Christmas

A Guide To North Adelaide’s Best Christmas Bars, Restaurants and Venues

Whether it’s the work Christmas dinner, a catch up with friends or a cheeky cocktail after work, we’ve rounded up the best joints in North Adelaide to get you into the holiday spirit.

It’s that time of year again – you’re stockpiling your favourite wine, the sparkling decorations are making their grand appearance and somehow Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas’ has made it onto your Spotify playlist. The holiday cheer is sure to spread all over little ol’ Adelaide these coming weeks and North Adelaide will be no exception.

Whether it’s the annual staff Christmas do, a catch up with your girlfriends or a cheeky cocktail after work, we’ve rounded up the best joints in North Adelaide to get you into the holiday spirit. Think of it as an early Christmas present, from us, to you.

Christmas Lunch

Make space in your choc-a-block calendar to sit down, unwind and enjoy some delicious eats with your nearest and dearest at one of these iconic restaurants. After all, ’tis the season to be feasting.

The Oxford Hotel – 101 O’Connell St
Not only is The Oxford a North Adelaide classic but it’s now one of trendiest and sophisticated spots to grab a bite. The walls are covered in beautiful artworks and the soft lighting and mismatched decor give the place that genuine homely feel. Their Christmas menu, available all December, includes all the festive favourites such as turkey, roast vegetables and the classic Christmas pudding. Function spaces are available too, so you’re set for whatever event comes up.

Hours
Mon – Fri: 11am – 1pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 2pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYzUuDzgV06/?taken-by=theoxfordhoteladl

Drunken Sailor – 10 O’Connell St
Seafood lovers rejoice! Drunken Sailor has taken the average fish and chips to a whole new level, serving top-notch seafood dishes fresh from our Australian seas. With quaint booths and nautical-themed artwork gracing the walls, this hip little spot is ideal for a casual catch-up and ringing in the Christmas good vibes.

Hours
Tues – Thurs: 5pm – 9pm
Fri – Sun: 12pm – 9pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbVfSqcFG7C/

Beach Bum – 47 O’Connell St
A fusion of fresh and tasty Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, Beach Bum offers a chilled yet fun atmosphere that’ll no doubt help you forget your holiday season stress. With poke bowls, tacos and wagyu burgers on the cards, this establishment gives casual eating the upgrade it deserves. Beat the heat with their delicious frozen cocktails and make sure to sit in their colourful outdoor seating area with the beautiful mural (because y’know that’d look so good on your Insta feed).

Hours
Tues – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – late
Sat: 5.30pm – late

Paesano Cucina19/81 O’Connell St
Paesano prides itself on traditional family recipes passed down through the generations and serves all the Italian greats, such as delicious pizza and fresh house-made pasta. This is the place to visit for a tasteful, quality dining experience: the proper Italian way. Set menus are available for Christmas functions and they’re open on Christmas Eve too – fantastico!

Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 8am – 10:30pm
Sun: 8am – 4pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaU6O9UFBlw/?taken-by=paesanocucina

Chuck Wagon 175 175 O’Connell St
Round up the squad for this one because this funky all-American style joint requires some serious stomach space. Classic American burgers, wings, pizza fries and nachos are just some of the totally greasy but oh-so-delicious options for you to enjoy and the energetic vibe will surely get you and your pals buzzing for the holiday season.

Hours
Tues – Thur and Sun: 11:30am – 9pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 10pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcTT1SnHFR5/?taken-by=cw175

Chocolate Taperia – 168 Melbourne St
It’s not Christmas unless there’s chocolate, and lots of it. Chocolate Taperia boasts Hispanic influenced desserts to suit everyone, in fact it’s the perfect spot to hit up after a quick meal with your girlfriends. With so many exquisite and picturesque desserts to try, your mouth will seriously love you for visiting this intimate location. Plus, who turns down chocolate fondue? Definitely not us.

Hours
Mon – Thurs and Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Fri – Sat: 5pm – 12am

Ruby Red Flamingo 142 Tynte St
Labelled a place for Italian foodies to feast on real food, Ruby Red Flamingo wins over our hearts with it’s inventive menu (crab pasta: uh, yes please), bohemian vibes and readily available banquet options for those last minute Christmas get-togethers. It’s an A-class establishment for exchanging Christmas gifts too, if you ask us.

