The 10 best rooftop bars In Adelaide

Wedged between the city highrises lies Proof, one of Adelaide’s finest small bars. Yesteryear charm adorns the double-storey haunt – from the light fixtures and gold detailing to the mid-century citrus juicer that sits proudly upon the bar. And although there’s no panoramic vista visible from Proof’s second-level patio, it’s a rooftop nonetheless – just look up and get that tiny feeling amidst the concrete jungle, all while the sun’s kiss illuminates glasses of red and pints of nectar alike. Proof’s menu highlights wines from both near and far, alongside carefully curated cocktails, namely the Pineapple Puppy of gin, vermouth bianco, ginger, citrus and pineapple, naturally. 

Time Out tip: Gourmet toasties are a crucial part of the Proof experience too, and you’d be silly to pass up the oozy opportunity.

Address: 9 Anster St, Adelaide

The Latin definition of ‘sol’ means ‘sun’, and at Sol Rooftop, you’ll be nine storeys closer to the big ball of fire in the sky atop one of Adelaide’s chicest terrace bars. Describing itself as ‘West Hollywood casual sophistication with South Australian taste’, Sol Rooftop is clean-cut, minimalist and lets the landscape do most of the talking. With north and west-facing views aside from the River Torrens, Sol offers vast visions of suburbia, the foothills and the coastline – not to mention a new perspective of the neighbouring Adelaide Oval. 

Time Out tip: Come sundown, Sol is right in the line of fire for uninterrupted sunny scenes, and the seasonally-rotating cocktail, wine and spirit list reflects Mother Nature graciously. They even have a ‘Big Book’ for connoisseurs that enlists an award-winning selection of beverages. 

Address: SkyCity Adelaide, 125 North Tce, Adelaide

In a more-so recent addition to the Adelaide rooftop bar scene, the Merrymaker over by the Central Market is here with lively licks of paint and a montage of tiling that really does amp up the merry-making. The funky fresh bar is perched 16 storeys above Hotel Indigo, securing its place as the highest rooftop bar in Adelaide. With hill and city-scapes to behold, Merrymaker invites sunset lovers up for golden-hour gazing, with guaranteed views and ice-cool drinks in hand. Hunger pains are a thing of the past too, with piping hot pizzas, tacos and tapas coming out of the wazoo. 

Time Out tip: Local wines and inventive cocktails are all the rage, matching Marrymaker’s decor to a tee. Take the Black Forest with chocolate gin, mulberry and orange. 

Address: 23-29 Market St, Adelaide

As another contender for one of the best rooftop bars in Adelaide, Sora On Pirie soars at level ten with its mezzanine-style dining and entertainment hub. Having opened its doors in early 2024, Sora boasts an upmarket fit-out with leafy touches, considered lighting and a layout that shakes things up a bit. The multi-level precinct allows patrons to experience a complete night out without leaving the venue – whether you’re filling your belly with Sora’s flavours from across Asia, popping a bottle of top-tier Champagne, or getting your groove on beneath the disco ball. 

Time Out tip: The west-facing, skyline view is the ultimate backdrop that’ll bring a bit of pizzazz to your Insta game.

Address: L9/89 Pirie St, Adelaide

Whether you’re kicking it inside or sipping alfresco, Frome Street’s Luna10 brings a touch of lush to the East End. Perched atop the brand-new Crowne Plaza’s tenth floor, it serves as a poolside retreat from the city sounds. With an ever-so-tempting dining menu, Luna10 welcomes both eaters and drinkers upstairs, enticing patrons to stay for a good time and a long time without going hungry. Spirits and wines are a highlight, while classic cocktails will surefire glisten in the sun’s rays. 

Time Out tip: Unobstructed views to the east and west make for spectacular vistas across the rolling Adelaide Hills and brilliant coastal sunsets alike – all with Luna10’s infinity pool posing as a picture-perfect foreground. 

Address: Level 10/27 Frome St, Adelaide

The name 2KW is shorthand for No. 2 King William St – but don’t go searching for it at street level. This iconic rooftop bar is eight floors above your head, atop one of Adelaide’s most historic buildings. Getting there is part of the fun, involving a mysterious double elevator ride to the top storey. However, a little effort goes a long way for the showstopping panoramic views stretching from North Terrace to Adelaide Oval and beyond.

Time Out tip: Carve aside plenty of time to flip through 2KW’s 60-something-page wine bible, with a chapter dedicated to each variety of wine. And don’t be shy asking for recommendations – their unpretentious sommeliers are on hand to help you find your perfect pour.

Address: 2 King William St, Adelaide

Sitting atop the Mayfair Hotel, smack-bang in the city centre is Hennessy Rooftop Bar – an elegant space that blends effortlessly into the heritage-listed CML Building. The 13th-floor bar offers sweeping views across Rundle Mall and the city’s skyline, all while outlining the eastern Adelaide Hills as a backdrop – an ideal spot for taking in the pastel hues as the sun descends from day to dusk. Hennessy Rooftop Bar is designed for year-round relishing, with both indoor and outdoor areas – beneath the crystal chandeliers or beside the building’s terracotta-tiled crown, respectively. 

Time Out tip: Want a tipple? South Australian wine, beer and spirits are in the spotlight, alongside enticing cocktails. Our favourite is the Lycee Lover with gin, lemon, ginger and of course, lychee.

Address: 45 King William St, Adelaide

Sun’s out, fun’s about at Adelaide’s hottest new rooftop hangout. Debuting in late 2024, this $5 million open-air oasis brings a taste of Palm Springs to Adelaide’s CBD, boasting uninterrupted city views. Whether you’re unwinding with after-work drinks, chasing dreamy sunsets or dancing into the night, Two Suns has it all. 

Time Out tip: This is the perfect date spot. Tune in for live music on the weekends, tapas-style share plates and private spaces for the ultimate chill.

Address: Level 8/41 Currie St, Adelaide

Head straight into the frying pan along Adelaide’s notorious nightlife precinct, Hindley Street. Entertainment-seekers flock to the clubs, those who’ve taken it a step too far park up with a kebab in hand, and those after a little refuge from the bustle know that Nineteen Ten is the place to be. Coming in hot as one of two rooftop pool bars in Adelaide, the third-level emporium is an open-air speakeasy of sorts, where live music and burlesque meet canopy seclusion. Inspired by prohibition-era New York, Nineteen Ten serves up fine tipple and a liqueur list to boot. 

Time Out tip: Signature cocktails are aplenty with the likes of the Vampire’s Kiss, which drips of shiraz and ruby fruits, as well as the Ooh Mami, best described as a green Bloody Mary.

Address: Rooftop/143 Hindley St, Adelaide

What can we say – Rocket Bar and Rooftop is Adelaide’s long-standing ol’ faithful when it comes to open-air good times. Sitting on the third floor of Crippen Place’s multi-level nightclub, Rocket’s rooftop serves those who are looking to party with the addition of fresh-ish ventilation. Resident DJs are a mainstay, as are tropical cocktails that are sippable beside the palm tree centrepiece. There’s something very Seminyak about it, if you know what we mean. 

Time Out tip: Scooch into a comfy booth or hit the boogie floor with a G&T in hand, and let the music take you on a journey to carefree land.

Address: 142 Hindley St, Adelaide