I think this place is hugely overrated. Yes so the coffee is ok, but so is the coffee at Starbucks and everyone bitches about them. The actual café is pretty nice on the inside, quite earthy looking and with cool tables and chairs. The problem is the staff; they are all dozy berks who don't seem to give a crap about the customers. It takes them about 5 minutes to notice you are even there, and if there are more than about two people queuing then the whole system goes to pot, ironically probably the reason they are so dopey in the first place. I was actually told, when I was the only person standing to order, to move a foot to the left to order. For no reason, just that apparently where I was standing wasn't the place you order from. Seriously?? The coffee and food is actually pretty good though, and although it's hard to mess up a coffee you'd be surprised how many places manage this. Black Medicine luckily doesn't, and also the hot chocolates are actually really good. The ciabattas and cakes are all pretty tasty, it's just the frankly piss poor service that lets this place down. read more

Quirky interior, clearly popular and possibly the best priced pot of tea in town. Could maybe do with opening past 18:00. read more

I had heard a lot of very good things about here and visited for the first time today. It was pretty busy but I managed to find a wee seat with plenty of space for my laptop and books as I had a bit of work to do for uni. The cappuccino I had was perfect, quite strong (just how I like it) and had a beautiful wee design on the top which I'm not going to lie, greatly impressed me! It also came with a free wee biscuit on the side which certainly made me smile! I also, after much debate, had a chocolate muffin which was delicious and even slightly warm when I got it! There were plenty of other wonderful looking items that I am definitely going to have to come back to explore! The place had a nice atmosphere and the staff were all really upbeat and friendly! They have free wifi, which is always a bonus! It is pretty noisy in there though, which may not bother some people, but can be a bit distracting sometimes. The chairs also weren't the comfiest, but this wasn't enough to stop me stopping there a good wee while! It was pretty busy and I saw a few people coming in and having to leave because there weren't any seats left, so do be aware it can get quite crowded and you may have to wait a wee while for your drink. Everything was reasonably priced though and there was quite a few things that looked pretty tasty, so I am definitely going to have to go back some time to try out some more of their food and drink! read more

I went there already twice and the outcome seems to get worse. Anyway, the queues at the till can be quite long. You come in and start queuing to order food and drink. Then you go to the other counter and wait for your drink. It's the same set up as Starbucks or Costa, however the system there seems worse. Today I waited quite for some time and other people appeared to get handed their drinks before me. This only meant the queue was not followed and the lady behind the coffee making machine handed out the orders based on which order she looked at first. Fair enough, I had time! I also ordered a salmon and soft cheese bagle for which I paid over £4, but to me was quite a disappointment. There were a few pieces of salmon, hardly any soft cheese and a bagle on the dry side. I had to swallow quite a bit of water to get the bagel down. The toilets are ok, but can be a bit cleaner. The staff seems friendly enough and try to keep this place clean, however, I got the feeling that they are not particularly happy working there. Maybe just a bad day today? Sitting downstairs is nice, but our neighbouring table was amazingly loud. This could be due to the room interior and layout! On a good note, the hot chocolate I had was to my liking, the interior is quite unique and the tuna melt apparently is one of the best in Edinburgh! read more

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There are a few things in life I am particularly fussy about, most of them geek related and irrelevant to this review. Coffee is one of those things also, and is easily in the top 3 of things I am most likely to complain are ''just not right'. Not here though. No chance of that happening. If I had time, money and my own flat, then I would totally be pasting the uber cool, entirely wooden, totem pole-d decor that this place is dripping in. It looks great. I would happily come in here to just sit and try to look like part of the (cool) furniture. Anyway, enough about that! 3 times I've been here (twice with work, once with the Edinburgh friend) and 3 times I have had perfect coffee. Yes, you heard me. Not great, not really good, PERFECT. This is not a word I throw around in regards to my favourite brew often, if ever. It's rare. Edinburgh has tons of great wee coffee places, but this one is the best. Sod the other ones and go here. But not all at once please. I don't want to be standing in a huge long queue the next time I go! read more

Excellent coffee. Stopped by on the way to the show and picked up a cappuccino. Delicious

I've been coming to black medicine a lot over the last few weeks to do business chat/work stuff with a pal. While it's handy, and the coffee and smothies are ok, the food is absolutely pants. Just swathes of meh. While I might not let this get to me too much, some of the staff here are just downright unfriendly. I get that working with the public gets tedious as (believe me i know) and students can do anyone's head in (BELIEVE ME, I KNOW.) but in a job where 90% of your work is serving customers, have grumpy staff doesn't make a huge amount of sense to me, and leaves me with a rubbish feeling about the place. It's got nice decor, but mostly uncomfy chairs. Y'all heard of cushions right? read more

