If you've seen the title of the article and think the name is familiar - it's probably because 'The Bridgeway' has been around since the 60s. For many Adelaideans, the
Bridgeway Hotel is a revered live music venue that helped launch the careers of the likes of AC/DC, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil back in the day. In 2023, it still hosts plenty of live music and launches plenty of music careers.
Just before COVID, the hotel underwent a major redevelopment with the upgrade of the bistro and before that - the live music venue. It's still one of Adelaide's most popular live music spaces, but it's the addition of a 'Parrilla' - and a pizza offering going by the name of 'Miss Margherita' - to the menu that had us finally heading in. It was shaping up to be big in 2020 and it's still pumping. We were not disappointed.
They've created a wide-open space incorporating the bistro, bar, and beer garden, with plenty of tables and room to move. The outlook over Dry Creek (which the hotel straddles – hence the name) isn't particularly scenic but the interior is tastefully designed with an enjoyable ambience, especially the beer garden.
The extensive menu is based around an impressive and open central kitchen featuring a 'Parrilla Grill'. This is a South American style open fire grill so you can have your meat gaucho style! The cuts of meat are huge and are definitely some of the best in town. The other main feature of the kitchen is the pizza oven pumping out pizzas under the Miss Margherita' banner. There are some interesting flavour combinations served on a traditional pizza base with plenty of flavour and flair. The rest of the menu has schnitzels, burgers, salads, seafood, and more desserts than we usually see on a menu these days.
Drinks wise, the Bridgeway has everything you'd expect with a huge range of beers and ciders on tap along with a nicely conceived cocktail list, a good range of wines and spirits, and plenty of softies and other beverages. It's safe to say there's something for everyone - from the fancy to the fair-weather.
All up, the Bridgeway has done an excellent job of reinventing itself while not outpacing itself. Food and drink prices can feel a bit above average, but the quality and size of the serves make them excellent value.
The Bridgeway Hotel sits across Dry Creek at 18 Bridge Road, Pooraka. It's about fifteen minutes north of the Adelaide CBD and it's time for you to give it a go.
Find out more, see the menu, and book here.
