Thistle Street Bar
Quick info
About Thistle Street Bar
Thistle Street Bar sits on Thistle St in Edinburgh, a dark wood local built around booths and a bar built for conversation. Staff pour from a wide selection of whisky and will offer a dram to try, talking through the bar's history along the way. Scottish bar food anchors the menu, and a TV carries sport for those settled in with a pint. A small beer garden gives an outdoor option beyond the booths. Dogs are welcome throughout. There's no booking system here, it runs on walk-ins, and the staff also field questions on Edinburgh sightseeing and trip recommendations for visitors passing through.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention whisky selection, owner/landlord recommendations and history, edinburgh gold ale and cozy traditional interior.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention whisky selection, owner/landlord recommendations and history, edinburgh gold ale and cozy traditional interior.
Customer Review Summary
Whisky selection draws the most repeat praise at Thistle Street Bar, with reviewers citing a wide range of alternatives and one describing trying three new pours recommended by the bartenders. Close behind is the Edinburgh Gold Ale on tap, alongside a broader wine and beer selection. Several diners highlight the hosts and staff, including one who recalls the owner spending time offering trip advice and local recommendations, and another who describes a bartender pouring free tastes and sharing suggestions. The cozy, traditionally refurbished interior and its dog friendly policy also come up repeatedly. Reviewers note this functions as a bar rather than a pub kitchen, serving snacks only. One visit was accompanied by live acoustic music, and another recounts staff calling and hailing a taxi before a concert. Multiple reviewers mention returning on a second visit within the same trip before departing Edinburgh.
Customer Review Summary
Whisky selection draws the most repeat praise at Thistle Street Bar, with reviewers citing a wide range of alternatives and one describing trying three new pours recommended by the bartenders. Close behind is the Edinburgh Gold Ale on tap, alongside a broader wine and beer selection. Several diners highlight the hosts and staff, including one who recalls the owner spending time offering trip advice and local recommendations, and another who describes a bartender pouring free tastes and sharing suggestions. The cozy, traditionally refurbished interior and its dog friendly policy also come up repeatedly. Reviewers note this functions as a bar rather than a pub kitchen, serving snacks only. One visit was accompanied by live acoustic music, and another recounts staff calling and hailing a taxi before a concert. Multiple reviewers mention returning on a second visit within the same trip before departing Edinburgh.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Been meaning to leave this review for a couple of weeks. We popped in for a drink before dinner and had the most amazing experience. The service was fast, the owner spent probably thirty minutes giving us advice on the next leg of our trip, suggestions for around the city and general cool facts about Edinburgh. I cannot recommend stopping here enough. We loved it so much we walked to dinner and then came back because we knew they’d be closed our last day in the city. Visit this bar, check out their tours and recommendations on the website. A must visit when you’re in the mood to relax and have a cold pint.”
- Google user
“Tremendous experience and very hospitable. We dropped in for a quick pint prior to a concert and they were very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to call us a taxi and pop out to hail it for us. Will return next time in Edinburgh.”
- Google user
“Was recommended by another local pub owner and did not disappoint. Great local bar. Glad we were able to make it before trips end.”
- Google user
“Very nice bar. Definitely recommended. Many whisky alternatives. Smiley staff. Price is ok. Interior is good.”
- Google user
“We went there to grab a beer and let the bartender give us some advice. He was extremely nice and helpful, he even gave us some beer to try. The atmosphere there is really cool and cozy.”
Highlights
“Cosy, atmospheric dark wood local with booths, Scottish bar food, TV sport and small beer garden.”
- Great beer selection
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Cozy
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Free water refills
- Restroom
- Trendy
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Offerings· 2
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
Location
Bars near Thistle Street Bar
- Rose Street Brewery4.42,6440.1 mi
haggis, fish and chips, burgers
- Kay’s Bar4.88940.3 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessible
guinness pints, coal fireplace, hidden residential location
- The Guildford Arms4.54,4330.3 mi
beef & ale pie, cask ale selection, cowder fish soup
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thistle Street BarOutdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.7941 | — | £10–20 | whisky selection, owner/landlord recommendations and history, edinburgh gold ale |
| Rose Street Brewery | 4.42,644 | 0.1 mi | — | haggis, fish and chips, burgers |
| Kay’s BarWheelchair accessible | 4.8894 | 0.3 mi | £10–20 | guinness pints, coal fireplace, hidden residential location |
| The Guildford Arms | 4.54,433 | 0.3 mi | — | beef & ale pie, cask ale selection, cowder fish soup |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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