Had to cancel my plans to see some comedians here because...the venue decided not to allow Jewish comics? How is that possible in this day and age? read more

With a name like Whistle Binkies, it has to be good. Before my trip, I told my daughter there was a bar by this name in one of her favorite pub-neighborhoods; and she thought I was pulling her leg (because I do that a lot). After visiting the nearby Three Sisters for some World Cup matches, we ran into a friend who told us Whistle Binkies had live music and no cover. So we decided to check it out. The space, like a lot of Edinburgh architecture, was very cave-like. In other words, not a lot of windows. But the room was inviting, and the bar wasn't overly-crowded as the band warmed up (A nice break from the teeming masses at the previous bar). While in Scotland I was always on the lookout for cask ales, but unfortunately WB only had one available that night; and it wasn't a style I wanted (an amber if I recall correctly) so I passed. Shame. As a music venue, WB was not ideal. With the long space and low ceiling, it was a bit like watching a band through a tunnel. As for the band (BlueSoul) they were just OK, playing mostly rock covers from the 60s thru 80s for their first set. One high point was when an older gentleman with a long, grey beard and kilt (obviously a regular) decided to dance wildly in front of the stage, occasionally convincing various women to join him. After a couple of drink rounds and some OK music, WhistleBinkies began to get quite crowded, so we decided to depart for another nearby spot. It didn't blow our socks off, but we enjoyed ourselves here; and the place certainly had character. read more

Whistle Binkies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Drinks are not very strong but the vibes were good and the music was good. Felt like a local which was cool.

Came for a quick drink. They don't do cocktails, just alcohol with mixers. I had the Jack Daniels with honey and lemonade, which was very good. They have cheap pints for sure. The peach lager was also delicious. They have live shows and plenty of seats. There are two street entrances. They take card. read more

So the music is great, the vibe is awesome, but what really stands out is the staff. Despite being busy these guys are all smiles. Professional, responsible and efficient. read more

We were led to Whistle Binkies by our illustrious tour guide from the Black Bull. Whistle Binkies boasts some live music and cheap drink specials. There was a packed crowd while we were there and I barely found a place to stand while my friends ordered drinks. When you're walking around Edinburgh layered up in your warmest threads, walking into a stuffy, warm bar can really mess with you. You start taking off your layers with nowhere to stash your coats, scarves, gloves, and hats. People started piling them on top of the ATM! I found a small table by the entrance and perched there. There were some interesting folk milling about, locals and tourists alike. I met some nice Brazilians while just hanging out. I had a drink and we left shortly after as it was getting late. It's fun if you start the night out here, not so if you end it there. They are open til 3 am. We left and caught a cab back to our hotel. read more

Whistle Binkies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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We lucked into "band showcase" on Tuesday nights and scored a table within sight of the band. It got really crowded at 10:15. Lots of wooden high tops. Bar service was good. read more

Whistle Binkies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Edinburgh is a beautiful city. I have heard this over and over, but until you visit, you think it's another old city with some castles. I only had one evening there and we ended up having a simple pub dinner and walking here for some live music. You never know what to expect, but wow this was a great pub and the music was awesome. The band played rock covers from every decade. Good size dance floor, but it was packed. We had seats in the pub looking into the dance hall and we met a lot of nice local people. I must say both here and in Glasgow, the people are very friendly. Sometimes, we had to just smile and laugh because Scottish English sounds like talking with ones mouth full of stones. Add a few beers on both sides and forget it.. read more

Whistle Binkies is one of the most well known bars in Edinburgh which offers live music every night! From rock, prog, folk and indie, this place will have live bands which match your musical taste! I keep coming back to this place partly due it's range of live bands but also partly due to the lack of live music in the area during the week! Apart from that, the place is always busy at the weekends and has a very cosy atmosphere, apart if your sit near the back door, in which case you will continually get a draft! Apart from the live music and warm atmosphere this place is very pricey for drinks! For a live music venue bar, prices are very steep compared to other venues! For students this is the downside, but for tourists, the prices are not a major concern (This bar is popular with tourists due to its closeness to the Royal Mile). Great live music, shame about the price for drinks! read more