Hours
Wed – Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm and 5pm – 9:30pm
Sat: 5pm – 9:30pm

Tony Tomatoes 155 – 157 O’Connell St
Nothing warms your heart (and stomach!) like a delicious, authentic Italian meal. With playfully named pizzas and a range of Italian mains and small plates, Tony Tomatoes provides that cheesy, cheesy goodness we’ve been desperately craving and a prime location to eat until our heart’s content – because everyone knows Christmas is all about eating.

Hours
Mon – Fri: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Fri – Sat: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Christmas Functions Venues

Leaving your party planning to the last minute is straight up disastrous, so jump the gun and read up on the best of the best function friendly venues listed below.

Cambridge Balcony Bar – 106 O’Connell St
If your Christmas party theme is ‘emphasis on the party’, Cambridge Balcony Bar has you sorted. Made specifically for functions, this spacious venue features a bar, balcony, pool tables, swanky mood lighting, a resident DJ who will gladly play all your favourite tunes. Most importantly though, it also has adequate dance floor space so you can bust out the moves. What’s not to love?

Cambridge Balcony Bar is available for hire 7 days a week. Venue viewings welcome after 6:30pm on Thursdays.

The Lion – 161 Melbourne St
Whilst the lion is known as the king of the jungle, The Lion Hotel is the rightful king of Christmas function venues. They have six function rooms, ranging in size and style, so there’s bound to be a space just right for you and your work entourage. If you’re looking to take your festivities to the next level, there’s a special Christmas sit down menu on offer AND a courtyard fully decked out in Christmas colours with a Pimm’s Garden. One things for sure, The Lion definitely got the holiday memo.

Hours
Mon – Thurs and Sun: – 7:30pm – 12am
Fri – Sat: 7:30pm – 1am

Upstairs @ The Store – 157 Melbourne St
For those planning something a little less merry, a little more modern, Upstairs @ The Store has enough space to accommodate up to 100 people and offers both stand-up cocktail reception and sit down meals. The stylish space is wide open, with a bar, modern decor, gorgeous light features and a private balcony that overlooks Melbourne and Jerningham Street.

Hours
Mon – Fri: 7am – 3pm
Sat – Sun: 8am – 3pm
Function opening times are flexible.

Cathedral Hotel – 45 Kermode St
Cathedral Hotel truly has a little something for every type of party. You can opt for The Balcony Bar, that echoes the urban chic of a New York City style rooftop or the large and formal marble adorned main bar, the epitome of crisp and elegant. With other spaces to pick from too, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Their Christmas set menu features antipasto share platters, smoked salt beef and a rich chocolate walnut brownie to finish – so good.

Hours
Mon – Thurs: 11am – 12am
Fri – Sat: 11am – 1am
Sun: 11am – 5pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRpoJJxDBeq/?taken-by=cathedralhotel

The Daniel O’Connell Irish Pub – 165 Tynte St
If you’re a loyal pub-goer but you’re searching for a pub venue with a slight twist this Christmas, The Daniel O’Connell Irish Pub could be the one for you. Authentic and heritage listed, the pub’s Christmas menu is aptly named ‘The Christmas Feast’ with a choice of 2 or 3 courses. Whether it’s a big bash, a small get together, informal or formal, you’re definitely guaranteed something special at this North Adelaide icon.

Hours
Mon – Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 10pm

The Queens Head – 117 Kermode St
Why not host your work Christmas celebrations at the winner of the Best Restaurant in a Hotel for 2016? The Queens Head upholds its reputation with modern function space choices such as a scenic courtyard with a private bar and open gas fireplace, a back beer garden and the option to hire the full restaurant for those wanting something a bit more fancy and exclusive. Safe to say, you’ll be crowned the party planner of the year if you book this one.

Hours
Mon – Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 10pm

http://www.instagram.com/p/BVTBsOUgacT

The Archer – 60 O’Connell St
The Archer is full of charm, character and with its old-meets-new approach, it’s a place where everyone will feel right at home. We recommend a sit down Chrissie lunch on the biggest and best balcony in the North. If that’s not your style, don’t worry, there’s 5 other spaces to choose from including a beer garden, music room and a beautiful fine dining room that’s guarantee to take your breath away.

