Hidden Bars Adelaide: Secret Spots For Your Next Night Out

Looking for something to do this weekend? If you live in Adelaide you're in luck, because there are options aplenty. While we will always love a visit to the city’s most-hyped venues, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a number of hidden bars in Adelaide CBD, just waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re after a decadent evening or something more low-key, our local hospitality scene is filled with options for in-the-know drinkers. Here’s where to find the best hidden bars in Adelaide.

Hains & Co

Tucked away down one of Adelaide's West End laneways is where you will find Hains & Co, a bar that oozes laidback sophistication all year long. Open from 4pm - 2am daily, the team are ready to welcome in one and all for a good time, whether it's a casual knock off, a first date, a celebration or a late-night tipple. With premium gins, whiskey, rum, expertly made cocktails and cigars, you'll come for the great drinks, and likely stay for the even better vibes at this CBD hidden gem.

23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide

Shotgun Willies

For a night you won't forget, stop in and discover the honky-tonk fun at Shotgun Willies. This Gilbert Street hidden gem is brimming with good old Southern USA fun in the heart of the city, with country music, American BBQ, a wide selection of whiskey (plus the rest) and a dance floor that's hard to resist as the day turns to night. It may be in a hidden location, but late at night this place gets a great crowd. The good times start here from 4pm, and we suggest getting in early to pull up a chair and get ready for live music, great drinks and new memories.

22 Gilbert Place, Adelaide

The Sorcerer's Bar

Did you know there's a magical bar located in the heart of Adelaide? Well, now you do! The Sorcerer's Bar is a tiny space that's packed full with wizarding delights that seem directly inspired by the world of Harry Potter. Enjoy butterscotch caramel toffee shots, flaming cocktails and German craft beer in this cosy and social bar, where the bar is well stocked, the seats spill out onto the street, and the fun can be heard from around the corner.

25B Bank Street, Adelaide

Maybe Mae

If you’re yet to go, it’s easy to miss Maybe Mae. Located in the tunnel between Peel and Leigh Streets, the stairs to this local haunt can be found next to the entrance of Bread & Bone. Decked out like a sophisticated speakeasy of years gone past, at Maybe Mae, you’ll find classic cocktails alongside more experimental options.

15 Peel Street, Adelaide

Ancient World

Self-described as a “DIY artist-run bar and performance venue in Kaurna Land,” Ancient World can be found at 116 Hindley Street. But you’ll have to venture down a side street to locate the unassuming entrance. As unpretentious as they come, this bar serves up exclusively South Australian beer, spirits and wine, and often doubles as a music venue, depending on the night.

116A Hindley Street, Adelaide

Nevermind

Tucked away in an alleyway behind Leigh Street Luggage is Nevermind: a casual bar with seriously impressive drinks. As far as booze is concerned, staff here are very knowledgeable – serving up beer, wine and some of the city’s best cocktails. On weekends, it’s open late so if you find yourself looking for somewhere to kick-on, Nevermind is the place to be.

22A Leigh Street, Adelaide

Baddog

If whisky is your thing, you need to try Baddog. Hidden behind a wooden door on Hyde Street without any signage, Baddog is an unassuming cocktail bar for those in-the-know. For the record, there are no menus here either – either check the drinks menus placed in bottles on the shelves or ask the barmen for any specials on the night.

63 Hyde Street, Adelaide

Mr Goodbar

How many times have you walked through the East End Produce Market? Next time, pause for a moment as you walk through the archway near Ebenezer place. Hidden away upstairs in the archway is Mr Goodbar: a small bar with a lot of charm. Here, bartenders serve up beer, wine and cocktails in a warm, cosy space. For good times and funky cocktails and brews, make this your next go-to. 

12 Union Street, Adelaide 

Suzie Wong

The biggest collection of whisky can be found in this sophisticated hidden bar in Adelaide. Suzie Wong is a Hong Kong style basement bar, where locals and tourists alike flock to enjoy delicious dumplings, Russian vodka, classic cocktails, and to sample over 500 bottles of different whisky. Game on, Suzie Wong. 

82 Hindley Street, Adelaide

Cry Baby

Anyone for a game of pool? Cry Baby is a seriously cool hidden bar in Adelaide, all rollicking, edgy and old-school vibes featuring billiards, wicked whiskey and beer, plus a jukebox filled with rock and roll mayhem from the 60's through the 80's. The only tears you'll be spilling here are happy ones, because it's good times only at this hidden gem. 

11 Solomon Street, Adelaide

Deli Cellar

Concealed beneath the floorboards of Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar, this speakeasy is so small, it’s licensed for only 35 people. Taking on the same French influence as the bistro above, Deli Cellar is as cheerful as it is cosy. With an emphasis on quality in everything they do, here you can find some of the best gin, wine, whiskey and cocktails that the CBD has to offer.

12 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Need some food before you venture out for drinks? Our comprehensive list of Adelaide’s best new restaurants, cafes and bars is a great place to start. The city is filled-to-the-brim with fine dining, Italian and French restaurants for every budget.