Why You Need a Steak Pub in Your Life (And Adelaide Has Them)
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: there’s nothing worse than ordering a steak at a pub and getting a piece of cardboard labeled “Beef.” But Adelaide? That’s a whole different ballgame. This city’s pubs are serving up steaks that taste like they’ve been aged under a spotlight of deliciousness. And if you’re into sipping a cold one while you chow down, you’re in luck. We’ve ranked the best pubs in Adelaide for steak, so you don’t have to rely on luck (or your roommate’s questionable dating app photo to find a good meal).
Short on time? TL;DR: Grab your mates, head to The Crown and Anchor, and skip the awkward small talk. Pro tip: Order the porterhouse. It’s the adult version of that “just one more episode” decision.
Top 5 Adelaide Steak Pubs That’ll Make You Say, “Is That Even a Pub?”
Adelaide’s pub scene isn’t just about beer and chips anymore. These spots are serving up steaks that’ll make you forget you ever ate in a restaurant. Spoiler: The best ones have a “steak and a beer” special. Let’s dive in.
1. The Crown and Anchor Hotel
Why it’s a beast: This place is like the OG of Adelaide’s steak pubs. The ribs are fall-off tender, and the porterhouse is so juicy it’s basically a hydration station. Bonus points for their “pub meets fine dining” vibe—think leather chairs and a live band that knows how to play air guitar.
Pro tip: Skip the “medium” order. Go for the “bloody” — unless your doctor has an issue with it. And if you’re into beer pairing, ask for the brewery collaboration they have with local microbreweries. Yeah, it’s that good.
2. The Taphouse at Thebarton
Why it’s a beast: This one’s not a pub per se, but it’s a steakhouse with a beer garden that could double as a concert venue. The dry-aged steaks here are so good, they’ve got a section in the menu titled “For People Who Think Normal Steaks Are Boring.”
Pro tip: Arrive early or risk waiting in line. And if you’re feeling fancy, order the “surf and turf” — it’s steak, oysters, and a side of “I wish I had a bigger appetite.”
3. The Union Hotel
Why it’s a beast: This is the “steak meets soul” of Adelaide’s pub scene. The Union Hotel’s slow-roasted tomahawk will make you question why you ever settled for regular ribs. The best part? They’ve got a beer garden that’s technically a “garden” but is more like a jungle with a taproom.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the custom beer flights they offer. It’s like a wine tasting, but with fewer pretentious people and more foam.
4. The Royal Hotel (North Terrace)
Why it’s a beast: This place is a throwback to the days when pubs had live music and steak that could rival a butcher’s resume. The Royal Hotel’s “steak and a half” option is perfect for indecisive people (looking at you, everyone who orders salad and then eats the steak someone else ordered).
Pro tip: If you’re into the whole “casual” vibe, sit in the basement bar. It’s like a speakeasy if your only secret is that you bought a steak online to impress your date.
5. The Crafty Crow
Why it’s a beast: This one’s for the beer enthusiasts who think a steak without a matching craft beer is like a date without a second date. The Crafty Crow’s menu is curated by a guy who probably has a PhD in “steak and beer pairings” (and also a tattoo of a steak).
Pro tip: Ask for the “beer-braised steak” — it’s like a steak, but it’s been to a party and came back with a glow-up.
How to Spot a Great Steak Pub (Without Burning Your Tongue)
Pubs are like dating profiles — you can’t always trust what they say. Here’s how to avoid the “steak that looks great on the plate but tastes like regret” situation:
- Check the marbling: If the steak looks like it’s been to a spa, it’s probably good. If it’s more “leather” than “meat,” it’s time to go sit with the crumpets.
- Ask about the cut: A decent steak pub will know what a tomahawk is. If they say “it’s just a big steak, mate,” run. Or at least ask for a side of fries to distract yourself.
- Look for the beer: A pub that takes its beer seriously is likely to take its steak seriously too. If the menu lists “lager” and “beer,” it’s a red flag. Unless you’re trying to impress your accountant.
Steak and Beer Pairings: The Ultimate Combo Move
You can’t just throw any beer at a steak and call it a day. Here’s how to avoid the “steak is good, but the beer tastes like it was brewed in a garage” disaster:
- Full-bodied reds: Pair with a porter or stout. It’s like giving your steak a shoulder massage it didn’t know it needed.
- Lighter cuts: Go for a lager or pilsner. Think of it as the “diet” version of steak and beer — still good, just less guilt.
- For the adventurous: Try a sour beer. It’s like adding a splash of lemon to your steak dinner, but you’re not your mom.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Adelaide Steak Pubs
Q: Are these pubs actually pubs, or just steakhouses pretending to be pubs?
A: They’re 100% pubs. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t have a “pub quiz” every Thursday. Also, the difference between a pub and a steakhouse is like the difference between a toaster and a croissant — one makes the other better.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Only if it’s a trained food critic. And even then, it has to sit in the beer garden. Dogs in pubs are like Wi-Fi in airports — sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.
Q: What if I’m gluten-intolerant?
A: Most pubs in Adelaide will have a gluten-free option. If not, politely ask for a steak and a beer. If they still can’t accommodate you, it’s not a pub — it’s a restaurant with a bad identity crisis.
Final Verdict: Don’t Settle for Mediocrity
Adelaide’s pub scene is serving up steak that’s so good, it’s basically a meal plan for the next week. Whether you’re a steak connoisseur or just someone who wants to avoid the awkwardness of ordering a salad, these pubs have got you covered. And if you’re looking to take your pub experience to the next level, check out our guide on growing your beer business — because nothing says “I’m successful” like running a pub with a killer steak menu.
Still not convinced? Contact us and we’ll send you a PDF titled “Steak Pubs: The Ultimate Guide for People Who Hate Regret.” It’s free. Probably.
Now go forth, grab a steak, and remember: if the meat tastes like it’s been to war and lost, it’s not your fault. It’s the pub’s.
Got a favorite Adelaide steak pub? Drop it in the comments. We’ll see who can name the best one in under three minutes. Winner gets a virtual steak emoji. Runner-up gets the runner-up steak emoji.
External Resource
Want to take your love of pubs to the next level? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer — because nothing says “I’m a business owner” like having your own beer in a pub.
