When closed, the building that houses Pink Moon Saloon could be mistaken for a charming cabin Airbnb. It screams Grand Designs laneway build with its smooth timber cladding and heavily slanted roof. The front is set back ever so slightly from the street, shading its visibility from passers-by, giving off a homey feel.
The unusual layout features two buildings separated by an internal courtyard. The bar greets customers at the front, while the restaurant is tucked neatly in the rear. The space is small but thoughtfully designed, with only table service throughout to avoid overcrowding.
Arrive on a mid-week evening and expect to be sitting on stools, as booths fill up swiftly even on quiet nights. It’s no compromise however, since the full food menu is available throughout the venue.
The menu changes often, with the main focus on smoked meats cooked in the custom built wood burning oven. The Americana vibe is subtle, which is pleasant to see at a time when Texas style beef brisket is becoming as ubiquitous as salt and pepper squid.
The menu features snacks/entrées, sandwiches, a ploughman’s lunch and the daily protein offerings from the smoky wood oven. The sandwich options are served with a generous handful of salty, crisp fried slices of waxy potato – also available alone as a snack (highly recommended). The rotating proteins come under the title of “The Daily Chops” which are only discoverable by asking a service staff member, if you can catch one.
Service aside, the food is very memorable. Snack/entrée offerings range from simple potato chips (not to be underestimated) to an elegant duck liver parfait, or smoked kingfish plate. A pleasant show of the sophisticated but rugged branding, which feels approachable and unpretentious.
Sandwiches are stacked high, the Pink Moon club skewered endearingly with a cocktail olive. Filled with smoked chicken, pulled pork, grilled radicchio, melted cheese, lettuce and tomato. There is also what can only be identified as a heavily smoked sliver of cured meat (100 of these please). The behemoth is surprisingly refined in taste with each element distinguishable in each bite. The beef brisket offering (part of The Daily Chops) is equally as appealing, presented on toasted rye bread, the rich smoky beef number complimented by fresh radicchio and a stack of sharp pickles.
The drink list features a handful of cocktails, unsurprising, considering half of the brains behind the business come from the creators of Clever Little Tailor. A lesser known American classic – the Clover Club is offered. Made with a mix of gin, lemon, sugar, egg white and raspberry, it’s an ideal drink considering Australia’s recent insatiable taste for botanical infused spirits. Beer, wine and other spirits are available, with a focus on locality, but not without a small selection of imported American brews.
The comforts of the venue are hard to leave when it comes time to depart. Just like leaving a visit to a log cabin in the mountains, it’s hard to tear away from the soft lighting, ambient wood tones and the lingering scent of fireplace smoke.
More you might like:
Coming Soon: Pink Moon Saloon
Mr Goodbar adds a bit of soul to Adelaide’s East End
Review: Low & Slow American BBQ
Where
21 Leigh Street, Adelaide
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 12.00pm – 12.00am
Friday: 12.00pm – 2.00am
Saturday: 4.00pm – 2.00am
Follow
Photography
Camellia Aebischer
Comments