Best Cafe Bars in Adelaide – Where to Go When You Can’t Decide Between Coffee & Cocktails

Honestly, trying to find the Best Cafe Bars in Adelaide can feel a bit like looking for a hidden gem—but the good news is, Adelaide is full of them. This city has totally nailed that whole vibe where you can roll in for your morning flat white and still be there hours later sipping on something a little stronger as the sun goes down. It’s kind of the perfect combo, right?

You’ve got these quirky little spots tucked away in laneways—the kind of places only locals seem to know about—and then there are those sleek, modern joints right by the water where just being there makes your drink taste better. Whether you’re after a lazy brunch, a mid-afternoon coffee that actually perks you up, or evening cocktails with good friends, Adelaide’s cafe bars just get it.

So what makes the Best Cafe Bars in Adelaide really stand out?

It’s not just about the coffee (though, let’s be real, it better be good). And it’s not just about the cocktails either (although a meh espresso martini is basically a crime). It’s that feeling you get when you walk in. Some places are all about that sunny, laid-back café energy—great for getting work done or catching up with a friend. But then around 4 or 5 pm, the music turns up, the lights go down, and suddenly you’re somewhere completely different.

It’s that magic mix—the cozy familiarity of a cafe mixed with the buzz of a bar—that makes these places so special. They’re not just somewhere you go to eat or drink; they’re somewhere you stay. Whether you’re an Adelaidean through and through or just passing through, the Best Cafe Bars in Adelaide are basically where you’ll find the city’s heartbeat. Just don’t be surprised if you lose track of time… we all do.