Edinburgh’s Pubs: Booze, Bites & Bartenders Who Know Your Order

Where to Start? The OG Pubs of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s pub scene is like a time machine—half of it’s stuck in the 1700s, and the other half’s obsessed with Instagram filters. Start at The Cow’s Head Inn (1 Cowgate, EH1 1XH), where the walls are older than your ex’s Facebook profile. They serve “Scotch ales” that’ll make you question why you ever bought that $10 pint at a sports bar. Pro tip: Order the “Whiskey Sour” and pretend you’re in a gangster movie. The bartenders here don’t ask questions—just pour.

• The Cow’s Head Inn: Historic vibes, Scottish ale, and a wall of portraits that might be ancestors or just really committed cosplayers.
• The Witchery: 88 High Street, EH1 1SR. Think: Victorian dungeon meets medieval dinner. The menu’s got a “Dragon’s Breath” steak, but the real star is the bartenders who’ll mix you a drink while narrating the death of a 17th-century witch. It’s like a TED Talk but with more whiskey.
• The Spaniard’s Club: 55 Broughton Street, EH1 3QS. A hidden speakeasy vibe with a velvet rope made of Scottish tartan. They’ll serve you a “Black & Tan” and ask if you’ve ever been to a pub before. Spoiler: You haven’t.

Modern Marvels: Pubs That Got a Facelift

If you’re the type who wants your pint served with a side of Wi-Fi and a QR code for the menu, check out The Dram (15 Candlemaker Row, EH1 1JW). It’s like a speakeasy if it had a midlife crisis and redecorated with neon lights. The “Edinburgh Fog” cocktail is basically a cloud of gin and lavender—perfect for pretending you’re a 1920s flapper with a side hustle as a barista.

• The Dram: Neon lights, artisanal cocktails, and a bartender who’ll call you “ma’am” even if you’re 22 and have never had a mammogram.
• The Sheep Heid Inn: 11-13 Grassmarket, EH1 1QR. Edinburgh’s oldest pub with a modern twist—think traditional ale served in a glass with a sprig of rosemary. The “Sheep Dip” is a local legend, but the real draw is the view of Edinburgh Castle. It’s like a history lesson with a side of hops.
• Barfly: 17a Candlemaker Row, EH1 1JW. A minimalist bar where the bartender knows your order by the second visit. They serve a “Citrus G&T” that’s so fresh, it’ll make you question your life choices. And yes, they have a “No Whiskey Before Beer” rule—but they also have a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy if you’re sneaking in a pre-gaming session.

The Secret Speakeasies of Edinburgh (No, Not That One)

Let’s be real: Edinburgh’s speakeasies are just pubs with better lighting and a waitlist for the bathroom. But The Dram’s speakeasy-style bar is the real deal. Hidden behind a bookshelf (yes, literally), it’s like a spy movie if the spies were Scottish and the only mission was getting a drink. The “Whiskey Smoked Negroni” is served in a glass that looks like it belongs in a museum—but the flavor’s so modern, it’ll make you forget the 2016 election.

• The Dram: Hidden behind a bookshelf, like your shame over that TikTok phase.
• The Spaniard’s Club: Secret entrance via a side door that’s definitely not a portal to a parallel universe.
• The Witchery: Midnight service where the bartenders serve drinks in the dark and you’re allowed to guess what you’re drinking.

Restaurants That Won’t Make You Cry for a Pint Later

Edinburgh’s restaurants are like your ex’s kitchen—over-the-top, overpriced, and still somehow underwhelming. But The Kitchin (22 Castlehill, EH1 2QL) is the exception. They serve a “Haggis, Neeps & Tatties” that’ll make you forget you ever ate processed nacho cheese. Pair it with a “Dewar’s 15” Scotch and you’ll feel like you’re in a James Bond movie where Bond is Scottish and the only mission is eating.

• The Kitchin: Fine dining with a side of Scottish pride. The lamb shank is so tender, it’ll make your grandma cry—and not just because of your dating life.
• Barbecoa: 45 St Andrew Square, EH2 2BB. A steakhouse that serves burgers so good, they’ll make you question your life choices. The “Double Barbecue Burger” comes with a side of fries that taste like they were made by a French chef who’s never left Paris.
• Bombay Chop House: 22 Lawnmarket, EH1 1LW. Indian food with a twist—like a “Butter Chicken Scotch” that’s basically the lovechild of a whiskey and a tandoori chicken. It’s spicy, it’s bold, and it’s probably not the best idea after a 10-pint session.

FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious

Q: Are there pubs in Edinburgh that don’t serve the same three beers?
A: Yes, The Witchery has 12 different local ales on tap. The bartenders can tell you the story behind each one—just don’t expect them to stop mid-lesson when you pass out.

Q: Can I actually get a decent pint without looking at a tourist brochure?
A: Absolutely. The Sheep Heid Inn serves a “Scotch Ale” so good, it’ll make you question why you ever paid $20 for a beer in a city with no skyscrapers.

Q: What’s the best time to visit a pub in Edinburgh without waiting in line?
A: 5 PM on a Tuesday. That’s when the locals come out to drink, and the tourists are still arguing over the best photo spot for the castle.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Pub Crawl

1. Research like a detective: Use Strategies.beer to find pubs with local ales and no tourist traps.
2. Plan your route: Start at The Cow’s Head Inn, hit The Sheep Heid Inn for a history lesson, and end at The Dram for a modern twist.
3. Order like a pro: Ask the bartender for a “Scotch Ale” and pretend you know what it is. Bonus points if you can pronounce it without Google Translate.
4. Sell your beer online: If you own a brewery, use Dropt.beer to distribute your brews to Edinburgh pubs. Your beer deserves to be in a place where people care about the ABV.

Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Edinburgh’s Pub Culture

Edinburgh’s pubs are more than just places to drink—they’re time capsules, social experiments, and sometimes just really good places to hide from the rain. Whether you’re sipping a “Whiskey Sour” at The Witchery or pretending you’re a spy at The Dram, remember: the best part of any pub crawl is the story you’ll tell tomorrow. And if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own beer and serve it in the pub where it all began. Cheers to Edinburgh—and to you, for not being the person who orders a diet soda in a pub.