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    Brass Monkey

    4.1 (104 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, Sandwiches, Lounges
    Open 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Brass Monkey Photos

    BRASS MONKEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Brass Monkey

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    Narayan A.

    Perfect Pub. Perfect Prices. The moment you enter this place you feel great. It super cozy. The bar staff are very friendly and courteous. You can expect to find the standard beers here with two taps that I assume they rotate or might be more. Been there just the once and will go back again. Probably make it the regular watering hole.. It's a place definitely worth visiting if you're in town.

    Jonny Q.

    What a great little pub this is - nipped here for a few pints after a nice meal with friends and not only was there a good selection of beers but the general vibe was spot on. Great music, sandwiches for sale on the bar and super friendly staff - just the sort of anything goes places that made it super relaxed and the perfect place for the occasion. Really enjoyed their music - a food range of britpop, indie and 60/70's tunes - worked for me anyway!

    Em C.

    I was seduced by the poster of the vintage pin-up on the front of this place. You can't judge a book by its cover but with that hot blonde emblazoned on the side, I knew The Brass Monkey was going to be cool. I was right - it's awesome. Movie nights, a wee room where you can cosy up, cushions in place of chairs, chilled out, a heap of old movie posters lining the wall and a decent selection of booze - this is where I'd drink more frequently if I lived in Edinburgh. The bar staff are laid back and due to the nature of the bar, there's always a good atmosphere. It seems to attract a nice crowd, which I most certainly want to be a part of. Outstanding.

    Jonny L.

    As others have suggested, Brass Monkey really is a fantastic pub that stands out from the rest. The pub itself is quite small that can get very cramped. While on that topic, you may want to avoid Brass Monkey on busy nights, particularly weekends during student term time or during the festival. It really can get overly crowded. And yes there is a cinema at the back. A huge elevated, carpet covered, mattress thingy faces a large screen on which films are played twice weekly. There is a great range of films shown, of which you can choose (as long as no one disagrees). They are mostly classics but there are some more odd ball choices, and they get new films in monthly. Yes Brass Monkey is actually one of the few Edinburgh pubs I really would choose to go spend my afternoon/evening. They have quite a good selection of sandwiches and soup too, often with deals, making lunch at the Brass Monkey quite an appealing prospect. Highly recommended!

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    9 years ago

    Pub Quiz Wednesday nights, which has multiple rounds! Super fun crowd, great drink prices, local vibe. Highly recommend, would go back.

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    12 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Good beer, fun live music by my friend Amie Amis. Friendly crowd. What more could you ask for?

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    14 years ago

    Nice wee pub in Edinburgh city center. I really enjoy sitting at the room with the beds they have on the back. It feels very cozy and cool!

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    Page 2 of 3

    Brass Monkey Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Brass Monkey

    Busy but there is a little gem hidden in the back - a room that is basically one big bed.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    The Voodoo Rooms - Mushroom stroganoff

    The Voodoo Rooms

    3.9(78 reviews)
    0.5 miNew Town
    ££

    We decided to stay and have a cocktail at the VooDoo Rooms after exploring the Midnight Lunar…read moreMarket. What a vibe this place has going on! We were lucky enough to just show up and grab a semi-circle shaped booth by the bar without any wait. We LOVED that a) the cocktail menu clearly stated "All drinks vegan, please inform staff of any allergens before ordering" and b) that they had the shape of the glassware next to the drink name. The bartender even took some time to make recommendations based on both what was most popular with customers and what the house/staff favorites were. We ended up going with the Porty Licks (gin, pineapple liquor, passionfruit, toasted almond topped with edible flowers) and Green Room (bourbon, peach liquor, lemon, peach, basil yuzu). Both were really well balanced drinks! Next time I'd get the King Khan (spiced rum and a mango oat lassi) or the Hare Krishna (mango, oat milk, chilli, coconut cream, and cardamom - sounds like a lovely non-alcoholic beverage and dessert)!

    This place is a gem! I greatly appreciate a vegan option, an actual tasty one at that! The mushroom…read morestroganoff was perfect! It was so flavorful! My non vegan friend even picked into my plate. Great drinks! The staff were friendly and attentive! The decor of this place was amazing; looked like something out of a movie. I'll definitely slide by on my next trip!

    Photos
    The Voodoo Rooms - Cool fixtures

    Cool fixtures

    The Voodoo Rooms - Behind the bar

    Behind the bar

    The Voodoo Rooms - Spice up your life

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    Spice up your life

    Under the Stairs

    Under the Stairs

    3.9(79 reviews)
    0.3 miGrassmarket, Old Town
    ££

    This was a standout lil place downstairs that takes you out of the fray of tourism into a hip…read moregastro/bistro atmosphere. Terrific food, unique local menu, tremendous small, choosy list of whisky, wine, beers. The beer pickled mussels amazing. Cheese plate terrific. Had a cod over white beans in tomato sauce. Smoked kipper pate. What I loved most is that the staff, kitchen , chef served really great food, cared about the ingredients, and just offered a hip environment. Highly recommend! Servers were cool and nice to us.

