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The 12 Best Secret Bars in Edinburgh You Must Discover (Before Everyone Else Does!)
A couple of months ago, I was wandering around Edinburgh after an amazing dinner, looking for a place to grab a drink. Suddenly, a door caught my attention as I was walking past it.
Just as I’m about to pass it by, someone steps out, and I catch a glimpse of this super cosy, dimly lit bar inside this seemingly normal building. Intrigued, I wander in, and, yep, it’s like the coolest secret bar I’ve ever seen!
That night kicked off my obsession with finding all the hidden drinking spots in the city. Now that you’re up for an adventure, here are my picks of the best secret bars in Edinburgh that are worth the visit.
Never Really Here
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/neverreallyhereliquorlounge
Address: 89 Rose St N Ln.
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 5 PM – 1 AM
Cost: ££
Never Really Here is pretty elusive, so don’t be surprised if you have to do a bit of searching to find it. Once inside, you’ve got a great selection of cocktails that are always on point—not to mention a decent selection of artisanal beers if that’s more your speed.
The menu rotates enough to keep you on your toes, so there’s always something new to try. And their whiskey selection is seriously impressive.
Moreover, they’ve got these small, shareable plates that perfectly complement whatever you’re sipping on. Everything is super well thought out, from the charcuterie boards to the sliders.
Pro tip:
It’s best to come early, especially on weekends, as the place fills up fast, and given its size, you might end up waiting to get in. Also, once you find this place, remember that the doors are locked, so you better knock.
Under The Stairs
Media credit: ifknluvfood
Website: http://www.underthestairs.org/
Address: 3A Merchant St.
Contact details: +44 131 466 8550
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ££
Under the stairs is one of those spots you’ll want to tell all your friends about once you find it. This place might be a bit tricky to locate, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Their drink menu is extensive, ranging from craft beers to bespoke cocktails. But Under the Stairs isn’t just about drinks—it has an equally enticing food menu.
The mac and IPA cheese and charred mackerel here are dishes that people rave about long after they’ve left. Plus, they have some pretty great vegan and vegetarian options, so there’s something for everyone.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to go, try to make a reservation in advance. This place is no longer much of a secret and can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
Also, bring cash just in case; sometimes, their card machine likes to take a little nap.
Hoot The Redeemer
Media credit: hoottheredeemer
Website: http://www.hoottheredeemer.com/
Address: 7 Hanover St.
Contact details: +44 131 220 0310
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 3 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Hoot the Redeemer is as quirky and delightful as its name suggests. This hidden bar offers an impressive variety of cocktails.
Whether you’re looking to stick with a classic cocktail or try something completely out of the box, they’re more than happy to make recommendations. Oh, and fun fact: they’ve got this boozy ice cream machine and a slushie machine.
Where else are you going to get spiked ice cream or adult slushies? And hey, don’t shy away from their fun, nostalgic snacks.
Pro tip:
Definitely try the fortune-telling machine near the entrance before you leave. It might sound cheesy, but it’s all part of the unique experience that Hoot the Redeemer offers.
Cask
Media credit: cask_smugglers
Website: https://www.casksmugglers.com/
Address: Waverley Mall Rooftop, 3 Princes St.
Contact details: +44 131 557 0129
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Cask offers some great views that complement their wide array of top-quality drinks. The drink menu is well-balanced—there’s something for everyone, be it you’re into hoppy IPAs or elegantly crafted martinis.
And don’t overlook the bites on offer here. They’ve got a pretty inventive selection of street food-inspired options that pair perfectly with their drinks.
Whether you’re trying their crispy calamari or their loaded fries, each dish is as thoughtfully prepared as their cocktails. It’s that extra level of attention to detail that makes a visit to Cask so rewarding.
Pro tip:
If you want to snag the best spot, head up there in the late afternoon. You can catch the sunset and enjoy a relaxing drink before the evening crowd arrives.
And don’t forget to bring a jacket—it can get a bit chilly on the rooftop, especially after the sun goes down.
Bramble Bar
Media credit: bramble_bar
Website: https://www.bramblebar.co.uk/
Address: 16A Queen St.
Contact details: +44 131 226 6343
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Bramble Bar is tucked away, so don’t be surprised if you miss it the first time; the entrance is pretty inconspicuous. They pride themselves on crafting some seriously amazing cocktails that are every bit as impressive as they sound.
Their drink menu features a great mix of classics along with some bold, creative concoctions you’ll be raving about long after your visit. They’ve also got this amazing selection of fine spirits, including some rare whiskies you’ll definitely want to sample.
And let’s not forget about their attention to detail: everything from their ice (yes, their ice!) to the glassware is carefully chosen to enhance your experience. You might also stumble upon some live DJ sets, which add another layer of cool.
Pro tip:
Make sure you get there early if you can; it’s not a huge place, and it fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Panda & Sons
Media credit: mgseaver
Website: http://www.pandaandsons.com/
Address: 79 Queen St.
Contact details: +44 131 220 0443
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Alright, so Panda & Sons is like walking into a quirky mystery. First off, don’t be thrown off when you arrive because the bar looks like an old-fashioned barbershop from the outside.