Whistle Binkies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This is just the kind of establishment that live music should be viewed in of a random evening. Anywhere that is similar to an underground, dimly lit cave, which allows you entry to its alcoholic bellows after 1am, is exactly where I want to be. The crowd in here is a mix of students, classic rock types, live music devotees and individuals like me who stay out far beyond their bed time, when they should be getting their beauty sleep for work the next day. Binkies has long been known for its commitment to live music and local bands, and I've seen some really unexpectedly good acts perform here. I like the random charm of not knowing what to expect from whoever is coming on stage next, which is what makes pitching up here for some impromptu gig viewing really enjoyable. read more

Whistle Binkies - Photo from whistlebinkies.com - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

How good this place is really depends when you go; I've had some great nights here but these have been balanced out by some really awful ones! What's great about WhistleBinkies is that it's the only place in Edinburgh I know that has live music on every night. However this music is different every day, so you could get everything from traditional scottish folk through to ska through to heavy metal. My advice would be to do your homework - check their website to see who's playing every day, or play it safe and go on a monday for their Open Mic night. What's bad about it is the drinks prices. You can expect to pay £3.50-£5.50 per drink, which would be ok if there was ever anywhere to sit. Although the quirky alcoves, various nooks and crannies, sofas and upturned barrels for tables do give the place a certain rustic charm, there are simply not enough of them. If live music is the most important thing for your night out, this is probably your place. If you want loo-roll in the bathrooms, ice in your drinks and somewhere to sit... then it's probably not. read more

Whistle Binkies - image courtesy of www.whistlebinkies.com - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Long established music venue which stays open quite late. Don't expect many original tunes as it mainly plays host to cover bands but most are of a good to high standard. Bar staff mostly easy on the eye, to the extent you have to wonder about the employment criteria applied and there's an extensive range of beers and spirits stocked. read more

Whistle Binkies - Beware of imposter beers. - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Popped in one afternoon as I hadnt been in this pub for 7 years or so and fancied a quick pint, and to revisit the place too. I have not left a pint in years because it was so bad till I came here. Complained to the bar staff they didnt care. I noticed that the alcoves that I used to love have had some weird seating added to them rather than than the big tables that were once there. The seating was really odd and uncomfortable. I would avoid unless your mates bad or similair is performing here. Really disappointed such good memories of the firendly staff, good pints and drunken evenings. read more

Entrance fee is a little ridiculous considering it's not like they have really good bands there (well, the night I was there at least). Beer selection is OK. Full bar. Crowded with mostly standing room. Super loud. I wouldn't go here to see great live music, or to find a good pub. If you want a place where the bargoers are a little lively, then maybe you'd like this, if the cover doesn't turn you away. It is pretty centrally located, but then again so are a bunch of other bars in the area... read more

We went here at the recommendation of some locals. It was the only place they could think of when we asked some random people on the street where we could find some drinks and live music. It was an interesting band. Sort of classic rock style. Decent sized crowd. We were able to sit ourselves down in one of the nooks with a couch. Unfortunately this meant we couldn't see the band, but it was quite loud so we had no trouble hearing it. Honestly, as a college group from America, every single place we went had very nice and helpful locals who were super chill and cool. We made some awesome friends with other people that wanted to party. Not here. Just being foreigners almost got us into a fight. There were quite a few older blokes. Guys pushing 40 or 50 who were trying to impress the ladies. They were not at all happy with us moving in on their turf. A couple of older drunken gents wanted to "step outside" when we danced with some college aged girls they apparently thought they owned the rights to. Things at the bar were like this too. When we went up to the bar and asked what beers and whiskeys they had that were Scottish (I mean we didn't go overseas to drink Bud Light) some guys in line behind us got super mad and grumbled under their breath about "stupid Americans holding up the queue". No cover charge, and drink prices were reasonable by American club standards. The service was pretty quick and the bartenders were friendly. We took off and went elsewhere. Couldn't find live bands anywhere else, but we didn't feel welcome here. read more

Whistle Binkies is a confusing one. I have had some completely different experiences here- once I came across a great jam session and had a fantastic time and the next time it was just plain awful- the clientele seemed to be mostly sleazy old men pretending to be hot shots and the music was bad. It's a live music bar and you don't really approach here for the over-priced drinks- rather for who is playing. The variety is so random so I can't really classify it as a particular genre of music place. Check their website is my best bet. The location is just off the Royal Mile and seems to be surrounded by drunk and puking in the early hours neds.However, you can easily leave and go to one of the many other establishments in the area- so you aren't exactly stuck in the middle of no where if you decide you don't like it. It's a bit too hot and cold though to rely your night on, but on a positive note you may get a great night out of it. read more

