It's quite a big bar! It has both an upper and lower level. It's theme was right up my alley: Frankenstein. From the moment you walk in you see a large statue of him. Going inside, the walls have posters and pictures from the old black and white while there are film-based statues and figurines adorning all nooks and crannies. The tables have spooky red votives and there's electricity style lightning balls near the high booths that provide sparkling light. They even have the film playing on loop on two large screens right above their bar. The menu and drink selection also pay homage to the theme. I had a Bloody Mary Shelly for my cocktail while my husband had their Frankenstein draft. We both enjoyed those and spooky, breaded haggis balls for a starter. For our mains, I had their Cajun chicken sandwich while my husband had their hotdog. Both plates were inspired in their presentation by the movie, too. For example, my husband had a ketchup lightning bolt down his hotdog. I really enjoyed this place, despite its touristy vibe. I'd so go there again! read more

I'm going to go on a limb and guess that red neon bulbs probably weren't around in 1818. That's not saying I wasn't excited about visiting, but I had doubts about many of its claims. Its full name is The World Famous Frankenstein 1818. World famous? I know the novel, The Modern Prometheus, which for me is a more ominous title than just Frankenstein, but world famous? Is the novel world famous or is it the pub, because I'm pretty sure I can ask ten random people in my home town and they wouldn't know anything about it. Can you just call yourself world famous? And its title, "The World Famous Frankenstein 1818", was the pub was founded in 1818? That's somewhat hard to believe considering the novel was published in 1818. And that really is its full name, The World Famous Frankenstein 1818. That's a mouthful, so I'm just going to call it Frank from here on. When I entered, instead of some dated dungeon-like pub replacing walnut wood panels with roughly interconnected cobblestones, I found that Frank had red faux leather chairs, iron girders, and...what do you know, walnut wood panels. This is not to say that I was disappointed with Frank. As pubs go, it's breathtaking, except it feels more like a night club than a place people would gather to eat. Frank is very dark, almost shadowing the details of an establishment which probably cost millions to construct. It blends old-fashioned and décor with modern accents though I felt the latter overshadowed its attempts to be dated. I can't hate Frank...I can't. It looks too good; I just wished it looked...well...older. As it is now, it's more of a tribute to the films than the novel, a snapshot of some fantasy we wanted the world to look like in 1818, not as it actually was. Frank is a collage of movie sets slammed together into a pub. Not bad, just not what I expected. It's part steampunk, part gothic, part modern nightclub. I would even go so far as to say that your opinion on the décor can radically change depending on which angle you're looking at. As for the food, we opened with a shared plate of nachos, towering taller than the red cuillins. This would be enough as a meal for two, but we were foolish and had already ordered mains. I had the Franken-furter (oh I saw what you did there) while my girlfriend enjoyed the haggis, neeps, and tatties. These are huge plates of food for surprisingly reasonable prices. One would expect huge markups given the location, but no. I keep getting reminded that most pubs don't offer good food, but so far, this has not been my experience. If you ignore the borderline menacing décor, is Frank a worthwhile location? I would say so, but I would also say that its intimidating nature may frighten away people looking for something a bit more mundane. Don't get me wrong, Frank must rock during Halloween, and I would rather return here than to The World's End for the simple fact that I can stretch out my arms in Frank without taking out an eye of someone at another table. But it's also obvious that Frank is not meant for anyone older than 40. It's not where men in tweed jackets gather around for a pint after a long day's work. It's for students after exams are over, and they become possessed with an overwhelming desire to get so inebriated, their gait and mannerisms would make the famous monster articulate and agile. The truth is that I would not be caught dead in Frankenstein after 10:00 pm given the obvious demographics that would congregate within it...but until then, I would definitely love to book it for my next birthday. DECOR: 9 PLATING: 7 SERVICE: 7 FOOD: 8 VALUE: 7 OVERALL: 7.6 out of 10 read more

