Garibaldi's
New Town
- Food served: Mon–Sun 6–11pm
- Bar open: Mon–Sun 6pm–3am
- Also offers: Children's portions
- Opening times: Mon–Sun 6pm–3am
- Capacity: 35
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 2000
- House wine: £12 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the 2007 edition.
The extensive drinks menu warns of cocktails containing no less than 50ml of spirit per glass, and patrons would be well advised to take note: Garibaldi's sells some of the strongest alcoholic concoctions in town. It's located down a flight of stairs off one of Edinburgh's premium city streets, and a large stone dance floor hogs much of the space, pumping out some Mexican, but mainly modern pop songs. At weekends it's popular enough to demand a £3 entry fee later at night. Primarily a club with a fairly prominent bar during busy peaks, Garibaldi's also has some alluring alcoves for those wanting a quiet word or breather from the salsa. Its function as a restaurant is a little less obvious, however. Prawns lying on top of a chilled, tangy and piquant tomato broth whets the appetite for something similarly interesting as a main course, but there is little other than standard fare on offer. Chicken served with a sweet sauce comprising 30 chillies is the best bet if you don't want a plate of chilli or nachos. It's a satisfying dish, but, unlike the cocktails, it pulls few punches.
- High point: Massive selection of tequilas and extra-strength cocktails
- Low point: Food has taken a back seat as the years go by
Reviews of Garibaldi's (97a Hanover Street, New Town, Edinburgh)
- 3. 1st and only time – 11 January 2011, 8:59pm
Garibaldi'sReport -
I go to Edinburgh frequently on business, staying two to three weeks at a time. After work and after dinner, I am always looking for 'after-hours' places to go to until sleepiness calls me back to my hotel room. On this particular night (a Friday night), I went to Garibaldi's on a recommendation from a barmaid at the restaurant I had dinner at, as it was about midnight and I was far from ready to turn in for the evening. The barmaid indicated that Garibaldi's was a hangout for hospitality workers (hotel workers, waiters and restaurant staff, etc.) as it was open late, and I thought it might be nice to mingle a bit. Boy, was I surprised when I arrived there. I could hardly get into the place as it was packed to bursting (fire code, anyone), and as soon as I got even close to the bar I had to almost stand on the bar to get the barman to acknowledge me (even though our eyes met a couple of times) so that I could get a drink. I am not averse to a good time in a lively place, but there seriously has to be a limit on the amount of people allowed in this place at any one time. "Customer's" and "Old Customer's" comments are well-advised as it is very difficult to remain aware of your possessions, especially with all the bumping/pushing going on.
- 2. Old customer – 30 June 2009, 10:05am
Garibaldi'sReport -
Not just to watch your personal belongings, Have to watch yourself from the Men that dont get the hint to leave you alone.
- 1. customer, garibaldi's – 22 August 2008, 5:48amGaribaldi'sReport
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Better watch your bags, wallets, coats etc as this establishment seems to thrive as a hotbed of petty criminality.
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