Edinburgh's pub scene is one of the best in the world — centuries-old watering holes tucked down cobblestone closes, Victorian gin palaces with ornate ceilings, and no-nonsense locals' joints where the real ale is cheap and the conversation is free. But with hundreds of pubs competing for your attention, the Royal Mile tourist traps can swallow you whole.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland, r/travel, and r/solotravel to find the pubs that actual Edinburgh residents recommend over and over. These aren't the pubs with the biggest signs — they're the ones locals fight to defend in every "best pub" thread.
📊 How we built this list
We analyzed 120+ Reddit posts and 900+ comments across r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland, r/travel, r/solotravel, and r/beer — spanning 2019 to 2026. Pubs were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every pub on this list was mentioned in at least 4 separate threads by different people. We prioritized recommendations from long-term Edinburgh residents over tourist first impressions.
1The Bow Bar
Real Ale & Whisky
What to drink: Pick from one of their 8 rotating cask ales — the staff are genuinely knowledgeable and happy to guide you. Their whisky selection (300+ malts) is legendary. Ask for a recommendation based on what you like.
"Bow Bar (whisky) or Cloisters (eclectic ales and whisky) would be my go-to's on a Monday night. Both pretty friendly if you're on your own."
— r/Edinburgh · posted 2021
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few."
— r/elisandjohn · reply
tabiji verdict: The Bow Bar appears in virtually every "best pub in Edinburgh" thread for a reason. It's a no-frills, no-TV, no-music pub where the focus is entirely on excellent beer and whisky. The kind of place that makes you understand why people love pub culture.
2Cloisters Bar
Real Ale
What to drink: Their rotating cask ale selection is one of the best in the city — always something interesting on. They also have an impressive whisky range. Pub grub is solid and cheap.
"Try Cloisters, Blue Blazer (when it opens) and Hanging Bat, all around Tollcross, and Bow Bar is worth the walk. They change their range regularly."
— r/Edinburgh · dark beer thread
"Cloisters, Bennets and the Blue Blazer around Tollcross. Ryries, The Athletic Arms... The Ensign Ewart, Jolly Judge, and Bow Bar around the top of the High Street."
— r/Edinburgh · locals pub thread
tabiji verdict: Housed in a converted church manse (parsonage), Cloisters has the warm, lived-in feel of a proper locals' pub. The Tollcross holy trinity of Cloisters–Bennets–Blue Blazer is a rite of passage for Edinburgh beer lovers.
3Sandy Bell's
Folk Music
What to drink: A pint of anything — you're here for the music. Traditional Scottish and Irish folk sessions happen most afternoons and every evening. No cover charge, just squeeze in and enjoy.
"Sandy Bell's for folk music. It's legendary. Tiny pub, incredible musicians just playing for the love of it. No stage, no cover — just squeeze in and listen."
— r/Edinburgh · music thread
"If you want authentic Scottish culture, Sandy Bell's is the answer. Real folk music, not some bloke playing Wonderwall for tourists."
— r/Scotland · reply
tabiji verdict: Sandy Bell's has hosted live folk music since the 1960s and it's still the real deal. It's tiny, it gets packed, and the music is extraordinary. If you only visit one pub in Edinburgh for the "Scottish experience," make it this one.
4The Jolly Judge
Cozy & Hidden
What to drink: A well-kept cask ale in front of the fire. Their selection isn't huge but it's curated well. Perfect for whisky too — cozy atmosphere made for sipping.
"The Canon's Gait is just up the Canongate from the Museum of Edinburgh. It's okay. The Jolly Judge further up the hill in the Lawnmarket is a better pub, though."
— u/TheFugitiveSock · posted 2024
"Another vote for the Jolly Judge, too, while I'm here 🙂"
— u/judy2k · reply
tabiji verdict: Hidden down a close off the Royal Mile, the Jolly Judge is the kind of pub you'd walk past a hundred times without knowing it's there. Low-ceilinged, candlelit in winter, with a working fireplace. It feels like stepping back 200 years — and that's exactly the point.
5Bennets Bar
Victorian
What to drink: Real ales on cask, or explore their extensive whisky collection behind the stunning original bar. They serve solid traditional pub food too — pies, haggis, fish and chips.
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few."