See all

'At 5, Frankenstein will come out.' We had small children and we had been warned. What did this mean? We soon found out. Frankie was prompt, joining us five minutes early. The lights went down. The spooky novelty music came on. Everybody is looking around for something. And then above us we see a mechanism slowly come out. There he is. Robotic Frank slowly sits up. Head turn to the right, head turn to the left. And then he's retracting in again, back in his cave. We were underwhelmed. One of the weirdest bar experiences I've ever had, no doubt. So, Frankenstein is an a-okay bar. We were drawn here because it was child-friendly (yes, really!) and spacious enough for my friend to bring in her pram. I wouldn't make a point of going out of my way to come here, but it's fine for a one-drink stop. read more

Oh hell no girlfriend, uh-uh. I don't know what that drooler in the white shirt was thinking, grinding up on me like that without introduction, but I'm pretty damn sure my punch in the chest got my message across. Look-look-no-touch, thank you. This place was, meh, average, kinda crappy music, DJ didn't play requests and kept pausing the music in all the wrong places to scream shit about Jagerbombs. Every. Five. Minutes. Had to run around the dance floor a bit trying to avoid the rather grab-assy "gentlemen" that were present, and yes a wooden doll got lowered from the ceiling that vaguely resembled Frankenstein's monster. To their credit, they did play Michael Jackson's Thriller, but then again, what else would you play to go with that? Keep walkin' people, if you've got to set the bouncer on the chavs to keep off your body (for their safety really, I would've done them more harm), you know it's not the place to be. Frankenstein, somehow that name is oddly appropriate... read more

Why do I like Frankenstein's? It's been here since like my student days - and in today's terms, that means forever. It's part of a chain of horror pubs (seen in Edinburgh and Nottingham...probably elsewhere too) with cheesy cocktails that I used to knock back when I were but a lass, and cheap beer/wine that I knock back now that I have earned my flat cap and pipe. I was a wannabe goth as a teenager, so the vamp in me can never resist a visit. It has easily accessible toilets that you can get to without having to endure the stares of the barkeep (honest, I'm coming in for a drink!). I've never, repeat, never not been able to get a seat. Trying to get a booth, however, can be a wee bit more challenging, but I am happy to report, challenge accepted on many a time. I don't think I've ever spent a full evening here, or in any of the theme pubs, but it's a bit of cheesy, cheap fun to throw into an evening, and great during a rainstorm. Now, do I really want to go to one of their theme dinners? Hmm, maybe not so much.... read more

I've been here a few times before and nothing but good things to say. Nice bartenders, funky interior and Frankenstein himself saying hello. Last night myself and my friends popped in for a drink and the place was hopping. We were all just chatting near the bar till one of the bouncers, (small fella, covered in tattoos, serious attitude problem), pulled me to the side and said 'are you bumping off other customers?'. I replied saying 'no, what are you talking about?', then he just started shoving me out the door! I don't know what was this mans problem as I was just minding my own business, and was certainly not bumping off anyone! My friends came right out after me and pleaded with me what was the problem. Of course there is no arguing with bouncers and seemed to only want to start a fight themselves! We left anyway and laughed it out between ourselves as this wasn't going to dampen our night. It's a shame Frankenstein's have a member of staff like this as it ruined our view towards this place. I recommend this place but be warned you probably will get kicked out for no apparent reason. read more

Originally I was going to rate this place at least 4 stars because I loved the environment and the type of music they played! Lots of old alternative classic hits and awesome dancing kind of songs and catchy tunes. I actually had a great time at the club because it was a lot of american music and things I'm used to. But then the security guard kicked my friend because she was dancing the way american girls who love music dance. And then he kicked her out. I thought that was so rude because you can't just kick people. Never in America do people kick people, it was just rude. And I think he should have at least gave her a warning if she may have been dancing inappropriately by respectfully tapping her on the shoulder or something. So after, our whole group of Americans just left. Besides the security guard, the place itself was great. read more

