The City Cafe

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45

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11 years ago

We stumbled upon this place whilst finding somewhere to eat close to our hotel. We wanted something that was going to fill our tummies but not break the bank - this place fit the bill. We both ordered variations of burger and chips, great portion sizes and the food was bang on. We accompanied this with a beer each - the bill came to £23 odd and we left feeling satisfied. The menu was really good. My only complaint is the service. Nobody acknowledged that we had entered the restaurant and nobody came to our table to take orders. I wasn't (and still am not) sure whether you are supposed to order at the till - but this is what I did cause I was hungry and not wanting to wait around. read more

The City Cafe - Burger meals - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Em C.

Elite 13

203

1185

783

16 years ago

The City Cafe has hipster written all over it, and it's not a bad thing. It looks like a typical 50s diner from the outside, and you can imagine girls swinging in their big skirts while guys lean over the jukebox looking smouldering with a James Dean quiff. Not that any of these attributes are bad - I love that sort of thing. There's seating outside and lounging smokers are posted there on a sunny day. If you choose to go over the threshold you can expect a functional amount of booze, some food offerings and a variety of people socialising of all ages. During the day you can nab yourself some grub (including spicy burgers which always go down well), and have some quiet drinks accompanied by house music playing unobtrusively in the background. During the evening, The City Cafe is transformed into a different animal. It's a gig venue, and popular with local bands. During the Fringe it particularly comes alive and ususally hosts a number of in-house comedy and dramatic artists for the duration of August. My friends and I envisaged the worst comedy act I've ever seen in the City Cafe, but not even that deterred from my otherwise great impression of the place. With its checkered floors and low-fi appeal, I love that it looks a bit left of the dial and is laid back enough to trawl in wearing some baggies for a few beers. One of the better bars in Edinburgh. read more

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Suzanne J.

62

49

269

10 years ago

I have been here a few times and I found that the service tended to be a bit slow. This occasion we did not have any problems, although it was quite quiet. I ordered a whopper of a Bloody Mary. It was £10.50 and it included a skewer stick of smoked salmon, 2 large prawns, a stick of celery and cucumber. It was also damn spicy. So all in- a bloody good, Bloody Mary! I also had the 3 stack of pancakes at £4 and added bacon for a £1. This was good. I was pleased and I was filled up. What was great is that it is a breakfast dish, but I was eating it late at night. They do lots of breakfast items all day and night. Which was perfect for us lot. Good music, dark lighting, a pool table and breakfast at night. Wonderful! read more

The City Cafe - A Bloody Mary with celery, prawns, cucumber and smoked salmon! Yum - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Ashley H.

77

79

147

7 years ago

Came here for breakfast as they serve it all day. Walking into here was like walking back in time to the 80's. I couldn't believe how much character this place shown and it was amazing. Every where you look there is so much history and detail you could spend all day staring at their walls. Even their menu exploded this restaurants personality with quirky names and images. They also can provide a vegan/gf menu if needed. I went for the Castro - named after Fidel Castro, which was poached eggs with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce served on a toasted muffin. This was £8 which is amazing value! The food came pretty quickly and tasted good. The salmon wasn't very fresh - it was one of the saltiest I've ever had but wasn't bad. The coffee was also really yummy and strong. It was a great spot overall and couldn't have been happier. read more

The City Cafe - The Castro - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Bruce T.

3

82

5

8 years ago

Have only been here for breakfast, which has been consistently great on the half dozen visits made. Interesting eclectic room in that inimitable UK-interpretation-of-an-american-diner style. Good tunes, with a varied playlist. Staff is friendly and helpful and the service is good. Decent coffee with free refills. Food is quite good and prices are reasonable especially considering the portions. The 'small' cooked breakfast is plenty big, I can only imagine the large size would be truly substantial. Gluten free options available. Scrambled eggs on toast very good, even better with salmon! Recommended. read more

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Kenneth M.

Elite 23

47

1038

348

15 years ago

Surprised I've not reviewed this place before, having been a customer over a number of years. Probably best to be writing it up now though as since its takeover (& small makeover) last year the food has thankfully returned to the level of quality I'd come to expect so if you are in the market for a good burger this is a good choice. The eggs benedict is decent too. There's now a single pool table upstairs after a few months of there being none. By the looks of things it allows for better cue positioning than the two tables that were here in the past but I've yet to play on it myself. read more

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Michael B.

13

79

51

15 years ago

I really like what they've done with the place. The new menu is fantastic bar food we got two platters, one veggie and one meaty (see pics) and it was all cooked to perfection and well presented. We sat next to the Wurlitzer jukebox which was free to use and had some cracking golden oldies on it. Unlike TGI's or the Filling Station the new 'theme' didn't cross the line into parody or feel contrived. The City Caff is the City Caff after all. Although, I have to say, sitting in the booth listening to 50's music with a burger defo made me bagsy Fonzie, there's no way I'm being Ritchie Cunningham. read more

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Lauren K.

