2024 has been quite the year for the hospitality sector. While the ongoing cost of living crisis has put pressure on many businesses across the state, leading to the sad closure of several Adelaide bars, all hope is not lost. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!
Despite the challenges, Adelaide’s bar scene is thriving with a new generation of exciting venues. These fresh spots are bringing energy, creativity and innovation to the city’s nightlife, proving that the spirit of Adelaide’s hospitality scene is alive and well.
Here’s our list of the 24 best new Adelaide bars that opened in 2024.
Latteria, Hutt Street
Hutt Street welcomed an exciting new addition to its dining scene with the launch of Latteria this year. Created by the brilliant minds behind Osteria Oggi an aperitivo bar and cocktail lounge that brings a slice of Italy to Adelaide’s bar scene. Shortlisted for the Eat Drink Design Awards Best Bar Design category, the elegant, contemporary take on traditional Milanese Latterias blends the timeless charm of 1950’s “Latterie Milanesi” with a fresh Adelaidean twist.
WHERE: 85 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000
WHEN: Open 12pm til late every day except Tuesdays
Gilbert’s Wine Bar & Grill
Brought to you by the powerhouses behind Good Gilbert, Burgertec, and Asha, Gilbert’s Wine Bar & Grill offers an intimate new venue has a fresh European flair American undertones. It takes inspiration from all of the group’s venues, providing a perfect snacking, sharing combination of offerings in a single space.
WHERE: 172 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville SA 5031
WHEN: Open for lunch and dinner, 7-days
Bar 1854
Bar 1854, a late-night cocktail and whisky bar from Duxton Pubs, opened their doors in November 2024, showcasing an intimate speakeasy-style haven nestled above The Cremorne Hotel. Promising an experience unlike anything else in the city, the venue draws inspiration from the chic cocktail lounges of Paris and the intimate late-night bars of Tokyo, with dimly lit spaces exuding an air of exclusivity and old-world charm, creating the perfect setting for an indulgent escape.
WHERE: 1/207 Unley Rd, Unley SA 5061
WHEN: Thursday – Saturday from 4pm til late
Two Suns
Two Suns rooftop bar and restaurant opened in December, bringing a slice of California cool to the CBD. Located above Lady Burra on Currie Street, this stunning spot is the latest creation from the Kidd Retail Group, the team behind places like Lady Burra, Girl Next Door, and BCKYRD. With its open-air rooftop bar offering sweeping views of the Adelaide skyline and a stylish indoor dining area, Two Suns is all about laid-back, resort-style vibes.
WHERE: Level 8/41 Currie Street, Adelaide
WHEN: Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to late
ChaCha Bar
Inspired by nostalgic 80s and 90s Tokyo, ChaCha Bar is described as a space for people to share in their love for art and culture whilst enjoying a unique selection of drinks and food. Diners can pick from a variety of traditional Japanese herbal and rice teas, such as sencha, genmaicha, and hojicha.
WHERE: 60 South Tce, Adelaide SA 5000
WHEN: Tuesday – Saturday from 9am
Bar Madrid
Located in Norwood, Bar Madrid taps into that infectious Euro Summer vibe with year round traditional Spanish tapas and ice-cold drinks. Intimately set up, the bar is designed for versatility and enjoyment, embodying the lively, communal spirit of Spanish bar culture. Its compact design reflects European dining, offering a true taste of Spain’s social bar scene.
WHERE: 4/47 The Parade, Norwood
WHEN: Wednesday – Sunday from 8am
Velvet Underground
Opened in April, Velvet Underground is a refurbished dive bar in Adelaide’s CBD with a polished yet gritty atmosphere. As the sister venue and basement bar beneath the newly the renovated King William Hotel, the live-music venue comes complete with velvet walls, murals, a pool table, and darts – perfect for those looking for an authentic pub experience.
