Quick info
About St. Machar Bar
St. Machar Bar is an independently owned whisky bar in Aberdeen, set in an 18th-century building on a cobbled street inside the University grounds near King's College, at 97 High St. The whisky selection is large, and the staff help visitors choose from the range. On the cask side, the real ales are registered with CAMRA, and several local taps include nitro. The kitchen serves pub food such as fish and chips, chicken wings and nachos. Darts are part of the student pub setting, and dogs are welcome. The space is small and can fill up quickly, for example on an Aberdeen FC matchday.
Good to know
- ParkingPaid street parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention huge whisky selection, cask conditioned real ales, nitro local taps and fish and chips.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention huge whisky selection, cask conditioned real ales, nitro local taps and fish and chips.
Customer Review Summary
The whisky selection is what reviewers raise most, calling it incredible, huge, and unbelievable, with staff who know the collection and help narrow the choice. Close behind are the real ales, with three cask conditioned taps and several nitro, which diners call excellent and on top form. Food gets less attention, but the nachos, fish and chips, and chicken wings are called delicious, and one reviewer from Texas rates the nachos as impressive for pub food. The setting among the old buildings near King's College and the university draws comment, as does the friendly, laid-back student pub feel with darts. Crowding is the one trade-off noted. It is a small place that fills quickly, and one visitor found it very busy on an Aberdeen FC matchday, while another, visiting during the university summer break, called it the quietest bar they had been to. One reviewer who meant to stop only for a pint of cask ale stayed on for a couple of malt whiskies.
Customer Review Summary
The whisky selection is what reviewers raise most, calling it incredible, huge, and unbelievable, with staff who know the collection and help narrow the choice. Close behind are the real ales, with three cask conditioned taps and several nitro, which diners call excellent and on top form. Food gets less attention, but the nachos, fish and chips, and chicken wings are called delicious, and one reviewer from Texas rates the nachos as impressive for pub food. The setting among the old buildings near King's College and the university draws comment, as does the friendly, laid-back student pub feel with darts. Crowding is the one trade-off noted. It is a small place that fills quickly, and one visitor found it very busy on an Aberdeen FC matchday, while another, visiting during the university summer break, called it the quietest bar they had been to. One reviewer who meant to stop only for a pint of cask ale stayed on for a couple of malt whiskies.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Nice people, delicious food, good prices, friendly service”
- Google user
“Friendly bar with an amazing selection of whisky. Knowledgeable staff can help you choose from the vast variety on display. Great beer too. Have not tried the food so unfair to rate the category.”
- Google user
“Probably the quietest bar I’ve ever been to! 😄 I’m guessing it’s because the university is on summer break. Not complaining though - it felt like I had the whole place to ourself. Great atmosphere and a perfect spot if you’re looking for a peaceful drink!”
- Google user
“Had only intended to pop in for a pint if cask ale while visiting Aberdeen, but the selection was so good, I decided to stay a bit longer. This also allowed to enjoy a couple of malt whiskies from their fantastic selection. Along with the Grill in the city centre, I found this to be easily the best bar in the city.”
- Google user
“Brilliant afternoon at The St Machar bar, brilliant staff, unbelievable whisky selection and excellent real ale. Will definitely become a more regular haunt!”
Highlights
“Independently owned, local whisky bar in the heart of Old Aberdeen.”
- Great beer selection
- Sports
- Trivia night
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Paid street parking
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Delivery
- Takeout
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Beer
- Food
- Sports
- Offerings· 3
- Alcohol
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
- Highlights· 2
- Great beer selection
- Trivia night
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
Location
Bars near St. Machar Bar
- Brig O'Don4.11,7970.6 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
steak, dog-friendly seating, 3 for £15 starters
- Noose & Monkey4.56441.3 miWheelchair accessible
fish and chips, chicken and haggis pie, sunday roast
- Ma Cameron's4.31,7211.3 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
real ales and cask ale, neeps and tatties with haggis, Korean burger
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Machar BarOutdoor seating · Takeout | 4.5502 | — | £1–20 | huge whisky selection, cask conditioned real ales, nitro local taps |
| Brig O'DonReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.11,797 | 0.6 mi | £10–20 | steak, dog-friendly seating, 3 for £15 starters |
| Noose & MonkeyWheelchair accessible | 4.5644 | 1.3 mi | — | fish and chips, chicken and haggis pie, sunday roast |
| Ma Cameron'sReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.31,721 | 1.3 mi | £10–20 | real ales and cask ale, neeps and tatties with haggis, Korean burger |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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