15 Best Bars in Edinburgh (2026)
The 15 highest-rated bars in Edinburgh, from a 1,000-whisky den to a UK Top 50 cocktail bar. Covers Leith, Old Town, Stockbridge, and beyond.
Best Bars in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a drinking city. Not in the stag-do, Grassmarket-at-midnight sense (though that exists too), but in the way that the best bars here are small, personal, and run by people who genuinely care about what they’re pouring. The last few years have brought a wave of independent cocktail bars, whisky specialists, and refurbished neighbourhood pubs that would hold their own in London or New York, at about two-thirds the price.
The bars worth finding aren’t on the Royal Mile. They’re down basement stairs in the Old Town, in converted Leith shopfronts, and on quiet Stockbridge side streets. Six of the fifteen bars on this list are in Leith alone, which tells you where the real drinking scene has shifted. If you only have one evening and want the best cocktails, head to Hey Palu or The Burrow. If whisky is your thing, Tipsy Midgie is the only bar you need. And if you just want a good pint in a proper pub, The Finch in Leith is exactly that.
1. Hey Palu
Ranked #17 in the UK Top 50 cocktail bars for 2026, which is remarkable for a bar this small and unassuming. Hey Palu sits on Bread Street in the West End, doing modern Italian-inspired cocktails with the kind of theatrical presentation that makes you want to photograph every drink before tasting it. The Godfather cocktail arrives with a small portrait of Don Corleone and a music box playing the film’s theme, which sounds gimmicky but is executed with enough charm to pull it off. The off-menu drinks are often better than the listed ones, so ask the bartenders what they’d make for you. Book ahead, the space fills up fast and walk-ins get turned away most evenings.
Hey Palu
- Experience expertly crafted cocktails like gin martinis, negronis, and creative off-menu drinks
- Enjoy unique presentations such as The Godfather cocktail with special touches like portraits and music boxes
- Appreciate the cozy atmosphere with attentive service from friendly staff
Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot at this popular hidden gem
"Hey Palu is known for exceptional cocktails and cozy atmosphere. The Godfather cocktail comes with a portrait of Don Corleone and a music box playing the film's theme."
2. The Burrow
Down a set of stairs on Blackfriars Street, just off the Royal Mile but a world away from the tourist pubs. The Burrow does cocktails in a dark, gorgeous space with plush furnishings and an actual Banksy on the wall. The drinks are inventive without being intimidating, the prices are fair by Edinburgh standards, and the bartenders Rachel and Emma come up repeatedly in reviews for making people feel welcome. Go on a weekday if you want a seat without waiting. On weekends it gets busy enough that the atmosphere shifts from intimate to lively, which might be what you want or might not. The old-world extravagance of the decor is the highlight here: low lighting, velvet, and a feeling that you’ve stumbled into someone’s very well-furnished living room.
The Burrow
- Experience exquisite cocktails that are considered some of the best ever tasted by reviewers
- Enjoy a unique blend of cozy old-world extravagance with modern touches in decor
- Discover a hidden gem off the tourist path where you can relax in a dark yet gorgeous atmosphere
Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed experience compared to weekends when it might get busier
"The Burrow is known for fabulous cocktails, stunning decor, and a Banksy artwork on the wall. Plush furnishings and fair pricing for high-quality drinks."
3. Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar
If you drink whisky, or if you think you don’t drink whisky but are open to being persuaded, Tipsy Midgie is the bar for you. Owner Colin has assembled over 1,000 whiskies, from accessible £5 drams to rare bottles that cost considerably more, and his thing is matching people to whiskies based on what they already like drinking. Tell him you like smoky red wine and he’ll find you an Islay that makes sense. Tell him you hate peat and he’ll steer you toward a Speyside that changes your mind. The Thursday night Distillery Discovery events are worth planning around if you can get tickets. They also do gin tastings and chocolate pairings, which sounds like a tourist trap but is genuinely well done. The space is cozy and a bit off the beaten track on St Leonard’s Hill, south of the Royal Mile. That’s part of the appeal: the people who find this place are the people who were looking for it.
Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar
- Explore an impressive collection of over 1,000 whiskies from rare to affordable drams
- Receive personalized whisky recommendations tailored to your taste preferences by owner Colin
- Participate in special events like Distillery Discovery evenings for an enhanced whisky experience
Try to attend their Thursday night distillery tasting event for a unique experience (tickets may be limited)
"Tipsy Midgie has over 1,000 whiskies and owner Colin tailors recommendations to your taste. Unique experiences include gin tastings, chocolate pairings, and Thursday Distillery Discovery evenings."
