Beer o'clock: 5 fab breweries in Adelaide

When was the last time you visited one of the many breweries in Adelaide? The cool little capital of South Australia is sprinkled with them – from quirky little spots to large-scale operations. In this article, we share some of the city’s best breweries, and hopefully put you in the mood for a cold brew. Get ready for a list of brewing joints that we think, can rival the wine scene!

The story of Adelaide breweries

It’s no secret that Adelaide is a wine destination. But that hasn’t stopped a number of pretty neat breweries popping up across the city in the last decade (and beyond). Whilst the take off may have been slow, in recent years we’ve seen some new spots – supported by die hard beer fans – sprout and flourish amongst Adelaide’s beverage scene.

Coopers actually opened up in Adelaide in 1862, so the state of South Australia does have a strong history of beer making. However in the current day, the city’s beers have become a little more funky, experimental and super crafty.

If you’re visiting Adelaide this year and looking for an enticing brewery to spend an afternoon, look no further than the following list of five breweries. Often serving food and chilled brewery vibes, it’s easy to lose track of time at one of these. You’ll also find a wild card option at the end!

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5 awesome breweries in Adelaide

Pirate Life

It’s impossible to talk about breweries in Adelaide and go past Pirate Life. Located in Port Adelaide, Pirate Life has 10,000 square metres of floor space, 14-metre-high ceilings and a 25-metre long peacock mural on its exterior. It’s a huge venue, with lots going on. Also offering outdoor space, there’s pretty much no way of getting bored here. Not for a minute.

Lots of space for brewing and high capacity, has meant that experimental one-off releases are available alongside long standing classics. Tasting paddles are available for those looking to discover the breadth of flavours. A merchandise store that also sells takeaway beers is right on site, as well as a dedicated barbershop.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen chefs cook up beer-friendly snacks including southern-style fried chicken, olives marinated in beer, and Mayura Station beef and jalapeno jam. Quite simply, if you’re a beer fan and you’re looking for a good time, you’ve got to drop in.

Little Bang

Stepney’s Little Bang Brewing Company is another favourite in Adelaide’s brewing scene. Tucked away on a side road, the warehouse style brewery is bustling at night, whilst its lunch menu attracts foodies throughout the day. Think burgers, chicken wings and all things tasty.

To give you an indication of how great Little Bang is, it was named as South Australia’s Favourite Craft Beer Venue by Beer Cartel Craft Beer Survey and it’s also in Australia’s top 50 brew pubs (by Beer and Brewer Magazine).

Little Bang’s venue can hold 290 people, and has 22 rotating taps – including the brewery’s own and guest beers – keeping things interesting. Stop by for one of many regular events including live music, quiz nights and art exhibitions. You’ll also be able to sip your beer in the beer garden, and you can bring your furriest friends too. On your way out, don’t forget to buy some takeaway beers.

Lot 100 / Mismatch Brewing

Located in the rolling Adelaide Hills, Lot 100 is a fabulous concoction of five of South Australia’s best, forward-thinking, food and craft beverage producers. One of these, is Mismatch.

The state-of-the-art, sustainable-focused brewery is hot on quality and likes to position community at the heart of everything.

And whilst Mismatch is certainly worth the drive to the Adelaide Hills, the great thing about visiting Lot 100, is that you’re in the company of some other amazing producers and makers! A distillery, a restaurant, a cider company and a wine company can also be found right here on site. Looking for the whole package? Lot 100 is your kind of place.

Prancing Pony Brewery

Prancing Pony is an ‘all grain and all hop’ brewery, which means their beers use malt, hops, yeast and water, only. Traditional recipes are all the craze here, but non-traditional hops and unusual malts are experimented with where possible. Prancing Pony like to push some boundaries, but their beer is always tasty and reliable.

Near Mount Barker – in Totness – the Brewshed is home to Prancing Pony’s brews. A kitchen offers a selection of wonderful classics and seasonal meals. Drop by for live music on a Sunday and a social atmosphere throughout the week. There’s a beer garden here as well, and your furry friends are more than welcome to come along for the ride.

Lobethal Bierhaus

Another Adelaide Hills brewery, Lobethal Bierhaus, is a family owned business that’s more like a winery than anything else. Inside you’ll find a class cellar door, a wonderful restaurant and of course, the brewery! At the restaurant, upmarket pub food such as burgers, pastas and various grazing plates are presented with love and using local products.

When it comes to the beer, Lobethal Bierhaus has an interesting story. Using their own barley on site (pretty much unheard of at this scale), the company rejects the sources from Victoria which most breweries rely on, and creates something truly local!

Wild card: The District

Primarily, it might not be considered a brewery, but The District – located in SkyCity Adelaide – is a micro-brewery, music venue and sports bar known for its great entertainment. Brewing small-scale beers with the help of the Pirate Life team, The District offers a fun and changing selection of brews. In the CBD and up for a tasty meal and a fun night out? Try the District!

SA Weekend Escape Top Hotel Pick

Exploring the breweries in Adelaide for a weekend or longer? Stay at the Adelaide Royal Coach just outside of the CBD and enjoy an indoor pool, an onsite Angus & Co. Bar and Grill as well as a central Adelaide location.

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