Best Bars near Edinburgh Zoo

Nestled in Edinburgh’s West End, The Jolly Botanist is a specialist gin bar known for its inviting Victorian-style interior, extensive gin selection, and hearty Scottish-inspired pub fare. With a friendly atmosphere and quirky decor, it offers a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary conviviality, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s vibrant West End, The Rat Pack Piano & Cocktail Bar offers an intimate American-style piano bar experience. Known for its lively live music featuring classic tunes from the 60s to 90s, expertly crafted cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, this venue blends nostalgic charm with modern nightlife. Its late-night hours and mix of cozy seating and lively spaces make it a popular spot for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Heads & Tales Gin Bar is a stylish, intimate gin-focused cocktail bar nestled in Edinburgh’s West End, beneath the Rutland Hotel. Known for its unique atmosphere, it features two active Edinburgh Gin stills, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the distilling process. The bar serves an extensive menu of creative gin cocktails alongside seasonal sharing plates and Asian-inspired snacks, creating a vibrant yet cozy setting ideal for gin lovers and social gatherings.

All Bar One Exchange Plaza is a stylish, contemporary wine bar located in the heart of Edinburgh on Lothian Road. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and a diverse menu of drinks and sharing plates, it is a popular spot for after-work gatherings and casual meetups. Conveniently close to Haymarket and Princes Street, it offers a modern, welcoming space with a moderate price range.

The Caley Bar, located within the historic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, is a sophisticated cocktail and whisky bar blending Victorian railway heritage with modern luxury. Open daily from 5 pm, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and an extensive selection of Scottish whiskies. The bar’s elegant interior, inspired by vintage train carriages, makes it a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed evening in Edinburgh’s city centre.

BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road is a vibrant bar and brewery located in a striking former bank building on Edinburgh’s Festival Square. Known for its extensive selection of craft beers on tap, innovative cocktails, and a menu featuring legendary burgers and wings, this spot combines industrial-chic ambiance with a lively atmosphere. It welcomes families, dogs, and craft beer enthusiasts alike, offering both indoor and outdoor seating in Edinburgh’s dynamic West End.

NQ64 Arcade Bar in Edinburgh is a vibrant, neon-lit venue blending retro arcade gaming with expertly crafted cocktails. Located on Lothian Road near the old town, it features 27 arcade machines, 2 pinball tables, and 5 retro consoles, alongside a menu of themed cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits. Open late every day, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for gaming enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike, with food served by Pizza Geeks until 9pm.

Located on Lothian Road in Edinburgh’s vibrant West End, the Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom is a lively hub for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers. Known for its extensive selection of Innis & Gunn beers alongside local and international brews, it offers hearty Scottish pub classics, especially its famed steak frites with unlimited garlic butter fries. With a spacious, modern interior and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for pre-theatre drinks, casual meals, and live music events.

The Raging Bull is a vibrant cocktail bar located at 161 Lothian Road in Edinburgh, famed for its exceptional Espresso Martini variations and welcoming atmosphere. This stylish venue combines a quirky, fun vibe with expertly crafted drinks, making it a top choice for cocktail lovers. It features a spacious private party room, hosts free Fringe shows, and offers cocktail masterclasses, blending sophistication with a lively social scene.

Nestled beneath Edinburgh’s Queen Street, Panda & Sons is a stylish speakeasy cocktail bar disguised as a vintage barbershop. Renowned for its theatrical, expertly crafted cocktails and immersive 1920s ambiance, it offers a unique drinking experience with attentive service, cozy low-lit interiors, and quirky touches like free popcorn and secret bookcase entrance.