Under the Stairs
- Food served: Mon–Sun noon–10pm. [Snacks: Mon–Sat 9pm–midnight, Sun 10pm–midnight]
- Bar open: Mon–Sat noon–1am, Sun noon–midnight
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses)
- Music on stereo: House, soul, funk. Unobtrusive club sounds.
- Opening times: Mon–Sun noon–1am
- Capacity: 60-70
- Largest group: 15
- Open since: 2008
- Average price:
£13 (lunch)
£13 (evening meal) - House wine: £13.85 per bottle
- Typical order: £2.10
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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 current (2011) edition.
Located … ehm … down some stairs on Merchant Street, this subterranean bar has a homely interior of exposed brick walls, mismatched furniture and the odd piece of retro paraphernalia dotted around for good measure. Under the Stairs is a popular destination not only for the city’s student population looking for a well-stocked bar and good atmosphere, but also for those seeking tasty food and some pretty delicious cocktails too. For a twist on the classic recipe, try the delectable coconut and ginger daiquiri. The menu features cooking which is a cut above your standard bar grub: a starter of wild mushroom & brie is served on grilled soda bread; while chicken pâté is rolled in toasted almonds and served with lovely home-made red onion chutney and oatcakes. Similarly, mains include dishes such as shrimp, roast fennel and ginger conchiglie with chive & chilli butter. Pub staples like beef or falafel burgers are there too, but served with sweet potato wedges rather than the plain old ubiquitous chip.
- High point: Interesting menu offering more than the average bar
- Low point: Very cosy seating arrangements
Reviews of Under the Stairs (3a Merchant Street, Edinburgh)
- 3. pennym, Edinburgh – 10 October 2010, 2:01pm
Under the StairsReport -
A friend and I ate here last night on our first visit there. We loved it - great atmosphere, dim lighting, fab food and prompt, friendly service. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the toilets were pretty minging - overflowing bin with paper towels over the floor, dirty toilets and generally shabby-looking. However, it was a busy Saturday night so maybe they started out clean enough...
- 2. I heart food, Edinburgh, Scotland – 3 September 2010, 5:06pm
Under the StairsReport -
What a gem!
You may think of Under the Stairs as a great cocktail bar for an evening out on the town, but it turns out this shabby-chic restaurant and bar has far more to offer.
My boyfriend and I had heard a whisper on the street that not only does it do great cocktails, but the food was more then your average Scottish fare.
So late one afternoon, we headed down the stairs and into the comfortable, lounge-room like environment to see if we could get a bite to eat.
The staff were very attentive and friendly, happy to have a joke and a good time.
My boyfriend ordered the burger with sweet potato chips (the best burger he's had in Edinburgh and he's had a lot!) which came with two sauce pots, one with a home-made looking relish and the other a mayonnaise...I think he inhaled it, as it was gone in about 2 minutes flat.
While, I branched out and had the mussels in a Coconut, Chilli and Basil broth, with bread. By far one of the best and tastiest bowl of mussels I've ever had!
Can't recommend this place enough and can't wait to go back!
- 1. Lynda, Edinburgh – 21 September 2009, 1:15pmUnder the StairsReport
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One of my favourite bars in Edinburgh. It is quirky and cool with 70s mismatched furniture, huge fireplace with old stove and stone walls.
The food is particularly good. I have eaten here about 6 times and every time had a good meal. I visited on Saturday and had the homemade soup which was absolutely delicious. I've had the soup on previous visits and it is just brilliant. There is a menu but they also have a specials board. I can't recommend this place enough.
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