Top Bars in Adelaide – Most Viewed (2025)

Hidden between the laneways of Peel and Leigh Streets, Maybe Mae feels like a retro secret waiting to be discovered. Tucked below Bread & Bone Wood Grill at 15 Peel Street, the entrance is discreet: venture down the stairs through a tunnel and find the concealed door set into a timber-clad wall. Inside, the bar channels mid-century glamour: plush booths, moody lighting, polished surfaces, mirrors, and art-deco touches create an atmosphere of intimacy and style. The cocktail menu is structured with a narrative of place: drinks are categorized into The Market (fresh, local), The Cellar (preserved / seasonal produce), Hall of Fame (signature classics), and Non-alcoholic options. Standout cocktails include the Bill Murray (whisky, apricot liqueur, citrus, mint) and Peel St Corpse Reviver (gin, ginger & honey, lemon) — plus others that reflect the local terroir and seasonal ingredients. They also craft non-alcoholic options with care. Maybe Mae is no casual late-night bar; it’s intentional, boutique, and often busy. Many reviewers note that arriving early helps, especially on weekend nights. Guests praise the service, ambiance, and the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem. Some caveats: at times, ventilation or crowding is mentioned in reviews when the space is packed. In short: Maybe Mae is a crafted cocktail sanctuary tucked beneath Adelaide’s rhythms — where discovery, design, and drinkmanship intertwine.

Perched atop Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, Merrymaker Rooftop Bar stakes a bold claim: Adelaide’s tallest rooftop bar. From Market Street, you ascend to a terrace that opens out over the city and hills, bathed in light or city glow depending on the hour. The concept blends relaxed rooftop lounge energy with refined food and drink. The menu leans heavily on South Australian produce — fresh seafood (oysters, raw fish), charcuterie, pizzas, tapas, and more creative small plates. On the drink side, you'll find a curated cocktail list, craft beers, and a wine program that highlights Barossa Valley and other local wine regions. Merrymaker is also known for seasonal events — for example, Rooftop Raclette Sessions (cheese & indulgence nights) held on select weekends. Their space is not huge — their listed capacity is about 86 guests. Because of that, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for prime times. On calmer days, the atmosphere is ideal for a relaxed sundowner. On weekends or event evenings, the terrace fills, ambient music plays, life hums a little more — yet it retains a sense of casual elegance. Patrons mention cocktails like the Lychee Martini being highlights, and that while prices are premium, they are acceptable given the views and setting. In sum: Merrymaker offers a compelling rooftop experience — cityscape, local flavour, seasonal touches, and a bar that balances lounge relaxation and rooftop energy.

Perched at 27 Gresham Street in Adelaide’s West End, La Buvette Drinkery is a true embodiment of French apéritif culture, transporting guests to the intimate corner “cave à vin” of a Parisian neighbourhood. With its retro‑Parisian façade and languid laneway ambiance, it exudes Old‑World charm while serving a modern, minimalist cuisine and drink ethos. Inside, the mood is dim-luxe: soft lighting, chill vibes, and a casual sophistication that invites long conversations over natural wines, aperitifs, and craft cocktails. The wine list is a standout—featuring around 150 bottles, with a strong focus on zero-sulphur, natural selections from French and Australian producers. A handful of rare wines rotate by-the-glass, offering flexibility and discovery. Food-wise, La Buvette delivers French bistro classics with local flair—think escargots, soupe à l’oignon, charcuterie, and cheese selections—designed for sharing with a glass in hand. Small plates range roughly from AU$4.50 to $26.50; larger plates sit between $24.50 and $32.50. The venue also features a hidden gem: The Private Vault, an original early 1900s strongroom tucked behind the bar, available for intimate groups of up to 20—for tastings, dinners, or cocktail gatherings. Reviews consistently praise its personalized service and high quality. As one sums it up: "La Buvette is always perfection. The food and cocktails are world‑class...". Over its decade-long journey, this family‑owned establishment has become a beloved destination, where the French ethos of “metro, boulot, apéro” (commute, work, apéritif) is beautifully reimagined as “♦ Metro • Boulot • Apéro” — a daily ritual ending in conviviality and indulgence.

BRKLYN (260A Rundle Street, Adelaide) is a New York–inspired cocktail & gin bar that reimagines East End Adelaide as a slice of Brooklyn. The concept is playful and layered: inside you’ll find multiple themed shopfront facades (a deli, wine bar, barbershop) running under one roof, a faux-subway foyer as an entrance cue, and a balcony that overlooks Rundle Street’s “East End.” The drinks menu is eclectic. They rotate a selection of local + international gins, seasonal cocktails crafted with premium ingredients, and maintain a curated list of whiskies, rums and liqueurs. Food leans toward share plates and New York–style snacks: you’ll find deli items, lobster rolls, pastrami on rye, Nashville hot chicken (via their Cheekies Hot Chicken) and deli goods integrated into the space. Early evening, it feels cozy — dim lights, booths, warm interiors. Later, it picks up energy: live music, DJs, and a bustle that fits a bar-cum-lounge. The rooftop balcony gives an airy touch, letting patrons enjoy views over Rundle Street while sipping drinks. The founders also installed pop-up shops inside (rotating retail) and run a deli and barbershop fronts as part of the immersive Brooklyn-in-Adelaide experience. It’s as much about wandering through “streetscapes” inside as about the drinks themselves. In short: BRKLYN is a social, design-forward cocktail bar with a strong narrative, food & drink ambition, and urban flair.