I hadn't been to Paradise Palms in a few years but I was happy to see: a) it's still such an inclusive, safe, welcoming space and b) they had a bit of a menu glow-up! Still vegan, but much more focused on a robust fried chkn offering and other fun American-inspired junk/bar food. I appreciate how comfortable they've made the atmosphere; the staff has consistently been so friendly and funny and human; walk-ins welcome!; the front seating has a bit more restaurant-y feel, I prefer the back seating which has a more pub-y feel; and, the food is STILL so craveworthy and memorable. I've tried the hot honey popcorn chkn topped with chilii, spring onion, and sesame (quite spicy! the popcorn chkn texture wasn't my favorite); the buffalo hot chkn wings with blue chz dip and celery (SO GOOD; the perfect amount of heat, but I could go for twice as much sauce; the texture of this chkn is much more satisfying and filling!); the chilli cheeze fries topped with a chipotle mayo (there's SO MUCH food here: they are generous with the chili sin carne... it was delicious piping hot when it came out, it was just as delicious a little cold and congealed an hour later; a MUST for a group!), the jalapeno slaw (it was spicier than, and not as refreshing as, I was expecting). The Frickles (fried pickles) were okay; I was expecting coins, not spears, so most of the coating kept falling off. And the fried chkn ceasar salad was nice: it's ENORMOUS and easily sharable between two people (say if you wanted to get those chili cheeze fries too), it comes with bacon and a less-fried version of their chkn, and it's very heavily dressed. Definitely not healthy, but certainly the most fresh thing on the menu! read more

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So delicious; I went twice during my week-stay in the city! The first visit, I had the Lucky Chicken sandwich/burger. It was pretty good. On the second visit, I had the Lucky BBQ Box; mind and mouth...blown! The bbq ribs/steak had a "meaty" texture and the sauce was hitting(positive term)! The southern fried chicken was yum too, just wish they would slather the sauce that comes on it instead of just sprinkle. The charred street corn also fire(positive term)! The slaw was pretty decent, and the potato salad was okay. It was a bit more food than I could eat, so I took some away with me in a box. Staff were lovely and accommodating on both visits. If I ever return to Edinburgh, I'll be sure not to skip another visit to Paradise Palms! read more

Paradise Palms - Lucky BBQ Box - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I don't even know where to begin.... Ordering food is a nightmare, it must be done at the bar and the staff is INCREDIBLY rude. Specifically the girl with the tiger tattoo on her arm. Took about 20 minutes to order. I've never come across such unpleasant bartenders. Then half of the order came out and was wrong. Also didn't provide silverware!!!. The waitress said she would bring silverware and NEVER DID. I had to go find clean forks myself behind the bar. After an hour of waiting we followed up with the rest of our order and were given the run around, said it "got lost." We had to follow up 3 times because we had to catch a train. I'm not kidding, the wrong food came out two more times. DO NOT EAT HERE. read more

Having visited Paradise Palms twice now, I have some mixed feelings. It's a very cool place to walk in to- wacky decorations adorn all the walls, making you feel like you're in a technicolor jungle. The staff are hip and friendly, and the menu is a fascinating vegetarian take on a British take on food from the southern USA. However, the service is slow, the prices are high, and the food is... just not that good. The first time I went I had a black bean burger and was very underwhelmed by the soggy, tasteless creation they offered me. The second time was significantly better, as I ordered the jackfruit "crabcake" - a tasty fried pattie of veggies and fruit with a bit of spice. The vegan/vegetarian emphasis is deeply appreciated, but I just wish the operation was a little more put together. Maybe I'm missing something. read more

Paradise Palms - Delicious jackfruit "crab cake" - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

There's an awful lot to like about this bar. It's mega central, tres chic, plays ace music all afternoon, and has a decent selection of things at the bar. It does however have one *big* failing for me. The food, for the portion size you get, is staggeringly overpriced. I ordered a delicious sound basil and peanut chicken bun, and was disappointed to say the least when it was a few mouthfuls. It'd have made a cracking starter if it'd been about £4, but as a main I more than a little peeved. You can build it out with a wee pot of slaw (for a pound) and a reasonable portion of chips (also a pound) but if something is being sold as a burger, I want to be filled please! read more

