The 6 Best Rooftop Bars In Adelaide
Tim lives life between the coffee-shop and the cinema. He's…
Dive bars might be all the rage in winter, but it’s never too cold in Adelaide to look up.
Adelaide’s small bar culture is booming, and thanks to the city’s small footprint, flitting between clubs is a cinch. Take your next night out to a higher level by visiting one of our favourite rooftop bars.
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Waymouth Street’s Gallery boasts the largest rooftop garden in Adelaide. Right in the heart of the CBD, the sail-shaded watering hole attracts a strong after-work drinks crowd who flock there for excellent views and cocktails. Sipping a crisp wine under the canopy as the sun drops in the west, you’ll feel on top of the world.
Photo: Gallery/Facebook
2KW
With leather-bound menus and million dollar views, 2KW is where high society gathers. Eight storeys above North Terrace, this slick venue is reliably crowded with savvy scenesters capping off a big night, or partying into the early hours. Their Oakbank cocktail is named after the famous(ly messy) local racing carnival, and is just the ticket for when you’re surveying the best view in town.
Photo: 2KW
The Unley
At its heart, The Unley is a classic suburban pub, even though it’s just minutes from the city. There’s a chicken parmy on the menu, daily happy hour specials and craft beers on tap. Someone had the genius idea of adding an upstairs deck as part of the most-recent renovation and woah, was that ever a good move. The place is regularly packed with locals enjoying a glass of rosé and a pizza, or a pint of cider and a plate of local seafood.
Photo: The Unley/Facebook
Proof
If you’re still not convinced that Adelaide’s rooftop scene is on the rise, here’s Proof. Both a laneway and a rooftop bar, this intimate little joint focuses on cocktails – classic and contemporary. Up a narrow staircase you’ll find an even smaller bar, spilling out onto the terrace. Squeezed between neighbouring blocks, there’s not much in the way of a view, but the service is top shelf, as are the spirits. They also do a mean toastie that’s perfect for when you’ve overstayed your curfew.
Photo: Proof/Facebook
Hennesey
Hennesey is a luxury rooftop lounge with its entrance via the basement. Situated on the 13th floor of The Mayfair Hotel, it’s open to both guests and the general public, and offers a sophisticated, five-star experience. With marble bar-tops and chandeliers, lush décor and a list featuring fine champagne and cocktails, Hennessy is seriously raising the bar. It’s a place to hide from the crowds and indulge in the finer things. In keeping with the luxe ambiance, a dress code is strictly enforced so frock up, and the limited capacity means there’s often a line. The hotel’s more relaxed Sunday Sessions from 4pm feature live music.
Photo: The Mayfair Hotel
Rocket Rooftop
Stacked on top of the delicious disco trifle that is Electric Circus, Mr Kim’s and Rocket Bar, Rocket Rooftop is always a party. The vibe is tropical-with-a-hint-of-your-mate’s-backyard, and it’s where indie kids can be found getting down to local and international DJ acts, beneath the fronds of a giant palm tree. The venue also screens a season of cult films over summer.
Photo: Rocket Bar & Rooftop/Facebook[/listicle]
(Lead image: Rocket Bar & Rooftop/Facebook)
Tim lives life between the coffee-shop and the cinema. He's a writer whose words have appeared in GRAM and Broadsheet, and he operates under the moniker @timmyvolume across most social sites.