Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
Countries
What to do and see in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Bars & Clubs
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Jolly Toper Whisky Tastings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Whisky tastings mainly in a Royal Mile pub but often out and about too - on a canal barge, vintage train, walking tours, etc. A chance for enthusiasts and novices to try some rare, expensive and/or old drams but always interesting. Good for locals and visitors, old and young and for ladies as well as gentlemen. Nothing is being sold - its just an excuse to learn about whisky while trying some world class spirit in good company. Entertaining and informative, relaxed but organised.
Reviewed By fionno306 - London, United Kingdom
Mark did a fantastic tasting evening with 4 whiskies for four of us. He'd also suggested some excellent things to eat which added to the experience. Extremely knowledgeable about whisky, very interesting and entertaining, would highly recommend this.
2. Monkey Barrel Comedy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 305 reviews
Edinburgh's best rated Comedy Club. #1 in Edinburgh for Bars & Clubs and Concerts & Shows on TripAdvisor. 5 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominees since 2017. 3 time Scottish Comedy Award winner. Open 7 nights a week. See monkeybarrelcomedy.com for more details.
Reviewed By Jesshoggy
Went to an open mic night on a Monday night with low expectations really & we didn’t stop laughing! Service at the bar was great, all the acts were funny and the host (think her name was Amy Matthews) smashed it, although we both said we would’ve liked to have seen more of her. All in all was a great night and I would highly recommend!
3. Department Of Magic
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 369 reviews
The home of witchcraft & wizardry. Take on the Dark Lord in our spellbinding escape rooms, brew up a potions cocktail in our Magic Potions Tavern. Cloaks and wands provided!
Reviewed By foivosc2019 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Great fun! Definitely one of the best (if not the best) escape rooms in town. Coming from someone who has experienced a decent amount of rooms before and a Harry Potter fan this one combines the thrill of doing an escape room with the feeling that you are part of a magical world, without sacrificing one for the other! Will be heading back to do the second room quite soon. Special shout out to Perim, our amazing and super enthusiastic grave keeper and GM!!
4. The Raging Bull
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
We welcome you to The Raging Bull, an Edinburgh Cocktail Bar famous for its Espresso Martinis. Our cosy bar is inspired by the eccentric yet good natured fellow, The Raging bull and his friends. As you walk through the door directly to your left hangs a mural of The Bull himself drinking with his lady back in the 1920’s. He has become accustomed to drinking his cocktails in comfortable and stylish surroundings. So, expect rustic walls, marble tables, natural foliage and walls adorned with pictures of the handsome Bull when you visit us. Rumour has it the first Espresso Martini was invented in 1983, but we will let you into a little secret. The Raging Bull has been drinking these delightful caffeinated concoctions since the 1920’s to keep him up at night! We take our alcohol seriously, but we want to have fun doing it. So please leave any inhibitions at the door and take a walk on the wild side!
Reviewed By sonyas114
We had a virtual vodka cocktail class with Andy at The Raging Bull - we would highly recommend! Amazing drinks and great host, thank you :) it was also so easy to book and they were really flexible for us so via class bento
5. Scotch Whisky Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 258 reviews
Our passionate and friendly Whisky Ambassadors can help you make your choice from the ever-changing selection, with its compelling big-hitter bottles, as well as rare and limited editions. Or they can guide you through a phenomenal tasting, sharing stories, tasting notes and passing along their love of “the water of life” with each sip. Whether you know your peaty from your creamier, sherry-matured whiskies, or you’re just looking to taste whisky for the first time, everyone is welcome. From the glowing amber-coloured walls and the gleaming brushed brass and black granite bar to the smile you receive as you walk through the door, SCOTCH is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Reviewed By LordVigo
I passed through Edinburgh yesterday evening and decided to treat myself to a 'wee dram' at the delightful SCOTCH Whisky bar at the Balmoral Hotel. What I loved about this place upon arrival was it's cosy atmosphere. It is what one would expect from a World class hotel. The service was immaculate and both gentlemen on duty demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the Whiskys in their bar. This is quite a feat when considering that there are literally hundreds of Single Malts from all of the Whisky regions in Scotland on the menu. Pricewise, there is something for everyone on the menu. The 18 year old Macallan Sherry Oak was particularly impressive and was a perfect drink to wind up the evening with. The service was by no means rushed and was warm, Scottish hospitality at it's very best. If you are coming to Edinburgh, this IS the place to come to sample great Single Malt and fine service.