My friends and I come in here every so often, just for that sense of comfort, where you realise that some things will just always stay the same, no matter what the rest of the world is up to. With life changing and moving so fast all the time, it's nice to know Frankensteins will always be there for you, showing you that none of those new fangled ideas of updating things and being trendy matter, because after midnight, Frankenstein will always be lowered from their roof on his stretcher, then he'll slowly sit up, then the chords of Robbie Williams, Let Me Entertain You will blare around the bar. Last time we were in here, there was a terrifying moment where it sounded like they might be about to alter the space time continuum and play something else, but after freezing for a fearful second, we heard the unmistakeable sounds of Robbie, and order was restored. Frankenstein is pretty expensive at the weekends, and undoubtedly gimmicky, but it's good, non pretentious fun, and I can't help but have a soft spot for it. The dance floor is pretty big, and there are also two other floors, one of which is a viewing gallery where you can observe the dancers below. read more

Friday? 5pm? Tie wrapped round head? Welcome to Frankensteins. Next stop, self loathing. read more

Frankenstein memorabilia everywhere inside, looks like a church on the outside, check. Have beers on tap with loud music on, check. This is definitely a place for you to stop by and have a beer and take a look around, even once. This place is unique and one of a kind. First came here on a pub crawl one night, and we came back the next day for a later afternoon beer just to make sure it wasn't just weird when I have had a couple of drinks already. read more

No this place is good and silly! It's quite a big bar, and there are always some middle aged chaps trying to get you to salsa with them or some rubbish, but if you can shrug that off, you're in for a quirky few! Quite dark, a good stocked bar, and some horror themed cocktails- some much tastier than others I may add! A lot of space, and tables a plenty, though it still does get pretty packed, and people will jump in your grave when you get up to go. Votives, gargoyles, dark wood, and a frankenstein animatronic will pop down to you a few times. It's novelty, and very odd, I like that kind of thing. The staff were lovely, the bouncers even offering to put our rained on coats on radiators and such too. read more

Are you a student? Are you mentally ill? If you answered yes to either if these questions then you will no doubt love this place. If not then stay away. Frankensteins is a bog-standard chain pub dressed up to look like a Hammer Horror film set. Nothing of note can be said about their drinks or their food, its exactly what you would expect from a corporate enterprise aimed squarely at a young audience - umpteen types of fizzy, tasteless lager to wash down your greasy, bland fajita/burger. Avoid like the plague. read more

Realy cheap meals 2 cocktails and a salad for 7.50 and loved it! Very nice bartender, even allowed me to smell their nice hamburgers!

We had had a long day trudging the streets of Edinburgh, and were ready for a relatively late (for us) dinner. After being rejected at our first choice (a steak restaurant that looked promising but had an hour wait), we stumbled into this joint. The first thing we noticed was how dark the place was, the second was how large the bar area seemed to be. And of course we noted that Frankenstein really lives to its name - if we didn't know any better we'd have been running for our lives. But we're just a little smarter than that. Even though we knew we would not be getting Grade A steaks, we figured what was present would at least be adequate. We were correct. For starters we tried that Scotland delicacy, haggis, which was prepared in such a way that the taste wasn't too different from a chicken nugget. I naturally had to try their Frankenstein Ale, which was not at all scary but ran down my throat rather smoothly, and supplemented it with a hot dog (given our relatively late lunch, I wasn't as hungry as I might normally have been). Wife had the Cajun Chicken Sandwich - both of us wound up full, and made it through the night without desiring a midnight snack. So, despite a rather touristy vibe, this place is: Recommended read more

Such a fun bar. My friend and I wanted to go to a bar somewhere in Edinburgh and had no idea where to go. This place showed up and we though why not! When we got there it was super dark and eerie-but in a good way. We sat down and ordered some super fun drinks that were called the Frankenstein and Frankenstein's bride. We also got fun test tube shots! They had a lot of good deals for certain days of the week and discounts for students. It was also apart of a lot of bar crawls so people were in and out making it fun to meet people. Every hour on the hour something very exciting happens- but you'll have to go there to figure out what it is read more

