A bar in the trendy part of Adelaide, so you can probably guess what to expect here - finger food, cocktails, and a decent selection of craft beers. Actually, this place goes beyond decent to actually having a number of not too common South Australian beers, so I can definitely work with that. Yeah, this place was pretty cool, and laid back as well, and being close to the cinemas is also a massive bonus. Certainly a place I'd check out again. read more

See all

This has always been a place I take out of towners to when I'm they to impress them. "Adelaide Hills Gin anybody? Did you know the distillery operator went to Europe to learn from the most prestigious gin makers...?" Coming back down to earth for a second, I was so excited to see the Howling Owl move to Cinema Place. Now I can so off my (pretend) Gin knowledge after a fine art house film. But in all seriousness, this place is an absolute delight to entertain at. From the coffee to the food, to the excellently paired tastes of the fine gin collection here; the Howling Owl is THE best pre or post (why not both?) movie refreshments. read more

The Howling Owl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

Whoot Whoot! Gin + Owls = Some of my favourite things and already know this café come secret hole in the wall bar on Fridays & Saturdays will be my new "hang out." Decorated with a twist of "Where the Wild Things Are," Howling Owl has managed to create a cafe and bar setting that could have you sitting back and watching the world go by for hours. Their Adelaide map tables are a beautiful touch and if you sit and while away the time here you will notice the intricate attention to detail that has been put into this place from the owl calendar to the Cry Me A River painting above the bar. The Friday and Saturday night drinks list is bias towards South Australian beers and wines and how could you fault them on that? Meanwhile the only spirit served in the bar is gin. And in my humble opinion I can't see why you would ever drink anything else. The selection of gin and cocktails on the menu have clearly been created by a keen gin lovers hand and I'm looking forward to/hope they will offer *cough cough* gin appreciation classes or opportunity to tell you about gin behind from behind the bar soon! Don't let just the eye catching cabinet of sweets and savouries from Steven Ter Horst, "Abigail" and Willabrand distract you. these guys also have tasting platters they can put together for you and cheap as breakfast treats under $10! Gold. Once people catch on that this place is here it will be huge. Dont't miss out on bandwagoning early! read more

See all

Always delicious food and good coffee. I love the eccentric feel of the space and there is always something cool to look at. If you are into gin or craft beer, look no further. There is a vast array to choose from and the staff will happily talk you through each one to help find one to your liking. If you pop in during happy hour, you can get some great value drinks. Food wise, they have a good selection. I have tried the pate, which was a little strong for me, but their salmon and caper, and beetroot and horseradish dips are to die for. The Howling Owl also boasts a good selection of sweet treats, many of which are simply delicious, washed down with a coffee or of their qwirky teas. If you are in the city and are looking for a quick bite, a good coffee or a unique drinking experience, you must visit this place. read more

The Howling Owl - Pate and dip platter. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

There's gin. And owls. Could we get any more HIP RIGHT NOW? I was pretty impressed to hear that Adelaide has a cafe and bar dedicated just to gin and only wished I'd had more time to spend here. I'm told by the owner that the range will will be growing over time, so I'm looking forward to future visits and sitting in the cute nook in the wall sampling as many as possible! read more

See all

We stopped here on our cocktail hopping night. This review is only for the cocktail side of things and I have not had breakfast or coffee here which may give it a better review. We walked in and it was extremely busy, probably due to the happy hour 7-8pm. You could choose espresso martini's, hot toddys or have 2 4 1 gin and tonics. It seemed a bit hipster although a much more cafe style, not a bar scene. Seeing a cake fridge just didn't set the scene for me. We had come here for cocktails off the specials list as we had looked at the menu prior to arriving and were quite excited by it. Unfortunately the bartenders were probably more experienced in coffees than cocktails and my 'Silk Road' martini with gin, cardamon, passionfruit and contreau was watery and lacked flavour. It was flashy with half a passionfruit on fire when it was presented, sadly, it was hugely disappointing to taste. We decided against trying others on the menu as the first drinks failed to impress. We feel that they were heading in the right direction with the mixes but the portions of each ingredient just didn't mix well. read more

