Best Bars near Circus Lane

Nestled in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge area, The Last Word Saloon is a warm, intimate cocktail bar known for expertly crafted drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and a rich whisky selection. This stylish, underground venue offers a relaxed escape from the city bustle, featuring creative cocktails, a roaring fireplace, and attentive, friendly staff who elevate every visit.

Lucky Liquor Co is a vibrant, intimate cocktail bar located on Queen Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. Since 2013, it has been celebrated for its creative, expertly crafted cocktails, a compact but eclectic menu, and a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by a 100% vinyl soundtrack. This moderately priced bar offers a unique mixology experience with friendly bartenders and a curated bottle shop, making it a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts.

Hidden beneath a vintage barbershop on Queen Street, Panda & Sons is Edinburgh's premier speakeasy cocktail bar. Enter through a disguised bookshelf door to discover a Prohibition-era haven of theatrical drinks, inventive mixes, and bow-tied staff serving complimentary popcorn. The menu unfolds like a novel, chronicling the fictional Panda family's boozy adventures with creative concoctions like smoky birdcage presentations and barrel-aged classics. Cosy seating, low lights, and eclectic decor create an intimate, classy atmosphere perfect for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a unique night out in the New Town.

The Oxford Bar is a historic pub located at 8 Young Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. Established in 1811, it is famed for its no-frills charm and as the favourite haunt of Ian Rankin’s fictional detective, Inspector Rebus. This intimate, traditional pub offers a cozy atmosphere with wooden benches, a lingering coal fire scent, and walls adorned with vintage photos, making it a beloved spot for locals and literary fans alike.

Nestled on Thistle Street in Edinburgh's elegant New Town, The Bon Vivant is a cherished bar and bistro blending Gallic charm with Scottish flair. Warm candlelit interiors, wood-paneled walls, and a cozy atmosphere invite lingering over inventive cocktails, extensive wines, and bistro-style dishes crafted from local ingredients. Opened in 2008, it offers a refined yet approachable escape for food and drink lovers, with creative mixology and simple, flavorful fare like steaks, seafood, and desserts in a sophisticated setting.

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Thistle Street Bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where locals and visitors alike enjoy superb Scottish ales, expertly crafted cocktails, and live traditional music. Known for its attentive service and authentic charm, this moderate-priced bar is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine Scottish pub experience with a lively yet cozy vibe.

Tucked away in a basement on Edinburgh's elegant Queen Street, Bramble Bar captivates with its speakeasy allure, masterful cocktails, and intimate vibe. Since 2006, this award-winning spot has drawn cocktail enthusiasts to its dimly lit nooks for creative drinks like the gin-infused Grand Central or whisky-driven Atlas Stone, served from 4pm to 1am in a walk-ins-only haven of bare brick walls, leather seating, and eclectic tunes that pulse into the night.

Copper Blossom is a stylish and vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant located at 107 George Street in Edinburgh. Known for its glamorous decor and lively atmosphere, it offers a menu of small plates, hearty mains, and inventive cocktails. Popular for boozy brunches, sharing plates, and a welcoming social vibe, Copper Blossom blends contemporary elegance with a casual, fun-filled experience in the heart of the city.

Grand Cru is a stylish bar and lounge on Edinburgh's Hanover Street, celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Blending modern European restaurant vibes with a lively atmosphere, it serves British and Italian-inspired dishes alongside an extensive drinks menu. Perfectly positioned in the New Town near Princes Street and the Royal Mile, it transitions seamlessly from daytime meals to evening nightlife with DJ sets.

Tucked away on Rose Street North Lane, Never Really Here is Edinburgh's most authentic speakeasy cocktail lounge. Knock on the graffiti-covered door to enter an intimate den where skilled mixologists craft bespoke cocktails tailored to your tastes—no menus, just personalized perfection. With just seven tables and 30 seats, this cash-only hideaway offers a boozy, atmospheric escape inspired by Berlin and New York bars, open evenings from 5pm.