The best pubs in Edinburgh: 31 ranked (2026)

#1 Photo to come

The Jolly Judge

★ 4.6 (2,786)

7, 493 James' Ct, Lawnmarket, EH1 2PB

Best for cask ale and cider by the fire in a low-beamed basement off the Royal Mile.

Cosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Specializing in cask ale and draught cider, this cozy pub is tucked away across from the magical [Writers’ Museum](https://cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/writers-museum).”Saveur

On 5 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Roaming Numeral, Edinburgh CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#1) winner, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, Solo Sophie)
Recommended 5 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 2,786 reviews
Score 14 = 2 × 5 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#2 Photo to come

Sandy Bell's

★ 4.5 (1,501)

25 Forrest Rd, EH1 2QH

Best for traditional folk sessions, which it's hosted since the 1940s.

TraditionalSmall

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Folk music is part and parcel of pub culture, and Sandy Bell’s is the capital of it.”Saveur

On 4 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Roaming Numeral, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman)
Recommended 4 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 1,501 reviews
Score 12 = 2 × 4 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#3 Photo to come

The Oxford Bar

★ 4.5 (1,160)

8 Young St, EH2 4JB

Best for Ian Rankin's Rebus pub, an unreconstructed New Town bar.

TraditionalReal ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Known as one of author Ian Rankin's favourite Edinburgh pubs, The Oxford bar features in many of his Rebus series.”The Scotsman

On 3 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman, Solo Sophie)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 1,160 reviews
Score 9 = 2 × 3 lists + 3 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#4 Photo to come

The Athletic Arms (The Diggers)

★ 4.7 (1,235)

1-3 Angle Park Terrace, EH11 2JX

Best for 500-plus whiskies, 22 taps and award-winning pies.

Traditional

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Named the Athletic Arms when it opened in 1897, this Victorian pub is known as Diggers thanks to its close proximity to two graveyards.”The Scotsman

On 2 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman)
Recommended 5 times on Reddit
Google 4.7★ from 1,235 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#5 Photo to come

The Sheep Heid Inn

★ 4.4 (3,648)

43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA

Best for a pint after Arthur's Seat, on a site that's claimed to have had an inn since 1360.

Sunday roastHistoricBeer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It is believed that there has been a pub on the site since 1360.”The Scotsman

On 3 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman, Solo Sophie)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.4★ from 3,648 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 3 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#6 Photo to come

Kay's Bar

★ 4.8 (880)

39 Jamaica St, EH3 6HF

Best for cask ale and a huge whisky list in a quiet local with no TVs or music.

Traditional

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Now, it’s a pub with an enormous whisky selection and the best cask ales in the city.”Saveur

On 3 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, Solo Sophie)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 880 reviews
Score 7 = 2 × 3 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#7 Photo to come

Bennets

★ 4.6 (1,342)

8 Leven St, EH3 9LG

Best for the city's last original gantry with spirit casks, and over 100 single malts.

TraditionalLive music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The pub is home to the city's last original gantry featuring four spirit casks, and a series of mirrors with hand-painted tile surrounds.”The Scotsman

On 3 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman)
Google 4.6★ from 1,342 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#8 Photo to come

Malt & Hops

★ 4.6 (958)

45 Shore, EH6 6QU

Best for rotating cask ales on the Shore, with jazz on Sundays.

Real aleCosyTraditional

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Real ale freehouse on the waterfront with rotating cask beers and a relaxed atmosphere.”Everything Edinburgh

On 3 of 11 lists (Edinburgh Pub Reviews, Solo Sophie, Everything Edinburgh)
Google 4.6★ from 958 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#9 Photo to come

The Guildford Arms

★ 4.5 (4,455)

1 W Register St, EH2 2AA

Best for a city-centre bar where tourists and locals mix.

TraditionalReal ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Times said the city centre pub was somewhere were 'tourists and locals happily mix'.”The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh

On 2 of 11 lists (Edinburgh CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#3), The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 4,455 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#10 Photo to come

Cold Town House

★ 4.4 (3,467)

4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

Best for beer brewed on site and a rooftop terrace facing the castle.