They’ve got an impressive selection of cocktails that are as fun to drink as they are to look at, ranging from classics to their own creative inventions. If you’re into whiskey, you’re in for a treat; they’ve got a killer selection that’s sure to hit the spot.
And if you’re there with a group, they’ve got some fantastic punch bowls that are perfect for sharing.
Pro tip:
Make sure you keep an eye out for the hidden back room; it’s often less crowded and offers a bit more privacy for your group.
Copper Blossom
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Website: https://www.copperblossom.com/
Address: 107 George St.
Contact details: +44 131 230 0617
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Thursday and Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: £££
Copper Blossom is another must-visit in Edinburgh if you’re keen on discovering some hidden spots. It’s not immediately obvious from the outside, but once you get in, you’re greeted by a wide range of drinks that cover all the bases.
From crafted cocktails and an extensive gin list to a decent beer and wine selection, they’ve pretty much got you covered. Their cocktail menu is particularly impressive, featuring both classic and modern selections that are consistently well-executed.
Oh, and they serve a selection of small plates and sharing platters, so it’s a great spot if you’re feeling a bit peckish. The food pairs really well with their drink offerings, making it easy to settle in for a long, relaxing evening.
Pro tip:
During busy times, it might be a good idea to make a reservation, especially if you’re planning to come with a group.
The Last Word
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Website: http://www.lastwordsaloon.com/
Address: 44 St Stephen St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 9009
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
The Last Word is the kind of place that feels like a real find. It’s a cozy little spot located on St. Stephen Street, and they’re all about the craft of cocktails.
The menu here is tight but packed with some highly inventive drinks that will definitely pique your curiosity. They’ve got everything from old-school classics to modern twists.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always ask for an off-menu creation; they love a good challenge. It’s the kind of place where you can geek out over the details of mezcal or simply enjoy a well-made drink.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their selection of whiskies and other spirits, which is pretty impressive for such a cosy spot.
The place isn’t huge and can get quite busy, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want a more relaxed experience.
The Bon Vivant
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Website: http://www.bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk/
Address: 55 Thistle St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 3275
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday, Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ££
Alright, so let’s chat about The Bon Vivant on Thistle St. Their drink menu is quite extensive, and you’ll definitely find something that suits your taste, whether you’re into classic concoctions or the more inventive side of mixology.
And hey, if you’re after some quality nibbles to go along with your drinks, you’re in luck—their selection of bar snacks is pretty spot-on. A lot of folks end up raving about their charcuterie boards and small plates, so you might want to give those a go.
Plus, if you’re a wine lover, they’ve got a great selection of wines, which makes it an all-around great spot to hang out with friends or even have a low-key date night.
Pro tip:
Just a heads-up: kids 5 and under aren’t allowed, so make sure you plan ahead to keep things easy and stress-free.
Tonic
Media credit: tonicedin
Website: http://www.bar-tonic.co.uk/
Address: 34A N Castle St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 6431
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Tonic is like one of those hidden gems where you’ll always leave feeling like you’ve discovered something new. Their cocktail menu spans a variety of flavours and spirits, so expect to find everything from gin and tonic to some pretty off-the-wall creations.
What’s really cool about Tonic is their focus on quality and presentation. If you’re a bit of a cocktail nerd (no judgement here! ), you’ll appreciate the care and detail put into each drink.
Moreover, if you’re not in the mood for cocktails, they also have a variety of beers, ciders, and wines.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for their seasonal cocktails. They switch things up fairly often, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any limited-time offerings.
Also, get there early if you want to snag a good spot; this place can fill up pretty quickly, especially on weekends.
Dragonfly
Media credit: dragonflyedinburgh
Website: https://www.dragonflycocktailbar.com/
Address: 52 West Port
Contact details: +44 131 228 4543
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 1 AM to 1 PM
Cost: £££
Dragonfly on West Port is another one you don’t want to skip. This bar has been around for a bit, and it’s got a pretty loyal following; once you go, you’ll see why.
They offer an array of drinks that are both classic and creative cocktails, and their rotating menu means there’s usually something new to try every time you visit.
Aside from cocktails, they also have an extensive list of wines, beers, canned drinks, and even mocktails.
Pro tip:
If you’re into trying new things, ask the bartender for something off-menu or to surprise you based on your preferences. They’re usually more than happy to whip up something unique that’s not on the list.
Lucky Liquor Co
Media credit: luckyliquorco
Website: http://www.luckyliquorco.com/
Address: 39A Queen St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 4290
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Lucky Liquor Co. is pretty well known for its rotating list of cocktails, each one crafted with a lot of creativity. They change up their menu every three months, so there’s always a reason to come back and see what new concoctions they’ve come up with.
It keeps things fresh and exciting, which is pretty cool if you like trying out new flavours and drink styles. You might find some unexpected elements in your drink, but that’s part of the fun.
Plus, their canned cocktails are absolutely worth checking out if you want to take a little taste of the bar home with you. Oh, and their bar staff, by the way, are super enthusiastic and always down for a good chat.
Pro tip:
If there’s a particular drink you really enjoy, ask the bartender about the next rotation; they often take feedback into consideration when creating new menus.
