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

Free tapas & $5 glass of 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…

Wednesday, Dec 31st - 7pm

A Very Ern Malley NYE

No tickets. Just all the best people, all the best music and some champagne. What could be better?!

Wednesday, Jan 7th - 4pm til late

ERN IS BACK, BABY!

open for business, conversation and conversion.

Friday, Jan 9th - 7pm

Mosiac Cat Trio LIVE JAZZ

Saturday, Jan 10th - 7pm

JAMES DONALD FORBES MCCANN Poetry Festival

Australia’s #1 selling poet is back from his sojurn in those United States, to tell us what he has learned through the medium of poetry. Some say it’s better than his stand up : /

TICKETS HERE

Friday, Jan 16th - 7pm

Paolo Guittilla Trio LIVE

Thursday, Jan 22nd - 6pm

2025 MIKI PRIZE for Short Stories

Anthology Launch

Come and hear from some of the short listed authors and grab yourself a copy of the latest collection!

Friday, Jan 23th - 7.30pm

Mt Kazoo LIVE

Saturday, Jan 24th - 7pm

The Mervyn Butterworth Quartet LIVE

Thursday, Jan 29th - 7pm

Amy Lee LIVE

Friday, Jan 30th - 7.30pm

Jacob Jake & The Skeleton Crew LIVE

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.