2

19

3

6 years ago

Went for dinner. Companion had chicken sandwich. Done nicely but bland. Needed something. Chicken was good though. Fries were great. My son got a burger that was ok but his strawberry milkshake was fantastic. I had a sausage on a roll with onions,etc... we call them buzz dogs. Delicious. Overall 3-4. Ambiance was fun read more

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Adam C.

0

1

0

4 years ago

My partner and I had been going to the city cafe for years but it has gone down hill post pandemic. Poor service and unprofessional staff/manager that became rude when noting missing food or dirty cutlery. Dirt all over the drinks. Just sad as the service was amazing before 5/5. Now 0/5. read more

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Robin S.

4

2

0

13 years ago

There is a chill in the air, and a sharp wind blowing through my overcoat. I duck in an alley and try to light up a smoke. Damn. Out of matches. I keep walking, when I see it out of the corner of my eye. My own personal miracle, a beaten up book of matches. Fast as a saint in confession I tear one off, strike it and breathe deeply. The dry smoke fills my cold lungs. First cigarette of the day. My head spins and I lean on the wall for support. Just before thrusting the book in my pocket I catch a glimpse of the cover, City Café... Why did that name seem so familiar? I couldn't think on in too long, I had to get to work before the Chief had my hide. I walk in with a ding and the Chief calls me into his office before he even sees me. This is bad. This has to be bad. I prepare my ears for the raging timpani of aggression. But it never comes. He just looks at me and smiles a little. He cracks his dry lips and says gently, "You do remember what day it is, don't ya ace?" I go from thinking I was about to clear my desk to, 'ace'? Something wasn't right. "No," I begin slowly, "... am I missing something boss?" He laughs low and loud, "Today's... Challenge day!" he exclaims. 'Challenge day'... of course. It all comes flooding to the front of my mind. The matches. I'd thrown them there after staggering home last night. After I'd drunkenly challenged the Chief to the Burger Challenge. The day passes without a hitch. The Chief slaps me on the back, "Let's get to it then." He barks, "You talked a pretty good game last night. But that was last night." We walk between the pools of yellow streetlight, and slowly we approach the City Café in all its chromed glory. The place is stacked. Pretty dames and smilin' fellas from wall to wall. Milkshakes and bourbon, salads and pancakes. I even see one girl drinkin' a cosmopolitan. This joint has it all. We pass through the doors and I'm instantly stopped by a beautiful gal with a red shirt and a tight apron, "You those two boys silly enough to try the Burger Challenge?" She says quietly in a southern drawl. We both nod sheepishly. "Well the chef's got em' ready ahead of time, I'll take you to your seats." I sit across from the Chief and we both pour over the description of the behemoths we're about to eat. "Three hamburgers?" The Chief starts, "Two chicken breasts?" his voice raises in pitch, "Two bean burg..." He peters off as the twin pair of culinary planets hit the table. "Forty five minutes to go boys," says the waitress as she skips back to the bar. Time slows. My heart slows. I look to the Chief. I look at the herculean trial below me. I look to the sky. I swallow calmly and begin. * * * I'm forty minutes in. Sweating from every pore in my body and slipping in and out of consciousness. The hamburgers were gone. The chicken, devoured. The bean burgers, annihilated. All that is between me and the end of this damned thing was a bowl of fries. I eat one. I eat another. As I attempt the third, a crippling wave grips me. I can't eat anymore. I... I just can't. I look across the booth to see the Chief, just over half finished and as immobile as me. "Why?" He gurgled, "Why would we do this?" I pay and crawl out the door avoiding eye contact at all costs. I leave with my pride shattered, but in awe of the little Café with the big boast. I look back one last time and light the last smoke of the night. "Maybe next time ace." The boss says. "Yeah," I reply, "Maybe next time." - Based on a true story. Some elements fabricated. Account of burger true. Atmosphere and service tippy top. read more

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Nadia G.

9

89

4

10 years ago

Its possible to spend a whole day here. Proper chill, proper milkshakes, reasonably priced food and drinks. Service can be a tad slow, but totally fits the laid back attitude of the place. Where I feel city cafe shines though is at nighttime. Its always full to the rafters, with a great pre club vibe. Plus slightly tipsy pool is always a winner. read more

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Gordon M.

