Top 11 Alluring Bars in Edinburgh Where Scottish Hospitality Flickers

Updated On: February 24, 2024 by   Miranne Khaled

Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Scotland, the enchanting capital city of Edinburgh beckons travellers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Beyond its iconic landmarks and picturesque streets, Edinburgh boasts a thriving bar culture that effortlessly blends tradition with innovation.

From centuries-old establishments exuding old-world charm to contemporary hotspots showcasing Scottish creativity, the bars in Edinburgh offer an exceptional experience that embodies the essence of Scottish hospitality. Scotland is known for its whisky, and Scottish bars often showcase an extensive selection of this beloved spirit. 

You’ll find an impressive range of flavours and expressions, from single-malt Scotch whiskies to blended varieties. Scottish bars are known for their welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll often find the bar staff eager to share their knowledge, recommend drinks, and engage in lively conversations about Scotland’s drink culture.

Join us as we explore the best bars in Edinburgh, where everyone can indulge in delightful libations and immerse themselves in the city’s spirited atmosphere.

The Best Bars in Edinburgh That Are Worth Visiting

Bars in Edinburgh present a rich selection of Scotch whiskies, accommodating both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With a warm and inviting ambience, these venues provide an ideal setting to delve into Scotland’s whisky culture and savour some of the country’s finest dramas.

Whether you’re in search of a classic pub atmosphere, a trendy cocktail destination, or a vibrant live music venue, the capital of Scotland caters to all tastes and preferences. So, let’s embark on this extraordinary adventure:

1. The Devil’s Advocate

Nestled within the walls of a historic Victorian pump house, The Devil’s Advocate seamlessly merges a captivating rustic ambience with an exceptional assortment of exquisite whiskies and craft beers. 

As you cross its threshold, the inviting embrace of warm wooden interiors and the textured allure of exposed brickwork envelops you. Its warm and inviting vibes are among the many elements that set it among the best bars in Edinburgh.

The place seamlessly cultivates an intimate and convivial atmosphere that nurtures the free flow of conversations. Imbued with a passion for highlighting Scotland’s most remarkable spirits, this extraordinary bar boasts an extensive collection of single malts and blends, offering discerning patrons an unparalleled opportunity to savour the liquid gold that embodies the essence of the country’s revered whisky traditions.

2. Bramble Bar & Lounge

Bramble Bar & Lounge is an exquisite treasure awaiting to be discovered. It’s celebrated for its masterful craft of artisanal cocktails and innovative mixology, which are the components of the top bars in Edinburgh. 

Enveloped within the pulsating core of Edinburgh’s lively bar scene lies Revered for its enchanting speakeasy ambience; this intimate establishment unveils a realm of elegance and refinement, inviting guests to partake in an evening of unparalleled indulgence. 

Within Bramble’s hallowed confines, a cadre of bartenders, akin to alchemists, weave their magic, seamlessly fusing locally sourced ingredients with premium spirits, conjuring libations that dance upon the palate, captivating and compelling with each sip, an elixir of sensory delight.

3. The Hanging Bat Beer Cafe

The Hanging Bat Beer Cafe poses as an indispensable sanctuary within Edinburgh’s vibrant tapestry of delights. It’s a pilgrimage essential for enthusiasts of the golden nectar who would love to take a sip or two of the authenticity of Scottish culture.

The bar is a haven for the discerning; being a hip and contemporary bar showcases an unparalleled array of meticulously curated craft beers sourced from local breweries and far-flung corners of the globe. 

Within these sacred walls, a team of passionate and well-versed staff stand ready to guide and enlighten, encouraging intrepid patrons to embark on a captivating journey through an expansive tapestry of beer styles, ranging from the hoppy crescendos of IPAs to the velvety depths of stout, ensuring that each sip is an immersive exploration of flavour and craftsmanship.

4. The Last Word Saloon

The Last Word Saloon is an enchanting sanctuary that reveres the illustrious era of timeless drinks that narrate the history of bad in Edinburgh. Nestled within the captivating embrace of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, this beguiling establishment unveils an expanse of delights, offering a veritable treasure trove of revered classics and ingenious libations that push the boundaries of mixology. 

Every sip within the confines of The Last Word Saloon becomes an unforgettable memory, a harmonious fusion of flavours that transcends the present moment, captivating the senses and imbuing each guest with an extraordinary experience that resonates long after the last drop has been savoured.

5. The Voyage of Buck

Beyond the bustling heart of the Scottish capital lies The Voyage of Buck, a haven for the thirsty explorer. This West End gem shimmers with elegant decor, each corner whispering tales of history and personalities, paving its way to the top of the high-quality bars in Edinburgh.

But the true voyage unfolds on the menu, where inventive cocktails transform into liquid chapters. Inspired by renowned figures and captivating events, each sip bursts with detail, flavour, and unexpected twists. 