Paradise Palms - A colourful place! - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The most perfect of dive bars. After a couple of rounds at panda and sons, my edinburgh friend excitedly exclaimed "Have you ever had, a buck fast daiquiri?" "A buckfast daquiri?" "You have to go to paradise palms, it's not far, I'm taking you, you have no choice in the matter, Miss" I have no idea what I was expecting, but to be greeted by hawaiian themed huge palm trees, cosy booths, bunting, vibrant colours, multicoloured lights, strings of fairy lights, and they bar covered like the dangly prizes at a hook-a-duck and all sorts of memorabilia type stuff, this place was just so bursting with quirk and fun. The buck fast daiquiris are great, and cheap (tell me it's a weegie drink all you like, i don't care), the bartenders are friendly and brilliant, the cocktails are marvellous, and the bar is unbelievably well stocked, I remember shots of cafe patron at some point? But yeah, we steadily got merrier, working our way through various bits of the menu, me trying to keep up with a geordie and a scot, bad idea. We didn't make it to breakfast the next morning, just three of us in the same bed feeling sorry for ourselves, but it was so worth it. read more

Alright, I hate to be this person but here we go... We came in at about 5:50pm to have dinner for two. We asked for a table, and they told us where to sit. We sat there with no menus for the longest time without any attention from the waiters whatsoever! They were walking straight past us, not even saying hello or asking if we needed anything. At 6:20pm, we finally had to leave because we were too hungry to wait any longer! It was really disappointing since the place is really cute and the food looked great. read more

We only stumbled in here for a drink - it was blowing a hoolie outside and the neon lights called us like a beacon. I would definitely stumble in here again (enough of their cocktails and I probably would be stumbling). It's cozy, camp and kitsch inside - which is pretty much everything I'm looking for in a dive bar. They've got a very good and rather unique cocktail list (I didn't dare try the Buckfast Daiquiri). The Lady Garden is like a jazzed up G&T (my go-to choice) and was as delicious as the name was amusing - there was lots of immature giggling at our table. Prices for drinks didn't seem too bad, and I really fancied the idea of the ninja buns, but we ate before we came. Having seen the reviews about their miniscule size, this might have been a lucky break? They were setting up for a science lecture as we left, and if I hadn't had plans I would definitely stayed for that. Looking at their schedule of events already has me filling up my diary to next year. I hope to return many times and update this review in the future, but yes - Paradise Palms is a hit! read more

Paradise Palms - The menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Been trying to get here for so long. Finally no festival or students around so we could walk in and get a table. Normally take the stance or bars as I do in music, just because its popular doesn't mean its good. In this case that doesn't work for me. It was such a a great afternoon. Plus points - Great staff, really friendly - The place is decked out in tiki/80s and a whole load of other styles at once I love it. - Great range of drinks .... the cocktails were ideal - The food is all veggie and vegan, which for me and the missus is perfect - The food portions are huge even the small plates - The food is soul food, who doesn't like soul food Minus points - Nothing, get your selves there!!!! read more

Paradise Palms - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I like Paradise Palms a lot, but I only ever seem to end up there during the festival. As a student I used to frequent its predecessors, and I mourn the loss of their very cheap meal deals. But I haven't been a student for over five years, and I live in Leith now, so... I'm not mourning too hard. Anyway! Last year during the Fringe they had some visiting bar staff from London, who were not only great chat but also plied us with customised cocktails. Definitely a thumbs up from me. Last night, we headed here for food, as I was a few beers in and keen to finally try Ninja Buns. I'd read Paddy's review, so knew that they wouldn't be big, but jings, they are tiny. Properly tiny. Delicious, but itsy bitsy teeny weeny. I went for the chicken and tequila one, which mostly tasted of coriander. I happen to really like coriander, but I know it's a divisive one, so I'm just putting that out as a PSA. I topped it up with 'Asian' slaw and chilli and garlic fries, which were pretty good. I also fell in love. With a cocktail. To be specific, I fell in love with the Filthy Martini. I am a huge fan of salty and sour flavours, I mean, you should see the amount of fish sauce I add when I make Thai food. And if I open a tin of sardines, I'll eat the lot, brine and everything. Obviously if you don't like brine, don't order the Filthy Martini. But I'm very glad I did. My liver is less glad, but meh, liver schmiver. There was a bit of a problem with the bill, namely an extra round of cocktails that we hadn't ordered, but that was removed and our Ninja Buns, two cocktails and a beer each came to about £50. Which was more than I'd really meant to spend, but I got carried away. Like I said earlier, I'm seldom in the area so Paradise Palms is almost certainly destined to remain an August only thing for me, but it's a definitely worth a visit if you'd rather buy your overpriced food and drink in an actual sit down venue rather than from one of the many street food stalls nearby. read more

