Introduction: Footy, Pints, and Adelaide’s Soul

If Adelaide were a person, it would be the friend who screams at the TV during a rugby match, spills beer on your shirt, and insists the game is “obviously” rigged. But hey, that’s why we love it. And if you’re here, you’re probably looking for the best pubs in Adelaide to watch footy while enjoying a cold one. Let’s cut the fluff: this guide is your cheat code to dodging the inevitable “Why does the screen keep cutting out?” drama and finding the holy grail of pubs where the beer flows, the screens are massive, and the crowd is more “rah-rah” than “ew, gross.”

1. The Dog & Drovers (Rundle Street)

Address: 39 Rundle St, Adelaide 5000

The Dog & Drovers is the OG of Adelaide footy pubs. It’s like the “Cheers” of our city, but with more beer and less “Hi, Norm.” Why go here? Because it’s got:

• 30+ screens (yes, even the ones near the toilets)
• Free popcorn for everyone (because you’re gonna need it when your team messes up)
• A “Footy Frenzy” happy hour: $5 pints from 4–6 PM

Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a spot near the screens. If you’re stuck in the back, you’ll be screaming so hard your throat might need a mic.

2. The Wrestlers (Glenelg)

Address: 51A West Terrace, Glenelg 5034

If you’re not in the mood for Adelaide’s city center chaos, The Wrestlers in Glenelg is your coastal escape. It’s like the pub equivalent of a beachside bar, but with more yelling and less sunburn.

• Outdoor seating with heaters for when the wind decides to freeze your face
• “Footy Bites” menu: think gourmet nachos with a side of regret
• Live darts matches (because your team isn’t the only thing to bet on)

Side note: If you’re lucky, the staff might break out the confetti cannon after a goal. Just don’t ask them where your phone went.

3. The Lord Nelson (Kensington)

Address: 147 Grenfell St, Kensington 5035

The Lord Nelson is the pub that took “Cheers, where everybody knows your name” and added a side of British nostalgia. They’ve been showing sports since the days when “footy” meant soccer, and it shows.

• Themed nights (“Retro Footy Night” = dad dancing and mullets)
• Free trivia with prizes (if you win, you get a free pint… and massive ego)
• “Noisy Neighbour” policy: if someone behind you is too loud, you get a free drink. Because justice is served in pints.

PS: They have a dedicated “Silent Corner.” Ignore it. That’s where the sad people go.

4. The Crafty Crow (North Adelaide)

Address: 280 North Terrace, Adelaide 5006

If you’re into craft beer and footy, The Crafty Crow is your spot. It’s the pub that thinks it’s a microbrewery, but the footy games are still on. Always.

• 20+ taps of craft beer (perfect for when you need to drown your sorrows after a loss)
• “Footy Survival Kit”: $10 for a pint and a snack platter
• Free Wi-Fi? Only if you’re a regular. Otherwise, your phone’s data better hold out.

Fun fact: The owner once bet his entire stock on a footy match. He lost. Now you can drink his regrets.

5. The Star of the Sea (Port Adelaide)

Address: 102 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide 5015

The Star of the Sea is the pub that’s been through the ups and downs of every Adelaide footy team. It’s like the “Groundhog Day” of pubs—same barstools, same drama, same “We’re gonna win this year, I swear” speeches.

• “Loyalty Points” system: collect points for attending games and get free T-shirts that say “I Survived the 2023 Season”
• Free live updates on Twitter (if you care that much)
• “No Kids Before 8 PM” policy. Because small children and footy don’t mix well. Trust us.

Pro tip: Ask the bartender for the “Star of the Sea Special.” It’s a secret beer they’ve been perfecting for 20 years. Or maybe it’s just lager with a fancy name.

6. The Wrestlers (Adelaide City)

Address: 74 Grenfell St, Adelaide 5000

Yes, there are two Wrestlers pubs. One in Glenelg, one in Adelaide. Both good. Both confusing. The city one is more “urban beast” while Glenelg is “beachy beast.”

• “Footy Wars” nights: They show two games at the same time. Your choice. Your regret.
• “Pint of the Month” club (because you need at least 12 different reasons to come back)
• Free parking? If you’re lucky. Otherwise, your car might get towed. Or maybe not. Depends on the day.

Fun fact: The staff once had a bet on who could drink the most beer in 10 minutes without coughing. Winner? The guy who looked like he was about to die.

7. The Admiral (Kingston)

Address: 103 King William St, Kingston 5012

The Admiral is the pub that’s been there since the days of “football” as in actual footy, not the “American” kind. It’s got history, charm, and a slight superiority complex.

