If you’ve ever tried to organise a catch-up that keeps everyone happy… kids, partners, friends, and your own need for a cold drink… then let me introduce (or reintroduce) you to your new go-to: Pirate Life Brewing.
We went back recently and it just works. Like, actually works. The kids disappear (not in a scary way… more like “they’ve found the games” way), the drinks stay cold, and you can actually finish a sentence. Huge win.
The venue nails that industrial-chic vibe with high ceilings, exposed beams, raw brick, and big open spaces that somehow feel cool and welcoming at the same time. Inside, there’s enough going on to keep the kids busy without you having to micromanage every second: pinball, arcade games, a skill tester that will happily eat your coins, and shuffleboard. Outside, it’s chalk, giant Jenga, a rope balance thing, and a little rocking boat that my kids became oddly obsessed with. Add in colouring and puzzles on the kids menu, and you’ve actually got a solid window to sit, chat, and drink something while it’s still cold
Now the food… we went all in. The menu is just too good to pick, so we ordered a bunch of things and honestly? Not a single regret.
The baked provolone with chilli and chimichurri is a must. Like, don’t even think about skipping it. Sharing is optional but risky. The fried chicken ribs with the curry mayo? Absolutely wild. The mortadella, salami, and stracciatella focaccia combo was fresh, salty, a little sweet and just ridiculously good. Fish and chips is generous and classic, the wagyu cheeseburger does exactly what you want it to do, and the pork scotch with that sticky IPA + gochujang glaze had one of those “okay wow” moments mid-bite.
We also ordered both desserts because self-control simply wasn’t on the table. The ice cream cookie sandwich and the cheesecake were both absolutely worth it. The kids’ menu is really reasonable at $12 per meal, with a choice of five options: cheese toastie, spaghetti, chicken bites, beef slider, or a grazing plate. You can even add a drink for $2 and finish off with an ice cream sundae for $8. Oh, worth noting that kids eat free on Mondays and in the school holidays, kids meals are half price!
There are 24 beers on tap, and the staff are total legends; chill, happy to let you try before you commit (essential if you panic-order like me). Not a beer person? You’ll still find something to love. They also run brewery tours if you’re feeling educational… or just want to justify another drink.
It’s kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and the perfect spot for catching up with your crew. No stress, great food, good vibes, and you leave feeling like you’ve actually had a break (even though your kids were right there the whole time). Bonus: easy on-street parking.
We’re big fans. Go. Eat the cheese. Stay longer than you planned.
Pirate Life Brewing
Location: 18 Baker Street, Port Adelaide, SA, 5015
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs 11am – 10pm | Fri – Sat 11am – midnight
Phone: (08) 8317 2111
Find them on Facebook or Instagram
You might also be interested in
-
Ditch metro Adelaide and the big craft brewery crowds with their massive schmancy venues and on fleek Gen Y FOH staff, (who probably wouldn't know a mash conversion from a ferment tank, let alone how to engage with your kids over lunch, lets be honest) for a genuine grass roots type small batch micro brewery, distillery and taphouse. Shifty are serving up some of the tastiest brews and beer nosh getting around. Enter family lunch at Willunga. We made a family booking to join the Shifty crew last Saturday for lunch, and after perusing the famous Willunga Farmers Markets (Saturday mornings) and a mandatory stop at the local playground (impressed), we were ready to wet the whistle and taste some craft beer. With kids in tow we always appreciate the smaller servings of a tasting paddle so as we can try a few beers and make an informed choice for some takeaways for the fridge at home. You guys know with kids it pays to check ahead that there will be something on the menu to keep them happy (pleased to report there was) and better still that there are some games and colouring and oh you know, a resident…
-
Is there anything better than an ice cream on a hot Adelaide day? (Or any day really?!) We have collated the best spots in Adelaide & beyond to enjoy a delicious ice cream, gelati, gelato, frozen yoghurt or even acai treat with the kids! Whether you're into classic scoops and flavours like vanilla, chocolate or mint chocolate chip, or like something a bit fancy like peach and white chocolate (yes we recently found that) we've done the hard work for you and found the best spots to visit. Plus, does anything make your kids behave better than the promise of an ice cream at the end of the day? We didn't think so. Now for the big question Adelaide ice cream fans: cup or cone?
-
The countdown to the big day is on and there's no better time to shop advent calendars than right now! After all, it's almost November and chances are, all the best ones will be sell out within a few weeks. While we never turn down the joy of a chocolate-filled option, things have come a long way since the German Lutherans invented the concept in the late 19th Century. With options ranging from toys to candles and everything in between, there's something here for everyone! This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.
0 Comments