See all

Love, love, love this place! Always brilliant service. Ask them anything about gin and you'll get an informed and enthusiastic response. The menu is extensive. As a gin bar you'd hope for that, but they don't let you down! Exceeding expectation is more like it! Cute, funky, full of interesting bits of art and decoration, it's a pleasure to be here sipping on a delicious beverage. There are nibbles too. Situated underneath the Rhino Room, it's a great place to have a pre-show drink. Also, next door to the Adelaide art institution, Urban Cow, there is a connecting door so you can view or purchase art and crafts while you sip. A mecca for World Gin Day, this venue has so much to offer that day and all year round. Check Facebook for opening times as they aren't open every day. Do go there - it's fabulous! read more

Ok. I've been here a few times now. Time to review it as a retrospective. I've been here busy, thumping, crowded and loud. I've been here when it's just me and two others in corners ignoring the world and each other. I've been here hungry and I've been here dry as a desert. Each time the Howling Owl was exactly what I needed. Indoor outdoor seating, benches, couches, a booth and stools at the window, so many choices. This eve I picked the stool, to watch the world go by as I had a Scottish Gin: Old Raj, with slices of radish, capsicum and fever tree tonic. The only things stopping you find the gin that matches your mood is time and money, because variety, is something they have in spades. A gin bible is needed as your research tool and fortunately they provide you with one telling you origin and serving style for more guns than you'd be able to have in a week. (That's not a challenge) Arranged by country, South Australia (they support local enterprise), Australia, New Zealand, America, England, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, and Germany get a look in. So far I've finished (had one from each on offer from) Spain, Sweden, New Zealand and Scotland. They also do coffee and food, of which I've had the latter. Food is affordable, which is good because you'll more than be tempted to break the budget with the gins. read more

The Howling Owl - Green capsicum adds a freshness to this Scottish tipple. Great pre night out drink. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

Small, mini, catch your perfect time, ours appear to be Saturday afternoons and weekdays. On weekdays you may feel left out if you don't have a laptop, but don't fear the uni students are just hanging out at a damn good place doing their homework and will not bother you. Winter daily need is an IV of the Hot Apple Pie Hot Toddy. I could seriously have 78 of these a day and be content with life and eventually have diabetes. The howling owl has every gin and craft beer you could think of, I love how small and intimate it is and could definitely chill there all day long, hmmm maybe I should become a uni student again and this could be a dream that may come true. Last year we did the gin masterclass which was educational/fun and something different. I feel like the howling owl is somewhere a lot of people would miss or think was just a cafe and let's be honest sucks to be those people who have no idea of the greatness. read more

See all

Excellent for a coffee in the morning and brilliant place to talk work or life with friends and colleagues. Friday afternoons are also great for a drink at this super friendly venue. I strongly recommend asking the staff for suggestions on drinks. read more

The staff here not only do it all- from coffee to cocktails to tasting plates, but they do it with style. Unbelievably good martinis and a great way to start and finish a wander around Adelaide city. read more

The Howling Owl - Some of the garnishes on offer at the Howling Owl... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

Dropped in here for a sneaky platter and hot toddy, and was very impressed. Such a cozy place to hang out on a cold, miserable, winter's day! The Howling Owl offers a chic, relaxing, laid back atmosphere. We ordered the cheese and honey platter, dukkah, olive oil and dips platters - and they were all simply delish! The hot toddy was an amazing apple pie cocktail served warm with sliced apple and cinnamon stick. Just perfect to warm you up and really did taste like an apple pie. It was definitely the winning highlight and why I will be coming back every dreary office day! read more

The Howling Owl - Apple Pie Hot Toddy - the perfect liquid lunch. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

So last night was the first time I visited this little bar. Being a Monday night it wasn't packed. I did enjoy a gin based Hot Toddy and it was amazing. I love warm cocktails in winter. I was hoping to try the soup special which was advertised on a chalk board on the counter to find the kitchen had closed. I wish they'd remove the sign if it's not available. However we did get the bread and Dukkah board and the staff member kindly switched the olives for marinated mushrooms. Only $10 a good price to fill in the gap before going home for dinner. read more

