Sandy Bell's

Will definitely be back. Great food big pours, amazing music and ambiance. Felt like a local. Btw they hug alot here.

Great place for local live folk music and a pint. Go early because it gets crowded. The place is tiny but the ale is cold. There is a bar dog. He's adorable. There is very little sitting so be prepared to stand. The bartenders are friendly and give great service.

Great Scottish folk music! Very friendly crowd! Good cheap drinks as well! Must come in Edinburgh!

I came to Edinburgh for a few days on a solo trip. This pub was recommended to me by a tour guide as more of a "local" joint. I ended up coming back to the Sandy Bells every night of my trip, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my experience in Edinburgh. Everyone at the pub is so friendly and welcoming and the music is authentic, lively and just all around wonderful.

This place was the only crowded bar on the block, and for good reason....

The staff was extremely friendly but the best part of all was the live music when they have nightly apparently. We were able to listen to a four part band play for a few hours and it was amazing. If I were to name one critique it would be it closes down relatively early, around midnight or so.

Traditional music and drinks in this pub attract tourists and regulars alike. The bar staff is capable and outgoing. Traditional Scottish music plays regularly. A terrific evening out!

As usual for a Saturday night, there was a trio of folk musicians that enhanced the atmosphere, which was pretty good and welcoming. The barman service was almost non-existent (no eye contact, no acknowledging the punters ...basically no service unless you wave in front of his face)
Good whisky & beers selection and nice crowd too. Good place for Celtic Folk music lovers.

The legendary Sandy Bell's is a must stop when in Edinburgh. Experience Scottish and Celtic folk music in this casual and traditional pub that has been part of the town for almost a century. Nice selection of Scottish and Japanese whiskies and beers. Enjoy your beverage with scrumptious steak pie while watching musicians drink and gather informally to share their talents.

Bottom line: Stop by and discover why Sandy Bell's is known as the "Whisky Merchants" & "Home of World Renowned Folk Music".

I came to Sandy Bell's for the first time about 8 years ago and have gone back multiple times since with friends or on my own whenever I'm in Edinburgh.

It's fairly small bit has a good selection of drinks to choose from with some nice bartenders fairly happy to recommend something if one asks. It can get pretty crowded but the setting and decor of the bar makes it more homey than anything else. Most patrons are older and tend to be local, which is great since it's quieter than most of the other newer pubs.

The food is pretty good too. Really though, I come here for the music :) It's always great to see a bunch of strangers or friends getting together to plan folk music. There are some deviations sometimes but most it is folk. All-in-all, it's a lively place that generates its own buzz full of local flavors :)

I stumbled into this traditional (Irish? Celtic?) pub - I was pleasantly surprised with the no background music but still atmosphere feel of this pub. It is not for everyone, the patrons leave you well alone but acknowledge you. The music is occasionally provided from the back, by musicians just drinking and giving a tune. Different. they have the usual lager fare, but also Budvar and Corona. Plenty of Whisky to get here.
An outstanding unmissable feature is the dark arch in the middle of the pub.