This used to be a regular hangout when I was 18 year old student. This chain pub is pretty much what you'd expect for a themed drinking establishment. The horror vibe is quite fun, featuring a dummy Frankenstein that makes an appearance when the clock strikes the right hour. I've only ever been here for drinks, never food. The space is quite large, the bar is adequately stocked and service is fine. They have wine on tap here - it's that kind of place. In the evening the music is really loud so it's a shout-in-your-ear joint, and there's a central space downstairs for dancing and merriment. I'd never choose to come here, but if you're in a large group or need an inoffensive pub that's centrally located then this should suffice. read more

Absolutely stunning Atmosphere and worderful details concerning the decoration. Prices for drinks and food are appropriate. The food is ok but not spectacular. We were there for the smartphone pub quiz, which was great. Really cool host. Unfortunately many of the questions are aimed towards UK residents, but that's ok, we still scored 7th place :D read more

Frankensteins is always a 'last resort' type of place - where you go when every where else is too full or the queues too long. During the day, Frankenstiens poses as a gothic, Mary Shelly themed restaurant serving a range of basic and rather bland meals to students and tourists who fell for the Frankenstien gimmick. Student however, do have an excuse, this place is cheap - really cheap. In the evenings, Frankensteins embraces the dark and becomes a bar. This really isnt a good thing, for while the gothic theme lends itself better to a bar than a restaurant, the atmosphere is still pretty dreadful and the whole thing feels like Frankenstein going for a jog - uncomfortable, dragging and groaning. I dont like Frankenstiens that much, but it remains a faithful back up if the hundreds of other bars in Edinburgh close. read more

Frankenstein & Bier Keller - Frankies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This place is hilarious! Don't be fooled with the sign: World Famous Frankenstein 1826 : to my knowledge the old church building this bar is placed in is not that old. This venue is placed over 3 floors with pool tables, electronic games and bars. The "Frankenstein theme" is quite obvious all over the shop, including a large screen tv showing a Frankenstein movie (the one with Hugh Jackman). The bathrooms were surprisingly clean late on a popular night (and the only time I have actually been in here). It has a grand karaoke night on Sundays and the bartenders are quite amusing, especially at closing time. Although this seems to be the place for tourists and stag/hen parties it can still be good enough for a cheap drink, or when you are too merry to care. read more

I attempted to have a date here once but it was far too busy and crowded, so we left. I feel the idea of Frankenstein's is actually much better than the real thing. It's very gimmicky with it's Gothic, Frankenstein theme and is located in an impressive old church. Impressive from the outside anyway. The drinks are stupid expensive and not worth it, I don't think you can justify the hiking up your prices just because you have a special theme going on. The staff are pretty rude too, maybe they are tired of the Frankenstein theme and the fact they are constantly in the dark. read more

There's a similar bar to Frankenstein's just off George St: Jekyll & Hyde. You'll find the same depressing gothic interior and gimmicky props scattered around. I've tried to see past this facade, loosen up and just enjoy a drink or two here...but with no success. The drinks are overpriced (undoubtedly to fund the many 'free' food evenings). This is all well and good, but the food is plain terrible. As I write, summer weather has finally graced Edinburgh and as a result I fully intend to avoid the dark, dingy and clichéd interior of Frankenstein's and drink in a lighter more refreshing environment. read more

Frankenstein & Bier Keller - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I mistakenly came to Frankenstein's to nip to the loo, and my pals decided to grab a drink whilst we were in. One word: dark. It was only about 4.30pm, and I actually needed a torch to find the bogs. I hate this, why wouldn't you want to let some light into the place? It's also gimmicky, horror themed, and generally tacky and crap. Its too expensive, and it doesn't justify it one bit. I hear a robotic Frankenstein's monster comes swooping down at the weekend to scare all the punters. Wooo. I might come back for that spectacle- not. read more