148

328

351

12 years ago

Like Natalie Imbruglia I'm torn. I've been in the City Cafe a couple of times in the past and I love the vibe of the place, the retro/Americana feel, and it's always busy. The last time I was here with a group of friends we spent several hours playing pool, whilst the rain fell outside. Thankfully there was no rain on Saturday and despite being busy, Kirsty, Clare and I managed to get a wee booth in the corner. I've had a breakfast here in the past but never anything from the evening menu, on first glance it's nothing out of the ordinary but there are some intriguing items, most notably the meatloaf, served with mash and creamed corn. It's not clear if it's table service or not, some people seemed to have people taking their orders, but as we hadn't even had a hello I wandered up to the bar and ordered, after some deliberation, the Hawaiian Burger for me, Clare ordered the Mac Cheese and Kirsty opted for the meatloaf. The food arrived pretty quickly and first impressions were mixed. The Mac Cheese looked a bit anaemic (and quite a small portion), my burger looked ok, and the meatloaf looked a bit amateurish. Whilst I wasn't expecting beautifully presented food they could at least have made a bit more of an effort I think. We were all hungry so dived in sharpish! My burger came with some chunky, fluffy chips which may, or may not, have been reheated rather than cooked fresh, the bacon on the burger was pretty flavourless, the patty thin and on the dry side with the grilled pineapple the start of the show. Disappointing and so unappealing I didn't finish my meal (which is largely unheard of!). Tellingly no-one else finished their food either. I got to try both the other dishes, the Mac Cheese wasn't up to much, and the meatloaf was an odd, dry, yet familiar flavour... had the cooked it on the same grill as my burger perhaps? The creamed corn and mash weren't anything special either. Not massively impressed. It wasn't inedible by any means and perhaps it was just a bad night in the kitchen. However, between that, the oddly removed staff who were all really busy yet despite being the only person at the bar at one point it still took about 5 minutes for any of the 4 people behind it to notice and serve me. I love the interior, I love the Americana vibe and from memory the breakfasts are pretty damn good! But I don't think I'll be rushing back for food any time soon. I'm all out of faith. I'm torn. read more

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Valerie M.

49

38

20

13 years ago

John Travolta to Uma Thurman, Pulp Ficition: 'Did you just order a $5 shake?....that's a shake, that's milk and ice-cream, that's $5?' Shake arrives....'I gotta know what a $5 shake tastes like....God damn that's a pretty f*****g good milkshake..I don't know if it was worth $5 dollars but it was pretty f*****g good!' The milkshakes at The City Cafe cost roughly from £5 and come with or without alcohol and can be plain flavoured or a delightful concoction, for e.g. forerro rocher milkshake - god damn and even cocktail milkshakes, I said god damn! These shakes are yummy and worth every penny! Also at The City Cafe I have enjoyed a brunch of stacked pancakes with berries, cream and maple syrup - mmmmmmmmm, and a pretty good burger too! The service here is great. I love that from the outside, the cafe looks like any other cafe but as soon as you walk through the door, you are transported to another era with this American Diner theme and can it be a warm welcome from the grey streets of Edinburgh. The events put on sound pretty good too and I hope to attend one some time. I'm just missing James Dean or Marlon Brando when I look around the place :) read more

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Kirsty M.

7

21

1

12 years ago

Amidst the panic-writing of my final year report, I almost forgot that it was pancake day today. Almost. At midday I called my sister and arranged to go for a pancake date later that afternoon. A quick Google search of 'pancakes in Edinburgh' yielded numerous matches, but the most convenient meet-up place for us both was City Cafe, just off the Royal Mile in town. I had heard of this place before, mostly because of the burger challenge that it has (if you can eat the mega burger, you get it for free, but if you're defeated then you have to cough up 30 quid). Sure enough, the menu online showed there was a pancake option and so the deal was sealed. The interior is a bit faded, it's trying to be All-American diner style but just is a bit more A9 than Route 66. Our table was also a bit dirty but that's being picky. The waitress was very attentive at the start, collecting drinks orders and promising to come back 'in a few minutes' for our food order. That turned into maybe ten minutes, which is excessive considering this was a Tuesday afternoon and the place wasn't jumping. Anyways, I opted for the pancakes with Nutella while my sis went for the Belgian waffle equivalent. It might be down to a lack of reading the menu properly on our behalf, but I was a bit surprised when both desserts came out in a sea of maple syrup as well as having Nutella in wee pots at the side. It was enough sugar to induce early onset Diabetes, and I struggled to finish it (admittedly, I did finish it, so it wasn't *that* bad). It wasn't particularly cheap, 14 quid for the two dishes and a coke and OJ. It satisfied my Pancake Day craving, but I'm not sure I'll be rushing back for the burger challenge. read more

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Rachel R.

153

236

310

13 years ago

I remember when City Cafe was much more utilitarian, starker, all metal, and allegedly a favourite of 'cool' types... and then it had a makeover and was transformed into an homage to American diners (without going quite the full hog into a full-on theme). I liked that you used to get a sundae glass of popcorn when you ordered, alas this detail has gone by the wayside. I've eaten here a few times, and always been happy - burgers good, fajitas good etc. I would criticise the children's menu though - I came during the Fringe last year with a friend and her two young children aged 18 months and 5. Despite doing a children's menu (and the website having an example of a colouring in sheet you are supposed to be supplied with, we weren't) they didn't have any highchairs so the toddler was climbing up and fidgeting the whole time at our booth. And the kid portioned burger is tiny - one little slider sized patty, which definitely wouldn't fill up a 5 year old... Most recently I was here last night with two friends who are up from London. Their journey up had been delayed so we didn't arrive til half 9 and were glad the kitchen was still open (the same couldn't be said for The Tron, where we'd gone first). One had nachos, which were fine - although a very small serving, and the other had the Apache burger. The chips that came with this were lovely - big, chunky, crispy and floury. So it's fine, and I'll almost definitely be back, if only because it's one of the nicer pubs in the area (they also serve Stowford Press, a plus), but the portion sizes are small and my (admittedly rare) experience of coming here with children was a real disappointment. read more

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Owen C.