Whistle Binkies is, as Matthew says, one of the best known live music bars in the centre of Edinburgh. It's also the place where many a local band will start their run to hoped-for musical stardom. It's not that large on the inside, and so on a busy night there is no hope of getting somewhere to sit, and you will inevitably end up being uncomfortably close to a complete stranger. But this merely adds to the atmosphere. It's the sort of thing that you'd expect from a small music venue. I haven't been in a while, but I don't doubt that it retains its charm. You never really know how the bands are going to turn out - but you could find yourself with some genuinely good music on display. read more

This place was reasonably priced with great live music and locals. Was there on a Sunday night, still very lively and funky! read more

Whistle Binkies - Live Music - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Quite possibly the WORST place I have been to. I didn't mind the trashy interior floors with alcohol spillage and rubbish all over as much as the HORRIBLE staff. They are rude and need desperate training on how to treat paying guests. The way they treat foreigners is shocking and uncalled for. The young guy and blond haired girl are especially rude. They should stick to cleaning the floors and not making eye contact with other humans, since they stink at it. To top it off they can not mix drinks (bartending 101?!). CLEARLY, will not be returning here, nor, will I send friends unless they make the changes behind the bar. PS. I wish I can give this place NO stars :( read more

Whistle Binkies is a hit and miss kinda place; it's very much defined by the style of music that's on. If it's your scene, it's a great pub. I've had great nights in here listening to classic rock and blues bands; equally I've had awful nights listening to Jazz and Ska. The space in front of the stage is generally a no go as it's populated by drunk folk that are convinced they can dance and have no qualms about battering into any and all. The bar staff are rushed off their feet but maintain at least a forced smile and cheeriness about them at all times, and the bouncers on the door are highly pleasant and good at their job. The beers on tap are usually decent, and the prices... well, they're not bad. I've seen cheaper in Edinburgh, but that's the live music premium, I'd imagine. It's a nice wee place to pop in and spend some time, but check the listings on the website first! read more

Like down to earth pubs? Love listening to live music? Then Whistle Binkies is the place for you. They have live bands playing 7 days a week, loads and loads on the line up each day. Check out the website to see what's on - http://www.whistlebinkies.com/gigs/ It also describes the music genre so you can plan your night depending on your tastes. With lots of drink promotions, a spacious bar and room for a boogie this really is a great little spot. Open until 3am every night this is a great alternative to the Edinburgh club scene. They also hold open mic nights if you want to show off your talents. read more

I really like Whistle Binkies; it is one of those bars that still has character. Just off the Royal Mile it is easy to miss, but if you head in down the stairs you'll find a really cool venue. It has an underground décor to it, with rustic walls and little alcoves and cave esque areas to sit in. The main area is pretty reasonably sized, with a space for a bit of boogying in front of the stage. And a good boogie is important here, as it is primarily a live music bar. They have everything on, normally folk / rock / classic rock covers but also more obscure genres. The bands are all pretty good as well, obviously with a few exceptions, I remember in particular an electronic-latin-funk-ska band who were terrible (unsurprisingly; no band should have that many genres). The downside is firstly that is gets absolutely boiling, especially during the summer. If you are in the main bar bit then it can sometimes be unbearable. But even worse than that are the prices - they are ridiculous. Pints are £3.50 upwards, and bottles even more. A friend of mine got their guest ale and a half was £3.95. Having said that there are a few beer deals which save you a few pennies here and there, but it is an expensive night. Best is to go after having a few at another place earlier and end up there, as it is open until 3 read more

I have never been too keen on Whistle Binkies. It's quite dark and perhaps rustic and cave like which gives it a bit of character. But the drinks are so expensive that you probably won't spend a lot of time here. The main reason I ever have for going to Whistle Binkies is to see a friend or band play live music. I have yet to see a band play in here and actually sound good. Something about the equipment or acoustics just don't work for me as even the best singer can sound off in here. I saw a Rage Against the Machine cover band in here which was quite entertaining as everyone leaped around, but it quickly got very cramped and very sweaty. I wouldn't go here for a quite drink because as they have live music most nights, it gets very loud and you could end up having to endure something pretty painful. read more

