I absolutely love Under the Stairs, a cure little basement bar/restaurant near the Grassmarket. I love its quirky, comfy and cozy decor - mixmatched chairs, armchairs, plates and cutlery. It has a great cocktail menu and a food menu that changes every couple of months but which is always good value for money. They always have sharing platters with cheese and meat so it is good for small nibbles with friends. You can go for dinner and/or drinks but I would recommend booking as it is quite small, so if often quite busy. It is not the best option for large groups. It always has a great atmosphere too. read more

Its always great when you find someplace new in Edinburgh. Stumbled upon this little basement bar just off Candlemaker Row on Saturday and what a great find it proved to be. The place has a very comfy feel thanks to the basement setting and mix of furniture of the kind usually picked up from a second hand shop. It was a little quiet when we arrived on Saturday lunchtime but since it's not the most obvious location this is to be expected and will probably be a plus point as far as I'm concerned. When ordering food I was a bit dissapointed to be told the item off the specials board I was interested in was off. How can a special be off so early in the day? Take it off the board in that case. I settled for a burger with red pepper pesto instead and my partner had a salad. The burger was homemade and grilled to perfection, accompanied by some sweet potato chips. Both of us were happy with our choices and would definately eat here again. I'll be checking out Under the Stairs again soon to see how it shapes up as an evening venue. read more

As a born & bred Edinburgh gal I'm always overjoyed to receive a recommendation to a new bar in my city and happily hopped along to check out Under the Stairs, off Candlemaker Row (the basement bar that was the Chai teahouse). I must admit I normally avoid bars in this area of the city, the cowgate adjacent has carried a smell of rancid excrement for as long as I remember. However I'm always game for a challenge and held my breath on the way in. The bar was pretty busy when I got there, full of people who were obviously regulars and, as such, commanded the special attention of the Bar Staff. As such I found the service very slow and the drinks menu was dissappointing, however as I was in good company I was happy to stay longer. The decor is remeniscent of your grannies front room, in a twee attempt at shabby chic and is probably better appreciated when the bar isn't quite so uncomfortably full. As a basement bar the celings are very low so it is altogether a claustrophobic excersise on a busy evening. As a new bar, I wish it every success but am in no hurry to revisit + the smell outside has put me off ever eating food there. Ess read more

This is a great place to go and have a relaxing drink with friend or even a good venue for date night. With comfy chairs it gives a really cosy atmosphere and feel to the place. You can't help but sit back and relax. The food here is good. Definitely a step up from usual pub grub but this is only a good thing. With ingredients like crab, goat's cheese, fig, walnut, chorizo etc you'll have a problem deciding what to choose. They also have a sharing menu which is available until midnight so great shout if you get the munchies or need something to soak up the alcohol. The only bad thing I'd say is this place is popular and does get rather busy. There isn't anywhere to stand and you can't prop up the bar so make sure you get there early or reserve a table if you want food at the weekend. read more

There's things I like about this place and things I don't but overall I wish them success and to keep working at their glitches until they get it right. The good: its fairly unassuming. Too many trendy bars around the town's center feel like all they need to do is stick a bit of designer wallpaper up somewhere and they've got a vibe. This place manages with less decor than most; dark wood floor basement-looking space and a clutterf**k of scruffy chairs give it that 'extention-of-your-livingroom' feel. The bad: Prices are up on some similar places nearby. The service can be slow [see below] and the music is confusing. By around 10 on a fri/sat night there already queuing peeps at the door. The ugly (but oh so funny): The bar doesn't actually have a bar license so you order and pay for drinks and the staff come around the side of the bar and serve you from a tray. Yes, really. Sounds like it'd make the service slow and hectic at the weekends; you're right! Somehow, I'm going to keep going here on the odd night, not sure why but look forward to the place getting to grips with itself. read more

Really good pub, very chilled out and hidden away ('Under The Stairs'). It's actually quite big inside, but is very cosy, with really nice decor as well. Some of the cocktails are really good these days too. read more

