Best Bars near The Usher Hall

Located on Lothian Road in Edinburgh’s vibrant West End, Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom is a spacious, modern bar renowned for its extensive craft beer selection and hearty Scottish steak frites. This lively venue offers a welcoming atmosphere with full table service, live music, and a menu focused on robust pub classics, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking quality brews and comfort food near theatres and cinemas.

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.

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.

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.

SKYbar Edinburgh is a stylish rooftop cocktail bar located at 34 Bread Street in the heart of Edinburgh. Known for its sweeping panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Fife coast, it offers a sophisticated weekend venue to enjoy expertly crafted drinks and limited edition cocktails. The bar features plush seating, a relaxed atmosphere, and is part of the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre complex, making it a prime spot for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable night out.

Located on Lothian Road in Edinburgh, The Raging Bull is a stylish cocktail bar renowned for its expertly crafted drinks, especially its signature Espresso Martinis. With a funky, colorful interior and a welcoming vibe, it offers both lively upstairs spaces and intimate downstairs areas, perfect for socializing or enjoying free Fringe shows. The bar also hosts cocktail masterclasses, making it a hotspot for both casual visitors and cocktail enthusiasts.

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.

Nestled in the basement of the Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End, Heads & Tales Gin Bar offers a unique blend of cozy ambiance, expert mixology, and a direct connection to the Edinburgh Gin distillery. This stylish speakeasy-style venue features two on-site gin stills, a diverse cocktail menu centered around gin, and a selection of Asian-inspired sharing plates, making it a must-visit for gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The Rat Pack is Edinburgh’s premier American-style piano and cocktail bar located at 9 Shandwick Place. Famous for its live piano performances and extensive cocktail menu, it offers a vibrant nightlife atmosphere with a blend of classic and unique drinks. Open late into the night, it’s a popular spot for music lovers seeking an engaging and lively evening in the city’s West End.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s historic West Port, Dragonfly Cocktail Bar is the city’s oldest cocktail venue, famed for its innovative drinks, cozy yet lively atmosphere, and expert staff. Set in a former fire station, it offers a unique blend of classic charm and contemporary mixology, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking quality and character in the heart of Scotland’s capital.