Four guys. One goal. To stick it to the big guys, and support the Australian craft beer market (read more about their efforts here). And where better to place this, than the exciting and growing East End, a precinct where the local community and business is growing for all the right reasons. But this isn’t just a sim city venue dropped in the middle of Adelaide. Oh no, NOLA steps it up. It’s combining two cultures. The American South, and the revolutionised Australian craft.
Sitting on Vardon Avenue in the old horse stables, a previous artist’s venue for the 2009 Fringe Club, it seamlessly adds to the East End vibe providing Adelaide with local craft beer, small batch whiskeys and that Southern American comfort food. But still, more is planned. The guys have said they have always wanted to start a jazz bar, symbolic of its place of inspiration, New Orleans, Louisiana. We will just have to wait and see how it transforms. Harry Connick Jnr, busking out the from of NOLA. Now that would be a sight.
The Food; The guys said the food was a late add-on, that it wasn’t originally planned. Well kudos to the two chefs back of house, they’ve completely delivered. Marlin Tartare, Creole Tomato Jambalaya, Black Eyed Bean and Charred Corn Salad, Smoked Wild Boar Meatballs, and of course NOLA’s Fried Chicken. Oh my, please go, even if it’s just to try out the fried chicken. All the food is inspired by New Orlean specialties. French, Spanish and Southern American combinations. But if it’s looking thin, don’t fret. It’s a short rotating menu. Expect new tastes on the regular.
The Drink; Avoiding the big names, NOLA focuses on sourcing its tap beer from local independent craft brewers. Pikes, Mismatch, Pirate Life, and Prancing Pony just to name a few. 16 taps if you were curious. And if beer doesn’t take your fancy, then NOLA’s extensive whiskey range will wet your lips. Sourced from Australia and all over the world, expect your finest small batch whiskey makers.
NOLA started out as a way to empower craft brewers, but it’s going the extra mile to give you more than just a place to socialise. A drinkery, a dive bar, a jazz bar, whatever you want to call it, it’s unlike any other spot in Adelaide.
Call the Torrens, the Mississippi, and head over for some smooth southern comfort.
Photos by Jack Fenby.
NOLA
293 – 295 Rundle Street, Adelaide
Tues-Thurs [12pm – 12am]
Fri-Sat [12pm – 2am]
Sun [12pm – 12am]
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