The Howling Owl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Adelaide, SA

You know what? I used to be trendy. I used to know which bands were just breaking the UK scene. I used to know the announcers names on 3D radio. I used to know all kinds of trendy stuff. Now, I haven't heard of any of the bands on triple j's hottest 100 five years running and my awesome new underground bands are getting airplay on classic rock countdowns. Goddammit I feel so out of touch. If someone asks me to get a drink, I take 'em to... umm... do they still have bands at the Tivoli? Luckily, my problems have been solved because I have learned of a place so effortlessly funky that I can confidently pretend to have known about since, you know, before it was cool. The Howling Owl is a gin bar. I totally know what that is. I thought the only kinds of gin were Sapphire and base spirits. I was wrong. These gins are awesome. Genuinely tasty and complicated and well worth talking to the very helpful staff and exploring. The great winelist will help you build up the confidence to try some of the more obscure juniper based potations. In fact, there are so many great gins you'll need to line your stomach with something to get through them. I have no want for reading things, so I just asked for some food please and they brought me roasted eggplant and zucchini, pumpkin dip, metwurst and olives. All of it was well worth putting in your mouth. No regrets. Now all I need is to find some trendy little waifs to impress with my newfound treasure. Don't get me wrong, this place is not a pretentious scenester haven. It is a genuinely cool, very swish, understated place to take people who you want to think highly of you. Also, if ever somebody breaks in and steals their awesome tables, cover for me. read more

This little bar is decked out like a Grimm's fairy tale, but with liquor. The Howling Owl is a small venue but well designed: even the bar fridge is a beautifully crafted cabinet. I ordered a Toddy's Hot Apple Pie because the tag said it was just like eating hot apple pie. And it was, if you choose to eat your apple pie in liquid form from a cocktail glass. There was something unnatural about drinking a steaming dessert full of star anise from a cup but nonetheless, a delicious, cinnamon and honey, toddy. The midnight forest blackboard wall feature and mosaic owl doorway create a welcoming and intimate feel to this place. Next time we come here I'm ordering a Tom Collins and taking that cosy centre booth, because who doesn't want to fetch a nice drink and draw the curtains on the world? It can be difficult for Adelaide punters at times to venture from the main café and restaurant strips, but this bar is well worth the short walk. But what the Howling Owl really deserves is a laneway. It's far too lovely to be street-facing a Budget car rentals. Trivia: the Adelaide map tables are in fact from Billy Baxter's: that googly-eyed moniker is still printed underneath! Excellent work on the recycling guys, waste not want not. read more

When I finally grow up and get a house of my own, I want my lounge room to be exactly like The Howling Owl. Same warm buttery lighting; same lovingly curated collection of art adorning the walls; and most of all, the same impressive collection of gins. If gin isn't your jam, don't be put off - The Owl also offers a great selection of South Australian craft beers and wines, and some pretty decent coffee. Their food selection is minimal, so I'd suggest filling up before you settle in for a night here. And settle in you will - The Howling Owl is the kind of place you could spend hours in, waxing deep and meaningful with friends whilst sipping on Kangaroo Island gin with orange and peppercorns (my favourite). Duck in on the next rainy day, grab yourself a nip and a window seat, and watch the world go by. read more

Howling Owl is so close to being a 5* establishment in my books. Their range of gins and their gin cocktails earn them 3 1/2 without anything else. Of course this is also an incredibly trendy venue attached to some classic Adelaide spots, Urban Cow Studio & the Rhino Room. It's a little menagerie with a lot of cred. I'm partial to a West Winds Cutlass gin with Fever Tree tonic water & a slice of capsicum. I had it at a gin tasting once, and Howling Owl are one of the few places that can recreate it for me with no issues. They do a range of other great gin cocktails and gin mixers and have a huge range of gins on offer. I like gin. So I love this. So bad. While in here for a gin-date between lectures a friend was after a Espresso Martini. She'd missed out on her morning coffee, but still wanted a bit of a kick. It wasn't on the menu, but they whipped one up anyway. All reports are that it was very good. So I love Howling Owl, a lot. Why are they missing that one star? I've been here for lunch a couple of times, and I'm always underwhelmed. Their sandwiches and wraps aren't horrible, but they're nothing to get excited about. I need to remind myself to skip the food in the future, because I usually just end up disappointed. Plus, why waste those calories on average sandwiches when you can just drink more gin? Howling Owl is a fantastic little place, but I'd recommend skipping the sandwiches and grabbing a double gin instead. read more

