The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange

As soon as I mentioned to a friend of mine that I had discovered a small bar that was also a book exchanged he decided then and there that we had to go and check it out. Okay, books and beer also tends to be high on my places to go and check it out, and since it isn’t open on Mondays, I had to come back here the next night. Mind you, when we got here it was pretty dark, which sort of isn’t all that conducive to reading books (unless of course you can see in the dark). This is mainly a cocktail bar, and they don’t have beers on tap (at least that this stage, though they suggested that it is coming sometime soon). There were a decent selection of craft beers though, which is another one of those things that tend to attract me to such as place (though I know that not everybody appreciates a good craft beer). I wasn’t sure whether the books were for display, though as the name suggests it is a book exchange. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to look at all of the books, namely because there were people in the way, and also because it was pretty dark inside.

Bibliotheca is cosy, with an extensive wine & spirits menu and some great beers on tap. It wasn’t too crowded on a Friday night (yet). I had a lovely evening drinking a delicious New Zealand sav blanc with a friend and slipping positive affirmations in to the books.
I guess my only disappointment was that I was expecting the books to be more of a feature, perhaps to wrap around more of the space? It was also a little difficult to browse the shelves when people were sitting at the tables in front of them. A great selection of reads though, not your usual book exchange throw out paper back rubbish. They ranged from Jodi Picoult & Tim Winton, to Sylvia Plath, to sports biographies, to Lonely Planet guides. I’m looking forward to going back, maybe on a week night, with a few good quality books of my own to exchange and to read something new with an amaretto sour in hand!

Booze and books how can you go wrong! I had to do a double take when I checked where this little bar was hiding, surely it couldn’t be off of the notorious Hindley street? But there must be a change in the air because a horde of quirky specialty bars are opening in the side lanes which is exciting news! Anita had organised a bunch of the Unilocalers to sneak a drink here after work and it was wonderful!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many cocktails in my life listed in one menu, a bit overwhelming but you’ll never be in want of variety. I got a cheeky Bloody Mary which was easily the best I’d had with a twist of Worcester sauce and a little squirt of lemon that gave it a great tang. I also tried the Kraken spiced rum too which converted me from the Sailor Jerry I was so faithful to.
It is upmarket in prices but it’s for the best as I’d hate to see this bar crawling with rowdy cheapskates staining all the wonderful books. You can definitely see the bars market in the selection, lots of cheeky and funny hipster finds. I swapped out for a Stephen King short novella I’d been hanging to read so bring the good stuff and you’ll be rewarded with book karma!
I’d imagine this place would get hectic on a Saturday so a weeknight might be the way to go. Novelty bars are going strong in Adelaide so hope we keep this one banging out great nights.

This was my third attempt at trying to check out B-​Bar — first two times, there were lines out the door because they had events on (I should’ve checked their fb page). Last night, I finally got a chance to have a cocktail (thank you Unilocal + Anita) and exchange books with fellow Unilocalers at B-​Bar. There is a welcoming and warm vibe about this place — and the temperature inside was very comfortable and a relief from the cold evening. Too distracted with conversations at the table of Unilocalers, I didn’t actually look at the drinks menu, but the wall of spirits behind the bar was pretty impressive and the two cocktails I had were very expertly made (balanced and tailored to my taste — I was asked how I liked my martini, for example). I will definitely be back to try more of their cocktails and also for a small bite to eat.

Oh books and cocktails is a winning combination! What a delight and so exciting for Adelaide to have something that is designed to be interesting and fun. It doesn’t all have to be about the cocktails, something interactive is great to combine with your dining experience.
The bar is warm and welcoming, lined with green old bankers lights and a marble bench top. There is something classy and vintage about this bar. The cocktail menu, wines and beers is quite extensive. I actually had to get my lovely Unilocaler friends to assist in my decision, as there were too many lovely concoctions to choose from. I ended up landing on something classy for the evening, a Manhattan. It was served as it should, with a Maraschino cherry and good quality Bourbon. This definitely warmed me up!
The Bar Tender was very lovely and helpful, and importantly makes a great cocktail. He had attention to detail with the use of utensils and the right garnishes. Really beautiful glassware, in particular I am a fan their beer pint glasses.
Great selection of craft beer in tap, really taking advantage of showcasing some great Australian craft brewers work! Oh yes, and they had one of my favs on tap! King Kong Stout from the Clare Valley! Mmmmmmm
As for the book exchange selection. Well, there was some impressive and interesting finds on the shelves. We decided to visit this bar to exchange books and have a drink to catch-​up. We found ourselves having many laughs with some of the erotic book finds from the shelves.
Overall, I really love the idea behind this bar. I think this is the type of bar that you visit with close friends looking for a quiet comfortable night out.

I’m in hipster heaven! Old books — check. old leather seats — check. Dim lighting — check. Amazing wine and cocktail menu — check. Delicious gourmet open sandwiches — check. Hipster dudes with beards and hipster chicks with glasses and buttoned up shirts? Check check check check.
It was love at first sight with the The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange. On a cold winter’s evening i cant imagine anything better than heading into this gorgeous albiet small bar for a gin or red wine, listening to funky music and catching up with friends.
The wine list is pricey but the vibe is warm, not too busy and airs sophistication without being snobby. The mushroom open sandwhich is absolutely delicious and the cheese platter to share is definitely a great addition to complement wine.
I loved the quirkiness of this bar being a book exchange as well. I picked up a joke book off the shelf; hilarious! Great conversation starters. There has been a lot of love and an eye to detail with every decorative detail of The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange as well. You really do feel like you’re stepping into an old book exchange in Europe or New York. I wonder if they will do mulled wine come winter?
I will be back here, potentially every friday night! highly recommend for those looking for a quiet catch up over wine with a friend or two and some late night gourmet treats. You will like if you like Proof Wine Bar, and enjoy putting your phone away when catching up with friends!

— Good wine list, if a little expensive. (Usually it is better value to buy a bottle. The cost of most bottles at Bibliotheca is exactly the same as 5 glasses.)
— Service was okay.
— The venue is delightful — the combination of books and wine will have me everytime.