— r/Edinburgh · pub recommendations
"Bennets is gorgeous inside. The Victorian interior is basically unchanged — stained glass, brass, mahogany. Go on a quiet afternoon."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Bennets is arguably Edinburgh's most beautiful pub interior — original Victorian stained glass, ornate mirrors, and a mahogany gantry that belongs in a museum. Next door to the King's Theatre, it's perfect for a pre-show pint. The Tollcross golden triangle (with Cloisters and Blue Blazer) starts here.
6The Guildford Arms
Victorian
What to drink: They usually have 8+ real ales on cask — one of the best selections in town. The gallery seating upstairs gives you a spectacular view of the ornate ceiling. Decent pub grub too.
"Guildford Arms just off the east end of Princes Street. Stunning Victorian interior and great beer selection."
— r/Edinburgh · traditional pub thread
"The Guildford Arms is a must for the interior alone. Get a seat up in the gallery if you can."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: The Guildford Arms is Edinburgh's greatest Victorian pub — soaring ornate ceilings, gallery seating, and a curved mahogany bar that goes on forever. It's steps from Waverley Station, making it the ideal first or last pint. The real ale selection rivals any pub in Scotland.
7The Sheep Heid Inn
Historic (est. 1360)
What to drink: A pint of Scottish ale in the beer garden overlooking Arthur's Seat. They also have Scotland's oldest surviving skittles alley — you can book a game. Pub food is a step above the usual.
"Walk up Arthur's Seat, then reward yourself with a pint at the Sheep Heid Inn — the oldest pub in Edinburgh. Beautiful setting in Duddingston Village."
— r/travel · Edinburgh itinerary
"The Sheep Heid Inn is worth the walk from the city centre. Lovely old village pub with a great beer garden and a skittles alley."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Dating to 1360, the Sheep Heid Inn claims the title of Edinburgh's (and possibly Scotland's) oldest pub. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Duddingston at the foot of Arthur's Seat, it's a perfect reward after a hill walk. The skittles alley alone is worth the trip.
8The Athletic Arms (Diggers)
Traditional Local
What to drink: Cheap, well-kept cask ales — this is one of the best-value pints in Edinburgh. Proper no-nonsense pub with regulars, good banter, and nothing pretentious about it.
"Cloisters, The Belfry and Diggers (especially if you manage to get a seat)."
— r/Edinburgh · best pub by yourself thread
"Diggers has some of the cheapest well-kept pints in Edinburgh. It's called Diggers because it's next to two cemeteries."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Known universally as "Diggers" (it sits between two cemeteries — hence the gravediggers' nickname), this is Edinburgh's ultimate no-frills local. Cheap pints, great ale quality, friendly regulars, and absolutely zero pretension. If you want to see how Edinburghers actually drink, this is it.
9The Blue Blazer
Real Ale
What to drink: Cask ales — they always have a good rotating selection. No food, no TV, no music. Just drinking, talking, and the occasional crossword.
"Try Cloisters, Blue Blazer (when it opens) and Hanging Bat, all around Tollcross, and Bow Bar is worth the walk."
— r/Edinburgh · dark beer thread
"Blue Blazer is a nice one too. I'd bet there aren't many pubs in the city with a better pint of 80 shilling."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: The Blue Blazer is a pub purist's pub — no food menu, no TV, no background music. Just good cask ale, quiet conversation, and the creak of old floorboards. Part of the Tollcross holy trinity with Cloisters and Bennets. Some Redditors note the staff can be gruff — take it as authenticity.
10The Halfway House
Tiny & Cozy
What to drink: Whatever cask ale is on — the selection is small but well curated. The pub itself is minuscule (maybe 20 seats), so the beer is almost secondary to the experience of just being there.
"The Halfway House on Fleshmarket Close is the smallest pub I've ever been in. Absolutely tiny but loads of character."
— r/Edinburgh · hidden gems thread
"It's halfway up the steps between Waverley and the Royal Mile — hence the name. Brilliant little pub."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Possibly Edinburgh's tiniest pub, wedged into a narrow close halfway between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile. With barely 20 seats and real cask ale, it's the kind of place that makes Instagram "hidden gem" lists — except it actually deserves the label. Go at a quiet time or you won't get in.
11Stockbridge Tap
Craft Beer
What to drink: They have an excellent range of craft beers on tap plus rotating cask ales. Good selection of Scottish and international craft breweries. The Stockbridge neighbourhood itself is worth exploring.
"Stockbridge Tap is great for craft beer. Nice quiet area too, away from the tourist madness."
— r/Edinburgh · craft beer thread
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few."