    Every time I am in Edinburgh, I gravitate to Under the Stairs. In the summer months, it gets…read morepacked, especially later in the night. The first time, we arrived around 10 pm on a weekend. Thankfully a couple left just as we arrived so we were able to snag a table pretty easily. The drinks are lovely and the flavor profiles are rather unique. I love spritz drinks so I really enjoy that they rotate the flavors seasonally at least. The last time I was in Edi, I stopped by maybe 2-3 times on my way to or from dinner for a cocktail. I tried to order different cocktails off the menu to taste as many as possible. I enjoyed every one of them which is surprising. Sometimes when a place tries to be different and interesting, the drinks can fall flat. These were exactly as described! I don't often eat here but one afternoon, we grabbed a cheese board, roasted turnip and hummus. The turnip was DELICIOUS. I was shocked since I never really care for them most days. I liked that the hummus was served with (i think) endive leaves. It added a nice crunch to the bite. The cheeses and bread were great. I have never seen one particular item before.... Pickled grapes. Wow. They were so interesting. The vinegar flavor was not strong but it added such a unique flavor to the otherwise sweet fruit.

    Photos
    Under the Stairs
    Under the Stairs - Spot the Turn Tables...

    Spot the Turn Tables...

    Under the Stairs - The Tiny Sign

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    The Tiny Sign

    The Dome - Inside tea room

    The Dome

    4.1(215 reviews)
    0.6 miNew Town
    £££

    Came for the views, stayed for the food and cocktails! The Dome is a must have on your list for…read moreEdinburgh! We had lunch in the Grill Room and were lucky to snag a table without a reservation! We ordered off the al a carte menu and had great service! I would definitely come back for the afternoon tea service! Deanston malt 12 year Dragon Fruit & Hibiscus Soda Parma Ham Free Range Egg Salad Truffle Parmesan Fries

    I alway make an effort to stop here for a meal or even for a drink. Especially during the holidays,…read moreit's all decked out with lights and the massive tree that covers the main bar inside the dining room. Outside is on full display with the columns decked out with Christmas lights. It's beautiful which needs to be seen. You won't miss it when you're in Edinburgh. Even the family tried to get a reservation during the holiday for dinner which wasn't available. People usually book way in advance when it's the holidays. And that's not just for the main dining room. They couldn't even get it for the bar area. Well, it was after the holidays when we walked in asking if there was anything available for a drink. Our luck, the lounge was available. Dining room was still all booked out. It was fine, lounge when you walked in gives you that gentleman smoking lounge vibes. The dark wood, tufted seats and the library wall. Faux I believe which maybe alcohol behind it. Even the bar area was quite nice. As it was the holidays or after, the place was still well into all the decoration. The detail they put into this place is magnificent. The whole aesthetic and atmosphere was amazing. Regardless if you in the main room or one of the lounge, it still worth it. There were loads of people just coming in to take pictures. All the staff were well dressed and presentable. The Dome, an institution of Edinburgh that is worth checking out. For a meal or drinks or even a wander through.

    Photos
    The Dome - Inside tea room

    Inside tea room

    The Dome - Entrance inside

    Entrance inside

    The Dome - Men's room decor.

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    Men's room decor.

    Panda & Sons - Cereal Killer

    Panda & Sons

    4.6(115 reviews)
    0.9 miNew Town
    ££

    Panda & Sons is one of the top speakeasy around the UK and I see why. The aesthetics and delicate…read morecocktails make it worth a visit. The service was great. I ordered the bird cage and it was nicely smoked and had a great smooth taste. I don't think I would've liked this drink anywhere else but I liked it here. It wasn't all about the presentation but the drink was actually good. I must say you have to make a reservation well in advance. Many people come here in groups. Overall I definitely recommend this speakeasy in Edinburgh.

    I want a redo. Being…read moresomeone who makes cocktails at home as a hobby, I'm always someone that's looking for cool bars to try when I travel. When I visited Edinburgh recently Panda & Sons was one of the places I was looking to the most. However my experience was left feeling very mid. It's one of those things when you research a bar where I live and see also this fun and fancy decor and think to yourself, "Looks cool but are the drinks actually good?" I didn't want to think this though. I spent a little time reading the Switching method in their menu and thought that was a cool preparation method. But when I tasted my Birdcage for example, all I really tasted was Whiskey. I barely tasted any Aperol or anything else. The reason why Im still giving this place a higher review than I normally would is because of the service and ambience. If you've never been, getting down to the actual bar for the first time is a treat in itself. I feel like this was just an off night. It definitely was a full house the night me and my friends went so it's understandable that maybe things just slipped this particular night. I know from personal experience that when the ratios are a bit off, sometimes the flavors just kinda fall flat like an old soda and that's kinda what I tasted in my drinks that night...at the same time I still at least tasted alcohol. A good amount. Now you may laugh and say, "What do you mean? Why wouldn't there be?" Well...where I come from in the states theres places have cool decor and service but serve you drinks with barely any booze and charge you and arm and leg. Thankfully I was stumbling home a bit that night so no harm and no foul. I shall return for the runback the next time I come to Scotland!

