This is one of the 2025 bar openings that I am personally very excited about. I’ve had a deep love affair with tequila, mezcal, and Australian tequillians for several years and am always on the hunt for the ‘good stuff’ here in Adelaide.
Enter Bar Bar to the Adelaide bar scene, set to open in late May.
Bar Bar will be an intimate 15-seat venue that focuses on agave spirits and good company. When it comes to the cocktail menu, Bar Bar’s attention and expertise is squarely on agave spirits, with tequila and mezcal taking centre stage.
Located on Pirie Street, a stone’s throw from the heart of Adelaide’s dining district, is this teeny tiny cocktail bar that promises to deliver for those of us seeking expertly crafted tequila based drinks.
“These aren’t the quick-fire shots you might associate with tequila at parties, but instead, spirits that have depth, character, and a lot of potential,” says Matt Harrison, one of the venue’s owners.
“Tequila is such an underrated spirit, especially in Adelaide. People tend to associate tequila with shots, but it can be so much more: complex, layered, full of character,” Matt explains.
“Like whisky, it varies depending on the village, production methods, and varietals. It’s a beautiful spirit, and we just want more people to explore it.”
[Hear, hear… insert a round of applause, high five, and snaps!]
The venue’s founders, the same team behind well-loved spots like Jennie, Malt & Juniper, and Alfred’s, wanted to create a bar that’s all about the simple joys: expertly crafted drinks, warm hospitality, and a space where you can truly unwind.
“The name itself reflects this. It’s small, it’s cheeky, and it’s exactly what it says on the tin – a bar in a bar,” says Matt Harrison.
“The concept couldn’t be clearer, and it’s this straightforwardness that’s part of its charm.”
What will really set Bar Bar apart, though, is the vibe. The space is small, yes, but it’ll be also warm, welcoming, and intimate – perfect for a night out with friends or a quiet date night.
“With a space this small, that level of intimacy comes naturally,” says Matt.
“It works in our favour – we can really focus on being present and attentive. Think dim lighting, a great soundtrack, and a vibe that feels personal without being overbearing.”
The team draws inspiration from their travels through Europe, where they experienced a style of service that was warm, over-the-top in the best possible way, and genuinely made them feel like they had found the exact right spot.
“One of the biggest inspirations was Little Red Door in Paris, but everywhere I went, the standout theme was the service – warm, attentive, even a little over-the-top at times, but in the best way,” Matt recalls.
“That’s the kind of experience we want to recreate.”
One of the standout drinks to be on the menu is the Freezer Door Martini – a perfect mix of practicality and elegance.
“I’ve always loved the concept of the freezer door martini. You do all the hard work in advance – batching, chilling, diluting – so when it’s time to serve, it’s sleek, cold, consistent, and effortlessly stylish,” Matt says.
“It’s the perfect mix of practicality and elegance.”
And while the cocktails will be undeniably the stars of the show, the snacks at Bar Bar plan to be just as thoughtfully crafted.
“The snacks are there to complement the drinks, not compete with them,” Matt adds.
“They’re simple, thoughtful, and designed to hold the drink’s hand, not steal the show.”
As for the future, the team has big plans. Bar Bar may be small, but they’re already thinking about ways to foster collaboration within Adelaide’s close-knit hospitality scene.
“We want Bar Bar to be a space that fosters collaboration – whether that’s hosting pop-ups, rockstars, or events with other venues,” Matt says.
“A few bartenders have already expressed interest in doing something here, which is really exciting.”
In a world full of large, flashy venues, Bar Bar will no doubt be a refreshing change. It’s simple, it’s thoughtful, and it too has a passionate love affair with tequila.
Get on the agave train, Adelaide!
Bar Bar Adelaide
Where: 78 Pirie Street, Adelaide
When: To be opened end of May, 2025
For more information, click here.
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