19

26

25

14 years ago

I had an alcoholic shake and it was warm and watery. Exactly the opposite of what a milkshake should be. It was potent but that hardly makes up for it. The three-stack of waffles practically melted my teeth it was so sweet and I put sugar on my Frosties in the mornings. The waffles were pretty tough as well. Not soft and fluffy like a syrup drenched kitten as good waffles should be. So in summary....Meh. read more

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Pablo D.

2

177

2752

9 years ago

Just to give you the heads up, this review tackles the mid-morning service and food on a week day during Festival time (August). The place was full but with no queues or waiting lines and it was fully staffed. I met my friends at 10 am sharp for a coffee and a stack of pancakes with maple syrup. On the other hand, they order from the all-day breakfast menu The Castro (softly poached eggs with smoked salmon & hollandaise sauce on a toasted muffin) plus a couple of cappuccini. Unfortunately for me, the (5 stack) Vanilla Pancakes American style with maple syrup & Nutella were a massive disappointment as were not made on the premises but bought from a chain supermarket (The Coop, Tesco, Lidl... who knows) and microwaved... Anyway, to open a gastro-bar business and buy microwave ready meals to be reheated and resold... that's called corporate cheating... needless to say that their quality was down south decadent as you can expect from a product bought from a discount chain supermarket... Paragraph apart for the service or shall I say the lack of it: On the plus side: I was promptly seated and the random front of house person was a friendly dude. On the negative side: Friendly dude pulled the Harry Houdini disappearance routine and left us to rot with no menus on the table. My friend volunteered and started menu hunting, bringing 3 menus to the table. The young lady who took our order looked all doom & gloom. Again, the same friend went to chase and get a waitress so we can place the order. As cutlery/napkins/brown sugar had been used, we didn't get any replacements. When the third comrade joined us, friend number 1 repeated the Chasing the Waitress routine, passing the order update to her on the other side of the restaurant. I forgot to tip my friend who was far more efficient than all the floor staff put together. And that's why I give it 2 stars. Must clarify that if you are just stopping by for a couple of drinks with your mates at the bar everything changes for the better, as bartenders here are pretty cool... as long as you don't order pancakes... read more

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Sara C.

Elite 16

120

396

97

14 years ago

MaHOOsive breakfasts (served all day) make this spot a gem. The place is decked out like a 50s diner and the staff dress to match. The menu has a really wide selection and ranges from the aforementioned breakfasts and main meal dinners to milkshakes and a full bar list. Morning/afternoon the clientele is usually some of the Hunter Square kids shooting pool and some families. Evening and onwards this place seems to become a cross between a 'girls night with chats' and people lining their tummys before a big night, which may or may not involve actually leaving The City Cafe. Sometimes they have Groupon deals for the breakfasts, of which I wholeheartedly approve! read more

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Danielle S.

Elite 14

82

391

5

14 years ago

My boyfriend and I came here on Saturday lunch time, on a quick Edinburgh stop over on our way to Glasgow from London. Edinburgh is where I have spent the past eight years, but I still hadn't got round to checking out the revamped City Cafe before I moved away, so since it's pretty close to Waverley we decided to come here for some lunch. I loved the kitsch 1950s diner style, and the variety of food on the menu, which made choosing my lunch quite difficult. The girls serving us were very sweet and friendly. I went for the chilli chicken burger and my boyfriend went for the apache burger. To be honest, having ate in City Cafe before (but waaaay back when), I wasn't expecting great things, but I was very pleasantly surprised. My chicken burger was real chicken breast, salad, pickles (oh pickles!), shredded beetroot, grilled pineapple and some chilli sauce, which actually did provide a great kick. It also came with thick cut chunky "home fries" which were piping hot and delicious. My boyfriend was equally pleased with his choice, and the burger was definitely home made. I didn't try it because I don't eat pig, but it looked good. I thought that £8.50 for a burger of that quality was very fairly priced, and it more than filled us up - we both struggled to finish (I left the bun, the cheats way to eating burgers!) My boyfriend was GUTTED because he LOVES milkshakes, and he didn't realise that they had any on the menu because it was on the very back page. I am sure that he will be requesting that we come back here so that he can try them out the next time we are in Edinburgh. read more

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David J.

