10 Best Bars In Edinburgh For Your Next Drink And Dine

Are you planning an escape whilst living in the city? A good time to let go of your trials is on the weekends, which calls for lively bars! Edinburgh has it all. Besides being a hub for Harry Potter film locations, pubs and bars in Edinburgh are scattered throughout. Whether you are letting yourself loose or planning for a date, a drink and good food in Edinburgh is all you need. 

Selecting a place to go spontaneously can be hectic, but we got you covered. Whether you reside near the City Centre, the West End or the Old Town, we have curated some of the best bars in Edinburgh, from famous cocktail bars to traditional Scottish pubs, with their price range to ensure you have a good time. 

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a significant past that includes the Roman era. The city was once the scene of battles, fortresses, armies and weapons. Therefore, Edinburgh has a lot to do, you can also explore the castle grounds. The old fort sits high above Castle Rock, a spectacular extinct volcano that is 700 million years old. The city’s vibrant nightlife is also well known; the west end is known for having one of the best pubs in Edinburgh and clubs to spend a pleasant evening with your friends. What drink should you try, you ask? Of course, whisky! Whisky is undoubtedly one of the best drinks to try when visiting Edinburgh, as it is the national drink of Scotland.

Best Bars in Edinburgh

The city promises an exciting fusion of shopping, dining and architecture, but it also has some of the best bars in Edinburgh; there is something for everybody in this area. You got everything from attractive decors to potion class, from classy to friendly vibes!

The Cauldron Edinburgh

Location: 57a Frederick Street
Price Range:  £25-40 per person.

Are you a Potterhead? If yes, you will love this bar in Edinburgh that is inspired by all things magic! The Cauldron Edinburgh also created an interactive session for the upcoming spooky season where you make your "potions." Although not taught by Snape, you will experience an immersive class where you can live your childhood dreams of making potions and getting a wand! How cool is that? 

The Voodoo Rooms

Location: 19a West Register Street
Price Range:  £26-40 per person.

With a fantastic range of food and desserts, The Voodoo Room will not disappoint you with good munching while enjoying your drinks. As the name suggests, you will find strange decor worth showing on Instagram. This Edinburgh bar is the local's fave as it highly appreciates the staff service and behaviour. This bar hosts live music and special events throughout the year. You are advised to pre-book as it is one of the most popular places to hang out in Edinburgh.

Panda and Sons

Location: 79 Queen Street
Price Range: £30-40 per person.

Opened in 2013, Panda & Sons was created as a place where people of all ages could gather and be welcomed. They provide delicious and creative cocktails and a range of craft beer and wine. Panda and Sons is one of the best pubs in Edinburgh as they have a very intricate and thought-through menu with drinks that complements the food so that you don't have to deal with indecisiveness, which we know can be a bother!

The Hanging Bat

Location: 133 Lothian Road
Price Range: £15-20 per person.

Beer lovers unite! The Hanging Bat is an original craft beer bar that offers more than twenty draught beers and ale and has over a hundred local & international bottled beers. After an exhilarating day at work or college, you can grab your beer buddies and socialise at Hanging Bat, which can be an excellent spot to meet like-minded people. This Edinburgh bar serves some delicious gin that is distilled and filtered in Scotland itself. 

Cure your hangover at the best breakfast place in Edinburgh.

The Cocktail Mafia

Location: 15 Charlotte Lane
Price Range: £15-20 per person.

In the stoney streets of Edinburgh's west end, you will find The Cocktail Mafia, which has over 37 cocktails and a range of pan-Asian cuisine. The decor in this Edinburgh bar is a mix of modern and prohibition times, filled with neon signs and stylish artwork that ensures a good series of Instagram stories for the night. If that does not fit your vibe, there is another Miami-inspired room with cabana-style seating and palm trees. 

Teuchters Bar

Location: 26 William Street
Price Range: £10-20 per person

This Edinburgh bar is a cosy, hidden gem in the west end and has over 90 single malts of whiskey to select from. Teuchters Bar is near Murrayfield Stadium and Haymarket train station, so you might expect some sports fans. Win yourself a whisky by playing their games such as "hoop of destiny". Explore the "mug menu", where you get a whole dish in a mug!

The Devil's Advocate

Location: 329 High Street
Price Range: £20-30 per person

Another cosy place with over 200 whiskies to choose from, The Devil's Advocate is nestled in an old Victorian pump house. It is a go-to bar in Edinburgh for supper and cocktails. The Devil's Advocate has one of the best mixologists in the city. This Edinburgh bar is known for its good food and music.

Looking for a place where you can relish the city’s cuisine? Explore Edinburgh’s best restaurants.

Cold Townhouse

Location: 4 Grassmarket
Price Range: £10-20 per person

It is a 3-storey bar in the old town, with a fantastic view of their iconic roof terrace. Cold Townhouse has a microbrewery where they brew their range of Cold Town Beer. Their food menu has delicious Neapolitan Pizza, fries, burgers, hanging grills and more. The view from the terrace makes it a must-visit pub in Edinburgh; you can enjoy your drinks while watching the Edinburgh skyline and castle. Cold Townhouse hosts roof parties now and then, which we believe can be an excellent getaway for students.

Department of Magic

Location: 9 Blair Street
Price Range: £15-35 per person

If the Cauldron in the city centre does not do justice to your Potterhead fantasies, you can hop onto the Department of Magic in the old Edinburgh. It has a Harry Potter-inspired escape room where you and your friends can brew potions, don your robes and wave the magic wand. The visitors have nothing but good reviews about this bar in Edinburgh as you not just get food and drinks but an experience.

The Dome

Location: 14 George Street
Price Range: £20-40 per person.

If you want luxe, The Dome is your destination. It is one of the most iconic bars in Edinburgh, with some of the best drinks to select from. The interior consists of glittering mirrors and chandeliers with dark green and tan furniture. Go on a date or have a lavish dinner with your friends. 

Whether heading out for the night with your pals or having a late brunch, or you are just tired of cooking at home, take a turn at one of the 10 bars in Edinburgh, as each one is wonderfully unique, and we assure your taste buds to be satisfied and have a good time around Edinburgh.