Best Bars in Inverness
Hungry in Inverness? Explore top-rated bars with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.
The best bars in Inverness
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
20 bars
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Bar4.7★2,704 reviews
Black Isle Bar & Rooms
Black Isle Bar & Rooms in Inverness is a vibrant craft beer bar and accommodation venue offering 26 taps of Black Isle Brewery’s organic beers, over 100 craft bottled beers, wood-fired pizzas, and a unique rooftop secret garden. Located centrally on Church Street, it combines a lively bar atmosphere with eco-conscious values and comfortable en-suite rooms, welcoming families, dog owners, and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.3★3,029 reviews
Johnny Foxes
Johnny Foxes is a lively pub, cocktail bar, and restaurant located at 26 Bank Street in Inverness. Known for its warm Highland hospitality, it offers a diverse menu of traditional Irish and Scottish dishes, live music every night, and a welcoming atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike. Open late into the night, it’s a top spot for food, drinks, and entertainment in the heart of the city.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Pub4.4★2,813 reviews
The Castle Tavern
Nestled on 1 View Place in Inverness, The Castle Tavern is a charming mid-18th-century pub overlooking the River Ness and Inverness Castle. Renowned for its traditional Scottish fare, real ales, and inviting beer garden, it offers picturesque views and a warm, family-run atmosphere. With a bar, first-floor restaurant, and outdoor seating, it’s a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking authentic Highland hospitality and classic dishes.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Live music bar4.5★2,277 reviews
Hootananny
Nestled in the heart of Inverness at 67 Church Street, Hootananny is a celebrated live music bar and restaurant renowned for its authentic Scottish folk music scene, lively atmosphere, and quality local cuisine. Open since the 1990s, it offers nightly live performances, a welcoming environment, and an adjoining boutique hotel, making it a cornerstone of Inverness nightlife and culture.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–5 hrs
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Grill4.3★1,824 reviews
Scotch & Rye
Experience the vibrant flavors of Scotch & Rye, an American grill located in the heart of Inverness. Renowned for its delicious burgers and cocktails, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Daily 11:00–1:00
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Pub4.4★1,669 reviews
Gellions Bar
Gellions Bar, located at 14 Bridge Street in Inverness, is the city’s oldest and most iconic live music venue. Established in 1841, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with live Scottish music every night, a wide selection of Scottish gins, whiskys, and craft beers on tap. Open late into the night, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors seeking authentic Highland entertainment and a lively pub experience.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Bar4.5★1,246 reviews
Number 27 Bar and Kitchen
Number 27 Bar and Kitchen is a vibrant gastropub located in the heart of Inverness, opposite the historic Inverness Castle. Known for its warm, casual yet elevated atmosphere, it offers a menu rich in local Scottish flavors, including signature dishes like steak pie, Highland chicken, and Cullen Skink soup. The venue combines a lively bar experience with quality dining, featuring an extensive selection of local ales, whiskies, and wines.
Mon–Sat 12:00–22:30 · Sun 12:30–22:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Bar4.5★1,163 reviews
MacGregor's
MacGregor's Bar in Inverness is a vibrant Scottish pub renowned for its authentic Highland atmosphere, craft beers, and live traditional music. Owned by Bruce MacGregor of Blazin' Fiddles, it offers a rich cultural experience with local food, whisky tastings, and music sessions that celebrate Scotland's heritage in the city center.
Mon–Thu 16:00–1:00 · Fri–Sun 12:00–1:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.0★1,240 reviews
Platform 8
Platform 8 is a lively pub and restaurant located at 38 Academy Street in Inverness, offering a welcoming atmosphere with a diverse menu including breakfast and pub classics. Known for its wide draft beer selection and friendly service, it serves as a popular social hub from morning until late evening, blending traditional pub charm with modern dining comforts.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Bar4.8★672 reviews
The Malt Room
Nestled in a discreet alley off Church Street, The Malt Room is a cozy, elegant whisky bar in Inverness renowned for its extensive malt selection, expert bartenders, and warm, intimate atmosphere. This boutique venue offers whisky tastings, live music events, and a welcoming environment perfect for both whisky aficionados and curious newcomers seeking a refined yet relaxed experience.