Frankenstein & Bier Keller - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I agree with Fiona, Frankenstein's is a total marmite place, you either love it or hate it, there's really no in between. I have to be totally honest and admit that it's not really my bag, it's a bit too gimmicky for my liking. I've only been during the day and feel I'm missing out a little as apparently at night they have a robotic Frankenstein who comes out and does a little party piece which would be hilarious to see but once you've seen it, I'm sure it would get old quite quickly and soon turn into an annoyance. This place is rather dingy and the prices aren't all that cheap either. It seems to also be lacking in atmosphere so to be honest, I'd rather drink elsewhere and it would never be my venue of choice. read more

I don't like this place. Purely because an ex of mine works here, a particularly shitty ex. You might like it though...!! It's above average as a bar and restaurant. Every Tuesday they have great free food giveaways for students. It's amazing, too good to be true! Every now and again the huge Frankenstein face thing comes down from the ceiling, pretty f'ing scary if you're not expecting it! They have pizza's, burgers, salads and lots of other options. It's a fun place, definitely worth a look in. read more

The bar downstairs is quit big. Frankenstein movies are playing on big screen in black & white. So much decoration on the walls & ceiling, kinda kitchy. Me and my friends arrived here a little after noon, the place was empty. The girl at the bar wasn't really friendly. read more

See all

I enjoyed going to the karaoke night with my friends. It is great fun! Although the acoustics is not the best. The food is not that great, but there's a good variety of drinks - with student offers!! And the location is absolutely fun - that giant Frankenstein - amazing!! :D Unfortunately the DJ often forgets people who wanted to sing - but still: worth a visit! read more

Too popular with VERY drunk stag parties / hen nights and students for me. Many better bars closeby!! Ess read more

Frankenstein has a pretty cool atmosphere as it was an old church that looks like it could be a scene in Shelley's book now. Either that or a really bad Halloween party. The biggest plus was that they seemed to have the best student deals (20% off all the time) and weekday specials as well. Also they had some cheap food (burger and fries for 3 pounds). read more

A horrible place. I severely dislike this bar. It masquerades as a bar with tons of history behind it (Frankenstein has absolutely nothing to do with Edinburgh) and is full of your usual crowd of numpties that populate tourist bars in Edinburgh. They have a thing that happens at midnight, Frankenstein comes out of the wall and sits up - it's all very scary. Very. Avoid this bar, it is nothing special and there are many other bars that will give you a better night without a load of idiots. read more

Frankensteins is the kind of place you either love or you hate. It has that little bit of novelty value in that there is a model Frankenstein who comes down from the ceiling every once a night whilst the staff dance on the bar, but to be honest, it's a bit tedious after you've seen it once. The balcony is a great place for people watching and checking out the people dancing below, but it get's very crowded up there, and can be impossible to get to the toilet/bar when you're up there! This place generally attracts quite a hen/stag/lads night out type of crowd at the weekends, so ends up pretty heaving. If you're looking for drink promos, cheesy dancing and to be chatted up, then it's probably the place for you. If you're looking for somewhere for a quiet night out, then i'd avoid this place! read more

Frankenstein's is just off Chambers Street. they serve standard pub grub which is nothing special but fills a whole. Popular with students, they usually have some sort of drinks promo on. So drinks are cheap but you need a loud voice to be able to order them. The bar is themed and as you walk in you hear a cackle from Frankenstein- the mood lighting is great making the place seem quite creepy the place has green flashing lights, nuts and bolts,cages. The Dj is quite cheesy but its good music to boogie along to carelessly with friends. read more