Paradise Palms - The Filthy Martini. My tongue's new favourite drink. My head does not agree. - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This place is so fun! Its a mishmash of stuff and it's all a bit cray cray! I fell in love with the decor and the randomness of it all. I feel like I'm on holiday, which is I'm sure, the look they are going for with a name like Paradise Palms! I had to have the Buckfast Daiquiri of course, and truth be told it was really yummy-and not at all like bucky. So I guess that's good. They had a stage, so I would be interested in coming back and checking it out next time! read more

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2 fun facts about me: I love Hawaii... And I LOVE dive bars!! I'm summery, Paradise Palms is my favourite bar in the whole of Edinburgh... And I like me some bars! The bar is busting full of awesome decor and Hawaiian shirts, the staff are ludicrously friendly and a lot of fun, plus the food is incredible and really affordable. And don't even get me started on their boozy selection. Five of your finest Scottish pounds will get you the best cocktail in the country: A Buckfast Daiquiri. Seriously, this is so many levels of 'so wrong it's right' I don't even know where to start. Don't judge em till you try em! I've been to a lot of birthdays and leaving dos here and we've always had a total blast. When I was looking for somewhere to throw an Etsy Craft Party, Paradise Palms was on the top of my wish list. They were super helpful and let us rearrange the furniture to fit over 20 people in for a big ole craft-a-thon. I'm really pleased to share it was a total hit! They even let me in behind the bar when I was doing a shoot for my blog. That's a lot of trust and support right there, and the photos turned out beautifully ;) Top Tips: They have a mini record shop inside and even sell vintage Hawaiian shirts! They also have loads of fun events on (including Drag nights!) and even host a monthly Bar Boothsale, which is like a Car Bootsale only with cool stuff and ... A BAR ;) be sure to check out their Facebook page so you don't miss out on anything, or you'll regret it! read more

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Sometime skeptical of vegan interpretations of meat-based dishes, but with a string of endorsements from friends, I went into my lunch at Palms with mixed-expectations. Thankfully it became clear early on my fears were unfounded. We had a couple of mains and starters to share, the chilli, a hotdog, and some mixed tempura, and it's fair to say everything was excellent. I was slightly unsure of the Jackfruit options to start with but they were very enjoyable. The chilli bowl especially was more-ish and the corn bread tasty. I'll be back to try more of the menu next time I'm in Edinburgh. read more

Quirky bar near Bristo Square. My friend reserved an area for her 21st on a Saturday night. The place was heaving so it's a good job she did. The walls are full of random bits and bobs, think a hipster Club Tropicana. Fun and sunshine, there's enough for everyone! Interesting and tasty cocktails but I couldn't quite bring myself to try the Buckfast Daiquiri! Friendly bar staff too. The live DJs were throwing down some awesome old school tunes that got us all dancing. A very fun but blurry evening was had by all. Cheers! read more

If one is 'never again!' and five is 'just say when!' then Paradise Palms could well be a six. PP is camp, electric, bright. It takes me far, far away. - On visit one, Pina Colada in hand, I feel like I'm on holiday. The interior is ballsy and cool; Hawaiian shirts, holiday post cards and soft toys stuck lovingly to the ceiling. The lights are dim; the neon is on; the atmosphere is just right. I'm not a loud bar kind of gal but on Friday evening, Paradise Palms made for the perfect stop before home; lively, with a DJ, but not too loud to talk comfortably. - Just the right amount of party. I love the energy and soul of this place. And they make a mean cocktail! I've found my safe house. - Make mine a Pina Colada! read more

Probably one of the better bars to have occupied this site over the last few years Paradise Palms has a decent range of music through the speakers, an interior where the decoration actually seems to have been thought about rather than just flung together in the hope that random shit looks cool, a very large range of booze on offer and Ninja Buns operating the kitchen. Whilst the menu is not very extensive the portion sizes of the bun/coleslaw/fries baskets are good for the price, the edamame go down well and the service was quick. read more

What a cool place! We went for drinks, in search of Buckfast. Paradise Palms serves shots of Buckfast as well as a Buckfast daiquiri. The service was very friendly and the drinks were tasty. We did not eat, but the food looked delicious. We had a great experience here. Really enjoyed the eclectic decor. Would highly recommend stopping here if you enjoy an interesting ambiance with really tasty drinks. read more

