to be Adelaide’s finest Chinese restaurant, taking diners on a contemporary journey through Southern China. ITL and Lucky Noodle offer modern and family friendly Italian and Southeast Asian dining respectively, while the a la carte Eos restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine.
Gallery Rooftop Bar
If you’ve ever been to a wedding reception or birthday party in Adelaide then chances are you’ve been in one of The Gallery’s three very different and very appealing function rooms. Now, however, the restaurant is branching out with this stylish rooftop bar – and it’s a winner.
Perched on the top floor of a historic building, this is a place that exudes inner-city charm like no other. It’s a summertime hot spot complete with hanging foliage and gas heaters, while the winter months are a little more cosy thanks to the rooftop’s retractable roof.
The drinks menu focuses on local wine (with the emphasis placed on small production wines from the dozens of wine regions that surround Adelaide) as well as boutique Australian spirits and beer. The bar also serves up some excellent pizzas and tapas to help wash down a great bottle of vino. A hidden gem in the busy Peel Street and Leigh Street bar precinct.
Maybe Mae
If you’re looking for a bar with a sense of place, look no further than Maybe Mae. Situated inside one of the most popular laneways in Adelaide, this basement bar is expertly crafted with high-end tins and a curated wine list. Its menu offers everything from a classic Dark and Stormy to a citrusy breakfast martini and if you’re looking for some food to accompany your drinks, there’s also a selection of artisan cheese platters and imported hams.
Located in the old East End Cellars, Mother Vine is one of the best places to drink wine in Adelaide. A wine bar run by a Master of Wine and sommelier, it’s perhaps the most well-stocked cellar in town with a selection that includes rare vintage wines from across Australia. The venue hosts regular wine dinners and magnum parties so be sure to check the website for more information. They’re also known for their deli-style food including cheese platters and charcuterie.