Boasting a charming plot of bold boozers, our city knows a thing or two about afternoon drinks and top-notch grub. Whether you're looking for a craft beer bar, are ready to dose on Sunday roasts, or just have a hankering for a simple pint, these spots have it all. Check out our recommendations for the best pubs in Edinburgh and give those hearty hops a good seeing-to.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
Last updated on 14th October 2024
Rose Street Brewery is a New Town classic, with a history that dates back to the 18th century. Serving up classic grub and some great local ales, this Rose Street Edinburgh pub is the perfect spot to tuck into a plate of stovies or a Crofter's pie, washed down with a locally brewed pint.
When it comes to old pubs in Edinburgh that have retained a lot of their traditional feel, The Southsider has to be right up there. Check it out for everything from cosy nooks to tartan-covered booths and live sports on the screens.
The Waiting Room in Morningside is a chill spot boasting a winning combo of sports action and laid-back pub vibes. The bar serves up a hefty lineup of brews on tap, including local craft picks, plus a mix of cocktails and spirits. And when it comes to grub, they've got you covered with a menu that caters to all cravings, dishing out pub classics like burgers, wings, and nachos.
Located just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, The Chanter boasts a prime position in the centre of town. Head on over to this charming boozer for a range of elevated pub grub, Sky and BT sports, plus refreshing pints aplenty.
Situated just a skip away from the city's iconic (and adorable) statue of the same name, The Greyfriars Bobby this is the perfect place to shield from Edinburgh's bitter wind. Grab yourself a comfy leather armchair and admire the many dog portraits that adorn the walls.
Frankenstein is a pub like no other, drawing in crowds from all over thanks to its distinctive haunted theme. With the famous film playing on-loop in the background and vats of bubbling liquids, this bar serves kooky creations while the DJ mixes the monster mash.
Bellfield Brewery & Taproom has made a name for itself on the beer scene thanks to its number of awards and 15 fonts in the taproom, pouring its house brew along with special guests. It has a cosy inside area decorated with hanging plants and fairy lights, as well as a lovely terrace equipped with heated booths. Sign up for a guided tour on the weekend, or hit up a live music night or quiz. Feeling hungry? There's great grub on offer, as this joint hosts different vendors on rotation, such as Bahn Mi Brothers and DD's Fried Chicken.
The Conan Doyle is the perfect roost after a day exploring the city. A short walk from the National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh Playhouse and the New Town, it sports a great selection of classic pub grub to dig into, from haggis, neeps and tatties to Balmoral chicken.
Looking for the best pubs in Edinburgh West End? Innis & Gun is treating you to ice-cold pints and delicious burgers for veggies, vegans and meat-eaters alike. Alongside signature sips and local beers, it also stocks unusual international brews. You can find its sister site in Leith too.
With a history that stretches back to the 17th century, The Last Drop is undoubtedly one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh. From the great selection of beers and ales to its comfortable interiors and banging bites, if you pop in for a pit stop you might find it hard to tear yourself away.
The Mitre serves all the cask, keg and bottled beers you could want, along with a selection of exotic wines and rare whiskies. Offering a seasonal menu of classic British cuisine, it lets guests gobble down juicy burgers alongside traditional haggis, neeps and tatties.
A dashing nook tucked down Advocate's Close in the Old Town, this places oozes rustic charm. Heaving with historic flecks, beer barrel tables, stone walls and dripping candles, The Devil's Advocate pays homage to all things Scottish, from craft brews to whisky.
Combining charming boozer vibes with contemporary style, Hector's has certainly earned itself a place in our list of Edinburgh pubs. Showing sports highlights on the weekend and hosting a packed-out pub quiz every Tuesday night, there's never a dull moment here.
BrewDog is a stylish bar and eatery on Lothian Road. Boasting over 20 different kinds of craft beer, these guys have built up a reputation for lip-smacking tipples alongside tasty burgers to soak up all the goodness, which you can also find at DogHouse in the city centre.
Amber Rose offers some of the best pub food in Edinburgh city centre, slinging out juicy burgers, droolworthy small plates and so much more, with regular deals throughout the week. On top of that, there's quirky decor and plenty of screens for watching the sports fixtures.
The Three Sisters is more than just a spot for eating and drinking, it's also one of the best pubs in Edinburgh with live music. With a packed-out events schedule, huge beer garden and roster of late-night music, this sprawling spot offers a guaranteed good time.
One of the best pubs in Edinburgh for food? The Haymarket is our number one spot for some slap-up grub. Venture over to feast on pale ale-battered cod and triple-cooked chips as well as towering plant-based burgers while in seriously cosy surrounds.
Having opened back in 1456, Golf Tavern is a beautiful, old school boozer with bucketloads of charm. Make your way over to this much-loved haunt for gorge-worthy gastro grub, classic cocktails, Scottish whiskies and even a free golf course.
The Scran & Sallie is not only known for its top-notch menu (curated by two Michelin-starred chefs), but also its super-chic interiors. From plush mahogany chairs draped in throws to exposed brickwork and cosy fireplaces, it really is one of the best gastropubs in Edinburgh.
On the hunt for old pubs in Edinburgh? Just a stone's throw from the Playhouse, The Theatre Royal Bar is a top spot for pre and post-show dining. As it whips up a selection of locally sourced dishes, you can dig into everything from juicy burgers to pan-fried Shetland salmon.
Boasting one of the city's best beer gardens, this classic pub in the Old Town fronts a huge outdoor screen perfect for big sports games. But that's not all, as inside The Pear Tree, you'll find warm, friendly locals around the bar enjoying tip-top scran too.
Toting sic casks, 14 keg lines and 120+ bottles or cans of beer, The Hanging Bat is more than well stocked for a boozy weekend session. Bag yourself one of the comfy red leather sofas or head outside to the quaint picnic tables for an alfresco tipple.
One of the friendliest pubs in the city centre, Doctors is an iconic Edinburgh spot. Perched on the corner of Forest Road and located opposite the grand McEwan Hall, it's favoured by tourists, students and locals alike for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Another one of Edinburgh's old favourites, this 18th-century boozer has previously been named as the city's most haunted pub following rumours of a ghostly girl in a red dress wandering its corridors. Go check The White Hart Inn out, if you dare.
As one of the best pubs in Edinburgh city centre, The Deacon Brodies Tavern offers a gorgeous resting place after a day of taking on the capital's hills. As it's home to some truly excellent local ales, you'll be able to sample a bucketload of Scottish libations alongside plates of seasonal fare.