This is a small venue, make no mistake about that. Some seemingly random scattered tables, a couple of high tables with stools and the now almost omnipresent stools facing out on to the street. There's also three, four tables outside. The centrepiece is a booth with two sofas, where you can draw a curtain and enjoy in secrecy the various sorts of Gin they stock - lust like a real Gin den. Sadly I didn't have time to try out the food, I'll save that until next time. Very charming, I will be back. I only hope they've stocked up on Plymouth gin by then ;-) read more

Delicious chai lattes, fantastic happy hour (great gin and tonics on offer and other cocktails!), and incredibly generous cheese platters. I love this place and will regularly come back for coffees and cocktails! read more

Loving this place so far! Cheap and affordable tea for 2, only for $3.5! On top of that, it's refillable! Can someone say WOW? Can't wait to try their sandwiches soon. Nice environment and love the design. read more

See all

I will start by stating that this review is in relation to The Howling Owl as an Adelaide Fringe Venue. I attended The Howling Owl last night for a comedy show. As fringe venues go it was fine. My only complaint with this venue is the same as my complaint with many fringe venues, becasue of the need to fit so many people in such a small venue, it was VERY cramped. By the end of the hour long show my back was killing me from sitting on half of my seat, so as to not feel like I was sitting on the lap of my friend who was next to me. But other than that - this is a lovely little venue :) small - but, for a single stand up comedian, it doesnt need to be huge. They have a great array of comedy shows playing in this venue during the fringe, so if you like comedy - check it out :) read more

We turned up around 7pm for a cocktail, as we saw the menu online and were really impressed by it. The decor was very hipster and had a friendly vibe which was mirrored by the staff. I feel as though it is more of a daytime cafe though. The staff seemed very well trained to make coffees but cocktails seemed like a sideshow. The cocktails them selves were quite average. I bought a sour cherry and cinnamon cocktail which was tasty, but very sweet and had no booze in it. My girlfriend had a passionfruit, spice, whiskey and gin themed cocktail which was watery and lacked flavour. The coffees seemed to be very popular, as people were still ordering at 7:30! There was also espresso martinis included in a buy one get one free offer. read more

Flat white & carrot cake: The latter was a bit lemony but both were alright. Great atmosphere!! Another time tried their ice cream latte drink. The ice cream is not very good quality so would pass in this one next time. read more

This place is decked out well and the staff is friendly enough but there is buts. It's really expensive and if your out with a group your going to find it hard to find seats to fit everyone. Overall great for a quick drink on the way somewhere not a lengthy exercise. But try it out for yourself it's worth a suss read more

Agree totally GC..Great atmosphere. Shame about the little things like cutlery napkins etc. Not being upfront about out of stocks in terms of cheeses and dips. The tasting GIN boards were of reasonable value and presentation. Enjoyable but could be better with more attention to detail. read more

Great little spot for some good gin and a cheese platter. The 2 for 1 drink specials are so good and I was amazed at the great price of the cheese platter, especially for how much was on there! If you're on a budget but still want to live it up, this is the place to go. read more

Great coffee. Friendly staff. Cool decor. Great coffee. Hipster Baristas. Fast service. Tasty brownies and treats. Vegan friendly. Great coffee. read more

I love this place soooo much! The mochas here are fantastic and the ambience of the building is amazing, especially if you're lucky enough to sit in the wee booth at the back. The alcohol menu is also extensive and the little brownie slices are to die for. If they ever have the Ferrero Rocher brownie, get it. Seriously... Happy hour is also really nice. read more

We were a small group looking forward to the visit based on a friends' recommendation. Between us we ordered a number of cocktails, grazing boards at $28 each consisting of dips, breads, and cheese, and also gin tasting boards at $32 each. When the gin tasting boards arrived after approximately 25 minutes it was pointed out to us that one brand of gin wasn't available and that another had been substitited. When the grazing boards arrived two of the dips and one of the cheeses had been substituted. The grazing boards were supplied with a cheese knife only. We were not provided with plates, cutlery or napkins. As a customer purchasing any type of goods I expect to be informed if what I want is out of stock and then offered the opportunity to change my order if necessary. This did not occur, and staff did not seem particularly interested when these things were pointed out. The food itself was acceptable and the drinks were enjoyable. read more