Going out for a drink in Edinburgh means discovering very different atmospheres: hidden bars, neighbourhood favourites, terraces and places specialising in whisky or gin.
If you’re looking for a well-made cocktail, here are eight suggestions in the Old Town, the New Town, Stockbridge and Leith. Check their menus and choose the atmosphere you fancy. Prefer a guided night out? Join our Edinburgh pub crawl.
1. Panda & Sons
79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF
Panda & Sons is one of the most interesting places for cocktails in the New Town. Its barbershop-style entrance leads to a hidden basement bar, where the theatrical setting is part of the experience.
The menu is the main reason to go: a great choice if you want to move beyond the usual drinks and try more creative cocktails. Check table availability before you go, especially at weekends.
2. The Devil’s Advocate (Old Town)
9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
In this small, industrial-style bar in the Old Town, you’ll find an excellent cocktail list, with some of the best cocktails in Edinburgh. It’s also a perfect place to taste good whiskies.
You can also pair your cocktails with some typical Scottish dishes.
3. Bramble Bar & Lounge (New Town)
16A Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE
A bar with a special atmosphere and fantastic service, serving some of the best cocktails in Edinburgh. It’s in a basement, which gives it a speakeasy feel, and the decor and lighting make it very cosy.
There’s no live music, but a DJ creates a great atmosphere.
4. Hey Palu
49 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AH
Hey Palu brings the spirit of the Italian aperitivo to Edinburgh. It’s on Bread Street, a short walk from the Grassmarket and Lothian Road, and a great place to start the night with a well-made drink.
It combines cocktails with real character and a stylish atmosphere, without needing a formal dinner. If you like the flavours of Italian cocktails, it’s well worth a visit. You can check the menu and book on their website.
5. Paradise Palms (Southside)
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB
One of the most original and fun bars in town, with one of the best-designed cocktail lists in Edinburgh. The Palms is ideal for a drink in a relaxed atmosphere during the day, or a lively one at night. There’s a great vibe at any time.
What’s more, the food is excellent, with great vegetarian and vegan dishes. One of the best bars in Edinburgh.
6. Roseleaf (Leith)
23-24 Sandport Place, Edinburgh EH6 6EW
Without doubt one of the places that makes the best cocktails in Edinburgh. They’ve been serving drinks in Leith for many years and are a local institution.
They also serve food, and it’s a great spot for brunch. Pair it with a good cocktail (why not a Bloody Mary?) and you have the perfect combination.
7. The Last Word Saloon (Stockbridge)
44 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AL
A well-made cocktail by a roaring fire is many people’s idea of heaven. This bar in Stockbridge has all that and a truly spectacular drinks list.
If you like vintage, elegant and comfortable places, don’t hesitate. And if you fancy a perfectly served cocktail, this is the place.
8. Edinburgh Gin Distillery Bar
Arch 16, The Arches, East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8FS
The bar at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is on East Market Street, close to Waverley and the Royal Mile, an interesting alternative if you want to focus on gin and the different ways of serving it.
Check the cocktail options and distillery experiences before you go. A guided tour, a cocktail class and a drink at the bar are different experiences, so check which one you want to book and its conditions.
Prefer whisky? See our guide to the best whisky bars in Edinburgh.