Under the stairs used to be one of my favourites. It has a really nice atmosphere and you can also smoke outside under the stairs without getting wet when it rains! Too bad they are offering only table service right now and can't stay there without a table. read more

ooohhh I am liking this trend that I am seeing in Edi bars! Couches, table service, roaring fire? Indeed! It's not a place for slamming down a few tequilas, but definitely for nursing a wee whiskey and discussing the political world... or um rock climbing (not so good on the political discussion front, me). Like Underdogs, Under the Stairs is looking for a relaxed vibe - less hen party and more high end. And the good thing here - no queuing or fighting the crowds to the bar. It made for a much more amenable catchup space than the previous bar myself and other Yelpers visited that night. read more

I've only been here a couple of times, but loved it each time. Great food, good wine, and a nice atmosphere. I love how it is a little quirky. You do need to make a reservation as it does get busy. If you're just going for drinks it is table service, which I like as it means it doesn't get too crowded. Make sure to try the olives... read more

Some time ago I used to like this place, even though its drinks are clearly overpriced. Yet when on a Saturday you decide to go for a drink a bit past the midnight and the place is half full, you certainly don't expect the extremely unprofessional and rude behavior of its staff who only wanted to kick out everyone at 00.55 am. Just next to us there was a table full of people who had just ordered their beers (even though they claim to have last call for drinks at 12.30am they were very willing to serve them just to kick them out minutes later). Especially a rude waitress kept on coming on the tables asking all of us to get out. I suggest that the people pay only half of their drinks if they are kicked out before finishing them. Only during the festival season, all of sudden they extend their hours to accommodate the tourists? Sorry Under the stairs, but never again. P.s. poor selection of draught beers too. :( read more

This has been the go-to bar for a group of ex-colleagues and I to meet up in, for the past 4 or 5 years because it's so comfortable and friendly. It has a shabby-chic vibe, with an odd assortment of vintage furniture and bric-a-brac dotted around the place a good drinks menu (decent variety of whisky's and vodkas and usually something like Ichiban/wheat beers like Erdinger etc on tap) and a 'trendy pub' food menu (sweet potato chips,gourmet burgers etc. quality's ok but nothing to write home about). However, it's the bar here that's the star. In the evening there's always a buzz from the open kitchen and it's usually busy. The friendly staff and mix of eclectic (and sometimes very comfy) seats makes this place feel more like your front room than a bar. It can get a tad claustrophobic when very busy what with the low ceilings and maneuvring's into awkward corners but it's a cool place that doesn't take it's coolness too seriously. One warning.....watch out for the entrance, it's a small menu attached to the railings, as the name suggests it's a basement bar. read more

Love this place so much. Delicious hearty food, unique selection of cocktails and spirits, cosy low ceiling, softly light, great staff, a total home from home. In fact a real all rounder. Great for a sexy date night, out with friends or just chilling with a good read and a snifter or two on your own. read more

Five years ago while staying in the Grassmarket during the Fringe Festival we discovered this little gem of a gas tropic. Fast forward to the present and we came back to find it as good as we remembered. Friendly and attentive service, great drinks and very good food (little bites, medium bites and full sized mains) make this a find in Edinburgh. Now all you have to do is to find it Under the Bridge! When you do don't forget to order the sweet potato fries. You won't regret it. read more

Chris M, I'd say your review is bang on. I think the new table service is related to an Edinburgh Planning thing that was imposed on Under the Stairs, rather than a conscious decision by management or something. Don't quote me - I wouldn't. I was a bit gutted when I first stumbled in after they'd introduced the table service though... it just didn't seem to suit it, but like you suggested, I think that kind of service can be fine - great even - as long as there's enough people working and if they seem happy to be serving you. The night I went seemed a bit chaotic and not the most inviting, but the table service thing was VERY newly-imposed so all's forgiven. Every time before that it was fine. I haven't been there for a while and I'm due for another visit. I love the place, I love the feel of it. It's like a little retro lounge cave. Good food too - I could smash some of those sweet potato fries right now. read more

Good food. Excellent prices. Eclectic atmosphere. Good alternative to the omnipresent pub fare in Edinburgh.

