Adelaide is a city with a strong entertainment, dining and nightlife scene. The city centre, meticulously designed by Colonel Light, has resulted in distinct areas being formed, such as the East End and West End. These defined areas have since taken on their own character, making it easy to decide where you want to go, depending on what you’re looking for.
When it comes to pubs, Adelaide more than delivers. While it’s certainly true that the East and South East areas of the city centre are known for their restaurants, bars and clubs, pubs are, in fact, dotted around the entire section between North and South Terraces. Did someone say conveniently laid out pub crawl?
Pubs can be separated from bars through the simple fact that they’ll usually have a far more extensive food menu to accompany the drinks on offer. Also, while pubs are slowly transitioning into offering cocktails, they’re not going to rival those that you can drink at dedicated cocktail bars.
But which pubs should you be visiting in Adelaide? If you’re a local, you’ll probably already have your favourite(s), but if you’re new to the city, then you’ll do well to sample the service and drinks selection offered by those on this list to establish your new go-to.
So here’s our picks for the best pubs in Adelaide...
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The Austral

Address: 205 Rundle Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8223 4660
The Exeter Hotel

Today, the pub, in a similar fashion to The Austral, places local drinks front and centre. Coopers Brewery beers are all on tap, but a further selection of craft beers can be found in the fridge, alongside a healthy selection of local wines. With a weekly-changing menu and live music every night, The Exeter is a pub to visit everyday of the week.
The Elephant British Pub

Address: 1 Cinema Place, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8227 1633
Crown & Anchor

Address: 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8223 3212
Belgian Beer Cafe

Address: 27-29 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8359 3400
Havelock Hotel

Visit for a bite to eat and you'll be presented with a limited, yet well thought out menu filled with dishes you'll actually want to eat while drinks are sourced predominantly from local suppliers to show off everything Adelaide has to offer.
Address: 162 Hutt Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8223 3680
Arab Steed Hotel

The pub has been under the ownership of a husband and wife team for just over three decades, and in that time they've rotated the food and drinks menu to adjust to local tastes (the food menu features Asian-inspired dishes alongside traditional pub fare), as well as keep the building looking as good as it does. No visit to Adelaide would be complete without a visit to the Arab Steed.
The Original Coopers Alehouse

Fortunately, if you're somehow not a fan of Coopers, then you'll find a strong selection of other domestic and international beers, alongside a handful of ciders. Food includes giant schnittys and steaks that will challenge even largest of appetites.
The Gilbert Street Hotel

Weekday happy hours, live music and meal deals only add to the appeal of this iconic pub and if you plan to visit on a Wednesday or Thursday night, you simply have to have what are widely regarded as the best buffalo wings in Adelaide (pre-orders recommended).
Address: 88 Gilbert Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8231 9909
The Duke Of Brunswick

The same community spirit is exemplified through the range of food and drink. The DOB was one of the first pubs in Australia to offer gluten free beer on tap, and you'll even find a generous selection of alcohol-free spirits and beers for those who have pledged a life to sobriety. Whatever your poison, you'll find it at The DOB.
Address: 207 Gilbert Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8410 7079
The Union Hotel

Not only will you find a comprehensive choice of tap and bottled beers catering to local and international brands, but the food is of fine-dining quality. Yes, traditional pub favourites are on the menu such as burgers and schnittys, but they are out of this world tasty, and equally good looking.
Address: 70 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, 5000
Phone: 08 8231 2144