Scottish pubs are my absolute favorite! The atmosphere, the people, THE DRINKS, the music! I just love it all. There aren't too many places you can go that are usually crammed with locals who aren't afraid to start up a conversation with a stranger. There's just something special about sharing a pint with someone you just met and having a great conversation. Whether you're looking for a dram of scotch, a pint of real ale, or a beautifully crafted cocktail, these pubs should definitely be on your list to try!

The Royal Oak

Right on the corner of South Bridge and Infirmary Street sits The Royal Oak. It's a must if you're looking for an authentic pub. The place itself is pretty small, which just adds to the experience. People are crammed in, mostly standing, and local musicians sit alongside customers, playing their instruments and enjoying their pints. Some people sing along to old Scottish tunes while others close their eyes and lose themselves to the music of their ancestors. The Royal Oak has a downstairs as well, but I dont believe it's always open. It may depend on the day or if they have a small gig scheduled. It's as small as the upstairs room though, hosting only a few tables and its own bar. Don't expect to find a fancy cocktail menu here. It's more of a beer or scotch kind of place. Regardless of which room you're in, or what you end up drinking, expect a cozy atmosphere filled with tradition, soul and booze.

Under The Stairs

Located on Merchant Street, near the Grassmarket, Under The Stairs is a great hidden gem! A local brought me here one night and I really fell in love with the place. The vibe is super chill and relaxed, but more refined than a traditional pub. Comfy arm chairs and sofas throughout the dimly lit space and local art decorating the walls make it feel super cozy and comfortable. Under The Stairs has an awesome, ecletic food menu as well, if you're looking to eat- and it's all droolworthy stuff! From snacking on a cheese or charcuterie board with your beverage of choice to a coursed dinner, you really can't go wrong! And the prices are super reasonable. They open at 3PM and stay open until midnight, with the exception of Friday and Saturday when they open at noon and close at 1AM. So either pop over for a nightcap or opt for a couple shared plates in the afternoon.

Devils Advocate

This place is a whisky and gastro pub lover's dream! Tucked down Advocate's Close, The Devil's Advocate boasts an insane 300+ whisky list and an equally exciting food menu. Not only is its setting unique in that it's down an alleyway, but it's also inside an old Victorian Pump House. You walk into high ceilings, exosed stone and beautifully backbit liquor bottles luring you inside. Upstairs you'll find tables set for dining and an outdoor patio. On the main level however, there are a few booths tucked down a dimly lit hallway. See if they're available before heading upstairs. The Devil's Advocate opens for lunch so feel free to start your tasting day early!

Amber Restaurant

The Amber bar is located under The Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile, up near the castle. And I know what you're thinking, it's got to be packed with tourists paying premium prices for a novelty drink. But it's totally not! Surprisingly, the bar has probably the largest scotch collection in the city and not only are the prices reasonable, but they also serve your scotch with a pippette! Talk about proper scotch drinking ettiqutte! For those of you not familiar, the amount of water added to a scotch can drastically change the taste. A single drop of water can really open up the scotch and allows for different tasting notes to come through on the palette. Pippettes allow you to control just how much water you're adding in. Amber bar doesnt stay open late though, 8:30PM Sunday-Thursday and 9PM on Friday and Saturday.

Bramble Bar

Easy to miss, Bramble Bar is in New Town on the corner of Queen Street and Hanover Street on the lower level. The place is small and cozy and totally unique! This is the bar to visit if youre looking for a beautifully crafted cocktail. The bartenders definitely know what they're doing and your taste buds will be grateful for it! Expect your cocktails to look as good as they taste, with some being served in teacups that have stems. Talk about fun glassware! If you're a gin drinker, go ahead and check out their gin list! They even have rotating guest gins that change every month. Bramble Bar opens at 4PM and closes at 1AM everyday. With The Stand Comedy Club right down the street, Bramble Bar is a great place to come before or after a show. Or both, if you're smart.

Roseleaf

If you're bougie and like your cocktails served in teapots, check out Roseleaf in Leith! Make sure to visit with a friend if you're hoping to order a "pot-tail" since theyre for 2+ people. The first time I visited Roseleaf, I was traveling alone. So it was the perfect excuse to come back when my sister was in town! Not only did we share a cocktail teapot, but we also split a few things off the food menu, including a beet burger and the macaroni and cheese. Hey, it's about balance, right? The beet burger was DELICIOUS and the mac n cheese had bacon, truffle and a crust... Enough said. They do have a lot of healthier options on the menu, but we don't have any willpower when it comes to pasta and cheese. Roseleaf opens in the morning, so it's a great place for lunch as well!

Guildford Arms

Located near Waverley Station, down a side street off Princes, Guildford Arms is the perfect example of an old Victorian bar. The inside is gorgeous with its carved wood bar and etched glass windows. The carpeting is red with gold patterns, emphasizing the prim Victorian era. Cask ale hand pulls decorate the bartop and that's exactly what you should be drinking here! Sample a few until you find one you like. Take a seat at one of the small tables along the wall and people watch a bit or head up to the mezzanine level for the dining room if you're hungry. Considering its location, Guildford Arms is the perfect place to stop and grab a pint whether you're waiting for your train at Waverley or just finished checking out Calton Hill!

Where to Drink in Edinburgh