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About 2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide

" Looking for the perfect pint or a pub meal with character? Australian Traveller rounds up the ultimate spots in their 2025 feature, 9 of the Best Pubs in Adelaide. From historic watering holes steeped in charm to revamped locals with buzzing beer gardens, this list captures the spirit of Adelaide’s pub scene. Whether you're after a family-friendly venue, live music vibes, or a craft beer haven, this guide serves up some of the best places to eat, drink, and unwind. "

Overview
Adelaide’s pub culture is more than just a tradition—it’s a way of life. In Australian Traveller’s 2025 roundup, 9 of the Best Pubs in Adelaide, the city’s most beloved watering holes take centre stage, showcasing just how diverse and dynamic its pub scene has become.
This carefully curated list highlights a mix of long-standing icons and contemporary favourites, each bringing something unique to the table. From grand old hotels brimming with character to stylishly renovated spaces with modern menus and craft tap lists, these pubs deliver more than just a drink—they offer atmosphere, history, and community.
Australian Traveller has chosen pubs that represent the beating heart of their neighbourhoods. Expect cosy corners and crackling fireplaces, sprawling beer gardens perfect for sunny afternoons, live music nights that bring the crowd, and kitchens serving up everything from schnitzels to share plates. Whether you’re chasing a casual midweek pint or a weekend session with friends, there’s a spot here for every taste.
Locals will recognise some old favourites that have stood the test of time, while visitors will appreciate the insight into where Adelaideans really love to go. These aren’t just pubs—they’re places where stories are shared, sport is watched, and good times are guaranteed.
So whether you're a traveller looking for an authentic Aussie pub experience or a local keen to rediscover the city’s best beer spots, Australian Traveller’s guide offers a fantastic snapshot of where to pull up a stool in 2025.

Last update May 2025

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2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.1

Wheatsheaf Hotel
Thebarton, South Australia
Suburban Pub

Affectionately known as 'The Wheaty,' the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton is one of Adelaide’s most beloved and enduring pubs — celebrated for its craft beer, soul-stirring live music, and fiercely independent spirit. With no pokies, no TVs, and no nonsense, this community-focused pub has earned a cult following for its rotating taps, local collaborations, and quirky charm. Whether you’re there for a beer launch, jazz night, or just a quiet pint in the beer garden, The Wheaty is pure pub magic.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.2

Exeter Hotel
Adelaide, South Australia
City Pub

An Adelaide institution steeped in character and creativity, the Exeter Hotel on Rundle Street is where mismatched tables, chalkboard menus, and old-school charm meet indie bands, Coopers on tap, and decades of good stories. With its no-frills atmosphere, historic bones, and fiercely loyal clientele, the Exeter is a time-honoured hangout for students, artists, musicians, and city wanderers alike. Whether you're after a cheap pint, a pub meal, or a courtyard gig, the Exeter serves it up — no pretence, just Adelaide.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.3

Port Admiral Hotel
Port Adelaide, South Australia
Suburban Pub

A bold revival of Port Adelaide’s oldest licensed hotel, the Port Admiral Hotel blends rich maritime history with fresh pub energy. Since its rebirth, this once-abandoned landmark on Commercial Road has become a local favourite for craft beer, elevated pub meals, and a community-first attitude. Whether you’re stopping in for a cold pint, enjoying a long lunch in the sunny beer garden, or catching live music in a heritage setting, the Port Admiral delivers classic pub comfort with modern soul.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.4

Norwood Hotel
Norwood, South Australia
Suburban Pub

A true cornerstone of The Parade, the Norwood Hotel brings together rich South Australian pub heritage with the heart and humour of Finn McCool’s Irish Bar. With its grand façade, lively beer garden, stylish bistro, and warm Irish pub atmosphere, this multi-faceted venue is a social anchor in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. Whether you’re watching live sport with a pint of Guinness, enjoying a hearty pub meal, or catching a gig in Norwood Live, this is a hotel that celebrates good times, every day of the week.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.5

Cumberland Arms Hotel
Adelaide, South Australia
City Pub

A beloved fixture of Adelaide’s West End, the Cumberland Arms Hotel — or The Cumby — is a city pub that knows how to balance tradition with trend. With its sprawling beer garden, refurbished interiors, rotating craft taps, and a reliable pub menu, it’s become a popular go-to for uni students, local workers, and Friday night regulars. Whether you're grabbing lunch in the sun or meeting mates for a big night out, The Cumby offers casual charm and city-centre convenience.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.6

Grace Emily Hotel
Adelaide, South Australia
Live Music Venue

A haven for musos, artists, and lovers of laid-back pub culture, the Grace Emily Hotel is one of Adelaide’s most iconic live music venues. Tucked into Waymouth Street’s west end, the Grace delivers no-frills hospitality with maximum soul — from intimate gigs and front bar conversations to cold beers and warm welcomes. With decades of history soaked into its walls and a stage that’s hosted countless Aussie acts, this pub is as Adelaide as it gets — gritty, genuine, and full of heart.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.7

Archer Hotel
North Adelaide, South Australia
City Pub

At the heart of O’Connell Street, the Archer Hotel is a classic double-storey corner pub that delivers relaxed meals, cold beers, and local charm in a grand heritage setting. With wide balconies, a welcoming front bar, and a leafy beer garden, it’s the perfect place for a casual lunch, after-work drinks, or catching up with mates on the weekend. Whether you’re inside soaking up the atmosphere or outside watching the buzz of North Adelaide, the Archer hits all the right notes.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.8

Earl of Leicester
Parkside, South Australia
Suburban Pub

Tucked away in Parkside’s quiet backstreets, the Earl of Leicester is a true locals’ pub with a cult following across Adelaide. Known for its towering schnitzels, heritage character, and welcoming atmosphere, this unpretentious venue blends country charm with suburban comfort. Whether you’re tucking into a Parmi and pint in the rustic dining room or relaxing with friends in the cosy front bar, the 'Earl' delivers old-fashioned hospitality, generous portions, and the kind of warmth that keeps people coming back.

2025 Australian Traveller - 9 of the best pubs in Adelaide - No.9

The Elephant - British Pub
Adelaide, South Australia
British Pub

Tucked just off Rundle Street in Cinema Place, The Elephant – British Pub delivers classic British charm in the heart of Adelaide’s East End. With its timber beams, deep leather booths, hearty meals, and ever-changing taps, it’s a cosy retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re catching a Premier League match, enjoying a Sunday roast, or sipping a pint by the fireplace, The Elephant is a slice of old-school England with a welcoming, South Australian twist.