Quick info
About Bar Fifty
Bar Fifty is a bar on Cowgate in Edinburgh, attached to a hostel. A pub quiz runs on Mondays, and karaoke takes over on Thursdays and Fridays, which gives the week a fixed set of event nights. Pool tables and darts boards add games beyond the quiz and karaoke nights. Food is served alongside the drinks, so a meal and a game can share one visit. TVs show sport for anyone who wants to watch a match while they drink.
Good to know
“Bright, modern bar offering food, umbrella-covered roof terrace, TVs showing sport and a pool table.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention karaoke nights, pool tables and darts, pub quiz and student discount drinks.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention karaoke nights, pool tables and darts, pub quiz and student discount drinks.
Customer Review Summary
Pool tables and darts boards draw the most mentions at this Cowgate bar, with karaoke and a Monday pub quiz close behind and sport on the TVs also noted. Reviewers describe an energetic, fun atmosphere, a student crowd that keeps drinks reasonably cheap, and friendly, helpful bar staff. One reviewer praises a beer garden with TVs and radiators, and another found a Groupon burger, side and drink superb value. The recurring complaint is capacity and food. Two reviewers describe a busy Saturday when a hostel group arrived with only one person serving and one in the kitchen, leaving a long queue and unhappy customers, though the server was praised for staying professional. One reviewer called the pizza abhorrent, saying it looked like a supermarket pizza that came out burned despite the menu's handmade claim. Another visitor, surprised the bar is also a hostel, found it clean and inviting, and one reviewer noted it is the only place they have seen serving Carling dark fruits cider.
Customer Review Summary
Pool tables and darts boards draw the most mentions at this Cowgate bar, with karaoke and a Monday pub quiz close behind and sport on the TVs also noted. Reviewers describe an energetic, fun atmosphere, a student crowd that keeps drinks reasonably cheap, and friendly, helpful bar staff. One reviewer praises a beer garden with TVs and radiators, and another found a Groupon burger, side and drink superb value. The recurring complaint is capacity and food. Two reviewers describe a busy Saturday when a hostel group arrived with only one person serving and one in the kitchen, leaving a long queue and unhappy customers, though the server was praised for staying professional. One reviewer called the pizza abhorrent, saying it looked like a supermarket pizza that came out burned despite the menu's handmade claim. Another visitor, surprised the bar is also a hostel, found it clean and inviting, and one reviewer noted it is the only place they have seen serving Carling dark fruits cider.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Absolutely adore this place, I've been here 100× times and the staff are always happy to help. Usually come for the pub quiz on the Monday and the karaoke on Thursday and Fridays! Hosted by the best people btw haha, always really charismatic and organised. Food and drink readily available and served very promptly. They also have a beer garden with TVs and radiators which is always needed in the UK. Would 100% recommend for anyone that is looking for a little fun, nice environment, and great service.”
- Google user
“My buddy and business partner, Tobias, and I visited Bar Fifty today and we were super impressed with the excellent customer service, vibe, etc. Toby was exceptionally helpful with awesome customer service. Toby was super personable and took interest in Tobias and myself as people asking questions about us. Highly recommend Bar Fifty.”
- Google user
“All five stars go to a staff member named Akira. We were there for lunch on Saturday 11th April, and at the same time a group of about 30 people arrived to check into the hostel, which created a long queue for food orders. Throughout all of this, Akira was the only person serving. Their attitude and the way they handled customers were extremely professional. They were taking orders, coordinating with the kitchen, bringing food to the tables, clearing tables, and at the same time dealing very professionally with customers who were unhappy about the long wait. Later, the manager arrived and I spoke with the manager, and when we were leaving, Akira was on their break. We left £10 tips for them and hope it reaches them. This person truly deserves recognition and a reward from management.”
- Google user
“Service from Akira was amazing, food was awesome, and atmosphere was impressive. The only reason I have given 1 star is because of the poor management. One person in customer service and one person in the kitchen on a busy Saturday? Are you serious? Only 2 people to manage such a busy area? Embarrassing management….”
- Google user
“One of the few places with pool tables and now darts too! They show sports, staff's nice, karaokes good and drinks aren't ridiculous. Can't complain. Only place I've seen that serves Carling dark fruits Cider”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near Bar Fifty
- The Mitre Bar4.42,2920.1 mi
fish and chips, local beers, burger
- Royal Mile Tavern4.53,2010.1 miWheelchair accessible
bangers and mash, cullen skink, scotch egg
- Brass Monkey Drummond Street4.51,5030.1 miOutdoor seating
lie-flat couches, board games, movie screenings
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar FiftyWheelchair accessible | 4.0817 | — | karaoke nights, pool tables and darts, pub quiz |
| The Mitre Bar | 4.42,292 | 0.1 mi | fish and chips, local beers, burger |
| Royal Mile TavernWheelchair accessible | 4.53,201 | 0.1 mi | bangers and mash, cullen skink, scotch egg |
| Brass Monkey Drummond StreetOutdoor seating | 4.51,503 | 0.1 mi | lie-flat couches, board games, movie screenings |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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