Elite 14

64

110

21

14 years ago

In a former life I used to visit this establishment from time to time, I worked around the corner and there were few more welcoming sites than the stylised facade onto Blair Street. Back in those days there were sweets for sale over the bar (true) and fish tanks near the door (I think that's true). They both seem to have gone, replaced by alcoholic milkshakes - this is the debauched age we live in people, where the innocent pleasures of old just done cut it. They also did a nice line in free postcards. Not the sort advertising another club night, or a brand name from some faceless multinational, these were postcards for the sheer hell of it. Pieces of art; items of cultural; cartoons of note and photographs of integrity. Maybe they're still there? Maybe I tried too much milkshake from my neighbour at this morning's brunch. What else has changed... well it's refreshing to be able to see through the windows at the back - there's a whole world out there, though to be honest it's better looking from the other side: between the flats of Tron Square* you can peer through into the warm and cosy glow of this establishment. *That's not the square outside the Tron pub, for that is Hunter Square at the top of Blair Street. The one with the gold double postbox to celebrate Chris Hoy's Olympic success. But you knew that. There's just the one pool table now, but it's probably still over priced and doubly popular. For all I know the downstairs bar could probably still do with a bit of a facelift, but this morning the glass doors were covered over to shield unsuspecting eyes from whatever the ladies on the other side were getting up to and making lots of noise in the process. A dance class perhaps? It's certainly part of the community. I had a very nice plate of scrambled eggs (tasty, colourful and not in the slightest bit runny), salmon (fresh and succulent) and toast (toast). Followed it up with a Malteser milkshake (non-alcoholic, tasty). It was really nice to be back in this place. The City Cafe has a different feel depending on the time of day, so try it at your leisure and see what gives. If you see them selling sweets from behind the bar you will let me know, aye? read more

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Ali C.

Elite 19

45

121

1039

11 years ago

This establishment is a great place for lunch and the decor is set up like an American Diner. I ordered the milkshake and the ribs for my main. They have by far the best rack of ribs I have ever eaten in Edinburgh. Tender, fall of the bone and I have yet to see such good ribs in Edinburgh yet. They also provide extra sauce to go together with your ribs. I am also a fan of their milkshake which is thick in texture compared to other establishment which is slightly on the runnier side. read more

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Robyn Z.

158

340

202

14 years ago

brunch is quickly becoming my favourite meal of the day! the options of eggs and toast or a burger with chips for the first food consumed of the day is a foodie's dream and it was for this meal that i headed to the city cafe with some other lovely yelpers to start my saturday! the city cafe portrays itself as an american diner, with chrome and red leather detailing and the stereotypical black and white tiled floor. on entering i was given a warm welcome and pointed in the direction of a large table reserved for us partaking in brunch. i have to say the seating area was my first let down of the day as it was in the middle of the restaurant which was rather dark and didn't allow too much natural light from the windows at the front or back. not overly pleasant when dining on a rare sunny day in edinburgh. seat taken and chatting commenced, i looked over the menu and decided it was a breakfast brunch and opted for the eggs florentine along with a ferrero rocher milkshare that i shared with the lovely Lou V. the milkshake arrived shortly with a mound of whipped cream and a ferrero rocher chocolate adoring the side. i was very kindly given the chocolate to eat and we both took a sip of the milkshake. it was very very good, thick but not so thick you couldn't drink it through a straw and tasted exactly like the chocolate it was named after. however, the milkshake was most definitely the high point as food started to arrive and my dish was one of the first out. it looked very nice (i've posted a picture) and i was very much looking forward to it. but after everyone had received their dishes and i finally dug into mine it was more on the luke warm side. i don't know if this was from sitting for a few minutes while everyone got their food or if it had come out of the kitchen this way. i don't know if you've ever eaten luke warm poached eggs, but it's not really the best way to eat them. the wilted spinach lacked its promise of having been wilted in butter and the toasted muffin was just that....a dry toasted muffin. the only thing that really saved this dish was the hollandaise sauce which was really tasty (probably full of the butter my spinach lacked!) and i wish there had been more of it. so overall city cafe was really just A-OK, the milkshake was great, the actual meal was sort of lacking and i didn't leave feeling as excited about brunch as when i had walked in... will i be back, maybe for a milkshake but i'll probably get my food from somewhere else. read more

The City Cafe - Eggs florentine yum! - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Carol W.

Elite 15

58

86

13 years ago

The City Cafe is great fun with a 50s diner theme throughout, the space is split into booths, the bar looks straight out of Greese with the bar chrome shined up, a Wurlitzer juke box is at the front too and the venue downstairs is hire-only. I went to the Elite event here and really enjoyed it so when we were caught in a sudden down pour on the Royal Mile this weekend we dashed in for some shelter. A couple of Bloody Mary's and we felt a lot better. They did have capers in which I wasn't overly keen on, the bacon vodka option was interesting and tasty plus the spice level and flavor were good too. We ordered nachos with chilli beef which were nice but not as good as good as they could have been. I think I will stick to the burgers next time though not the Ultimate burger challenge which I fear would be the end of me. read more

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Angelo E.

