Cool And Quirky Bars In Edinburgh

When it comes to weird and wonderful bars in Edinburgh, they don't come much quirkier than Frankenstein. This monster-themed venue boasts daily live shows, as well as ghoulish sights and spooky sounds. The prices here though? They're anything but scary, with food and drink deals every week.

Glamorous decor, fragrant Thai flavours and signature sips make up the bones of Chaophraya. This rooftop bar in Edinburgh's city centre is home to a stunning terrace offering gorge views of the castle. This really is the place to get stuck into a heady list of quirky libations.

Perched on George Street, Elio's is a family-run bar that has been passed from father to son, dating back to 1978. This place has become a real Scottish institution, evening having welcomed famous guests from time to time, including Princess Anne and The Temptations.

Sip unique tipples like The Breakfast Club, featuring blackcurrant jam, or an Irish espresso martini. Expect warm, cosy interiors, as well as live music performances some evenings.

A popular hangout for the city's craft beer lovers, Innis & Gunn is the contemporary taproom found on Lothian Road. Home to 26 taps, it showcases local breweries and rare, international sips - with tasting flights available to help you decide on your favourite pint. 

From the guys behind BrewDog comes DogHouse Edinburgh, a cool hotel that doubles as a slick bar. Head to the massive, foliage-adorned venue to make your way through the 30 taps of beer, plus chomp on tasty burgers and wings. If it's sunny? Check out the raised terrace.

A seriously cool bar in Edinburgh, The Three Sisters is a popular haunt among locals and students alike. With a huge outdoor courtyard, roaring sports screenings and live cabaret shows, this joint will have you entertained to no end.

Following a pastel pink and royal blue refurbishment, Le Monde is a hub of all things drinking, dancing and dining. This quirky bar on Edinburgh's George Street will see you through from dusk 'til dawn - there's even an exclusive Champagne bar for those extra-special occasions. 

If ordinary nights out bore you, Coyote Ugly Edinburgh is a whole different beast.

From bartenders who flirt with danger (and the bar itself) to shots that hit like a punchline, every visit is full of quirks and surprises. This is a place to jump on the bar, raise a glass, and fully embrace the unapologetic energy that makes it one of Edinburgh's most memorable nightspots.

Manahatta is a bold, quirky haven on Rose Street that transports guests straight to Manhattan with its neon lights, plush leather seating, and floral backdrops. Its unique blend of chic New York style and a lively party vibe sets it apart from your typical Edinburgh bar. With two floors to explore and a menu that caters to all dietary preferences, Manahatta is the perfect spot for those who like their nights out with a little extra flair.

A quirky cocktail bar in Edinburgh, Rabble is a botanical-themed hideout that's perfect for any and all occasions. Its bright and colourful interiors offer the ideal location for boozy brunches come the weekend and an intimate setting for date nights.

Angels Share is a luxe lounge and hotel in the heart of the city. While daytime sees this joint screening major sporting events and serving a lip-smacking menu of modern Scottish cuisine, as night falls, it's all about the tipples, with vintage whiskies and fine wine aplenty.

Lady Libertine isn't your average Edinburgh city centre bar, oh no. Flaunting two beautifully put-together floors, it boasts gorgeous, Art Decor interiors that transport you back in time alongside deliciously heady cocktails and mouthwatering fare.

An intimate bar with bucketloads of charm, Nightcap is the basement boozer you need to check out. Head on over to the quirky yet elegant spot for an evening of luxurious libations, from expertly crafted cocktails to international wines, and even some of the country's finest whisky.

While perhaps one of the smallest bars in the country, what Wee Vault is missing in size, it makes up for with its excellent list of craft creations. Pop by this cosy hangout to sip from an ever-changing lineup of 24 draught beers, often showcasing rare guest meads and international sips.

Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, The Devil's Advocate can be found inside a former Victorian pump house. From the rustic decor to the welcoming atmosphere and spirits adorning the walls, there are few better hangouts to grab a cocktail with your nearest and dearest. 

Having coined the term 'theatre served', this bar guarantees to be a haven for cocktail-sipping and Instagram-snapping. When you're not watching your drink fizz before your eyes? You can dig into a menu of mouthwatering global bites over at its St James Quarter or George Street venue.

From unique cocktails to a hidden setting and slick interiors to match, Bar Tonic has all your cool and quirky bar needs sorted in Edinburgh. Not only that, but there's a DJ blasting everything from disco to old school RnB between Thursday and Sunday.

Whether you're looking for a quirky date night bar, hen do location or birthday venue, Boom Battle Bar has got all of your needs covered. Swing by the venue for crazy golf, shuffleboard and cocktails alongside tasty street food and mega DJ sets.

Seeking cool Edinburgh bars? Look no further than Brewhemia in the city centre. Step inside this Alpine-themed retreat, where you'll get to dance along to immersive live entertainment, guzzle lip-smacking beer and delve into delicious fusion plates.

