6 Drinkable Edinburgh Pubs

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pubs in Edinburgh and I just scratched the surface on my 3 week trip to this mid-evil city. Some of the pubs are historical and have that "pub" feel and others are themed, and they do this very well. 

52 Canoes Tiki Lounge

This colorful New Town tiki parlor isn't exactly subtle. 52 Canoes is a ray of Pacific sunshine: bold, bright, and lively. The cocktails are fruity and fun; many pack a punch and most are served in the obligatory novelty drinking vessels - there are mugs shaped like Polynesian statues and plenty of paper umbrella.

Banshee Labyrinth

The Banshee Labyrinth is made up of seven rooms, three bars, two jukeboxes, an underground dance floor and a huge helping of of scintillatingly sinister alt-music. Take the right path through the catacombs and you might be lucky enough to end up in the Labyrinth's very own (free!) cinema, in which they offer a regularly updated program of modern movies and classics. It also describes itself as Scotland’s most haunted pub. It is reportedly occupied by a banshee – a group of workmen once heard a bloodcurdling scream and a few hours later one of them received a call about the death of a family member.

The Dome

The Dome is a building on George Street in the New Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. It currently functions as a bar, restaurant and nightclub, although it was first built as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland in 1847.

Blackwood’s Bar & Grill

Blackwood’s Bar & Grill is a stylish restaurant specializing in the best meat, game and seafood that Scotland’s splendid natural larder can provide. The hotel is part of an elegant Georgian terrace and that neo-classical style is reflected in the furnishings of the restaurant. Smart yet welcoming are the key features. Soft candlelight also means that Blackwood’s can be rather romantic.

The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is a real Scottish pub that has made its name as a live music venue. Steeped in history and atmosphere it is only a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile. With a fine tradition of musical entertainment every single night of the week you can hear mainly folk songs with a mix of other acoustic styles. The Royal Oak not only gives visitors the chance to hear some great tunes, but it also acts as a focal point for many of Edinburgh’s traditional musicians.

Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar

Step in to discover a traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food, which are served, as they should be, with a generous measure of famous British hospitality. The name of the bar is inspired by an Edinburgh legend of a scruffy Skye terrier called Bobby. When his owner died in 1858, Bobby faithfully watched over his grave and was buried alongside his master in the Greyfriars Kirkyard in 1872.