The best pubs in Adelaide

The people's pub, this bright yellow drinking hole was officially crowned South Australia's favourite pub in the Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2026. It's the heartbeat of Adelaide's East End's live music and pub scene, with its no-nonsense front bar, worn wooden floors and walls plastered with decades of gig posters. The Rundle Street institution welcomes everyone from uni students and local artists to old-school rock legends. You can pull up for a cheap pint or glass of Krug Champagne, enjoy one of their signature curries and catch some of Adelaide's best raw indie talent.

Time Out tip: The Exeter stays open until 3am daily, so it's the perfect place to wind down or amp up after a show in town.

Address: 46 Rundle St, Adelaide

This exquisite building has been a Rundle Street landmark since the early 1880s, becoming the much-loved pub The Austral in 1898. The 2020 renovation hasn’t diminished the pub’s history; instead, the new look honours the heritage with character and ornamental archways. There is also more room for live music, something the pub was famous for in the 1980s and ’90s. Try any of their pub classics like the Austral burger with a juicy medium-rare beef patty and the chicken parmigiana with cheese and Napoli sauce.

Time Out tip: Docked right in the heart of the city, The Austral is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It gets busy, so booking ahead is your best bet.

Address: 205 Rundle St, Adelaide

The Grace Emily Hotel is everything you’d want from a pub: incredibly laid back, grungy and welcoming. As one of the historic pubs of the city’s West End, it was established just three years after South Australia was settled in 1839, and known then as The Launceston. Today, the pub’s reputation hinges on its commitment to live music, a staple most nights of the week that landed the Grace an induction into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame in 2017.

Time Out tip: Grace Emily occasionally opens on Sundays for special gigs. Stay updated with their live music line-up on Instagram here.

Address: 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide

Gluten-free dining: it may not be what you’d normally expect from a pub, but the Alma specialises in it, with more than 30 gluten-free meals on the menu. There are plenty of vegan options too and a dedicated dog menu, including doughnuts and puppucinos. Local AFL stars Mark Ricciuto, Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane are part owners of the pub, which naturally has a big screen for the game. The three of them can sometimes be spotted on Tuesdays for 'Quiz and Wings', on Wednesdays for $20 pub classics and on Thursdays for steak night. 

Time Out tip: The Alma has a $15 Lunch Special every weekday. You get a choice of three different fillings in your panozzo sandwiches – and they're all delish. 

Address: 66 Magill Rd, Norwood 

The Astor’s biggest strength is its function rooms, which are ideal spaces for big parties, conferences and other shindigs.  The more intimate Adelaide Fringe shows are staged in these rooms, and there’s often live music, too. That’s not to say The Astor is not a great spot to catch up with mates over a beer or a decent, cheap pub meal – on-street dining lets you enjoy the passing parade of this city fringe location.

Time Out tip: The Astor shuts its doors on Sundays, which means you can book out the entire venue for your own private function. Don't forget to send us an invite!

Address: 437 Pulteney St, Adelaide

Established in 1851, this pub – affectionately known as ‘The Welli’ – has been a long-time favourite of the area. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer up views of the greenery in Wellington Square. In the warmer months, the retractable doors open up, which makes for some lovely alfresco dining. The seasonal menu keeps changing, but you're sure to find heaps of Aussie pub favourites, so dig in. 

Time Out tip: Fridays are our favourite day at the Welli, with happy hour from 5pm to 6pm, plus two cocktails for $25 from 7.30-9.30pm. Cheers!

Address: 36 Wellington Sq, North Adelaide

There’s never a quiet day at The Gilbert Street Hotel. Kick off your weekday evenings with happy hour from 5pm to 6pm, where the vibes are as good as the drinks. But let’s be real, The Gilbert’s claim to fame is Adelaide’s OG buffalo wings, available by the kilo every Wednesday and Thursday night – pre-ordering is a must. Whether you’re into jazz, blues and roots or DJs, live music is always on the menu.

Time Out tip: Glibert loves thy neighbours – every Sunday, locals who live in Adelaide (postcode 5000) can score 15 per cent off all food and drinks.

Address: 88 Gilbert St, Adelaide

Located on the busy main strip of North Adelaide, The Archer is the watering hole for students who populate the neighbouring residential colleges. There’s a front bar, a dining area and a beer garden, as well as a spacious large balcony featuring books and oil paintings. It’s in homage to the venue’s history – first built in 1849, the historic building changed from a library to a pub in 2002. A special Gin Wall has more than 50 gins, and the menu boasts everything from schnitties to fish and chips, pizza, double smash burgers and Wagyu rump. 

Time Out tip: Head to The Archer on Tuesdays for quiz night or on Fridays for jazz night – or try both. 

Address: 60 O'Connell St, North Adelaide

The Irish certainly know how to have a good time, and continue to do so at the Norwood Hotel, a heritage-listed hotel on The Parade. Locals gather here to catch up over a beer at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, the venue-within-a-venue. There is a wide range on offer, including, of course, Irish lagers and Guinness, as well as a mixture of local, interstate and international wine and spirits. Come in on a Sunday for the $25 Guinness pie or their $20 specials from Monday to Wednesday.

Time Out tip: Norwood Hotel hosts a huge line-up of local and touring acts, ranging from tribute bands and acoustic artists to their legendary Irish Celtic sessions, held on the first Sunday of the month.

Address: 97 The Pde, Norwood