Adelaide's Best Bars & Pubs

Welcome to Adelaide's Best Bars & Pubs, your definitive guide to the vibrant drinking culture of South Australia's capital. Our team of local experts has scoured every corner of Adelaide to bring you authentic reviews and recommendations of the finest establishments the city has to offer. From historic pubs that tell the story of Adelaide's past to cutting-edge cocktail bars pushing the boundaries of mixology, we've sampled them all to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Founded in 2015 by a group of passionate Adelaide locals, our mission is to celebrate the unique character of Adelaide's drinking establishments while supporting local businesses. We believe that a great bar is more than just good drinks – it's about atmosphere, service, and the community it creates. Through our comprehensive guides, we aim to connect both locals and visitors with venues that offer exceptional experiences.

Adelaide's relationship with pubs and bars dates back to the city's founding in 1836. Early establishments served as crucial community hubs for the newly arrived European settlers, offering not just drinks but accommodation, meals, and spaces for public meetings. By the 1840s, Adelaide boasted dozens of pubs, many of which were concentrated around the port area to serve thirsty sailors and dock workers.

The temperance movement of the late 19th century brought stricter licensing laws to South Australia, leading to the famous "six o'clock swill" – the rush to drink before early closing times. This peculiar drinking culture persisted until 1967 when closing hours were finally extended. Many of Adelaide's historic pubs have survived from this era, with buildings dating back to the 1850s and 1860s still serving patrons today, including the iconic Exeter Hotel and the Wheatsheaf Hotel.

The 21st century has seen a revolution in Adelaide's drinking culture with the small bar license introduced in 2013. This legislative change sparked a renaissance in the city's nightlife, with dozens of intimate, specialized venues opening in laneways and previously overlooked spaces. Today, Adelaide's bar scene blends historic charm with modern innovation, creating a unique drinking landscape that honors its past while embracing contemporary trends in craft beverages and experiential hospitality.

At Adelaide's Best Bars & Pubs, we're always looking for passionate individuals who love the hospitality industry to join our growing team. Whether you're an experienced writer with deep knowledge of craft beverages, a photographer who can capture the unique atmosphere of venues, or a social media enthusiast who knows how to engage with our community, we'd love to hear from you.

We offer flexible working arrangements, opportunities to attend industry events, and the chance to be part of Adelaide's vibrant hospitality community. Our team members enjoy visiting the latest venues, meeting industry professionals, and helping both locals and visitors discover the best drinking experiences in Adelaide.