The Best New Bars in Adelaide For a Drink in 2024

Who doesn't love discovering a brand-new bar on a night out with friends? Fortunately, Adelaide has an array of vibey new spots that can easily take you into the wee hours of the morning, because sometimes it feels wrong to head home so quickly after dinner when you know the city is brimming with undiscovered gems - some often hiding in plain sight! 

From ambient record bars serving dumplings to impressive new cocktail haunts in town, the best new bars in Adelaide have it all (we've even thrown in a couple of cool new nightclubs to add to your next mega-night out). 

Electra 

This bar has technically been around for a while, but, Electra Adelaide has recently undergone a suave transformation, reopening as a premium social destination for amazing food and wine in a modern space. 

The moody, dim-lit bar lends itself to a romantic date night, while a sophisticated fit-out mixing old-world charm and modern touches makes for the perfect night out with the girls for cocktails in Adelaide. Come for the food, stay for the good vibes.

Sitchu tip: Order the Strawberry Sidecar, served with Hennessy VS, Cointreau, strawberry and lemon.

131 King William Street, Adelaide

Molly's 

It's been a while since Glenelg introduced a new bar, so head for the allure of Molly’s, the latest hotspot tucked away in the Colley Hotel. This intimate space invites you to sip Negronis and Spritz while basking in great company.

Molly's will transport you to the Amalfi Coast with its delectable Italian fare, but the balcony bathed in the sunshine has us ready for summer sips with the gang. Whether you seek a lively evening or a cosy corner to relax, Molly’s is calling.

Sitchu Tip: Bring the crew, the menu of antipasti, pizza and Italian desserts is best when shared with good company.

28 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Secret Chamber Bar 

As the name suggests, the Secret Chamber Bar team know they are tricky to find, which is fine by them - they love a secret. The newest (and tiniest) addition to the bar scene on Leigh Street, this is a magical bar to visit.

Sister venue to The Sorcerers Bar (which you'll find a little further along this list), expect smoke and mirrors, confessions of sins and shots inspired by your star sign. One Virgo shot, please.

20 Leigh Street, Adelaide

Ballet Wine Bar 

Adelaide, make this your next date night bar. Jetty Road's newest gem, Ballet Wine Bar, brings a slice of Europe to Glenelg with its chic, French-inspired interior and a selection of boutique and European wines alongside South Australia's finest interpretations.

Owned by hospitality veterans Mike and Mel, Ballet offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for sipping global wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails. The space, designed by SMFA Architects and Elite Building Co., exudes old-world charm and modern elegance, with intimate tasting rooms and open windows. Pair your drinks with seasonally curated small plates, and look out for exclusive events featuring winemakers and new vintages. 

29 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Rascals Deli & Wine Bar 

Deli by day, wine bar by night - now that's a concept we can get on board with. Rascal's Deli & Wine Bar is open for coffees and sandos in the morning, and, as of September, is also one of the best new bars in Adelaide serving delightful drops into the night.

The team has curated the perfect wine list and completed the final fit-out, so now is your chance to pull up a stool and enjoy a drink and some cheeky banter in the laidback wine bar.

17-19 Bent Street, Adelaide 

Makan

Bringing a dose of Southeast Asia to Adelaide, Makan is the brand new wine bar that takes its inspiration from the streets of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Makan, meaning 'to eat' is all about local, small-batch wines from Adelaide, plus finding the best wines from around the world that you would struggle to find elsewhere. Food-wise, enjoy shared plates of squid, oysters, mussels, gyoza and bao, and when you're hungry for more, bigger plates of crispy chicken and grilled fish will satisfy any hunger pains.

Level 1, 116 Flinders Street, Adelaide 

Latteria Bar

Meet new kids on the block at Latteria Bar. This Aperitivo cocktail lounge and kitchen is shaking up an array of Insta-worthy cocktails that are (almost) too pretty to drink.

Step away from your classic cocktail order and try something new - you'll be impressed. Their rhubarb sbagliato is their reimagined take on the drink born in Milan and is a unique combination of flavours that tastes divine. Or, perhaps you'd like to sip on their version of the Spritz, modernised with honeydew. You'll have to come back for more as you work your way down the cocktail menu!

185 Hutt Street Adelaide 

Velvet Underground

When a dance is in order, head straight to Velvet Underground, the hidden dive bar in a basement that has quickly become one of Adelaide's best spots for late-night fun.

Weekend drink specials get the party started, while a rotating lineup of DJs, bands and singers keeps the fun going well past midnight. It's a place where you can lose track of time as you enjoy a couple of cocktails and make a whole heap of friends along the way, we can't get enough!

107 King William Street, Adelaide

trap. 

The bartenders at trap. know how to make a cracking cocktail. This hidden underground bar is where you can free yourself from everyday responsibilities. The menu changes often, but you'll always find at least 5 house cocktails, three beers and two wines on the drinks list.

Cocktails could include Monkey in a Barrel (dark rum, PX sherry, market sugarcane juice, three-stonefruit puree, and banana liqueur house casted gummies), or a Strawberry Gin concoction that's a little like liquid strawberries and cream thanks to the additions of Caramilk and chartreuse.

They occasionally host singles nights and hip-hop open mics. For good drinks and good vibes, trap. is one of the best new bars in Adelaide. 

Basement, 96 Currie Street (enter via Cold Chisel Lane), Adelaide

Wax Bar 

Mixing vinyl and cocktails with laid-back aplomb, Wax Bar is one of our favourite new bars in Adelaide for a cool night out with friends. Wax Bar’s obvious draw card is its vibe (red-pink lighting, great tunes spinning, excellent drinks to sip on) and a regular line-up of unique events worth adding to your social rotation. 

There's a focus on DJs using classic vinyl records and refreshing cocktails like watermelon Paloma's and mango Daiquiris.

Sitchu tip: Sitting above the delectable Southeast Asian eats from Paper Tiger, head there first for a bite before staying up late and tuning in at Wax Bar. 

Level 1, Franks Lane, off Rundle Street, Adelaide

Station Arcade

Buzzing Hindley Street has a new basement nightclub and bar in the form of Station Arcade - and it's getting our great night out seal of approval. It's redefining the city’s after-dark scene. Head in for their signature STATION SATURDAYS - the playlist of hottest pop tunes, modern R&B anthems, and a dose of beloved throwbacks will have you dancing into the wee hours. 

Station Arcade is for everyone, but to add some fancy vibes to your experience, the club offers booth seating with table service and exclusive drink specials. 

52 Hindley Street, Adelaide 

Sugar

This Rundle Street icon was reborn for summer 2024 and it's sweeter than ever. Sugar is the essential late-night experience in the city for the young and the young at heart. 

With a pink interior and electric party vibes, it's one of those places where you can find a real mix of ages. Hip-hop tunes and various DJs will make it impossible not to hit up the dancefloor with your friends - or even solo! Work it, Adelaideans!

Unit 1/274 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar

"Fú" means good fortune in Mandarin, and that's certainly what you'll feel when you step into Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar. Dim lights and a cosy vibe help create a perfectly intimate and moody atmosphere ideal for date night.

The drink offering is unique when it comes to cocktails, with a fascinating 'Vegemite on Rye,' involving a thin layer of Vegemite spread across the Manhattan template, The Gospel ‘Straight’ Rye, sweet vermouth and Vegemite tincture.

If you're not feeling so bold, and would rather stick to what you know, the bartenders will happily make you a classic cocktail if they have the ingredients.

129 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide

Now that you know about the best new bars in Adelaide, it's time to find somewhere to have a bite beforehand. Check out our guide to the best Korean BBQ and seafood restaurants in town.