Mon–Sat 12:00–1:00 · Sun 15:00–1:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Revolution Inverness
Revolution Inverness is a vibrant bar and restaurant located on Church Street, offering a trendy atmosphere with expertly mixed cocktails, a diverse menu, and lively music. Open daily from noon until late, it caters to a broad crowd, from families enjoying meals to friends seeking a night out in Inverness’s city centre.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
The Imperial
Located in the heart of Inverness at 1 Academy Street, The Imperial is a lively sports bar and traditional Scottish pub known for its welcoming atmosphere, extensive drink selection including Scottish whiskies and gins, and multiple big screens showing a variety of sports. It offers great value drinks, pub grub, and a unique on-demand karaoke system, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Mon–Sat 9:00–24:00 · Sun 11:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
MacCallums Bar
MacCallums Bar is a lively, traditional pub located at 40 Union Street in Inverness, Scotland. Known for its warm hospitality, live music, and extensive drink selection including local ales and whiskies, it offers an authentic Scottish pub experience. Open daily from 11 AM to midnight or later, it is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere in the city center.
Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Innes Bar
Innes Bar, located at 61 Innes Street in Inverness, is a welcoming local pub known for its hearty Scottish fare, lively atmosphere, and strong community spirit. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it offers classic dishes like homemade pies, BBQ burgers, and fish & chips, alongside a wide selection of drinks. With pool tables, a jukebox, and friendly staff, Innes Bar is a quintessential Highland gathering spot blending tradition and conviviality.
Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Market Bar
Market Bar, located at 32 Church Street in Inverness, is a vibrant and affordable bar and pub renowned for its lively atmosphere, live music, and authentic Scottish experience. Open daily from morning until early hours, it offers a welcoming space with local ales, spirited drinks, and a diverse crowd of locals and visitors, making it a quintessential stop for nightlife in the Scottish Highlands.
Mon–Sat 9:00–1:00 · Sun 10:00–1:00Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
The Walrus & Corkscrew
Nestled in the heart of Inverness at 105 Church Street, The Walrus & Corkscrew is a stylish wine bar renowned for its exceptional selection of wines paired with locally sourced charcuterie and cheese platters. Open daily, this cozy venue offers a warm atmosphere perfect for savoring Highland delicacies like dry-cured meats from Bogrow Farm and artisan cheeses from Tain, complemented by expert wine pairings and a lively yet relaxed vibe.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Tooth & Claw
The Tooth & Claw is a vibrant bar and live music venue located in the heart of Inverness, Scotland. Known for its lively rock and metal scene, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with rustic charm, friendly staff, and a diverse selection of drinks. The venue hosts regular live performances, making it a hotspot for music lovers and locals seeking an authentic nightlife experience.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
The Gunsmiths Bar
The Gunsmiths Bar is a vibrant and welcoming pub located at 30 Union Street in Inverness. Known for its excellent interior featuring a mezzanine floor and lively atmosphere, it offers affordable drinks and friendly service. Situated near the scenic River Ness, this bar blends historic charm with a modern vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxed yet energetic social experience.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Wee Bar
Nestled upstairs at 4-6 Ness Walk in Inverness, The Wee Bar offers a warm, intimate setting renowned for expertly crafted cocktails, an impressive selection of whiskies and gins, and a welcoming Highland hospitality. Its stylish yet cosy atmosphere, complemented by views over the nearby river, makes it a perfect spot for relaxed evenings or special occasions in the heart of the city.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Playback
Playback is a vibrant four-story bar and restaurant located on Academy Street in Inverness, renowned for its gourmet burgers, craft beers, and lively rooftop terrace. This expansive venue combines excellent food and drink with a variety of social games and activities, including axe throwing and beer pong, making it a top destination for both dining and entertainment in the city.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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