Live music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Cold Town House is actually a micro-brewery and brew all their beers on site.”Chris and Wren's World

On 3 of 11 lists (Edinburgh Pub Reviews, The Roaming Numeral, Chris and Wren's World)
Google 4.4★ from 3,467 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#11 Photo to come

Roseleaf

★ 4.8 (2,436)

23/24 Sandport Pl, EH6 6EW

Best for classic pub food like cullen skink by the Water of Leith.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“So after an appetite-whetting stroll along the Water of Leith, head to Roseleaf for some classic pub food.”Saveur

On 2 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 2,436 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#12 Photo to come

Teuchters Landing

★ 4.6 (4,066)

1c Dock Pl, EH6 6LU

Best for a heated beer garden over the dock in Leith.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Dockside freehouse with a heated beer garden over the water, great food (breakfast from 10am), whisky and beer.”Everything Edinburgh

On 2 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, Everything Edinburgh)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 4,066 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#13 Photo to come

St Vincent Bar

★ 4.6 (753)

11 St Vincent St, EH3 6SW

Best for board games in a basement pub off Circus Lane.

Cosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —no data

Why it's here

“At one end of it is St. Vincent, affectionately called “The Vinnie,” a basement pub with cocktails, local beers, and plenty of board games.”Saveur

On 2 of 11 lists (Saveur, Edinburgh Pub Reviews)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 753 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#14 Photo to come

Starbar

★ 4.6 (616)

1 Northumberland Pl, EH3 6LQ

Best for an oddly decorated New Town bar that the Times calls ineffably cool.

Beer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“A unique pub experience in Edinburgh.”Edinburgh Pub Reviews

On 2 of 11 lists (Edinburgh Pub Reviews, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 616 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#15 Photo to come

Cafe Royal

★ 4.4 (3,732)

19 W Register St, EH2 2AA

Best for a circular bar and ornate Victorian fittings.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food

Why it's here

“This pub is famed for its iconic circular bar and ornate Victorian fittings, the establishment previously starred on the big screen in the 1981 Eric Liddell biopic Chariots of Fire.”The Scotsman

On 2 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, The Scotsman)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.4★ from 3,732 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#16 Photo to come

The Dreadnought

★ 4.8 (655)

72 N Fort St, EH6 4HL

Best for hand-pulled ales at Edinburgh CAMRA's Pub of the Year 2026.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Award-winning craft beer bar with 4 changing hand-pulled ales.”Everything Edinburgh

On 2 of 11 lists (Edinburgh CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#1) winner, Everything Edinburgh)
Google 4.8★ from 655 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#17 Photo to come

Salt Horse

★ 4.7 (1,625)

57-61 Blackfriars St, EH1 1NB

Best for craft beer from 14 taps and over 200 cans and bottles.

Beer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“For those interested in craft beer, Salt Horse is the place for you!”The Roaming Numeral

On 1 of 11 lists (The Roaming Numeral)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.7★ from 1,625 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#18 Photo to come

The Bow Bar

★ 4.6 (2,756)

80 W Bow, EH1 2HH

Best for a traditional bar that knows how to keep its drink.

Traditional

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Judge then down to Bow Bar is a decent wee solo jaunt…”r/Edinburgh

On 1 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 2,756 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#19 Photo to come

The Dagda Bar

★ 4.6 (544)

93-95 Buccleuch St, EH8 9NG

Best for an honest boozer with cask beer, whisky and a quiz.

Real aleSmall

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“There are no particular bells and whistles here—it’s just an honest-to-goodness excellent boozer.”Saveur

On 1 of 11 lists (Saveur)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 544 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#20 Photo to come

The World's End

★ 4.5 (5,852)

2-8 High St, EH1 1TB

Best for pub food behind 16th-century walls on the Royal Mile.

Fish and chipsCosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The World’s End is a must visit if you are in Edinburgh.”Chris and Wren's World

On 2 of 11 lists (Chris and Wren's World, The Scotsman)
Google 4.5★ from 5,852 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#21 Photo to come

The White Hart Inn

★ 4.5 (3,241)

32-34 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

Best for folk music in one of Edinburgh's oldest pubs, on the Grassmarket.

Live musicCosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The White Hart Inn is one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, and its prominent location in Grassmarket Square has ensured a steady flow of visitors since its founding in 1516.”The Roaming Numeral

On 2 of 11 lists (The Roaming Numeral, The Scotsman)
Google 4.5★ from 3,241 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#22 Photo to come

The Queens Arms

★ 4.5 (2,600)

49 Frederick St, EH2 1EP

Best for an underground bar lined with bookshelves, and good food.

Sunday roastFish and chips

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Queens Arms is a cozy underground pub, lined with bookshelves and comfortable seating.”The Roaming Numeral

On 1 of 11 lists (The Roaming Numeral)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 2,600 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#23 Photo to come

The Royal Oak

★ 4.5 (1,352)

1 Infirmary St, EH1 1LT

Best for folk music in a tiny traditional pub.