I have been to WhistleBinkies several times but I've never really enjoyed it. It plays live music regularly of a fairly wide variety but it's mostly punk or acoustic bands. This sort of music isn't really my thing so I'm not an authority to comment on it, however, even those that are claim the bands that play here are, in general, nothing special. One of the main issues which I have with the pub is that the drinks seem ridiculously expensive with pints costing over £3 so , unless you're prepared for an expensive night, it isn't the best venue for having a heavy session in. Further, it's feels a bit dark and cramped and if you're not dressed like Alic Cooper some of the customers seem to think they know something that you don't. Having said this, WhistleBinkies is a popular pub in which many seem to regularly enjoy the music and for this they deserve credit, it's just not quite up my street. read more

Whistle Binkies - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Whistle Binkies, oh, Whistle Binkies. How you smell so rank! I have never, ever, been to Whistle Binkies except as a last resort. Possibly because I have an incredibly sensitive nose, and Whistle Binkies pushes that nose to despair. Possibly because I've not once seen a good show here. As noted in at least one of the reviews of this place, Whistle Binkies is most definitely full of an array of sleazy men, which I find always reflects on the venue itself, rather than on the sleazy men. Something attracts these people to this place. The one good thing about Whistle Binkies, though, is that it stays open way later than most places in Edinburgh. By places, I mean pubs. Apart from Whistle Binkies, if you want to stay out drinking, then you have to go to a club. But if all you want to do is just sit down, have a pint, and have a chat, Whistle Binkies seems to be the only place you can go. read more

This is a very very dark, basement style bar. It's also a bit manky. Especially the toilets! And being a girl, yesI judge a place on quality of its toilets. Well, y'knowit's important! It's also rather overpriced and very difficult to get a seat. On the flip sideit can have quite a good vibe about it at times, and ANYWHERE that plays live music works for me. Well, almost anywhere. I do keep managing to miss the live music thougheither because I've had a few beers too many and I'm not paying attention (yes it happens!), or because I'm going in at the wrong times. If you can get into the place while a band is playing, it's definitely worthwhile though. And it's open until 3am, so worth a visit when other bars have closed. read more

This bar on South bridge is a fantastic place to go in Edinburgh for live music, great beers and good company. The staff are brilliant, very friendly and accomodating. As it is such a bsy place, it won't take long before you are mixing and mingling with the crowds. Even the locals or even visitors will go out of their way to squeeze you into a seat with them if you can' find anywhere to sit, and before long you have struck a conversation and sometimes even make new friends. This is a cellar bar, you enter from the street and go down a steep set of steps to the seating area and bar. There is another entrance round the side of the building on Niddrie street just of the high street. This used to be a very mixed up layout in the past with the bar at the far end and the bands under the stairs at the entrance which often made it difficult to get about and on busy evenings very hard to get to the bar. However it was re-vamped a few years ago and now it is so much better laid out with the bar running down one side and the far end was extended to accomodate the bands and it has made much more seating areas. there are a couple of alcove quiet seating areas away from the main bar if you want to avoid the loud music. Talking of music, this is an open mic place where people can have the opportunity to show off their talents, which makes it a very interesting night out as you get something different every time. As well as open mic nights there are regular live bands playing. It is a great place to visit and is open till late. Well reccomended and well worth the visit. read more

Whistle Binkies - lantern above whistle binkies entrance - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Great live music and drinks deals. Open late too unitl 3am. all ages go there good atmosphere . read more

I was in Edinburgh for a week. I went in on the first night. I came back every following night. ~3 bands _each_ night. Decent beer selection, including cask ales, cheap but very good whisky. Most bands were very good, the other ones weren't bad either. If you have only few nights to spend in Edinburgh, don't miss this. read more

I went here for a night out and fell in love with the place. It has lovely arched ceilings that really accentuate that you are undergroud, its like being in caves. The drinks were quite cheap and the place had a great atmosphere where everyone was talking to everyone and getting along together. The live music was great and that was at an open mic night so imagine how good it can be! read more