My friend and I came here for a nice dinner and drinks and that's exactly what it was. The food was delicious. I was very indecisive between a couple of plates and I went with the duck leg. One of the best Ive had at a restaurant. The plate was very well thought out and all the flavors went really well together. My friend had the fish special and also loved it. She also had the fruit crumble for dessert and was slightly disappointed by that as it really wasn't anything superb. The cocktails are unique and very tasty, the waiters were very nice, and the atmosphere was great. read more

oh dear, not good. I found the service less than friendly, also as it's table service only this really isn't a bar, so don't visit if that's what you are looking for. It's also very, very dark, which is not to my taste. I really don't have much nice to say here. We visited for post-work drinks. but found the place wasn't equipped for that as it's a cafe parading as a bar, perhaps if you're eating you'll fair better, though the tables are clustered so close together you'd best enjoy sharing your conversation with strangers. On top of the poor "bar" set up and flawed ergonomics the drinks selection is paltry. The bar seems to have a slightly hip reputation, I'm honestly not sure where that comes from but there's nothing hip about this dank little joint. Maybe if they actually get a bar licence things will get better under the stairs. Until then stay clear, the Old Town has far better bars! read more

I think this place has so much potential. It is a cool looking bar and is quite cosy. It feels like you could spend a long time there drinking coffee or having some food and a few drinks with friends which is what I used to do when I was a student. We used to come here quite a lot but there have been too many instances of staff being really rude to my friends over the years and that totally turns me off going there anymore. There's plenty of really cool bars with friendly decent staff who aren't too cool for school!! I'm not sure what the attitude is about and it's a real shame. read more

As noted there is a confusion about this place. To be frank, I think the whole "order at the bar or not" dilemma could be easily sorted if the management put a sign at the bar clarifying that orders are taken at the table, and please wait to be seated, as seen in similar establishments in New York. Sorted! My experience going on a busy Friday night with no booking was very positive! We were quickly seated by a very friendly waitress and didn't have to take long to order our drinks and later some food. It got very busy but we still managed to get the staff's attention when we needed to. I had the special main of tuna which was delicious and my friend's steak was done to perfection and just how she wanted it. The veggie burger was a bit of a disappointment flavour-wise but the sweet potato fries were delicious!I have to agree with other reviewers that their prices are a bit high for their drinks. Other than this small glitch I do enjoy this place every time I'm here and hope it improves it service for other Yelpers and customers as well! read more

A treat for some students (price wise). Nice interior, service and fish tank. Slightly salty fish, otherwise enjoyable.

Great cocktail bar. Underground atmosphere is really nice and the staff are super friendly. Love the selection of cocktails but they are definitely on the sweet side so be warned of a sugar rush! read more

Ventured into Under the Stairs again today for Sunday lunch. The majority of us had the roast corn fed chicken which was delicious and succulent, and the rest had the burger, huge, home-made and served with a sizeable portion of home made sweet potato chips. Nice selection of drinks, and table service to boot. Lovely music in the background, and an nice photo display on the walls. It was a bit chilly inside that's all, maybe some heating for the really cold Edinburgh days. Altogether a pleasant afternoon under the stairs! read more

This was one of our favorite lounges in Edinburgh. It's very cozy. Great drinks, good food & friendly service.

Under the Stairs is one of my favourite drinking holes in Edinburgh for a number of reasons- good drinks, comfy seats, nice food, good clientèle, nice staff and good outdoor smoking space. The cocktails are delicious, the wines are really nice, prices are decent and the atmosphere is really relaxed, unlike the rowdy bars that make up the majority of Edinburgh. Love it. read more

I just love Under the Stairs. I popped in here for lunch on a Friday. The place was almost entirely deserted, but it was perfect on a cold day--a little fire in the fireplace, dim lighting, candles on the tables. Service was very good, and the food was great. My husband and I shared a mixed board, which was massive. The pickled mussels were tremendously good, but then everything was delicious. read more