WHERE: 107 King William St, Adelaide
WHEN: Open 7pm til late from Thursday to Saturday
Makan Wine Bar
The new Makan Southeast Asian inspired wine bar on Flinders Street is dedicated to introducing Adelaide to the richness of natural Asian wine varieties – with 50-60 local and international varieties. There is also a range of Sake and Umeshu from Japan, as well as Chardonnay from China, delivering a wine portfolio that is different and unlike anything else in South Australia.
WHERE: Level 1 116 Flinders St
WHEN: Tuesday to Saturday
The Pick and Shovel
Brand new boutique bar, the Pick and Shovel, opened its doors in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island back in April, offering the finest wines, refreshing beers, delectable cocktails and great whiskeys from all over the world. The venue highlights some of South Australia’s best drinks sourced from local Kangaroo Island businesses such as Spring Road Wines, Islander Estate, Bay of Shoals and of course Kangaroo Island Brewery.
WHERE: 11A Commercial St Kingscote, SA 5223
WHEN: 4pm til late daily
10 Gallon Hat
tep into the all-new dimly-lit small bar, 10 Gallon Hat, in the heart of the historic Port Adelaide. The 1880’s built venue blends American charm with Australian hospitality: from the moment you cross the threshold, you’re whisked away to a world brimming with old-world allure. Antique furniture graces the space, an old piano stands strong with beer skulls and candles burning, all while cowboy boots line the walls – it’s all setting the scene for a truly rustic bar experience.
WHERE: 158 Vincent Street, Port Adelaide
WHEN: Thursday to Sunday from 2pm til late
Nightshade Bar
Nightshade brings the neon-soaked, synth-pop era of the 1980s to Adelaide’s West End. One of Nightshade’s standout features is its commitment to providing an immersive experience, complete with 80s tunes spun by live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar’s layout caters to both socialising and dancing, with cozy booth seating complemented by a late-night dance floor for a boogie. But it’s not just about the music – Nightshade boasts a curated drinks menu that pays homage to iconic 80s cocktails.
WHERE: 15 Solomon St, Adelaide SA 5000
WHEN: 6pm til late daily
Secret Chamber Bar
As the sister bar to the popular Sorcerer’s Bar, Secret Chamber promises sophisticated setting with a cosy, antique style in line with Leigh Street’s vibe. Catering to everyone’s palate, the menu boasts a mix of classic and extravagant cocktails, drawing inspiration from The Sorcerer’s Bar. They also have drinks like wine and beer, and everything that people come to Leigh Street for. What sets Secret Chamber apart is its signature smoking cocktails, a crowd favourite.
WHERE: 20 Leigh Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
WHEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Mamacita
Adelaide’s food scene got spicier in 2024 with the opening of Mamacita Restaurant and Bar – boasting over 50 types of tequila, including high-profile brands like George Clooney’s Casamigos and Kendall Jenner’s 818. The mezcal offerings provide a smoky counterpoint, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the familiar. For margarita enthusiasts, the bar offers 14 different variations, along with a creative cocktail menu that encourages guests to customise their drinks.
WHERE: 266 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
WHEN: 7am – 9pm daily
Rascals Wine Bar and Deli
Rascals, located just off Rundle Street, is the ultimate quirky combination of delicious wine and loaded sandos. Owners and mates Baylie Day and Josh Kleeman have created a playful, fun atmosphere to enjoy quality food and drink. By day, customers have been enjoying their locally roasted coffee and mouthwatering deli-style sandwiches. The team plays with innovative flavours and experimental specials, and priorities using local ingredients.
WHERE: UNIT 17/19 Bent St, Adelaide SA 5000
WHEN: Daily from 7am – late except Sundays
Queen’s Theatre Lounge
A brand new little bar is now open in the iconic Queens Theatre, in the same spot as the venue’s historic former bar, Shakespeare’s Tavern, dating back to 1841. Now open every Thursday from 4pm to 11pm, as well as during performances, the Queen’s new small-scale bar will be serving both theatre-goers and Thursday night socialites. With heaps of events from live bands to musical theatre, there are plenty of opportunities to visit and experience the brand new bar for yourself.
