La Boheme

by SIAN CAIN

36 Grote Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Wed-Thu: 5pm-11.30pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm-2am; also open Sun

La Boheme is one of those places I hope stays a secret to the people who already know it. It will always remain beloved to those who value atmosphere and conversation over loud music. Black and white photos line the walls, plush couches spring up everywhere and the atmosphere is reminiscent of something out of the Beatnick era. A young Bob Dylan would have liked this place. I can’t give a higher compliment than that.

With the tinkly-tonk of the piano jangling in the corner, old men in suits swing dancing with strangers (it happens) and an amazing drinks menu, La Boheme is a refreshing corner of culture. Red lipstick and a bowtie will never go amiss in here. This is a place where you will want to dress classy.

And when I say ‘amazing drinks menu’, I mean an amazingly tasty drinks menu. There is the apple pie cocktail, with freshly sliced apple and toasted cinnamon on top, blowtorched before your dazzled eyes. Or the American Beauty drink, with rosewater syrup, tangy gin and some delicate rose petals sprinkled over the top. Or, if Severus Snape-ian concoctions aren’t your thing, there is an admirable beer list. But you don’t get rose petals on top of your beer. You might if you ask nicely.

Best time to visit La Boheme is during Adelaide’s many art festivals, particularly the Fringe festival. La Boheme is loved by many interstate and foreign artists, musicians and comedians, so there is always someone interesting to talk to.

As La Boheme is located in the heart of Adelaide’s food district, just across from the Central Markets, you should make a night out of it. Go to dinner on Gouger Street and walk one street over to Grote to talk the night away in La Boheme. Bliss.