Binkies is an Edinburgh institution. It might be a bit unsalubrious, it can be hard to get a seat, etc. but that's the POINT. Messiness is the glory of rock and roll and it's what Binkies exudes. Edinburgh's music scene is sadly lacking compared with Glasgow and it's because there aren't enough places like this. The main reasons to go to Binkies are that a) there's live music every night b) it's open till 3am and c) it's free. Anywhere would do well with these 3 things and WB's is famous for doing it in its own wonderfully messy style. You could go in your pyjamas and no-one would care because they're here to hear some music. A healthy mix of people populate the bar from old cock rockers to curious tourists and kids who've started a band fresh from learning 3 chords. Edinburgh needs Binkies. read more

A great pub with live music and a lively atmosphere. It is a special favourite of mine as it is one of few pubs to stay open until 3am every night! This is really good if you fancy staying out to chill out but are not in the mood for a club. It is not the cheapest pub but when all is taken in to account it is certainly value for money. Prices are average for the area. It is in a handy location in the centre of town. I have enjoyed many a late night there! read more

If you arrive at Whistle binkies before it starts to fill up it can seem like a draughty, dreary place. However as the night progresses and the more and more people arrive the atmosphere definitely improves. There is usually a live band on (normally indie but I have been there when a country music band was playing before) and you usually have a good night. The worst thing about the place is the toilets. They are down stairs and they smell bad. Sometime you can even smell them from the top of the stairs which is not good! The best thing about it is it is open till 3am (on weekends anyway) so once you're in and enjoying yourself you don't have to worry about shifting. read more

This is a good venue for live music, especially up and coming bands. You get a real feeling that Whistle Binkies is committed to supporting local acts. It can get extremely crowded in Whistles but it captures the underground atmosphere so well. Drinks can be expensive and service sometimes hard to get cos of the crowds. In general though, it's worth it. read more

Loud fun bar with an open mic music scene. Didn't have any food as it was late (bar is open until 3am) but the crowd was a good mix of students, locals, and tourists looking to prolong their evening. Quality of music was better than expected as well. read more

I'm not sure why this place is getting so slated. Yes, its dark, cramped and dirty. Yes, its expensive. Yes, you get old men sweating away next to twenty-somethings off thier face. Yes, the live music is often terrible. BUT - i still like this place, theres just something about how all these crap things come together that makes Whistle Binkies fun and a good night out. I promise. read more

Live music bar next to Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Drinks are very cheap at certain times of the day and has a good mixture of people not just youngsters. Hard to find a seat but then again who wants to sit when a bands playing anyways. As mentioned before it is open late 7 days a week , we normally go there before we head into town. read more

I was there in November 2012. Great place for live music and open late. Pretty much anything goes here. not tight on drinking laws unlike most bars in Edinburgh. You can get served regardless how drunk you are. Which means the bar is full of proper wasted people. Toilets are the worst iv ever seen but what you would expect from a city center late music venue. Drink very expensive, service and attitude of bar staff is disgusting. Will never recommend to anyone and will never revisit, read more

Having heard all about Whistle Binkies, and read the reviews on Yelp, I decided it really was time I tried it out for myself. I wasn't expecting much- I hadn't really heard anyone rave about it, but I went in with an open mind, and a few vodka sodas down my gullet. It was a Thursday so the bar was pretty busy as a couple of live acts were playing, I can't remember the names of them but they weren't that good (sorry!) and I didn't feel that comfortable in the place. I wasn't particualarly dressed up but I still felt like people were sort of staring at us, maybe they could sniff the Glaswegian on us! The drinks were expensive, and tasted really watered down which I hate! I'm sure loads of bars do it so that's why, in places like this, I usually stick to beers! I can see why people like the place, it's everything a rock venue should be; the acoustics are good, the stage is great, the bands are numerous and varied and it has the sort of atmosphere that I would expect from somewhere as dark and sweaty as this, which definitely has it's place. Maybe it';s because It was a new experience for me but I honestly didn't see what was so bad about the place. Don't go expecting a quiet drink, fancy cocktails, a seat or to leave without your make up sliding off your face with sweat and you won't be disappointed. read more

Seriously overpriced barn of a basement bar. Redeeming feature is live music. Filthiest pub I've ever visited, too.