I went to this bar to meet up with a group friends not having been there before and was told to expect it to get crowded and that I'll need a kebab stop on the way home cos of small food portions. I was first in my group to arrive and was told at the door that there was no bar service and I needed a table to be able to stay. Luckily my wife had booked a table so we weren't turned away. This policy ensured that the place wasn't at all crowded so that was one potental problem dealt with. The service was friendly and attentive so we were well stocked with drinks the whole time - and the range to pick from is excellent though not the cheapest. The menu was also really good and I settled on a baked brie thing for starters and the chicken pasta with spinach, peppercorn and parmesan. This was one of the tastiest meals I've had and the portion size was perfect. The food prices quite decent too. All up I had a really good night here and highly recommend it - just make sure you get there early enough for a table or book it in advance. read more

Come here expecting a mixed crowd and nights where you can barely find standing room or others where you and friends are one of the only people in the place. Overall, its a great place to catch up with friends or start your long night. read more

I've only been here once, and I did really enjoy the ambience and the food, but I had issues with a few things. First of all it was impossible to get a mobile phone signal in there unless I was right next to the window or actually on the stairs leading out. The music was up too loud and I struggled to hear what my friends were saying. We were rather a large group at times, and I got the sense that they weren't used to that, since there were no areas or tables set up for groups of more than three or four (we numbered seven or eight). However, the food was most delicious (I had the bread with olives) and the mojitos were lovely and went straight to my head. All in all, it was a nice night out. read more

Most excellent. When Under the Stairs opened it was a godsend to have a nice, friendly, clean place in the vicinity of the Grassmarket and Cowgate, an area where most are pretty unpleasant (The Bow Bar, Hula, Jolly Judge, Rudi's deli and Dragonfly aside). Turns out it's an independent, that's obviously adding a lot to its charm. Decor is shabby chic with a bit of up and coming artist on the walls. Hard to get a seat a lot of the time, but it's a small bar. Going early is recommended. Quality beers on tap, Kirin and Red Stripe included, and a nice wine and cocktail list. The music is always great, although they clearly have a few problems with residents so it may suddenly get turned down I find. All in all a lovely place, and they know how to make a good coffee so in the daytime it's nice to get a seat at the window and chill out a bit in the underground. read more

One of the nicest looking bars I've been to in Edinburgh which has a unique homely feel. Expensive, but worth it.

Food is high quality, delicious and inventive. Service is friendly and prompt; atmosphere is "funky." Don't miss this wonderful place.!

this review will be short, as although my time there was rather lengthy i only had one item off the menu. well three really, as in three glasses of pinot noir which i can highly recommend. the place itself is also quiet nice, loads of tablse and chair so easy to get a seat, not quite as easy to get the attention of the wait staff who insist on table service. but overall a really nice place to go for a drink. read more

My wife and I stopped here for lunch recently. We both ordered medium plates: the orzo pasta for her and a sausage stew for me. We both split a side of sweet potato fries as well. The sweet potato fries were good, though they would have been better unsalted, in my opinion. I do not know why, but neither of us enjoyed our main dishes. They lacked flavor. We both left with most of our food uneaten, which is a rare occasion for us. That said, the ambience of the restaurant was very nice and the service was good, we just didn't care for the food. read more

I do love it here. It's like bing in your living room only you get drinks and food brought to you instead of having to get it yourself. Staring at the fish tank seems to take up a lot of my time, and I like that food is served til 1am (and it's good food). Definitely my new favourite bar. Oh, and they sell good rum - always a bonus! read more

what a great place. We were in edinurgh for 4 days and ate there for 3 out of the 4 days,it was that good. We even got a discount on our last night for loyalty lol . Food was great,with a very varied menu, rump staek was to dye for with bloody mary butter. service was very attentive from the girls. The ambience was wonderful, with a really relaxed atmosphere, and the music was not overpowering.we loved the relaxed way the bar was run with, comfortable chairs and furniture.Didnt try any cocktails but looked interesting, can recommend the directors ale .Dont miss a chance to eat and drink there . read more

Quality food and a nice atmosphere. Went here to celebrate an early Christmas with my girlfriend. Throughly enjoyed the food and it wasn't too expensive. I would recommend this place to my friends looking for a nice place for dinner. read more