The Skinny's Guide to Edinburgh's Pubs and Bars

This article has been updated with copy from the 2026 edition of The Skinny Guide to Edinburgh – pick up a copy at venues across Edinburgh this summer, or read it online via Issuu.

Athletic Arms
1-3 Angle Park Ter
Better known as 'the Diggers', this Gorgie watering hole is much-loved by locals for its lively, welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Its whisky section is great and be sure to get a delicious hot pie.

Bennets Bar
8 Leven St
This Tollcross pub is a stunner. It's gorgeous inside, and has retained many of its Victorian-era features – ornate mirrors, decorative tiles, carved wooden pillars. It also boasts a massive malt lineup. 

The Blackbird
37-39 Leven St
This Bruntsfield fave has atmosphere for days. The beers are well-curated, the cocktail list is a mix of classics and more curious concoctions, and out back there's a hidden beer garden that's always buzzing. 

The Blue Blazer
2 Spittal St
This cosy two-room pub is close to perfection. The selection of beers and malts is great, but even better are the vibes. It's also the only pub we know to offer drink discounts if you've brought your dog.

The Bow Bar
80 West Bow
This Edinburgh institution offers an escape from the hubbub of the Old Town. Expect great pints, so many whisky options (over 300 single malts!), and a humble food menu of warming soups and pies.

Carriers Quarters
42 Bernard St
This cave-like Leith bar has barely changed since opening back in the 18th century. The front bar is always lively, while the back room offers more space and features regular events, from live music to bingo.

Cloisters Bar
26 Brougham St
Situated inside an old church, Cloisters is a bit of Edinburgh history. It's got an open fire, cosy booths, and arched ceilings, and its rotating, highly curated selection of real ales doesn't disappoint.

Dagda
93-95 Buccleuch Street
This cosy pub feels more like a rustic living room than a bar. Its craft beer game is strong, but its trump card is its atmosphere. Gather round one of its barrels with pals and you're guaranteed a good night.

The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's Cl
A great pub halfway up one of the Old Town's Escher-esque staircases (see also Halfway House, 24 Fleshmarket Cl), the Devil's Advocate's chic decor is paired with an excellent food menu and huge whisky shelf.

The False Widow
159 Constitution St
This cracking wee pub in Leith offers a welcoming mood, with its low lighting, intimate tables and dreamy vibe. It's also an eco-friendly choice: all its products are sustainable and ethically sourced.

Image courtesy of The Devil's Advocate

George IV Bar
54 George IV Bridge
This characterful pub in the Old Town offers ample space but still feels intimate. The wide drink options should keep everyone happy, and the food menu, while pretty standard, features out-of-this-world chips.

Leith Depot
138-142 Leith Walk
There are many reasons to love Leith Depot: its busy live music schedule, its tasty pub grub, its buzzy atmosphere, and the fact that it beat the property developers who wanted to tear down the block of shops around it. 

Malt & Hops
45 Shore
This wonderful pub down by the Shore feels like being invited into a friend's front room. There's a rotating selection of ales and craft beers on tap and friendly bar staff who are always happy to have a natter.

The Old Chain Pier
32 Trinity Cres
This lovely waterfront pub in Newhaven comes highly recommended, boasting great pub grub (we recommend the Cullen Skink), local beers, and stunning views across the Firth of Forth. The Ideal for a sunset drink.

Paradise Palms
41 Lothian St
Imagine a gay disco on a neon-lit Caribbean island and you're halfway to the decor of Palms. Its DJ lineup and cabaret nights make it a firm favourite; its venue next door – the People's Leisure Club – is also ace.

Teuchters Bar & Bunker
26 William St
This laid-back bar, with great beer and traditional Scottish scran, feels like a country pub in the middle of Edinburgh's West End. For more nautical vibes, check out sister venue Teuchters Landing in Leith.

Salt Horse
57-61 Blackfriars St
This is the pub for fans of boundary-pushing beers and craft ales. It's got a tidy selection of cans and bottles from the UK's best small breweries, and its eclectic beers on tap are served by the schooner.

Starbar
1 Northumberland Pl
Starbar offers lovely New York dive bar vibes right in the heart of the sleepy New Town. It also offers one of the best foosball tables in Edinburgh – no question – and a smart wee beer garden at the back.

St Vincent
11 St Vincent St
Tucked away between Stockbridge and the New Town, this basement pub, dubbed 'The Vinnie', is a hidden gem. The bar is gorgeous and surprisingly roomy, with a strong selection of real ales, craft beers and wines.

The Ventoux
2 Brougham St
This Tollcross bar takes its name from a Tour de France climb, but you’ll probably guess that from all the bicycle decor. The beer options are smashing, and the outdoor seating area is ideal for people-watching.