This a bar/restaurant full of gimmicks that, for me, do not distract from the fact that the drinks are overly expensive. The decor is pretty interesting. Its gothic themed and at certain points in the day, a Frankenstein figure emerges on a stretcher above. This is obviously largely for the tourists. The novelty certainly wears off after a while. I do, however, rather like the fact the upstairs seating area overlooks the downstairs bar. It's also nice to know that there is a downstairs seating area (something which proved to be handy when it was packed with footie fans). My favourite thing about this bar are the student deals. They offer buy on get one free on a selection of meals. The food is tasty, hearty, pub grub. I also loved that they have free food Tuesdays - you just need to buy a drink and you get a free meal from a small selection. I dunno if I'd go here when I'm not a student. It'd be somewhat pricey without special student offers. I'd probably try out their 2 for 1 fajita Wednesdays. I'd beware of this place- it's very much a touristy novelty pub. read more

This bar is ok I went when it was opening and the music was lame but overall cool bar

Been there on few occassions with friends but every time I go there my opinion just gets worse and worse so maybe I'll give my opinion now so that they'll get 2 stars instead of one.... The place has it's pluses: atmosphere (from time to time), nice interior, it's pretty spacious - and thats about it... Minus'es: overcrowded (thats one bad thing about being popular), music is hell to loud even on club standards (to speak with someone or to order a drink you need to shout your loungs out!), ordering drinks (you have to be really funny looking or shout with anger to get the barmans attention as they just dont care much and look a bit bored), places to sit (as in other clubs - plenty of seats if you come early but later on the tables just make moving around harder) If you can visit it and find for yourselves but if you want to avoid big dissapointment just avoid it. read more

The Frankensteins is one of the most famous bars in Edinburgh. As you can tell it has a theme based on Frankenstein and has a quirky and fun atmosphere. Located just off the Royal Mile the pub is perfect for a quality pub lunch during the day or to get a pint (or ten!) in the evenings. However, the music is quite loud so it is not great for a quite pint but is perfect for a party night warm-up. The bar is usually quite busy from 9pm onwards and after 9pm the small dance floor becomes un-danceable due to the large numbers of people. However, it becomes a lot less bust after 11pm as people head off to some of the many clubs nearby. There are three levels and all of them have bars (although the bar upstairs in only open Friday and Saturday nights) so it does take especially long to get served. The pub is excellent for students as there are several student deals on lunches and drinks. There is also a £4 deal for two pints of Fosters. Happy drinking!! read more

This is all themed on Frankenstein (or should that be his monster), but it is quite a fun place to go. I have been there quite a few times for a meal. The food is usually tasty and prices are reasonable, and they do offers like buy one get one free etc at times, and a fajhita night one day through the week. Quite a dark place but quite cosy. They have two floors where you can have a drink or a meal. If you like something a little bit different from the usual pub grub then I recommend trying here. It can get a bit busy and noisy at the weekends, but most places do. read more

This has always been somewhere I have ended up in after a night out somewhere else. It is good fun but full of men who think it is ok to grab your rear end on the way past. I would say the majority of people who end up there are hen or stag parties, or people who are very drunk. At midnight a Frankenstein appears from the ceiling, bit tacky but funny when the staff start dancing on the bar!! The fact that it is free to get into and plays music you can dance to makes this a great place to go for a few hours to finish the night off. read more

Frankensteins is a great pub situated up from the Mound in Edinburgh. The place is very big and sitated on 3 different levels. The food is quite good here also, and if you have got quite a few people going they will reserve you an area and give you a buffet. They do deals on drinks also and late on frankenstein comes out from the wall. It is a great themed pub which is always very busy. Good music, great atmosphere, good food!!! read more

The test tube shots here are great, but it's always busy when I've been there so it's not somewhere I'd normally choose to go as you have to push your way through loads of people just to get back to the door etc! The music's quite good when I've been there though. I've never had food there but they seem to have some good deals! read more

Food = average bar food, karaoke = decent to good, 3 story Dr. Frankenstein laboratory with massive lightning electrodes = AWESOME. If you want to feel like your singing in pub with all your rowdy pitchfork villagers before a night of monster hunting, this is the place! Sing, drink, and go chasing after Frankenstein! read more