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.

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!

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.

Heads & Tales is a great bar in Edinburgh. The drinks, service, and atmosphere are great. I got a…read moreHugo Spritz and it was delicious. Next time I'm in Edinburgh, I'll definitely be back!

WOW!!! Great service. The bartender from Bulgaria was one of the best we have had in the world…read more Unreal. He loved his job and did an amazing job on educating us on Gin and Scotland. A caddy in St. Andrews told me about this place and it did not disappoint. Had a Gin old fashioned made up by bartender and it was unreal. Wife had a gin flight and it was awesome. Creative and could. The vibe was awesome. Wish my old friend Cabo was there with us. He would down 3 old fashioned and had 2 flights of gin all while going over the electrical system of his Gulstream...I digress. It was simply amazing. What was the best part was the enthusiasm and the love of their job that made this place so cool. Loved the Gunpowder Gin too. If we did not have a Military tattoo to attend later, we might have closed this place down. Do your self and go here (hard to fin=d the door). Lots of cool rooms and caves etc. to chill out in. Thanks so much for the greatest bar experience on our 10 day trip!!

I was there on 30 October 2025 with a few travel friends, and it turned out to be one of the best…read moresurprises of our trip. The minute we found the door off the little lane on Rose Street, there was an air of mystery... exactly what you hope for from a "detective agency" style speakeasy. Once inside, the vibe was perfect for a chilly Edinburgh evening. Like, moody lighting, vintage-style furnishings, and that cozy, clandestine feel that makes you glad you made the effort to find it. The service was absolutely welcoming. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and even at 9p, mid week (when you might expect things to be winding down), the place was comfortably busy but not packed, but full enough to feel alive. Drinks menus came in little "confidential" envelopes, which instantly added to the fun. We ordered several cocktails that evening, and every drink was carefully crafted and flavorful, smooth and topped off with warm hospitality. I honestly did not have one bad cocktail. If I were to highlight a few things from our night - I came away loving the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the general ease at which we were treated which is exactly what I wanted out of a night out in Edinburgh. If you're visiting Newcastle, upon, Tyne, Edinburgh, or just wandering through Rose Street and looking for something a little different... don't walk past this place. Bryant & Mack Private Detectives is a fun little secret with classic cocktails, cozy speakeasy vibes, and service that makes you feel like part of the case, lol. It's a fully immersive experience.

Awesome speakeasy in New Town…read more It really is on the hidden side, it took me a few minutes longer than I thought it would to find the door (look at the posted pictures, it helps). Once inside (you'll have to knock to get in), you'll find a cool little lounge with great cocktails, chill music, and amiable bartenders. We were surprisingly the only ones in there around 9 pm on a Friday night, which we thought was odd (as did the bartenders), but it meant we got to hang out with them and shoot the shit (meeting bartenders from all over the world is one of my favorite hobbies). Besides the fact that both were into motorcycles (and one came to Edinburgh once and immediately backed up his bags and moved over from Italy - props), we found out that they could make a mean cocktail. We, of course, started on menu, but wanted to see if they could do any variations, which they not only did, but nailed: "do you like bitter or sweet" - bitter "Floral or not so much" - surprise me "base?" - gin Dunno what it was called, but it was one of the nicest gin drinks I had in a town that is crazy for gin at the moment. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a good cocktail place, the ambiance is on point and the drinks are superb.

A family owned Gin Bar in Edinburgh's West End! We loved their creative menu, extensive gin…read moreselection and gorgeous atmosphere! So many different spots to enjoy your dinner and drinks at from cute private nooks, high top tables, or comfy booths. Excellent service with good recommendations. So happy to find this spot just around the corner from our hotel! Jolly Negroni Pink Wink

Loved the old building with its quirky artwork and giant windows. Had the spinach yogurt tart…read morewhich is out of this world delicious. The Edinburgh Fizz was most unique and delicious. The toffee pudding was yummy. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. Not a fan of gin but the choices were very tempting.

Outgoing, friendly, knowledgeable staff Outstanding beer…read moreselection (& spirits are robust too) Quiet, but vivacious crowd What a find. Such a pity to have so few reviews EXCEPT it seems the good people know it, and that's enough. Good music wafts through the space like a hint, convivial conversation permeates but doesn't distract, and the space is warm and comfortable upstairs and down. The wall of spirits here is robust, gorgeous, and functional for your favorite cocktails - but by God if it doesn't feel like a front. Craft beer is paramount here, spoken so capably, enthusiastically, and voluminously. If you're an Untappd person, find Monty's - then listen, don't talk. For all friends, bring your friend here. Sample good things, and enjoy the company. #MeetAtMontys - this is the place. Highest recommendation.

Good little pub. A group of us gathered here before heading off in search of a meal. Service was…read morequick, even though I didn't see any open seats in the place. Very good selection of brews. The commercial stuff, of course, as well as tasty, malty goodness. Would definitely go back to this one.

Had to stop. Heard about it before we got here. We had reservations on an early Wednesday and…read moreprobably didn't need it. But it was worth securing. They have food options that sounded wonderful. But regrettably, we were stuffed. What we did try, was awesome. Staff was fun and attentive.

First off Jordan and Ashlie were great. Clearly very dedicated to keeping the bar well organized…read moreand clean while still taking time to chat with a couple of out of towners asking questions! On top of great staff, the cocktails were unique and tasty. But the decor - well this place is one to beat! If you're in Leith, you simply have to check this steampunk-mad scientist-1920's prohibition mashup!

What an amazing place! Loved the vibe, the drinks, and the music! We made dinner out of the limited…read morefood menu. YUM! Everything is so brilliantly thought out and curated. Visit at once. Cheers!

We had to stop by the No. 5 Cocktail bar in the UK featuring handcrafted modern classic cocktails!…read moreKnown for their Negronis and shenanigans, they are also starting off this week's Edinburgh Bar Show with the award winning Satans Whiskers! Make sure to order a Paper Plane! They give you a piece of paper to make your own paper plane to fly at the rows of bottles, and if you are lucky enough to hit one you get a free shot of the bottle hit! Pro tip aim for the top row! They were completely full when we walked in but they quickly found us a table! We had excellent and attentive service! White Strawberry Negroni Paper Plane Penicillin Negroni Flight

This was a great experience. Nice decor, great food and service,, and truly amazing cocktail menu…read more Wish I could visit easily! One of my favorite stops in Edinburgh.

This place was a great gastropub/cocktail bar. The doctor on the inside is very appealing and…read moreshowed a great sense of style. The artichoke theme was whimsical and still tasteful. The space was very inviting and has lots of great touches. The bartender was very nice and she made every drink perfectly. My old fashioned was so nice I ordered more. We had the crispy squid, monkfish scampi, lamb and the pan fried hake. The starters were nice portions and were delicious. I was extremely pleased with the lamb. Well seasoned, well balanced, and well cooked. The hake was also well done and my gf enjoyed it. I would absolutely come back here.