What I appreciate more than anything is effort. If a place puts in the effort you feel like your custom is acknowledged and appreciated. Its even better when the food is actually good and it's really good here. I'm a big fan of BBQ ribs and what used to be impossible to get anywhere in Edinburgh seems to be de rigueur at the moment but the ones in here are brilliant. Today I had a nice pint of Estrella and some chipotle macaroni outside in the sun on my lunch break (all served in good time for work lunches) The place itself is quirky and thankfully different from all these new minimalist places popping up that are stripped to the bare bricks and steel girders. That was done 10 years ago in London man... read more

(*Just to note for some people confused by the reviews and photos for this place: the food here used to be by Ninja Buns, but is now Lucky Pig Vegetarian (and vegan) Soul Food) Its hard to describe Paradise Palms and I wont even try since so many people here have done it so well already. One part dive bar, one part vegan food haven, PP is easy to miss, but you ARE SO GLAD you found it once you do. The place is quirky. The people are quirky. The food is quirky. It is my go-to spot for vegan food and Im not even a vegan. This isnt your ordinary vegan food either: BBQ jackfruit, cauliflower buffalo bites, banoffee pie among tons of other rotating specials. Everything is good, everything is quality. It isnt the type of place you want to come if you are in a lunch rush, but if you have some time to sit back, relax, and enjoy it is well worth it. read more

Even the name of this place is intriguing isn't it? I went there last night with a couple colleagues after work. The restaurant is pretty dark and has numerous random tropical decorations on walls and ceilings. The plus was the menu offered a good range if vegetarian and vegan options, ideal for my friend. We didn't have to book a table and food was served pretty quickly. Personally I wasn't too sure about my fried halloumi served with Buckfast bbq sauce and cashew mayo, it was OK but part of me expected a bit more from the halloumi. That aside my pals had both nachos and were happy with theirs. I would definitely come back to try the rest of their menu, it was reasonably priced and it is in a handy location next to the meadows and south clerk Street so if you are around there is no harm trying it out. read more

Five stars for friendly service alone. I stayed above Paradise Palms for a night in the AirBnB that's attached (check it out - very, very nice and stylish). I popped in to get my key and was met by the lovely bar manager who helped my daughter and I up the stairs and invited us to come into the bar at any time. Kids are allowed in until 8pm. If you're familiar with Edinburgh you'll know they have some strange licensing laws. I had a few things to do but dropped by with my little girl and had a mocktail and icy pole. The music was fun, the decor even more fun and I had a good chat to the staff before my friend arrived for a quick beer. Obviously I can't comment on the food because we are elsewhere but I will be excited to try it when I'm next in Edinburgh. Friendly service isn't that easy to come by in general. I always appreciate it. read more

i popped into Paradise Palms for a quick drink prior to a christmas dinner. having never visited the venue before i was pleasantly surprised by the decor (sort of tiki bar in the wild kind of theme) and the cocktail menu on offer. i tried a sugar daddy which was lovely and had a great sour/sweet taste. had i been there longer i definitely would have tried a few further offerings on the cocktail menu but a good place to go next time i'm in that part of town. also as a side note, the bartenders were quite dishy... so quality service for a good looking guy :) always a positive in my book!! read more

Paradise Palms - Sugar Daddy cocktail - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Writing this review so that vegetarian and vegan eaters can find this amazing spot! We finally discovered it on our last day of a month at the fringe and we wish we'd known about it sooner. Delicious black bean and seitan burger! Yummy vegan nachos with vegan cheese! Terrific cocktail menu, hip ambience, and super friendly staff. And a record shop, to boot?! Don't miss this spot. read more

Paradise Palms - Dive Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I really really really liked Paradise Palms. The Man and I came here on a recent wee day out, after I read about their famous Ninja Buns. We were fortunate to arrive early as they really filled up for lunch, which actually quite surprised me. The Man got a bloody mary which properly impressed him. That appreciation grew when the bartender popped by to see if he was enjoying his drink, and went on to explain the bazillions of ingredients which are lovingly muddled into and strained out of the drink to give it a very unique, spicy and tangy flavour. For our lunch, The Man got the fish finger ninja buns and I chose pulled pork. I opted for the lunch special (with fries and coleslaw) so we could share the sides. On the one hand, I was surprised that a teeeeeny tiny pot of coleslaw was £1, but on the other hand it was proper good coleslaw (with a satay-like sauce) and frankly, the £6.50 price tag for the whole meal is actually a comparatively decent deal for lunch in Edinburgh these days. The bun alone is £4.50. It seems small but is so full of flavour that we both left entirely satisfied (and with room for ice cream, which is always important). I'm quite desperate to try the cocktail list, so will have to return to partake in that. In addition to enjoying the food and drinks, we thought the staff were brilliant. They were incredibly friendly and you could tell that they all believed in their product and enjoyed what they do. I had mixed feelings about the "dive bar" label - on the one hand it's refreshing to not have the whole wood/metal/tungsten light look, but on the other hand it feels weird to me to create a dive bar. For me, a dive should happen naturally instead of be created. Having said that though, the setting didn't actually feel terribly contrived. I would absolutely return both for lunch, and hopefully next time for cocktails too! read more