4. The Last Word
A basement cocktail bar on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge, which is already one of Edinburgh’s best streets for independent shops and restaurants. The Last Word is the kind of place where the bartenders ask what flavours you like before recommending anything, and then make you something with homemade ingredients you’ve never heard of. Candles on the tables, a fireplace, and comfortable enough seating that you’ll stay longer than planned. It’s not trying to be flashy or get on anyone’s Top 50 list; it’s just doing excellent cocktails in a relaxed setting and letting word of mouth do the rest. Quieter evenings midweek are the best time to visit if you want the bartenders’ full attention. Weekends get busier and the vibe shifts.
The Last Word
- Experience top-notch cocktails in a super cozy and relaxed setting
- Interact with friendly and knowledgeable staff who craft each drink as a work of art
- Savor delicious cocktails made from interesting ingredients including some homemade ones
Visit on quieter evenings for a more intimate experience
"The Last Word is known for its cozy basement setting, top-notch cocktails, and knowledgeable bartenders. Candles, comfortable seating by the fire, and a great selection of drinks with unique homemade ingredients."
5. Bittersweet Leith
Run by brothers Fabrizio and Simone Cioffi, Bittersweet is one of those places that defies easy categorisation. The cocktails are inspired by rap lyrics, which sounds like a concept that shouldn’t work but does. The food is Italian-influenced small plates, the pistachio arancini in particular. The staff know their drinks inside out and the space has the kind of warmth that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. Henderson Street in Leith is already a good drinking street, and Bittersweet is the standout. Weekends get packed; weekday evenings are the sweet spot. The price point is fair for what you’re getting, and the portions on the food are honest.
Bittersweet Leith
- Experience unique cocktails inspired by favorite rap lyrics
- Enjoy flavorful dishes like Pistachio Arancini made with care
- Receive exceptional service from friendly and knowledgeable staff
Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed experience as weekends can get busy
"Bittersweet Leith offers cocktails inspired by rap lyrics, carefully crafted Italian-influenced dishes, and exceptional service from Fabrizio and Simone Cioffi."
6. The Finch
A proper pub. The Finch occupies a building on Bath Road in Leith that dates back to the late 1890s, and the refurbishment has kept the original features while making the place feel cared for rather than neglected. The whisky selection is deep (deeper than you’d expect for a neighbourhood pub), the beer garden is a genuine asset on warm evenings, and the prices are reasonable. This isn’t a cocktail bar or a wine bar or a concept bar. It’s a neighbourhood pub that happens to be excellent, and the owners are clearly invested in keeping it that way. If you’re staying in Leith and want somewhere to be a regular for a few nights, this is the one.
The Finch - Neighbourhood Bar
- Experience the charming atmosphere of The Finch with preserved original features
- Enjoy a wide selection of drinks including an extensive range of Whisky
- Appreciate the history behind this refurbished bar dating back to the late 1890s
Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience
"The Finch has preserved the historic charm of this late-1890s pub while adding a lovely beer garden. Great whisky selection, reasonable prices, and friendly owners."
7. Nobles by Bellfield
A brewery tap on Constitution Street in Leith. Nobles is Bellfield Brewery’s own pub, which means the 15 taps rotate through their core range and guest brews, and the people pouring know exactly what you’re drinking and why. The building has proper old-pub character, but the food and beer are thoroughly modern. The brunch is a genuine draw: the bacon sandwich gets mentioned in almost every review, and the brunch cocktails are better than they need to be for a brewery tap. Not a late-night spot. This is where you start the evening, or where you come on a Saturday morning with a hangover and good intentions.
Nobles by Bellfield
- Experience an old-world pub with a modern twist at Nobles by Bellfield
- Enjoy a diverse selection of 15 beers on tap including guest brews
- Indulge in delicious brunch options cooked to perfection such as the bacon sandwich
Try their signature brews that pair perfectly with their fresh all-day menu
"Nobles by Bellfield preserves the historic charm of the pub while offering 15 beers on tap, delicious brunch, and a welcoming atmosphere. The bacon sandwich and brunch cocktails are highlights."