Here, the clinking of ice cubes becomes the rhythm of forgotten stories. Every handcrafted concoction invites you to raise a toast to the past, present, and the intoxicating possibilities lurking within each glass. Step aboard and embark on your Voyage of Buck – it’s a journey for the senses you will remember.

6. The Roseleaf

The Roseleaf blooms with a whimsical charm amidst the bohemian pulse of Leith. Not only is it one of the most visited bars in Edinburgh, but it also beckons with a whimsical escape, where time unfurls at its own pace, and every sip is a whispered invitation to linger and be.

Time slows here, painted in vintage hues of a bygone tearoom. Sunlight dances on dainty cups, overflowing not with tea but with enchanting gin concoctions; each sips a playful secret shared in floral whispers. 

Indulge in the gentle clink of porcelain, the rich fragrance of loose-leaf teas, and the promise of buttery pastries that whisper of leisurely afternoons. Immerse yourself in the genuine culture of Scotland while treating your taste buds to a delight of quality.

7. The Jazz Bar

Edinburgh hums with music, but nowhere does it pulse as vividly as The Jazz Bar. This intimate haven, tucked away in the city’s heart, is a nightly pilgrimage for those who crave soulful melodies and smoky rhythms. Every evening, under the warm glow of amber lights, talented musicians weave their magic, spinning tales of bluesy whispers and fiery improvisation. 

Let the piano’s ivory keys dance beneath your fingertips, feel the bass line thrum through your bones, and lose yourself in the collective sigh as a sax cries to the rafters. Amidst the clinking of glasses and hushed conversations, a shared beat unites strangers, transforming each sip into a whispered chorus of Edinburgh’s musical soul. 

So, raise a glass, lean back, and let the music wash over you – The Jazz Bar awaits, one of the vibrant bars in Edinburgh where every note is an invitation to join the city’s symphony.

8. The Scotch Whisky Experience

Beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, a liquid legend awaits. The Scotch Whisky Experience isn’t just a bar; it’s an odyssey through Scotland’s golden spirit. Embark on a guided tour, tracing the whisky’s journey from a barley field to crystal glass, savouring the tales of tradition and terroir that infuse each sip. 

Knowledgeable guides become your compass, navigating you through tasting flights and single malts, unlocking the secrets of peat and honey, smoke and spice. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, The Scotch Whisky Experience awaits, ready to pour you a story in every glass. So raise a dram, and let the legends flow.

9. The Albanach

Where cobblestones whisper tales of tartan and claymores, The Albanach unfolds on the famed Royal Mile. Step inside, and time loses its grip. This cosy haven hums with the warmth of crackling fires and the gentle lilt of Gaelic whispers. 

Above, shelves groan with over 250 liquid poems, each bottle a testament to Scotland’s whisky legacy. The bar isn’t just a counter; it’s a stage. Knowledgeable staff, like storytellers of yore, entwine narratives of peat and heather, guiding you through the vast symphony of single malts. 

So sink into a well-worn armchair, raise a dram to the ghosts of kings and clansmen, and let the warmth of The Albanach embrace you. Unwind, savour, and discover – this is where history meets hospitality, one unforgettable sip at a time.

10. Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder

Beyond the cobbled bustle of New Town, a hidden dram beckons at Usquabae. This stylish sanctuary whispers of liquid gold, its shelves gleaming with over 400 bottles, each a jewel in Scotland’s whisky crown. 

Rare drams from forgotten casks mingle with celebrated classics, whispering tales of smoke and honey, peat and spice. Seasoned bartenders, like alchemists of flavour, guide you through tasting flights, their recommendations echoing the wisdom of seasoned connoisseurs. Delve deeper with whisky masterclasses, where the secrets of malting, peat, and oak unfold, unlocking the symphony of flavours within each glass. 

Usquabae is more than a bar; it’s an invitation to explore, savour, and embark on a liquid pilgrimage through the soul of Scotland. Raise a dram, let the warmth embrace you, and discover the world that awaits, one exquisite sip at a time.

11. The Blue Blazer

Where West Port thrums with life, a timeworn gem beckons – The Blue Blazer. This historic haven oozes charm, its walls alive with stories etched in laughter lines and worn wood grain. Though a symphony of beverages awaits, whisky whispers its siren song, a chorus of single malts from across Scotland painting the air with tales of peat and heather. 

Sink into worn armchairs, let the crackling fire cast warm shadows, and raise a dram in this local sanctuary. Conversation flows as freely as the amber liquor, weaving a tapestry of laughter and friendly whispers. 

The Blue Blazer isn’t just a pub; it’s a portal to simpler times, a place where stories marinate in oak, and every sip invites you to linger, share, and revel in the timeless warmth of a genuinely local haunt.

Whether you’re a whisky aficionado, a craft beer enthusiast, or a cocktail connoisseur, the bars in Edinburgh are sure to captivate you with their unique offerings and welcoming atmosphere. So raise a glass and immerse yourself in the charm and allure of the Scottish capital’s finest bars, where memorable experiences and delightful libations await.