168

146

355

10 years ago

I was missing some good ole American breakfast so I looked for places that served American type breakfast meals. After a quick yelp search... I found this place so grabbed my friend and went! I was excited to see some of the typical breakfast you can find in the US- I was extremely excited to see they had pancakes. Of course I had to get the pancakes! I mean don't get me wrong, I love crepes, but sometimes this boy just need a big round fluffy soft American style pancakes drenched with warm maple syrup and topped with melted butter. I was so excited to get my pancakes, but when I got it...I was like WTF is this? Hahaha...the 3 pancakes were not as big as the 9" round plate, more like the size of a mini tea plate...totally destroyed my grand expectation to satisfy my cravings. To be fair it was soft and was good with with the syrup, but still....if you're going to advertise it as American pancakes, it better come in American servings, just saying. What I will say I do like about this place is their milkshakes. If you have cravings for milk shakes and cat be bothered making em yourself, then come to this place cause they a long list of different types. On another occasion I went to this place just to try out their milkshake, I got a Ferrerro Rocher milkshake and it was YUM. A bit steep with the pricing, but was well worth every calories for it. On Friday nights they also have a live band playing so that was a cool treat. It can get a bit busy on a Friday and probably Saturday night, but pretty good atmosphere. If you're looking for an American type diner, this place is ok... and they definitely don't serve American servings. read more

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Mason R.

Elite 19

242

369

607

13 years ago

Great for brunch or lunch... American style diner... Huge burger challenge! read more

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Tara M.

0

1

0

12 years ago

The good things about City Cafe: their breakfasts, their pool table, their beer pitchers (which save you a few quid), their nice atmosphere which has the American diner feel down. Their big burger challenge, though it is painful to watch let alone attempt. Their chips which come in their own little wire fry baskets. The bad things: their cocktail pitchers are very, very weak. You could drink from them all evening and only get mildly buzzed (this was my experience with their elderflower one, their long island iced tea, and their Pimms). Their food is odd. Their nachos would be OK, except that their guacamole tastes exactly like mayonnaise. I once had their veggie burger as well, and something in the way the cheese on top of the patty stuck to the upper bun made said bun go extremely soggy and frothy in an extremely unappetising way. It was liquid bun by the time I neared the end. This burger inspired me to make a yelp account. That being said, I go there a lot and will probably continue to do so. But I will stick to pints and chips. read more

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Martin R.

Elite 16

103

119

171

13 years ago

Every time I'm in Edinburgh I end up here at some point. The food's great and the staff are a pretty cool-but-nice bunch. Whilst its changed over the years, now got the whole American Diner thing going on, it's still a bar so you'll feel just at home coming for a few beers or a meal. But don't expect intimate dining, particularly at the weekend or during the festival in August. Get a couple of craft beer taps on the go and I'd never leave the City Cafe! read more

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Scott W.

Elite 12

23

82

13

15 years ago

So far so average. First time in here. The 50's diner decor has been done very well. I felt like Marty McFly entering the Hill Valley diner in 1955. They don't have Tab or Pepsi Free either. They may have Pepsi Max, but I didn't ask. Nothing really special on the food and drink front though. There is the usual selection of fizzy amber on draught, Heini, Carlsy, Kronny and, er, Tennantsy. The food isn't expensive, but it's still not cheap enough or good enough to make it cheap and cheerful. I wasn't impressed by the Apache Burger (smoked bacon, cheese and BBQ sauce), with bland, home cut fries for £8.50. There was nothing happening in that burger. I've tasted much better at BK, and I hate saying things like that. Maybe I picked the wrong thing, but a 50's style American diner should have outstanding burgers. It was supporting the recent Oxjam Takeover by hosting some excellent acts, this earns it the 3rd star up there. read more

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Cheryl C.

Elite 14

54

336

464

16 years ago

City Cafe has got that kind of underground, we are not part of the mainstream atmosphere to it, having long been established on the scene as a prior to going clubbing venue for dance aficionados and other alternative genre lovers. It's pretty no frills in here, with the relative simplicity of the interior giving the bar a no nonsense, get a drink down you and don't make a fuss edge to it. The drinks here are always pretty cheap as far as I can recall, obviously a bonus when you're about to go to a club and pay club prices, and you can also play pool, also a bonus if that's your activity of choice, and also great if you're in an awkward, banterless situation, where you can substitute physical activity for chat. read more

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Danny B.

2

79

17

9 years ago

Great spot for breakfast. Fast service, good food for the price. Started hear on our way to the Castle and glad we did. Waffles, porridge & coffee were what was ordered. Eclectic setting but easily accessible by foot. read more

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More info about The City Cafe

19 Blair Street
Edinburgh EH1 1QR
United Kingdom
Old Town, Newington
Directions
0131 220 0125
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.citycafeedinburgh.co.uk

Hours

What time does The City Cafe open?

The City Cafe opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The City Cafe close?

The City Cafe closes at 1:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Next day)

Food & Alcohol

Does The City Cafe have catering options?

No, The City Cafe does not have catering options.

Does The City Cafe have a happy hour?

Yes, The City Cafe has a happy hour.

Does The City Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, The City Cafe serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The City Cafe have TVs?

Yes, The City Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The City Cafe have bike parking?

No, The City Cafe does not have bike parking.

Does The City Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, The City Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does The City Cafe have parking?

Yes, The City Cafe has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The City Cafe allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, The City Cafe allows outdoor smoking.

