Under the Stairs

100487 original

Don’t be surprised if you have to search for this bar for a few minutes: tucked away between the Grassmarket and Greyfriars Bobby, it is literally under a flight of stairs. Be there early if you want to get a table, as the place usually fills up around dinner time.

The bar manages to be cool in a very relaxed way, with its aging furniture and walls decorated with ever-changing art and photography selections – a refreshing change from from the usual TV set

The food on offer is more than acceptable: the burgers are served with oven-roasted sweet potato chips, and the daily specials are usually worth a shot. The "share boards" are served until 1am, so this is an ideal place for a late-night snack. Gets lively on Friday and Saturday nights, with live DJ sets.