8. Old Pal Bar and Kitchen
Near Haymarket station, Old Pal does the bar-and-kitchen format properly. The cocktails are good (try the signature “Old Pal’s Old Pal”), the food is more than an afterthought, and the Sunday roast is the reason locals come back week after week. The staff clearly have experience; the drinks are made with confidence and the recommendations are trustworthy. The West End location means it’s convenient if you’re arriving by train, and the atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon, when the roasts are going out and people are settling in for the afternoon, is hard to beat. Busier than you’d expect for a Haymarket bar.
Old Pal Bar and Kitchen
- Exceptional food crafted with attention to detail
- Fantastic cocktails curated by experienced staff
- Standout Sunday roast that lingers in memory
For an unforgettable experience, try the signature cocktail 'Old Pal's Old Pal'
"Old Pal has quickly become a favourite for locals. Exceptional food, fantastic cocktails, and a Sunday roast that people return for specifically."
9. 1820 Rooftop Bar
The view bar. 1820 sits on top of the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street, and the outdoor terrace looks directly out at Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town skyline, and the Firth of Forth in the distance. The cocktails are decent (ask for Mike if he’s working), and there’s a discount if you’ve done the whisky tour downstairs. The charcuterie and cheese plates work well as a late-afternoon snack. There can be confusion about table timings and booking slots, which is the main downside. On a clear evening the view makes up for any operational quirks. This is a “once per trip” bar, not an every-night local.
1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Edinburgh
- Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails with stunning views of Edinburgh
- Try delicious food like charcuterie and cheese plates
- Relax in a nice ambiance after visiting Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Consider making a reservation to avoid any confusion about table timings
"The 1820 Rooftop Bar sits atop the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street. Amazing views of Edinburgh, good cocktails made by Mike, and a discount for whisky tour participants."
10. Diggers Leith
Bernard Street in Leith, perfect 5.0 on Google. Diggers is the kind of no-frills neighbourhood pub where the regulars know each other by name and nobody’s trying to impress anyone. If you’ve spent the day at craft cocktail bars and want to end the night somewhere real, this is it. Cheap pints, zero pretence.
Diggers Leith
11. The Mail Room
Inside the Princess Street Suites hotel on Waterloo Place, The Mail Room is a hotel bar that’s actually worth visiting even if you’re not staying there. The address puts it right at the east end of Princes Street, close to Calton Hill. A good pre- or post-dinner drink if you’re in that part of town.
The Mail Room
12. Cask and Vine
A wine and whisky bar on the Canongate stretch of the Royal Mile, which is the quieter, less touristy end toward Holyrood. Cask and Vine is proof that good bars can exist on the Royal Mile if they’re far enough from the Castle end. The focus on cask ales and wine rather than cocktails sets it apart from the competition.
Cask and Vine
13. Haze
Inside Brown’s of Leith, the converted engineering works on Shore that’s become one of Edinburgh’s most interesting food and drink buildings. Haze is the bar component. Shore itself is one of the most atmospheric streets in Edinburgh, right on the water. If you’re doing a Leith bar crawl, Haze is a good starting point before heading inland to Bittersweet or The Finch.
Haze
14. Nok’s
On Morrison Street in the West End, close to Nishiki (the Japanese restaurant from our best restaurants guide) and Haymarket station. Nok’s doesn’t shout about itself, but a 4.8 Google rating in a neighbourhood with serious competition says enough.
Nok's
15. Dublin Street Fox
Tucked away on Dublin Street in New Town, this is the kind of bar you’d walk past without noticing unless someone told you about it. Which is, of course, exactly how the regulars like it. A solid neighbourhood bar with a loyal following.
Dublin Street Fox
How to Plan Your Edinburgh Bar Crawl
Leith crawl (best overall): Start at Haze on Shore for the waterfront atmosphere, walk to Bittersweet on Henderson Street for cocktails, then The Finch on Bath Road for a proper pub finish. All within 10 minutes of each other.
Old Town cocktails: The Burrow on Blackfriars Street for the decor and cocktails, then Cask and Vine down the Canongate for wine and whisky. End at Tipsy Midgie if you want Colin to find you the perfect dram.
West End evening: Start at Nok’s on Morrison Street, move to Hey Palu on Bread Street for the UK Top 50 cocktails, and end at Old Pal near Haymarket for food and a nightcap.
For the view: 1820 Rooftop Bar on Princes Street at sunset. One drink, maximum two. Then go somewhere with better prices.
Need food to go with the drinks? Our best restaurants guide covers Edinburgh’s top dining. For a full day-by-day plan, see the 5-day itinerary. For non-drinking activities, there’s the things to do guide and best museums guide.
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