The Best Adelaide Breweries & Distilleries for an Afternoon Sip

Adelaide’s vibrant craft beer and spirits scene is a true testament to the city’s love for exceptional beverages. From innovative breweries pouring refreshing brews to distilleries creating meticulously crafted spirits, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re sipping a smooth IPA or exploring an aromatic gin, Adelaide offers a diverse range of experiences for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

We’ve handpicked the best breweries and distilleries around the city and surrounds, so you can make the most of your next outing. Ready to explore the liquid treasures Adelaide has to offer? Let’s dive in!

The Best Adelaide Breweries

Mismatch Brewing Adelaide

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to focus on brewing up unique creations, Mismatch Brewing Co in Adelaide’s Whitmore Square is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. Known for their inventive brews, this vibrant taproom offers a laid-back setting ideal for sampling unique flavours. Whether unwinding with friends over a cold pint or enjoying city views from the rooftop bar, Mismatch delivers a distinctive beer experience with a strong focus on sustainability.

Their menu features elevated pub classics crafted with locally sourced ingredients, perfectly complementing the brews. With nightly deals like $8 pints and $15 jugs paired with margherita pizzas, Mismatch Brewing is a haven for beer lovers and foodies alike.

317 Morphett Street, Adelaide

Pirate Life Brewing

Pirate Life Brewing in Port Adelaide is where adventure meets craft beer, with 24 taps pouring bold, innovative brews—from crisp pale ales to rich stouts—making it a paradise for beer lovers. The buzzing taproom invites you to indulge in expertly crafted beers paired with delectable share plates. It’s not just a local hotspot—Pirate Life’s popularity has led to taprooms opening in capital cities around the country. With regular live music, family-friendly vibes, and pet-friendly spaces, it’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Sitchu Tip: Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing magic.

18 Baker Street, Port Adelaide

Yellow Matter Beer

Beer? Check. Good vibes? Check. Yellow Matter Beer isn’t your typical Adelaide brewery. Female-owned and with a focus on clean beers, the team is brewing up exceptional brews and serving mouthwatering food. While their core range is always a solid choice, seasonal beers are also on rotation for you to explore. And if you’re in the mood for a cocktail after a beer, you’re spoilt for choice with both classics and unique concoctions. Add in share plates and delicious pizzas, and it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back hangout.

Unit 18/108/120 Marion Road, Brooklyn Park

Little Bang Brewing Co.

From humble beginnings in Fil’s garage in 2013, Little Bang Brewing Co has grown into one of the most celebrated breweries in Adelaide. Founders Fil and Ryan turned their brewing hobby into a full-time venture after demand for their creations soared, eventually moving to a larger space in Stepney. Today, Little Bang is bigger and better than ever.

The award-winning taproom is as warm and inviting as its beers are diverse, with a rotating list of brews, irresistible wings, and cauliflower nuggets making it the ultimate spot for a weekend catch-up with friends.

25 Henry Street, Stepney

Brightstar Brewing

Brightstar Brewing takes European inspiration and gives it an Adelaide twist, crafting beers that locals can’t get enough of. Why the love, you ask? Because their lineup spans an incredible range—from crisp, clean lagers to rich, roasty stouts and everything in between—ensuring there’s a brew for every palate. Even non-beer drinkers might find themselves converted! With its welcoming vibe and inclusive range, Brightstar Brewing is where great beer meets great company, proving there’s a little something for everyone.

35-37 Stirling Street, Thebarton 

Bowden Brewing Company

Bowden Brewing Company brings bold vibes to the buzzing Plant 3 Bowden precinct, redefining Adelaide’s craft beer scene with creativity and flavour. Known for their small-batch brewing, their lineup evolves constantly, offering a new taste adventure with every visit. From hoppy IPAs to zesty sours, there’s always something to excite your palate. The inviting beer garden and a rotating selection of food trucks create a lively setting, making Bowden Brewing the perfect spot to unwind and share good times with friends.

3 Third Street, Bowden

The Best Adelaide Distilleries

Threefold Distilling

Crafting more than just exceptional spirits, Threefold Distilling celebrates the art of flavour. Their core gin lineup, including the award-winning Aromatic Gin, showcases a commitment to balance and complexity. The experience extends beyond the bottle at their distillery door, where a curated cocktail menu highlights the vibrant character of their spirits. Whether enjoying a classic G&T or diving into one of their signature creations, Threefold Distilling offers a sensory journey that’s as dynamic and refined as their craft.

57-59 Nelson Street, Stepney

23rd Street Distillery

The 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark offers a fresh take on Australian craft spirits while honouring its historic roots. Set in a restored century-old distillery, it’s where tradition meets innovation in every bottle. Their signature gins, aged whiskies, and iconic brandies are creative, and designed to delight, while their hands-on gin-blending masterclasses make it easy to embrace your inner distiller. The outdoor bar and seasonal menu create the perfect backdrop for relaxing with friends, making this Riverland spot not just a destination but a true experience for spirit lovers and explorers alike.

Twentythird Street, Renmark 

Ambleside Distillers

In the charming town of Hahndorf, Ambleside Distillers is a standout destination for gin lovers. This Adelaide Hills gem crafts small-batch gins using homegrown botanicals, offering a true garden-to-glass experience. Whether you’re sampling their exquisite gin-tasting flights, mastering the art of cocktails in their expert-led classes, or enjoying a perfectly mixed G&T with a toastie or share plate, the cosy and modern space invites you to unwind. Ambleside Distillers blends exceptional flavours with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit Adelaide distillery on your next adventure up in the hills. 

1 Ambleside Road, Hahndorf

Blend Etiquette Craft Distillery

Located in Sturt, Blend Etiquette Craft Distillery is a welcoming space that champions diversity and inclusivity. Their cellar door showcases unique spirits like the SA Coast-inspired Gin Pangolin, designed to capture the essence of the local coastline. With a strong commitment to accessibility, the distillery ensures all guests, including members of the LGBTQI+ community and individuals with special needs, feel comfortable and valued.

Blend Etiquette offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers can explore and savour their distinctive craft spirit creations.

1510 Main South Road, Sturt

Loved reading about the best Adelaide breweries and distilleries and want to keep the sun-soaked tipples going? Take a look at the best new bars to open in Adelaide in 2024, or check out these cool hidden bars.