Does The City Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, The City Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Diner by Day, Drinks by Night The City Cafe is an american-themed diner with a bit of an edge. With great live djs, stateside cocktails, an Ultimate Burger Challenge and Beer of the Month... we aim to indulge and to please. We're always more than happy to adapt dishes where we can for your needs, and have some great healthy options for those watching the calories. By Day, By Night... come visit us!

History

Established in 1980.

The City Café has been serving Edinburgh and its visitors since the 1980's. Situated in the heart of the city; we provide excellent service, good value and great atmosphere. With a wide selection of food and drinks available, we are open everyday from 9am-1am.

The City Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - The City Cafe

“The aesthetic is 1950s American diner with chrome finishing, Elvis records, and sock hop checkered floors.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

The Joker & the Thief

4.8(4 reviews)

0.8 mi•Leith

This is exactly the kind of pub I love. Not fancy. Not touristy. Great music. Great drinks. A bit…read moredivey. Dark enough to be intimate. Friendly barkeeper. Moderate prices. Old-school pub atmosphere. If I'd live in the neighbourhood, this would be my local pub to go to all the time.

Having undergone a lick of paint outside and a renovation inside the bar is now a very good choice…read moreshould you wish a quieter establishment in which to watch the football on TV or play Trivial Pursuit or just drink and talk somewhere you don't have to raise your voice in to be heard. At £3.50 for a pint of Joker IPA it's also got a more sensible pricing policy than many of its near neighbours. On visiting again the other week I saw the pub now has an arrangement with the Origano pizza takeaway further down Leith Walk. You can therefore order (from around a dozen or so different types) a pizza & have it delivered to the pub for consumption there.

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Beer & Skittles

4.3(3 reviews)

0.5 mi•New Town

0.2 mi•Old Town, Royal Mile

Great new bar in the basement of Steak at Picardy place, a huge refurb has resulted in an…read moreamazeballs bar to enjoy a few drinks! I'd even be tempted to come and watch the sport here. They do beer cocktails yay. We tried a tequila based sangria style one and a beery take on a Moscow mule. Both were really tasty. They have a huge range of draft and craft beers and do bottles with chaser shots a personal fav was the Aussie bundy rum with my beer! Bar snacks are on to keep you going but not full meals yet, though you could always head up to Steak if you're peckish.

Interesting sports bar under Steak on Picardy Place. I was a bit unsure as a previous reviewer said…read moreit was a bit of a lads' place. Anyhow the OH persuaded me to give it a shot for a quick drink to shelter from the rain whilst we deliberated on a venue for dinner. I'm glad he did. In addition to a decent selection of craft beers, there's a hefty cocktail menu. I tried the Ginger Tom Collins & it hit the spot. Just the right amount of ginger to pack a punch but not enough to be overpowering. The OH had a pint of draft beer & seemed happy enough. The low ceiling means it gets noisy even if it's not packed. There was a stag do, 2 birthday parties and hen group as well as some other folks. It was only just possible to hold a convo at normal volume & be heard. There's a decent sized courtyard out the back too but it was too wet & cold to try it out. I'd definitely visit again but maybe on a week night when it might be a little less noisy.

The Devil's Advocate

4.3(638 reviews)

Walking in to The Devil's Advocate in Advocate Close, just above Market St, the large bar greets…read moreyou. We chose the Scottish Road trip whiskey flight. As someone who truly loved little about Scotch, it was a wonderful way to taste and compare smoky vs peaty whiskeys. Fun. Our table was upstairs and we sat next to an open door which allows for fresh cool air. It was a warm day in Edinburgh. Our server was wonderful, patient and really helpful. Our choices were truly delicious. We started with the fish board, olives, and mushroom skewer. We loved them all. I enjoyed the cod main dish, while my wife finished the starters. The side of asparagus was also excellent. The mouse dessert was delicious but very rich, it's enough for 4 people. The cost of dinner was also totally reasonable. I recommend this place highly.

I don't really understand why the ratings are so high at this restaurant. We tried going here one…read moreevening and I messed up the reservation. I'm not used to seeing it in blocks and our end time was bolded but not the start time. We showed up at the end time. We were charged obviously because you have to give a card for a guarantee. I get that. I was fine with it since it was my fault. What I wasn't fine with was the rude (dare I say bitchy?) hostess who I spoke with upon arriving. She was awful to me and looked at me like I was garbage. Even after that, I decided to rebook and pay attention to the time. The restaurant had been recommended to us by a relative as the "best place they had eaten" while in Edinburgh and I wanted to try it. I booked for lunch and when we arrived the male host was lovely. We were sat early (because I always show up to a reservation early) and then we waited almost a half an hour for the one waitress there to come and help. It was fine. I can understand they are understaffed and busy. But then the food, it was also just fine. It was decent but not great. Like a lot of things in the UK, it's understated and seasoned. My husband had the pappardelle and my two children and I had the flat iron steak. His pasta had zero flavor. It was a cream based sauce. It needed more salt. As for the steak, it was fine. It was cooked well. Mine was medium rare and the kids both had medium. It was also not seasoned well. However the steak was served with a dipping sauce (a garlic sauce, a peppercorn or lemon mint). We tried all three since we had three steaks and those were all good and kept the steak from being bland. On the plate were chips (fries), which were not salted well but we had the dipping sauces. Also on the plate was plain arugula and a couple on the vine cherry tomatoes. Nothing spectacular. The waitress didn't come back once the entire time we were eating. Overall, it just wasn't worth it for the money we paid.