    Photos
    Panda & Sons - Osaka Spritz - singer fresh!

    Osaka Spritz - singer fresh!

    Panda & Sons - One of the spaces

    One of the spaces

    Panda & Sons - Birdcage (back left), Mr. Worldwide (front right)... can't remember name whisky drink in front

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    Birdcage (back left), Mr. Worldwide (front right)... can't remember name whisky drink in front

    Bramble - Nomad Soul

    Bramble

    4.5(97 reviews)
    0.7 miNew Town
    ££

    If you blink, you might miss The Bramble--but you'd be making a huge mistake. Tucked away down a…read morenondescript staircase off Queen Street, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble into in Edinburgh. My family and I came here on a whim and ended up getting far more than great drinks. One of the bartenders, a local with the friendliness of a lifelong pub regular and the insight of a Michelin concierge offered up genuinely helpful food recommendations. He had a perfect mix of laid back charm, genuine enthusiasm, and a sharp wit. That kind of service is rare, and it stuck with us. Now, the drinks. Phenomenal. Not just "good for Scotland" or "pretty decent for a bar that doesn't scream look at me" these cocktails were creative, expertly made, and well presented. You can tell these folks care about their craft. Each drink was layered and complex without being fussy. If you're into spirits, this is your place. Yes, the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Definitely built for function, not luxury, but they were absolutely spotless. Like, hospital-pristine. Whoever maintains them deserves a raise and maybe a trophy. Bottom line: Bramble nails it. Great atmosphere, unforgettable drinks, and service that actually makes you feel like you're in the right place at the right time. Skip the tourist traps and find your way down those stairs.

    Excellent cocktails, very quaint and comfortable atmosphere. Outgoing and personable staff. We had…read morea little bit of a hard time finding it, *** look for the green astroturfing just underneath the dry cleaners** there is a stairwell leading you down to their entrance.

    Photos
    Bramble
    Bramble - Outside

    Outside

    Bramble - Interior

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    Interior

    The Devil's Advocate - Smoked fish plate

    The Devil's Advocate

    4.3(630 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    Just an awesome, rockin' final meal in Edinburgh - fantastic food, good service and energized local…read morevibe! Absolute must to get reservations! We tried on our first week in Edinburgh and failed, but were able to make reservations 3 weeks out for our last night in Scotland, and we are glad we did. Pork cracklins were a bit hard and crunchy, but everything else was perfect. We had fresh bread and langostinis for starters, along with a smokey whiskey cocktail, the Smoked Indiscretion! For mains we enjoyed the poached Cod, and the Pork with Barley. Service was very good, and wine selection was extensive. Atmosphere was loud with music and locals' chatter in the bar below, but dark tables and heavy wood panels made it a perfect place for a couple celebrating 3 weeks of travel. Highly recommend a visit to the Devil's Advocate, if you can book a table in advance.

    The Devil's Advocate is undoubtedly a treasure to find in Old Town Edinburgh, especially if you…read moreaccidentally take the News Steps to get there, only to realize you should have simply taken the steps up Advocate's Close from Cockburn Street. But they call these lessons, "character building," apparently. No matter, the Devil's Advocate is worth the search. Located in an old Victorian pump house halfway up (or down) Advocate's Close, the Devil's Advocate is known for a killer whisky shelf of more than 300 different bottles from various distilleries across the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Campbelltown, the Islands, and Islay. I finally sipped on a 15-year Tamdu that has convinced me to keep a bottle at home. Then there's the Clydeside 2024 Limited Edition Cask Strength that was wicked impressive. The bartenders are class at making and serving seasonal and regular cocktails that have their spin and character. My wife enjoyed gin-based cocktails such as the Clean Slate (with St-Germain, citrus, and sugar), Rose Garden (with Yellow Chartreuse, Cocchi Rosa, apple, lemon, and mint), and Bee's Knees (honey and lemon). I went full speed ahead with the scotch cocktails, which are essentially classics with a scotch-substituted twist. The Double Shot is an Espresso Martini with Dalmore 12 in addition to Kahlua, espresso, and demerara -- quite smooth without being too sweet. The Scotzia is a Negroni with Fettercairn 12, while the Boxcar is a Sidecar only with Aberfeldy 12. We enjoyed the bar for a few hours, watching the bartenders make magic while sipping on cocktails, while listening to 80s pop tunes. A great evening indeed.

    Photos
    The Devil's Advocate - Whiskey flight tastings

    Whiskey flight tastings

    The Devil's Advocate - Fish Filet

    Fish Filet

    The Devil's Advocate - Double Shot with Dalmore 12, kahula, espresso shot, and Demerara.

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    Double Shot with Dalmore 12, kahula, espresso shot, and Demerara.

    Brass Monkey - pubs - Updated May 2026

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