Ern Malley

Est. 1943

Australia’s Oldest Literary Bar

137 Magill Rd, Stepney, SA 5069

Mon & Tues: Closed

Wed & Thurs: 4pm till late

Fri & Sat: 3pm till late

$5 glass of house wine Fri & Sat, 3-6pm

Every second Sunday for Swing Dancing from 4pm

Plat du Jour & Live music every Friday night

Readings Wednesday night from 6.30pm

follow @ern.malley for upcoming events and/or subscribe below

Headfirst into the beautiful accident…

Open since 1943, this Adelaide venue has been at the vanguard of the Australian literary, music and arts scene for over 80 years. Known for its candlelit ambience, live music, classic cocktails, sing-a-longs around the piano, esteemed literary events, and incredible collection of original artworks, Ern Malley continues to draw thirsty conversationalist from far and wide.

A group of people inside a dimly lit green-walled bar or restaurant, with some sitting at tables and others standing, engaged in conversation. Two individuals are standing near a window, one with a shaved head and the other holding a blank piece of paper, appearing to be in a close, intense discussion. There are framed signs and a window with blinds, along with warm lighting from a lamp.

For more information about Ern Malley the poet, Max Harris, and the incredible story, please visit the official website here.

…Coming up at Ern Malley…

//all gigs are by donation unless otherwise specified//

Wednesday, June 10 - 6.30pm

The Ern Malley Readings ft.th

Olivia De Zilva

Chelsea Avard

Christopher Charles

Thursday, June 11th - 7pm

Folk n’ Words: Night Sessions

Friday, June 12th - 7pm

Esmond Choi & Friends (Piano/Jazz)

Saturday, June 13th - 6.30pm - CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY

Sunday, June 14th - 6pm

Anthony Leppa & Dave McEvoy

Tuesday, June 16th - 6.30pm

BLOOMSDAY

with readings courtesy of Samuel McDonough, Nicholas Goggin, (most likely) Peter Goldworthy and Mrs Molly Bloom IN THE FLESH. We will also be joined by Port Adelaide Free Jazz duo Pascoe & Martin performing an excerpt from their 22-hour Ulysses-themed improv cycle. Riotous!

Wednesday, June 17th - 6.30pm

The Ern Malley Readings ft.

Robert Dawson

Ken Bolton

and a MYSTERY GUEST

Thursday, June 18th - 7pm

Baroky (Indie)

Friday, June 19th - 7.30pm

Vetter og villskap (Norwegian Folk)

Saturday, June 20th - 7.30pm

Sea Shanties ft live band, Guinness, stew

Wednesday, June 24th - 6.30pm

The Ern Malley Readings ft.

Emily Wilson

Thom Sullivan

Lise van Konkelenberg

Sarinea MeserKhani

Thursday, June 25th - 7pm

Folk n’ Words: Night Sessions

Saturday, June 27th - 7.30pm

Courteney Hooper (Jazz)

Sunday, June 28th - 7pm

Stu Larsen (Country/Folk)

Come say hello!

****WE NO LONGER REQUIRE RESERVATIONS****

Though bookings are encouraged for groups of five or more

  • 137 Magill Rd

    Stepney SA 6059

  • Mon/Tues: CLOSED
    Wed to Sat: 4pm – late Sun: 4pm - 9pmish

Get in touch to book an event or function, or ask a question…

Email: hello(at)ernmalley.com.au

Call: 0434 786 755

(we have a very old phone, so we don’t always notice voicemails. Best to email if you don’t catch us on the bell.

Live jazz band performing on stage at night in an outdoor venue, surrounded by an audience sitting at tables with drinks and food, decorated with string lights and lush greenery.
A black-and-white photograph of a man smoking a cigarette, with a woman smiling in the background, sitting at a piano.
Three women engaged in conversation, with one holding a glass, in a dimly lit room with a textured wall.
Black and white photo of a man in a dress shirt and tie, smiling and waving a cloth in a social gathering or party setting.
A black-and-white photo of a vintage indoor gathering with people sitting and standing, some reading or listening, with framed pictures on the wall and candles on a table, exhibiting a retro, slightly distressed look.