6. Whistle Binkies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 430 reviews
Open every night ‘til the wee small hours and providing quality live music for the city, Whistle Binkies is an Edinburgh institution. Housed deep in the vaults under South Bridge both locals and visitors congregate to sample the finest Scotland has to offer, from bands to beers! With an extensive drinks list and an eclectic line up there is something for everyone. We are now over 30 years old and to celebrate it is now free entry every night, with 4 live bands to keep your ears happy through the week. Friday’s and Saturday’s feature up to 6 acts!
Reviewed By adecca
Brilliant bar, fantastic music, make sure and go to the Monday night open mic night we were there last night great atmosphere. Chris the sound guy and other musicians were amazing. Very encouraging to all the acts. Will definitely be back.
7. Jolly Judge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 744 reviews
Welcome to the Jolly Judge public bar in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Low beamed ceilings, warm fire and a tranquil atmosphere, this is Scottish hospitality at its best. Sample the wide range of malt whiskies, real ales and tempting bar lunches.
Reviewed By dhleask9 - Glenrothes, United Kingdom
Stumbled on this wee gem off the High Street in the Royal Mile.Very cosy with a crackling log fire,I last stopped in here over 30 years ago,and it had the same good friendly vibe I remembered back then.I had a lovely strawberry cider sitting on one of the old bench seats beside the fire and found it comforting that some things don't change and just stick at what they do well.I won't be waiting another 30 years till I return.
8. Kays Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
This friendly bar has a large selection of whiskeys.
Reviewed By 129guyd - London, United Kingdom
Great little bar. Friendly warm place with nice decor, open fire, and a great selection of beers and spirits. It also has guest ales. Highly recommend.
9. The Dome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 962 reviews
This large domed structure was once a bank and now houses a classy bar with live jazz on Sundays.
Reviewed By spiderwiddas - Peterlee, United Kingdom
Recommended by all of my friends as a “must do” when visiting Edinburgh we were delighted with our experience at this beautiful bar. We had a late lunch - didn’t need to book - a real advantage as we like spontaneity. The interior is stunning. The staff couldn’t do enough for us and the service was impeccable. The food was tasty, fresh and really hit the spot. the table d’hote menu is reasonable at £20pp. Delighted to have a generous portion of mince and tatties with carrots and peas as a main. Unpretentious, delicious and filling. All washed down with a fabulous Pinot noir. We plan to return on an evening to sample the extensive cocktail menu. Thank you to the friendly staff. Oh! And the ladies loos - so glam!
10. Abbotsford Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By direalale
Visited on a monday evening following a walk around the xmas market. The staff could not have been more welcoming. We were offered tasters of each beer and offered a bar menu. The pub was very busy and when we enquired regarding the food , were told that we could have a table in the restaurant upstairs. The food was to a very high standard for 'pub food' and was the same price in the restaurant as in the pub. The food was of generous portions and cooked to perfection. To the fact that we returned the following three evenings of our holiday to eat here. The bar staff too were good explaining the intricasies of the old fashioned air dispense pumps which i had never encountered before. Hand pumps i understand but these i had no idea. There are very few left and it was worth the visit just to get beer served from them. Local Scottish beers and major brand beers were both on offer. Oakham, Cromarty, Top Out, M'or, Orkney all on the bar. Great food. Good beer. Friendly accomodating staff. Next time im in Edinburgh this will be my first port of call
