Maybe Mae — Restaurant in Adelaide

Maybe Mae has been on my radar for a while , so when I had the chance to have a few drinks I took it . It was a cool Winter’s evening , early on a Sunday , and I was shown the entrance by a lovely staff member from the burger joint Bread and Bone ( which is located just above ) When I arrived it has just opened and I was the first one in the establishment, which was very relaxing. Staff were extremely friendly and explained how everything worked ( menu when you scan the code on the table ) - and how they pride themselves in using local seasonal ingredients as much as possible. The atmosphere was very chill- quite dark , mood lighting and the music wasn’t that loud at the time of visiting. It was country , which isn’t usually my taste , but the more I sat and relaxed , the more it suited the mood. I ordered the Lilypad cocktail to start , which used “Tom Yummy”Threefold Gin ( which is a local distillery near Glenelg)pineapple and coconut milk , which tasted like a pineapple splice , was garnished with coriander oil - so it looked like a lily pad , hence the name. I think I did prefer the Pink Cadillac though - with its sour red grapefruit, yuzu and smoky mezcal - I loved the sweet/ sour taste is this ( as is my preferred mouthfeel ) - and the salted glass gave an extra depth as you were sipping . I really enjoyed my time here and the staff were so attentive- I’m glad I went when I did because it was so relaxed and it added to the experience. Undoubtedly a...

Amazing manager, crazy good cocktail maker. Had one night in Adelaide. Dropped by this bar and did not leave. Don’t remember how I got home but Uber receipt from morning after said I was responsible. Watched Josh who doubles as security, mix a few drinks then ordered ‘one of whatever you recommend’ from him. He asked a couple of questions about my taste then prepared a winner. I asked for another different recommendation. Another winner. Josh ain’t chatty. He’s understated. And amazingly good at his chosen trade. His bar manager partner does most of the talking. She’s fabulously friendly and welcoming. From left field a terrified woman appears in the bar escaping some guy who’s being aggressive in another bar. She provides spontaneous comfort and support and sends Josh out to escort her to an Uber that will take to safety. These people are fabulous. Josh is a gifted cocktail barman, intuitive and instinctive. His partner is also generous in spirit, quite apart from being a great bar manager. Do yourself a favour and meet these exceptional people, and maybe have a cocktail...

We found the door. We won’t tell you where it is — secrets are part of the charm. But when we slipped through and descended into the underworld of art deco delight, we knew: this wasn’t just a bar. This was the beginning of something.

Inside, it was all shadows, brass, and the hum of low conversation. Enter: Alphonso. Charismatic. Commanding. Clad in leopard print and vibes so strong they should be bottled. He didn’t serve us drinks. He served us conviction.

Then there was Kobe — the mixology mage. Quiet hands, serious eyes, alchemical talent. The drinks? Divine. But the lychee lolly? Transcendent. Like if a fruit had a secret and whispered it directly to your brain.

Every corner of the space oozes intention — smooth walnut wood, lush emerald green leather, a whiff of something forbidden. The art deco design doesn’t scream; it purrs. Please never change it. We beg.

We don’t know what time it was when we left. We don’t even know who we are anymore. But we know this: We believe in Alphonso. We trust in Kobe. And we would follow that Spare Change...