Paradise Palms is indeed an oasis in the city centre South-side. I love the style & feel of it inside (& out for that matter). Dark & loungy with glittering lights & a myriad of trinkets to catch your eye, it's a Bohemian Aladdin's Cave. They are rocking a veretarian food menu (which is fairly small & concentrated, but awesome). The 3 bean chilli with a side of fries & side salad will fill your belly, as will the considerable portion of Chipotle Mac 'n' Cheese, so don't be scared that a veggie menu won't satisfy you (as I was, being a meat-eater!). Decent draught ales & beers are standard & the cocktails are amazing. Check it out... read more

They have Milk of the Poppy cocktails! All you GoT fans need to head over there and try it out. Grab a taste of Westeros medicine and btw it is sweet! Super milky deliciousness with a spice of nutmeg and sweet dreams. The bar is a really cool place with funky decor. Also it's a venue during the fringe so a nice place for a show. Not to mention the Ninja Buns! Delicious! A must try there must try. So overall a great place that perhaps it's downfall is how popular it can get. read more

Tasty beers on tap, cool atmosphere and music. Came for lunch and stuffed myself silly - very generous portions for the cost! Would definitely come back again for some more BBQ ribs, fried chicken and mac n cheese. Yummo! read more

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Nice ambiance, good music, good people. The space is quite eclectic and with twin peaks-y lighting. There are couches in the back that give those who want more privacy all the comfort they need. It can get pretty busy and and the dance nights are great. The music ranges quite a bit but it's usually good dance music. Staff are friendly and they have great deals on drinks. Don't feel like I need to leave. Laaaave Palms read more

Meh it's ok. It seems really pricey at £2.50 for half prints and the staff aren't that friendly. It's a quirky and different place near the uni and at least they serve West beer on tap but the price is a bit high. read more

A self-titled dive bar, this is all potted palms, bunting and an extensive list of exciting cocktails. In a partnership with Ninja Buns for food, the gua bao are delicious, and make sure you have one with the peanut-infused Asian slaw. Informal and fun, but staff are attentive. A drinking den to enjoy. read more

Great little place with loads of vegetarian & vegan comfort food! Portions a bit on the small side but very tasty! Friendly & fast customer service. Very quirky & fun decor! Also has a cocktail bar behind the food area. Will definitely return when next in town. read more

Sad news for all, Ninja Buns have left Paradise. I was devastated as the garlic spicy fries and a ninja bun were a Friday treat. Good news is that Paradise is doing an all veggie/vegan menu, however, now they are just testing it with a bean burger. They were very open about feedback as it was testing, but the quality of the food was just not there. The burger was dry and overcooked and the fries were not crispy nor tasty. I am so sad for this place and know its food will evolve, but a fair warning to all, it is now mainly a bar and not the home of Ninja buns. read more

Paradise Palms Lucky Pig refused to serve us even though we arrived an hour and forty minutes before closing. There was seating available. They just said, "We are closing the kitchen early because we have been busy." It really doesn't matter to me how good their food is if you can't get any. Don't count on them. They are unreliable and do not seem to care how much they are disappointing and inconveniencing customers trying to get a meal at the end of a long, hard day. read more

Funky interior (think multicoloured fairy lights), friendly but slightly quirky staff. Let down by the portion sizes of the food - the buns are tiny so don't make my mistake and order the sides so you don't leave hungry! read more

Very best Jackfruit tostadas. Vegan friendly, smaller portions for price.

I was very excited to go to this bar. I had been following them on instagram for two months prior to visiting Scotland. The bar and atmosphere was adorable, but the staff was arrogant and rude. If it weren't for the unfriendly staff, I would give a higher rating. read more