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 Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 3rd November 2025
When it comes to live music Edinburgh pubs, Biddy Mulligans should be on your go-to list. It's wonderfully cosy, with dark wood interiors and ambient lighting, while it also showcases Irish fare and breakfast bites, with acoustic performances every day.
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 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.
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.
If you're looking for the traditional Irish pub experience, Malones Leith ticks every box and then some. From renowned publicans, the Keane family, it's all aged-wood interiors, vintage bar signs and Guinness memorabilia.
Rightly recognised with a National Pub & Bar award, it serves up a host of ales and craft beer, plus its signature Smugglers gin and vodka, alongside the Black Stuff, of course. The menu of freshly caught seafood, pub classics and Irish dishes comes from head chef, Ruxi Mirton-Teng, who once pulled the culinary strings at the Michelin-starred Heron restaurant.
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.
A true gem in Edinburgh's New Town, St Vincent Bar is a cosy yet stylish pub offering a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. From expertly crafted cocktails to a fine selection of whiskies and wines, this bar has something for every taste.
Whether you're unwinding with friends over a drink or bringing your pup along for the ride (it's very dog-friendly), St Vincent Bar is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the best of Edinburgh's pub scene.
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.
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.
The Sheep Heid Inn is a charming and premium pub, bar, and restaurant nestled in the heart of Edinburgh. With its inviting courtyard and cosy, country pub atmosphere, this spot is perfect for any occasion.
The seasonal menu features a variety of freshly prepared dishes, ranging from local classics to modern favourites, and even options for vegans and vegetarians. Whether you're stopping by for a casual brunch, a hearty lunch, or a delicious dinner, The Sheep Heid Inn guarantees a satisfying meal made with the finest ingredients. And don't forget about the kids - there's a special menu for them too, so everyone can enjoy a fantastic meal in this warm and welcoming setting.
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.
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.
Located on the outskirts of the city, on Dalkeith Road, The Salisbury Arms is a relaxed destination that's perfect for a relaxing afternoon out. It's got comfortable, traditional interiors and a spacious beer garden, ideal all year round.
Sip refreshing pints or cocktails while admiring the countryside views, and be sure to check out their food menu too. We're talking pea and asparagus risotto, rotisserie chicken or stone-baked king prawn pizzas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a relaxed drinking spot where the food is just as good as the pints, then head to The Lioness of Leith. This friendly boozer is found on the former site of a derelict pub with a sinister past, and they've transformed it into a rustic space flaunting dark brick walls, wooden tables and colourful artwork.
Having won the title of Leith's Best Bar in their very first year of trading, this is somewhere you don't want to miss. Burger Mama are slinging out tasty eats in the kitchen, boasting a wide range of Scottish beef, chicken and meat-free patties, alongside nachos, fries and more - uch of which is locally sourced.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walking the line somewhere between cocktail bar and pub, Nauticus is a Leith drinking den that brings a taste of Scotland to every glass, curating a menu that's all about celebrating the country's finest distilleries and brewers. Housed in a beautifully restored bank building, this Leith favourite blends old-world charm with a fresh, nautical edge - giving pub vibes galore.
Founded by a trio of award-winning bartenders, including Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons fame, it's a local haunt where quality cocktails and community spirit go hand in hand.
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.
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.
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.
A historic pub on the Royal Mile, The World's End is found within the remnants of the 16th-century Flodden Wall. it takes its name from a time when this building stood on the edge of the city boundary, separating Edinburgh and the unknown world beyond.
Inside, you'll find low ceilings, dark wooden furnishings and lots of cosy corners, promising a traditional Scottish charm. Find pints, wine or £7 cocktails at the bar, which you can pair with a menu that ranges from Korean chicken burgers to vintage cheddar mac 'n' cheese. Plus, they regularly show live sports here.
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.
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.