• “Footy Legends” wall: Featuring photos of old patrons who “made it” (spoiler: they didn’t)
• “Quiet Zone” for when you need a break from the chaos. Just don’t go in there during a match. Your soul might not come back.
• “Admiral’s Revenge” cocktail: A secret recipe that’s been passed down through generations. Or maybe it’s just vodka and lime.

PS: They have a resident “footy prophet” who calls games. His accuracy rate is 50%. But hey, it’s 50/50.

8. The Red Lion (Prospect)

Address: 207 Main St, Prospect 5082

The Red Lion is the pub that thinks it’s a local legend. It’s got the dusty boots on the wall, the “We’re not here to be liked” vibe, and the kind of footy fans who yell at the ref like they’re in a documentary.

• “Footy Fanatic” discounts: 10% off if you wear your team’s jersey
• “No Refusing Round” policy: If someone offers you a round, you must accept. Unless you’re already too drunk. Then you have to accept anyway.
• “The Curse of the Red Lion”: According to staff, if you sit in the third row, your team will lose. Probably just a coincidence.

Pro tip: Bring a group of six or more, and they’ll give you a “Group Round.” It’s like a group chat but with beer. And more yelling.

9. The Star of the South (Hatherley)

Address: 113 Marol St, Adelaide 5000

The Star of the South is the pub that’s been around since the ‘70s and still thinks it’s the cool kid. It’s got the kind of footy fans who argue about the rules like they invented them.

• “Footy Debate” nights: $20 to enter, and the winner gets a free steak. Loser buys the next round.
• “The Great Debate” wall: Covered in sticky notes arguing the same points since 1972.
• “Free Beer for Life” offer if you can name all the teams in the league. Spoiler: There are 18. Good luck.

Fun fact: The owner once bet his life savings on a footy match. He lost. Now he just watches the games in silence. Respect.

10. The Royal Hotel (Houghton)

Address: 141 Houghton St, Adelaide 5000

The Royal Hotel is the pub that’s always playing “We Are the Champions” at the end of every game. Even if your team loses.

• “Champions’ Lounge”: A VIP area where you can sip on champagne like you won something.
• “Royal Roar” promotion: 2-for-1 pints if you cheer the loudest. Mic check, mic check.
• “The Royal Bet”: A running joke where staff bet on how many people will spill beer in an hour. The record? 32 in 2023. That’s a lot of wetness.

Pro tip: If you’re stuck in a losing streak, try the “Royal Revival” cocktail. It’s guaranteed to make you feel like a winner… or like you’ve made a bad life choice.

Final Tips for Your Footy Pub Quest

1. Prioritize early bird rounds: Arrive before the game starts. You’ll save money and avoid the “I lost my phone” drama.
2. Bring a group: Pubs love groups. You’ll get bigger discounts and someone to blame when your team messes up.
3. Use the “Footy Frenzy” promo code: Valid at most pubs for 10% off. Just don’t tell the others you got it for free.

FAQs: Because You Probably Have Questions

Which pub has the biggest screens?

The Dog & Drovers holds the crown. They’ve got screens in the toilets. Yes, really. It’s like the Olympics of footy pubs.

Do these pubs have good food?

Yes and no. Most have “footy food” like nachos and burgers. The Crafty Crow’s “Footy Survival Kit” is our top pick. It’s like a snack apocalypse in a box.

Are there special offers for big games?

Absolutely. Check each pub’s socials. They usually throw “Grand Final” deals or “Derby Day” specials. Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram. They’ll tell you secrets you won’t find on their website.

Can I bring my own snacks?

Depends on the pub. The Star of the Sea allows it if you’re a regular. The Royal Hotel has a strict “No Snacks” policy. They think their food is the only thing you need to live.

What if I don’t like the team everyone else likes?

Don’t worry. Most pubs show multiple games. Just ask the bartender to point you to the smaller screen. That’s where the real fans hide.

Conclusion: Cheers to the Chaos

Adelaide’s pubs are the perfect mix of beer, banter, and footy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the snacks, there’s a pub for you. So grab a mate, a pint, and a snack platter, and get ready to scream. And hey, if your team loses, remember: the beer is still cold, the snacks are still plentiful, and you’ve got 20 more pubs to try next week. For more beer-related adventures, check out our Make Your Own Beer guide or Grow Your Business with Strategies Beer. And if you want to sell your beer online, Dropt.beer is your go-to marketplace. Cheers to the chaos!