WHERE: Playhouse Lane, Adelaide, SA
Electra
Adelaide’s popular Electra House on King William Street emerged from a significant transformation this year, shedding its nightclub image to become a warm and inviting bar and function space, simply known as Electra. The menu has also been refreshed, featuring a range of shared plates and an expanded, more refined wine list.
WHERE: 131 King William Street, Adelaide
WHEN: Monday – Friday til late
Ballet Wine Bar
Ballet Wine Bar and Online Wine Shop is a bar full of creativity and elegance. Located on Jetty Road in Glenelg, the bar’s name originated as the name for a conceptual music festival, but now lends itself to the bar’s spirited character while bringing a touch of class. Targeted towards a pre and post-dinner crowd, the main focus at Ballet is the wine, and pouring great wine at that.
WHERE: 29 Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045
WHEN: Open daily til late, except Tuesdays
District B 5165
Beachside Bistro, District B 5165 transformed its original takeaway juice bar into a brand-new, stylish gin and whisky bar this year. Owners Alicia and Matt decided it was time for a change as part of their plans to grow, and the result is a new focus on local spirits, along with some well-known favourites.
WHERE: 13 Beach Rd, Christies Beach SA 5165
WHEN: Open everyday of the week!
EL SANTO LATINO
A splash of spice hit Hindley Street this year with the arrival of El Santo Latino. This new Latin bar brings a mix of music, drinks, and dance, infusing the area with the flavours and rhythms of Latin America. Located next to the Mayfair Hotel, El Santo Latino joins other local Latin-inspired hotspots like Casa Bla Bla and the Tivoli Hotel.
WHEN: Thursday 6 pm–2 am, Friday & Saturday 8 pm–3 am
WHERE: 9 Hindley St, Adelaide
EXCHANGE LANE BAR
The new Exchange Lane Bar in Adelaide’s CBD is the perfect spot to sip, snack, and socialise. The venue has got you covered, serving up a mix of cafe vibes and bar energy all day, every day. You can lounge in their stylish glass-walled oasis or soak up the alfresco charm with great food and even better company.
WHEN: Open daily, 6:30am to 11pm
WHERE: 141 King William St, Adelaide
LANDBAR
The fantastic team that has brought their popular seaside destination SandBar to Christies Beach for the last four summers officially opened their brand new, year-round venue, LandBar, this year. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this expansion of SandBar operates throughout the year, catering to locals and tourists looking for a relaxed atmosphere near the beach.
WHEN: Trading Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm til late
WHERE: 15 Beach Road, Christies Beach SA
SANDBAR
Since we’re talking about LandBar, let’s not forget about its sibling – SandBar! Making its return in December, SandBar is bringing all the summer vibes to Christies Beach for its fifth season as a pop-up. Expect refreshing drinks, delicious food, and live music, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
WHERE: Corner of Esplanade & Gulfview Road, opposite Ripple & Swirl Cafe
WHEN: Opens December 4th until February 28th, open daily over Christmas period
THE COLLEY HOTEL
The Colley Hotel made a stylish comeback in mid-March with a fresh new look and vibe! As part of the rebrand, they’ve introduced Molly’s, a charming Italian eatery upstairs that’s sure to steal your heart. Downstairs, you’ll find the classic front bar and weekly live music.
WHERE: 28 Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045
Tin Shed Distilling Co.
Tin Shed Distilling Co. opened its new Nairne distillery in December, with a unique blend of craft distilling, great food, live music, and stunning Adelaide Hills views. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone for the brand, which began over 20 years ago in a backyard shed. Co-founders Vic Orlow and Ian Schmidt have grown their passion into a multi-award-winning brand, famous for Iniquity Whisky.
WHERE: 121 Old Princes Highway Nairne SA 5252
WHEN: Open Wednesday to Sunday
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Want to keep reading? Check out or list of Adelaide’s 26 hottest bars.
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