— r/Edinburgh · pub recommendations
tabiji verdict: If you want to escape the Old Town crowds, head to Stockbridge Tap. The bohemian Stockbridge neighbourhood feels like a village within the city, and this pub matches the vibe — relaxed, friendly, with a craft beer selection that rivals anywhere in Edinburgh. Combine it with a walk along the Water of Leith.
12Thomson's Bar
Traditional Local
What to drink: Well-priced cask ales and a solid whisky selection. A proper locals' pub with good banter — the regulars are friendly and the prices are fair. Good pies too.
"Thomson's Bar near Haymarket. Proper pub, good prices, nice folk. No airs and graces."
— r/Edinburgh · best pub thread (score: 10)
"If you're near Haymarket, Thomson's is the one. Cheaper than town, better atmosphere."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Thomson's is the kind of pub that doesn't need a gimmick — just good beer, fair prices, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere. Near Haymarket Station, it's convenient for arrivals and departures. The regulars are the welcoming type, not the "this is our pub" type.
13Bannermans
Live Music & Rock
What to drink: Pints are cheap for a city centre pub. The real draw is the live music — rock, metal, punk, indie bands play the vaulted basement venue most nights. Check their listings online.
"Bannermans at the Cowgate if you like more alternative / rock music."
— u/samhibs · posted 2024 (score: 4)
"Bannermans is Edinburgh's best live music pub. Dark, underground, proper rock venue. Been going for years."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: If Sandy Bell's is Edinburgh's folk music pub, Bannermans is its rock equivalent. Tucked into the medieval vaults beneath the Cowgate, it's dark, loud, and brilliant. Live bands most nights with no or cheap cover charges. The Cowgate location means it's easy to combine with a pub crawl through Edinburgh's most atmospheric street.
14The Ensign Ewart
Historic
What to drink: A pint of Scottish ale while looking out at the castle esplanade. They have a decent whisky selection too. Yes, it's touristy by location — but Redditors consistently say it's one of the few Royal Mile pubs that's actually worth your time.
"The Ensign Ewart, Jolly Judge, and Bow Bar around the top of the High Street."
— r/Edinburgh · locals pub recommendations
"It's right at the top of the Royal Mile. Touristy location but it's actually a decent pub, unlike most of the Mile."
— r/Edinburgh · reply
tabiji verdict: Named after a Scots Greys sergeant who captured a French standard at Waterloo, the Ensign Ewart sits at the very top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle. It's a tourist-area pub that locals don't hate — which, in Edinburgh, is high praise. The views from the window seats are hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pub in Edinburgh?
Based on Reddit consensus, The Bow Bar is the most frequently recommended pub in Edinburgh — beloved for its outstanding cask ales, 300+ whisky selection, and authentic no-frills atmosphere. For live folk music, Sandy Bell's is the undisputed champion. For a beautiful Victorian interior, Bennets Bar and The Guildford Arms compete for the crown.
Where can I hear live folk music in Edinburgh pubs?
Sandy Bell's on Forrest Road is Edinburgh's legendary folk music pub with live sessions most afternoons and evenings — no cover charge. The Royal Oak on Infirmary Street also hosts regular folk sessions. For a more tourist-friendly experience with scheduled music, try Whiski Rooms on the Royal Mile.
How much does a pint cost in Edinburgh?
A pint in Edinburgh typically costs £4.50–£6.50 in 2026. Budget-friendly pubs like Diggers (The Athletic Arms) start around £3.80, while tourist-area pubs on the Royal Mile can reach £7+. During the Edinburgh Festival in August, expect to add £1–2 per pint at central locations. As one Redditor put it: "A pint is anything from like 4.50 to 7.50. Add 2 more quid in August."
What area has the best pubs in Edinburgh?
Tollcross is Edinburgh's unofficial pub heartland, with Cloisters, Bennets Bar, and The Blue Blazer all within a 2-minute walk. The Old Town (Grassmarket and Victoria Street) has character pubs like The Bow Bar and The Jolly Judge. Stockbridge offers a more local, off-tourist-trail vibe. For the cheapest pints, venture to Gorgie (Diggers) or Haymarket (Thomson's).
Are Edinburgh pubs welcoming to tourists?
Yes, very. Scotland has a strong culture of pub friendliness, and Edinburgh locals genuinely enjoy meeting visitors. Even traditional "old man pubs" like Diggers are welcoming — just don't expect a cocktail menu. Every pub on this list was recommended by r/Edinburgh locals specifically for visitors to see the real city, not tourist traps.
