Garibaldi's

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses: £13
• House wine: £12 per bottle

• High point: Massive selection of tequilas and extra-strength cocktails
• Low point: Food has taken a back seat as the years go by
• Food served: Mon-Sun 6-11pm
• Bar open: Mon-Sun 6pm-3am
• Open since: 2000
• Also offers: Childrens portions

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is 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.