The 7 Best Pubs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is known for its nightlife. While the city is home to a number of chic and contemporary cocktails bars, clubs and entertainment venues, nothing beats the vibe of a quintessential classic pub. Some of Edinburgh’s pubs are hundreds of years old, and you can feel the historic and cosy charm oozing out of the stone walls. There’s no feeling quite like relaxing in a pub by the fire with your dog at your feet, especially in the colder months, with your favourite pint or tipple in your hand. 

Edinburgh itself offers a combination of old-fashioned opulence and modern sophistication, which is quite often reflected in its architecture and pubs. We want to show you the top contenders for the best pubs in the city– what makes them so great? Is it the atmosphere, variety of drinks, premium service or the prime location? Or is it just nostalgia and the warm cosy feeling that makes people visit these pubs? Let’s take a look at Edinburgh’s top 7 best pubs.

Edinburgh's top pubs: A historic countryside feel in the heart of the city

7. The Jolly Judge 

Located in one of the most convenient areas of Edinburgh, and a mere stone’s throw from the iconic castle, The Jolly Judge Pub is an independent pub that oozes rustic charm with a hint of modern character. The perfect place for a weekly pub quiz, and with a fire roaring in the colder months, you don’t get a more quintessentially British pub flare than the one this pub exudes. Cosy, charming and with all the characteristics of a quaint local, which it’s sure to become for you, The Jolly Judge is definitely one of the best pubs in Edinburgh. 

6. Sheep Heid Inn

With a country pub vibe like no other, the Sheep Heid Inn serves up a classic Scottish flare just a few minutes from the centre of Edinburgh. Established in the 15th century, the Sheep Heid Inn has over five-hundred years of history and knowledge on how to deliver excellent service, which it does to this day. Inside, the decor is reminiscent of a classic well-known cosy pub, with dark wood interiors and warm orange lighting. If you’re looking to dine and drink, the pub serves excellent pub grub food, which is elevated to a more premium and classy level. 

5. The Black Cat 

About as authentically Scottish as you can get– we’re talking Scotch whisky, Scottish food and quaint Scottish flare– The Black Cat pub is the perfect place to soak up the local culture and sample some traditional scotch or craft beers whilst you’re at it. After dark, the atmosphere in the Black Cat changes, and it becomes a lively hangout with the best live tunes as the drinks start flowing rapidly – there really is no better place to be in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town district. 

4. Dirty Dick’s

The old-fashioned and rustic interior of this pub combined with the lively outdoor seating area and fully stocked bar makes it a lively yet cosy place to sit and drink some scotch. With its stone floors, dim lighting and dark wood interior and furniture, Dirty Dick’s oozes a sense of historic charm akin to a medieval tavern, where the chatty atmosphere and world-class service keeps you unable to vacate your seat– and really, why would you want to? On the outside, Dirty Dicks may seem like every other pub on the street, but its reputation among locals, the food it serves and the overall ambience makes it far more than that. 

3. Frankenstein Pub

Inspired by everyone’s favourite monster, this horror-themed pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town ramps up the theatrics, with green lighting, horror-themed memorabilia, costumed staff and banging tunes making it an experience like no other. Drinks include cocktails both classic and signature, as well as beers and wines– if you want to escape the madness, head downstairs to the beer cellar, where you may find the vibe is slightly more realistic and a little less chaotic. You’ll definitely need to have your wits about you when choosing to experience Frankenstein Pub. 

2. Devil’s Advocate 

Welcome to Devil’s Advocate, the pub with one of the best atmospheres in the city, complete with a giant illuminated bar showcasing the variation of whiskies available, a bustling atmosphere from day to night and a seasonal ever-changing menu featuring the best of Scottish food. The mezzanine floor and traditional Victorian interior makes this place feel more than just a pub or bar, and gives it a quirky yet strangely familiar feel. 

It’s your choice how you spend your time here– sit and chat, stand at the bar and enjoy a steady flow of drinks, admire the decor or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. But, no matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’re guaranteed to have one of the best nights of your life!

1. The World’s End

The World’s End is a favourite among local Scots and across social media. This pub makes a mean burger and an even meaner pint, and what’s more, it’s dog friendly, meaning you and your four-legged friends can enjoy the atmosphere of this pub. 

Whether you’re here to drink or dine or both, you can expect nothing short of a classic friendly local pub where you define your experience from start to finish. With an unmissable exterior and an interior that will make you not want to leave, The World’s End really does deserve its spot at the top of our list and as one of the best pubs in the Scottish capital.