The Botanist is hands down one of the prettiest watering holes on our list thanks to gorgeous hanging foliage and ambient lighting. Enjoy everything from botanical signature serves to delicious brunches and a killer Sunday roast.

You won't find a much quirkier bar than NQ64, which is splattered with neon graffiti and boasts 27 different retro arcade machines and old-school video games consoles. Nab tokens behind the bar for these games, though the consoles are free, and compete with your best mates over Dance Dance Revolution, the original Mario Kart, Time Crisis 3 and much more. You can get your hands on delicious splices from Pizza Geeks while you're here, alongside themed cocktails such as the Power Star martini or an Aku Aku fruit punch.

Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, Flight Club Edinburgh is a beautiful bar with an eclectic mix of decorations lining the walls. Here, you can play interactive darts and sip on a range of quirky cocktails, with bottomless pizza brunches on offer every weekend.

Halfway between Old Town and Fountainbridge, this chic little cocktail bar has some of the best drinks in the city. With a collective of fun, talented bartenders who have more than a few tricks up their sleeve, the menus here showcase character, flair and unique ingredients.

The Raging Bull is a fantastically quirky cocktail bar in Edinburgh's city centre serving up some of the best espresso martinis in town. Try out one of the hazelnut, salted caramel or orange-flavoured variations and see for yourself why it's gained such a mega reputation.

A haven for Mexican-inspired street food and exotic cocktails, Wahaca is the brainchild of a former MasterChef champion, Thomasina Miers. Stop by for fragrant flavours, salt-rimmed tequila mixes and flowing cervezas at this unusual bar in Edinburgh.

A sleek and unique bar in Edinburgh, Lucky Liquor Co's talented lineup of mixologists let their imaginations run wild when it comes to creating cocktails. Adventurous city revellers will be thrilled to discover the extensive array of quirky libations that change with the seasons.

Paradise Palms has a quirky lineup of events to rival any other. From zine pop-ups to DJ residencies, there truly is never a dull moment here. And boasting colourful bunting, quirky neon lighting and botanicals hanging from the ceilings, it's pretty easy on the eye too. 

Perched above the Market Street Hotel, Nor' Loft blends modern luxury with a nod to Edinburgh's past, named after the historic Nor' Loch. This contemporary rooftop champagne lounge offers a chic and intimate atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush seating, all set against panoramic views of the Old Town skyline. The rooftop terrace adds an inviting open-air element, perfect for sipping bubbly by day or celebrating into the night.

Nor' Loft's standout feature is its extensive champagne selection, boasting over 20 varieties from boutique growers and famous houses, complemented by inventive champagne cocktails, single malts, and craft beers. The food offering is just as refined, with seasonal small plates and sharing dishes that showcase Scotland's natural larder, alongside a stylish breakfast and afternoon tea service prepared in an open kitchen.

Fronting great food, dancing and a stand-out beer selection, this cool Cowgate bar hosts some of the best nights out in the city. Head over and enjoy an industrial-chic decor, late-night dining and tasty brews, alongside stellar DJs every weekend. 

Hidden away on the corner of Charlotte Square, Panda & Sons transports its guests to America's Prohibition era. Disguised as a barber shop, this secret speakeasy is decked out with quaint antiques, old school barber chairs and is home an impressive arsenal of syrups, spices and spirits.

One of the most unique bars in the city, The Voodoo Rooms is an uber glamorous drinking den decked out with comfy leather booths and floor-to-ceiling windows. From historical interiors and gin cocktails to the glittering of golden awnings, this is a pretty special place to spend your evening.

Lamplighters is a chic rooftop bar perched atop Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh that offers a unique blend of vintage glamour and modern style. Named after a Robert Louis Stevenson poem, this intimate spot features plush seating, warm ambient lighting, and large panoramic windows framing stunning views of the city's New Town skyline.

The rooftop terrace provides an atmospheric setting for sunset cocktails or late-night drinks under the stars, making it a favourite for those who crave a sophisticated yet quirky vibe. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, curated Champagnes, and premium whiskies, Lamplighters serves elegant bar snacks that perfectly complement the drinks. Though it doesn't operate as a full restaurant, this hidden gem has quickly become a must-visit destination for Edinburgh's coolest crowd looking for exclusivity, charm, and breathtaking views all in one place.

When it comes to Edinburgh activity bars, Fayre Play has to be right up there. Not only will you get a load of nostalgic funfair games to try out with your other half or group, but also themed cocktails, burgers, hotdogs and prizes to boot.

From cocktails that defy reason to totally unique interiors, Heads & Tales is a must for those on the hunt for quirky nights out in Edinburgh. The drinks here are scorched with hot flames, served in teapots and utilise an eclectic selection of international spirits.