Edinburgh’s drinking scene isn’t just about grabbing a pint; it’s about finding the spots where the atmosphere, the drinks, and the company all come together. Sure, you could stick to the tourist-packed places on the Royal Mile, but the real magic is often just around the corner — the pubs and bars locals actually rate.
We’ve rounded up a few favourites that blend character, good drinks, and a sense of place. They’re the kind of venues you can wander into for “just one” and end up staying all night. And yes, we’re starting with one very close to our hearts.
Black Ivy – Stylish Sips in Bruntsfield
Good for: Cocktails, all-day hangs, weekend buzz, dog-friendly catch-ups
We’re biased, but Black Ivy is the kind of place you settle into. By day, it’s all about coffee, brunch, and the occasional glass of fizz. By night, the bar buzzes with conversation, live music, and late-night cocktails. Our heated terrace overlooks Bruntsfield Links, so you can sip outdoors without worrying about the Scottish chill creeping in.
Drinks range from crisp wines and craft beers to a cocktail list that changes with the seasons. If you’re not drinking, there’s plenty on the menu for you too. Come for one thing — boozy brunch, pints, a date night — and you’ll probably find a reason to stay for another!
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Photo from Tripadvisor
DogHouse Edinburgh – A Playground for Beer Fans
Good for: Craft beer, casual group meetups, fresh air with your pint
BrewDog’s DogHouse is a temple to all things beer. Two bars, 30 taps each, and a rotating mix of BrewDog favourites and guest brews you won’t find everywhere. If you’re a lager-and-lime person or a double IPA enthusiast, they’ve got you covered.
Upstairs, the terrace is a sweet spot for people-watching and catching up. The fire pit comes in handy on cooler evenings, and the food menu is full of easy crowd-pleasers — burgers, wings, loaded fries — with vegan and veggie dishes that hold their own. It’s the kind of place where “quick drink after work” can become “last ones to leave.”
Photo from Food Republic
Frankenstein & Bier Keller – Edinburgh’s Theatrical Night Out
Good for: Big nights, themed fun, groups who want a laugh
Frankenstein is part bar, part performance. There are animatronic monsters, sound effects, and light shows that happen without much warning — which is half the fun. Downstairs, the Bier Keller goes full Oktoberfest with steins, long wooden benches, and hearty German pub food.
Weekends get rowdy, and if you’re in on a Sunday night, you might find yourself belting out 80s ballads at Edinburgh’s biggest karaoke. It’s not subtle, but that’s exactly why it works.
Photo from Edinburgh Live
The Botanist – Garden-Inspired Cocktails and Laid-Back Music
Good for: Date nights, cocktails with friends, brunch that lingers into evening
The Botanist feels like someone built a greenhouse and filled it with bartenders. Hanging plants, warm lighting, and cocktails that look almost too pretty to drink. The menu leans botanical, with plenty of gin-based creations, but there’s a solid wine and beer list too.
Food-wise, you’re looking at their famous hanging kebabs, “posh pub” plates, and a Sunday roast that’s worth planning around. Thursdays often bring bingo with a twist, and acoustic sets pop up regularly, keeping the mood just right for a slow, sociable night.
Photo from Tripadvisor
SCOTCH Whisky Bar at The Balmoral – A Masterclass in Whisky
Good for: Tasting something new, intimate conversations, whisky appreciation
SCOTCH isn’t the kind of whisky bar where you feel out of place if you’re not an expert. The whisky ambassadors are brilliant at guiding you through their 500-plus bottle collection, from Highlands to Islay, without making it feel like a lecture.
You can book a tasting session to explore different styles, or just pull up a seat at the brass and granite bar for a dram that catches your eye. If you’ve never tried whisky in Scotland, start here — they’ll set the standard high!
Photo from Jaco
The Cocktail Mafia
Good for: Nightlife, date nights, and creative cocktail lovers
Tucked away on Charlotte Lane in the West End, The Cocktail Mafia is where Edinburgh’s cocktail scene gets a dose of theatre. The moment you walk in, you’re met with moody lighting, rich colours, and just enough neon to let you know this is going to be a good night.
The drinks menu is a proper playground — think reimagined classics alongside originals with names as memorable as their flavours. One sip might be all fresh basil and citrus, the next a smoky rum with a cheeky garnish that makes you smile. It’s the sort of place where you order “just one more” because you want to see what they come up with next.
There’s a back room called Miami Bay that feels like a secret holiday… palm trees, gold accents, and cabana seating perfect for small groups or private events! Staff are chatty without being over the top, so even if you’re flying solo, you’ll feel welcome.
If you’re looking for somewhere to slow the night down or kick it into gear, this is a spot worth seeking out.
Tips for Drinking Like a Local in Edinburgh
Before you head out, it’s worth knowing a few things that locals swear by. Edinburgh’s drinking scene has its quirks — the kind that make a night out here unforgettable if you know how to navigate them.
Think of these as your insider notes for drinking like you actually live here:
- Ask your bartender what they’re drinking — it’s usually worth trying!
- Mix it up: have a pint in a traditional pub, then switch to a cocktail spot.
- Edinburgh weather changes fast, so keep an indoor backup plan in mind.
- Some of the best nights start early; locals love a late afternoon pint.
Why We’ll Always Recommend Black Ivy
There’s no shortage of great bars here, but we’ve built Black Ivy to feel like the kind of place you can use for any occasion. Coffee catch-ups, lazy brunches, afternoon drinks in the sun, or a night that rolls past midnight — it all works here.
The terrace stays warm even when the weather doesn’t, the drinks list covers every mood, and the atmosphere makes it easy to feel like part of the room, even if it’s your first time in. So if you’re wondering where to go drinking in Edinburgh, make us your first stop!