Whiskey flight tastings

Fish Filet

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

Black Bull Tavern

4.3(20 reviews)

0.4 mi

Cool pub that is open late. Stopped in for a few drinks and a game of pool (it's a little mini pool…read moretable so a little different than in the US, but fun nonetheless). Friendly staff and service.

Blue collar pub with amazing ice cube! Give credit where it's due! Mid sized crystal clear cubes!…read moreIt made me want an old fashion. Service was kind and solid. The people there were welcoming and local. Great stop for a pint! Thank you!

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Pickles of Broughton Street

4.9(20 reviews)

We were doing our regular research, hoping to find the perfect anniversary restaurant, when we…read morestumbled upon Pickles on a map. A quick Google search later, we decided to add this to our "must visit while in Edinburgh" list. This wasn't our anniversary restaurant, of course, but we knew we needed to dine here at least once. It was a long walk from our hotel, but it was a nice way to see parts of the city that we wouldn't normally have gotten to. The restaurant itself is nestled in the basement (or downstairs) of a cute building. It's small in there, but they're very good at maximizing the space they're given. We settled in at a teeny-tiny table off to the side and swiftly ordered a couple of pints. The menu is very straightforward: you're either getting a meat and cheese plate, just a cheese plate, or pates. We decided to share the Mixed Meat & Cheese platter. We figured that we'd snack and drink some Scottish beer, then head off into the night to find our "real" dinner. Thing is, though, that combo platter filled us the heck up. The waitress came out with the meat and cheese plate and a box of bread, oatcakes and crackers, and my husband and I had a "where is all this going?" moment. But our pro-waitress dropped the plate on the table and popped the bread box into a shelf on the wall next to us - a shelf that neither of us ever even noticed, to be honest. The meat and cheese selections were delicious and paired really well together. Kind of hidden away on that shelf (holding the bread and oatcakes) were a couple chutney jars. That chutney - lots of fruit pieces and complex flavors - brought a lot to the cheeses. We really did love the food, the surroundings, the beer and the staff. I wish we had something like this back home.

Comforting environment, food and drink. It's like being in your own home, warm with friends. Staff…read moreare helpful and friendly. Enjoy yourselves.

Cheese platter

The cheese board

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Amazing cheese and bread and wine.

Planet Bar

3.1(13 reviews)

•£

Nice spot. It's down the street from CC's. Good music, nice staff. Mixed crowd gay men / lesbians,…read moreolder /younger. Next time we're in Edinburgh, we'll definitely stop in.

Honeymooned in Edinburgh from America with my cousin from Lindon, found this great place first…read morenight. We would go to another place but always ended up at Planet! This pub has to be on the top of anyone's must do if in Scotland. The staff were amazing we never once felt as if it wasn't our local. Had a wonderful time at quiz night with Miss Slack!! We won.. The music was always great every time we were in. Must try one of the cocktail shots... I would recommend Planet Bar to anyone going to Edinburgh. Thank you Planet for making us welcome and part of the locals!

Shots at Planet Bar

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Bar sign

The Basement

3.8(93 reviews)

0.5 mi•New Town

Smelled great. Room was cozy and lively. We walked in without a reservation. Many tables had tent…read morecards reserving them for an hour later and we were told we couldn't be served until 2-1/2 hours later because of the reserved tables. I guess it seems common in Scotland. It's just weird to be turned away to let tables sit empty for an hour. Plus the tall hostess girl was the only rude person we encountered in all of Scotland. Give it a try but make a reservation? ‍

This place was recommended on Reddit and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got the chips that came with…read moremultiple dips and salsas. All of those were delicious. I had a great mojito. I also had carne asada tacos. They had nice chunks of tender steak. Overall, a great recommendation.

Shrimp and fish tacos

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Quac made at the table.

The Voodoo Rooms

3.9(78 reviews)

0.3 mi•New 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!

Behind the bar

Spice up your life

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The Voodoo Rooms

Bryant & Mack Private Detectives

4.6(17 reviews)

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.

Bowery theater

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September gem

Theatre Royal Bar

4.0(34 reviews)

A classic pub! Very charming interior that felt cozy. We had delicious beers here and the food was…read moregreat. Burger, beef stew, and the sweet potato feta salad were all a hit. Our server was very fun and easygoing which made the experience perfect!

We were on the Hop On Hop Off Bus and decided to hop off to get a beer. We chose this restaurant…read moreand we were not disappointed. The beer was cold and we enjoyed our beer at their outdoor area. We also enjoyed a plate of loaded chips. DELICIOUS!