Small

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —no data

Why it's here

“The venue is well known for live music and seems to be quite local.”The Roaming Numeral

On 2 of 11 lists (The Roaming Numeral, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Google 4.5★ from 1,352 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#24 Photo to come

Cloisters Bar

★ 4.5 (1,088)

26 Brougham St, EH3 9JH

Best for a long list of beers, wines and whiskies in Bruntsfield.

Real ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Cloisters, The Belfry and Diggers (especially if you manage to get into the dugout) are best for it…”r/Edinburgh

On 1 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 1,088 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#25 Photo to come

Port O' Leith

★ 4.5 (557)

58 Constitution St, EH6 6RS

Best for cheap drinks and conversation at a Leith institution.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Trendy bar with outside seating, a true Leith institution known for affordable drinks and good conversation.”Everything Edinburgh

On 2 of 11 lists (The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, Everything Edinburgh)
Google 4.5★ from 557 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#26 Photo to come

The Finch

★ 4.9 (87)

2-4 Bath Rd, EH6 7JT

Best for a Leith neighbourhood bar with a heated terrace and a weekly quiz.

Beer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“A perfect place to catch a taste of it is The Finch, a neighborhood pub not far from the Leith port.”Saveur

On 2 of 11 lists (Saveur, Everything Edinburgh)
Google 4.9★ from 87 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#27 Photo to come

The Last Drop

★ 4.4 (5,617)

74-78 Grassmarket, EH1 2JR

Best for pies in a Grassmarket pub named for the old gallows.

Live musicHistoric

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“This historic pub in the Grassmarket serves pub food and "unbeatable pies."”The Scotsman

On 2 of 11 lists (The Roaming Numeral, The Scotsman)
Google 4.4★ from 5,617 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#28 Photo to come

The Abbotsford

★ 4.4 (2,915)

3-5 Rose St, EH2 2PR

Best for an Edwardian island bar on Rose Street with no music.

TraditionalReal aleFish and chips

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…this pub has a very old-time feel to it and there’s no music, just the sound of good old-fashioned chatting.”Solo Sophie

On 1 of 11 lists (Solo Sophie)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit, 1 against
Google 4.4★ from 2,915 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit − 1

Full details Directions ↗

#29 Photo to come

Canny Man's

★ 4.4 (1,180)

237 Morningside Rd, EH10 4QU

Best for antique-filled rooms and its own whisky in Morningside.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“There are old-man pubs, and there are old-school pubs.”Saveur

On 2 of 11 lists (Saveur, The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh)
Google 4.4★ from 1,180 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#30 Photo to come

The Barony Bar

★ 4.4 (1,079)

81-85 Broughton St, EH1 3RJ

Best for real ale, live music and a quiz in a pub dating from 1896.

Live musicSunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Dating from 1896, this pub plays host to live music, a pub quiz and serves food as well as real ale.”The Scotsman

On 2 of 11 lists (Edinburgh Pub Reviews, The Scotsman)
Google 4.4★ from 1,079 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#31 Photo to come

Clark's Bar

★ 4.4 (282)

142 Dundas St, EH3 5DQ

Best for bell-push back rooms in a traditional bar from 1899.

Locals' pub

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Clark's is a traditional bar which opened in 1899, with two sitting rooms at the back that have bell-pushes for service and mirror-like bronze top tables.”The Scotsman

On 2 of 11 lists (Edinburgh Pub Reviews, The Scotsman)
Google 4.4★ from 282 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

More ways to pick a pub in Edinburgh

Where this comes from

Each pub scores 2 for every published list or award that names it and 1 for every Reddit recommendation (up to 4), minus any Reddit comments against it. To get on the page a pub needs two lists, or one list and two Reddit recommendations, so one writer's favourite can't top it. Google rating only breaks ties. Every card shows its score and the sources behind it, and quotes are checked word for word against the page they came from.

Saveur guide · Jul 2026
Condé Nast Traveller guide · Jun 2026
Edinburgh Pub Reviews guide · Dec 2025
The Roaming Numeral guide · Jan 2025
Chris and Wren's World guide · Nov 2025
Edinburgh CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 award · Feb 2026
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2026 award · Sep 2026
r/Edinburgh Reddit · Mar 2026
The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh guide · Dec 2025
The Scotsman guide · Jul 2025
Solo Sophie guide · Jul 2026
Everything Edinburgh guide · Sep 2026
r/Edinburgh Reddit · Jun 2025
r/Edinburgh Reddit · Sep 2025
r/Edinburgh Reddit · Dec 2025

We read Google's business data for 729 Edinburgh pubs on 26 Oct 2026, covering review topics, rating, hours, busy times and listed features. Nobody paid to be here. How we rank has the detail.

Hours, busy times and features come from Google and can change. Check with the pub before a special trip.