ADELAIDE HILLS PUB GUIDE
Pubs Worth the Drive

I’m sure many of us can agree that there is something special about a good country pub. Maybe it’s the mix of history, the hearty food, the sound of a bustling front bar, or that first sip of a cold drink after a long walk or ride. We’re lucky up here in the Adelaide Hills, that many of the pubs are still just like this. They aren’t just places to eat — they’re destinations, each with their own character and a menu worth exploring.

Here’s my hit list of Hills pubs I love and all for different reasons. From panko-crumbed perfection to beer gardens the kids will love, each one has earned its place on this list — and probably on your weekend plans.

The Three Brothers Arms, Macclesfield

This pub has some of the best live music in the Adelaide Hills, the food’s always good, and there’s not a pokie in sight. It also holds the oldest pub licence in the Hills, dating back to 1841 when it opened as the Goats Head Inn. They still pour their Goats Head Lager as a nod to that history, and it’s one of those places where you can happily settle in for the afternoon. Check it out.

The Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit

Perched high above Adelaide with sweeping city views, The Scenic is my post-gravel-ride reward. It’s the kind of place where a schnitzel tastes even better after you’ve earned it, but you don’t have to be on two wheels to appreciate it. Easy to reach from the city, it’s also a great spot to bring out-of-towners for that “wow” factor. Check it out.

Stanley Bridge Tavern, Verdun

A beautifully preserved front bar that feels like it’s been waiting just for you, plus a sprawling beer garden where the kids can run free. The panko-crumbed schnitzels here are top tier, and the burgers never miss. Come summer, it’s all about finding a sunny spot outside and letting the afternoon drift by. Check it out.

Oakbank Hotel, Oakbank

This one’s for the meat lovers — Tuesday is their slow-cooked ribs night and it’s legendary. Add a cold drink, a big country pub atmosphere, a massive beer garden, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Hills day out or evening to remember. Check it out.

Aldgate Pump Hotel, Aldgate

Family-friendly without feeling like a “kids’ venue,” thanks to a timber playground that blends into the garden. The fish and cheeseburger here are my regular picks, but the rotating menu keeps things fresh. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to keep in the weekend rotation. Check it out.

Hagen Arms, Echunga

The Hagen Arms has been part of Echunga since 1848, making it one of the oldest pubs in South Australia and a landmark in the Hills. It has plenty of history but still feels fresh and welcoming thanks to the owners, who have been restoring the heritage buildings with recycled timber and stone. The schnitzels are some of my favourites in the Hills, perfectly golden and crisp, and they have served tacos in the past that I still think about. If you want to work up an appetite, walk the Jupiter Creek Loop before lunch, then head in and see why this pub is such a local favourite. Check it out.

Crafers Hotel, Crafers

If I am heading out without the kids, the Crafers Hotel is a favourite. It first opened in 1839 as the Sawyers Arms (check out the Illustrated pic below), built by David Crafer, the man the town is named after. These days the menu often leans into French influences and I have had a Thai beef curry here that was incredible. The burger is also one I would happily order again. It is a beautiful spot for a long lunch or dinner, with cosy open fires inside and a relaxed atmosphere outside in the alfresco area. They also have boutique accommodation upstairs, making it an easy option if you want to turn a meal into a weekend in the Hills. Check it out.

Stirling Hotel, Stirling

The all-rounder. Great for big groups, with a menu that caters to every taste — pizzas, Asian-inspired dishes, and pub classics. Everyone orders their meals at the bar which makes it easy for larger groups, and live music often adds to the buzz. Check it out.

💛 Some great pubs on that list, but I know there are plenty more Hills pubs worth talking about. Email me your favourites and why you love them — I’ll add them to a future round-up so we can all keep exploring.