Hours
Mon – Thurs: 11am – midnight
Fri – Sat: 11am till 2am
Sun: 11am – midnight

The Curious Squire – 10 O’Connell St
If you’re pressed for time (or the sheer thought of planning a Christmas party breaks you out into a cold sweat), The Curious Squire is here to help. Their functions manager is on hand, ready to help you plan the merriest and jolliest celebration ever. Whether you pick indoors or outdoors, the perfectly poured beer and a vast selection of wines and cocktails are bound to be a sure-fire hit.

Hours
Tues – Thurs: 4pm – 11pm
Fri – 12pm – 2am
Sat: 9am – 2am
Sun: 9am – 11pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BanMaeFl8fW/?taken-by=thecurioussquire

Christmas Drinks

The ol’ Christmas tree shouldn’t be the only thing getting lit this year, so share a drink and relax with your workmates after a tough day in the office at one of these sensational bars.

Gin Long Canteen – 42 O’Connell Street
Cozy yet lively, Gin Long Canteen is a mish-mash of delicious Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, perfect for pairing with their variety of Asian-infused cocktail creations and home-made sodas. Drop by after work for that hit you need to get you through the rest of the bustling Christmas season.

Hours
Tues – Thurs: 12pm – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Sat: 5:30pm – 11:30pm

Chocolatree – 25 O’Connell Street
If you’re vowing to never touch the tequila again (we’ve all been there) and you’re on serious on alcohol lockdown, Chocolatree is the sugary salvation you’ve been searching for. With milkshakes, frappes, dessert drinks and over 20 different types of hot chocolates on the menu, your sweet tooth will be satisfied in no time.

Hours
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 11pm
Fri – Sat: 10am – midnight
Sun: 10am – 11pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXHr5zDnoCZ/?taken-by=chocolatree_au

Lucky Lupitas – 163 – 169 O’Connell Street
A combination from the Gods, Lucky Lupitas gives us Latin American and Mexican flavours rolled into one (and our tastebuds couldn’t be happier). This spot is full of energy, excitement and some seriously mouthwatering dishes. Bring together a good group of friends for this one, purely so you can try everything on the menu whilst exchanging your Christmas pressies.

Hours
Mon – Thur: 5:30pm – 9pm
Fri – Sat: 5:30pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 2pm and 5:30pm – 9pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYz8JZ0hE7b/?taken-by=luckylupitasadl

SPOT & Co – 129 Melbourne St
A relatively new kid on the block and slightly old school with a contemporary vibe, SPOT & Co has the finest whisky and spirits from across the globe, along with local craft beers and top quality wines. Function-friendly and serving everything from tapas to oysters to chow down on, there’s loads to try so the chances are that you’ll be visiting this cocktail lounge again and again and again.

Hours
Mon – Thurs: 4pm – 12am
Friday – Sat: 4pm – 1am

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTftdMEDs3C/

The Pink Pig Wine Bar – 50 O’Connell Street
Rum? Check. Whiskey? Check. Cocktails? Check. The Pink Pig Wine Bar aims to please all you liquor lovers out there with their extensive drinks list and exposed brick wall interior and wooden features. There’s something very prestigious, rustic and down right charming about this bar and the wine just seems to taste so much better. Oh, did we mention they do pig on a spit too? Write that down ladies and gents.

Hours
Mon – Fri: 12:30 – 2pm and 5:30pm – late
Sun: 5:30pm to late

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB_nH9kHGZc/?taken-by=pinkpig_winebar

Cliche Exhibition – 26 O’Connell St
Blurring the lines between bar, gallery and restaurant, Cliche Exhibition offers a sublime spot for you to enjoy some contemporary art while sipping on your chardonnay. There’s a clear French influence here in not only the artwork but the cocktails too (the French Martini is our fave), and this fine art bar offers a magnificent drinking experience like no other.

Hours
Tues – Sun: 8am – 3pm and 6pm – late

Whilst you’re stuffing yourself silly and partying your ass off at one of these fine North Adelaide establishments, you could also win a trip for 2 to New York with $2,000 spending money! All you gotta do is make a purchase over $10 from any participating store during the competition period. Find out more here.

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