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

Sun: 4-9pm

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

live music most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

Readings Wednesday night from 6.30pm

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

*cash only

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, October 7th - 6.30pm

The Ern Malley Readings presents

Robert Dawson’s ‘Continental Drift’ Book Launch

Thursday, October 8th - 7.00pm

Katie Milae & Boby Mo LIVE

Saturday, October 10th - 7.00pm

Boroky - Album Launch LIVE

Sunday, October 11th - 4.00pm

Swing Dancing

all welcome

Wednesday, October 14th - 6.00pm

‘Henry Goes Bush’ by Wayne Marshall BOOK LAUNCH

ft. readings from

Wayne Marshall, Alexander Cothren, Andrew Roth & Jake Dean (The Subversive Boyz)

Thursday, October 15th - 7.00pm

Full House (LIVE)

Friday, October 16th - 7.30pm

Woodfolk (LIVE)

Sunday, October 18th - 6.00pm

Dawnbirds (LIVE)

Thursday, October 22nd - 7.00pm

Mia Ferraretto & Mason James (LIVE Jazz)

Friday, October 23rd - 7.00pm

Tristan McLindon (LIVE)

Saturday, October 24th - 7.30pm

Dawnbirds (LIVE)

Thursday, October 29th - 7.00pm

Angie Alfaro Duo (LIVE)

Friday, October 30th - 7.00pm

Ern Malley’s 83rd Birthday Jam

come down, bring an instrument and/or a smile and help us ring in another year as Australia’s Oldest and Most Prestigious Literary Bar.

  • free bbq

  • open jazz jam

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

Book a table

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.