Been here numerous times. This one was to solve a problem... A friend over from Switzerland looking for shelter from the rain with a hankering for cake and good coffee! Both were easily resolved with the usual friendly smiley service I've come to expect from here. Rich cake replaced my usual pick of toasted breaded delights but cappuccino was the high standard that BM are proud of :) All in all if not guessed I'll be back again...! read more

The first time I went in to Black Medicine, I went in with a friend who was grabbing a coffee. Unfortunately, I could not find a bin before popping into the shop and had a Starbucks cup from earlier that morning. The waitress was furious at me for having a Starbucks cup on me and rather than taking my apology for not finding a proper bin to dispose of my cup and subsequent offer to buy a coffee there, she insisted on explaining to me angrily about how rude I was for daring to bring a Starbucks product into their cafe. The second time I went into Black Medicine I was in dire need of caffeine before a lecture. The barista seemed to have completely ignored my request to have my cappuccino takeaway and snapped at me for asking later on to put it in a takeaway cup. Overall, I was pretty let down. For a cappuccino that was purely milk foam and espresso, the hostile attitude did not do it any favours. I would not recommend this to anyone. Which is such a disappointment because I wanted to like it for the decor. read more

Although I didn't get a chance to try the large selection of pastries and sandwiches on offer. Their homemade drinks are excellent and the entire coffee shop has a great atmosphere with very funky wooden interior design and furniture. There's wifi connection which is always a plus aswell. The baristas are very energetic and charismatic too read more

Black Medicine - Homemade lemonade and peppermint tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Nice coffee, pastry and sandwich shop in the centre of old town. They can be quite busy during the afternoons so not the best of places to try to study... They have a downstairs area that helps with the overflow but it is not as inviting as other cafes. The staff is friendly and helpful and you never have to wait too long for a cupa. read more

I love Black Medicine! Firstly the name is just so cool! (Although admittedly I've yet to actually have a coffee here). Secondly the decor is cute and quirky and it always has a buzzing atmosphere. I think the best thing here are the smoothies, shakes and sweet treats, I've also had a couple of the paninis and whilst lovely I felt they were very bread heavy. The soup is very homemade (in a good way!) lots of veggies and comes with a side of bagels The queuing system can get a little mad when it's busy, there's not much space to wait around but there's no table service either so you have to hang about waiting for your order whilst people are pushing past you. I didn't mind this so much - felt like part of the experience! Also, prices are really affordable here so it's definitely got the thumbs up from me! read more

I haven't been disappointed with the coffee or snacks, though don't go in expecting much beyond croissants, cookies, muffins etc. This particular Black Medicine is very heavily student populated, due to its location by the Uni. If this drives you crazy, go to the one over in Marchmont which feels a bit more neighborhood-y and not so co-ed. A good place to have a meeting or do some work, again, if you don't mind the student feel. read more

Good coffee, nice wooden vibe, but whoa, the volume! The combination of deliveries, staff and a few early morning students was quite a jolt with which to start the day. Yeah, it's a noisy, busy part of town, always bustling - but this is a caffeine den, not a peaceful bolt hole - just to let you know. Enjoyed the free wi-fi, though my clothes smelt overwhelmingly of cooking for the rest of the day after just a morning coffee. Good for a strong coffee hit if you're in the area - you'll be lucky to get a seat, though, as it's really, really popular. read more

One visit only so far, but it impressed me enough to remind me to get the words up while I'm on here, so it must have been good. It's a tricky mission sometimes, although it really shouldn't be when you've been living in a city for the majority of your life. You want a decent coffee, in a chilled out environment that doesn't feel clinical, over produced or...chain-orientated, really. I realise there is more than one Black Medicine in Edinburgh, and I have nothing against certain chains, but I guess it just depends on what you find attractive in a coffee shop, and Black Medicine covers my preferred caffeine concocted qualities. I liked the barista lady's laidback chit-chat, and the fact they were totally cool with me ordering my coffee, daydreaming for a while because I'd forgotten where I was and what I was doing, then realising I needed to get money out and having to run to the nearest cash point to do so. They took this annoying, holding up of the coffee queue act very well, and seemed to let me back in the door quite happily, so I presume I will be able to make a return visit. Black Medicine absolutely feels the way a coffee shop should feel. The mixed crowd of students, young pros, and people in neither category just wanting a seat and a good, hot beverage give the place a friendly, cosy-into-your-seat feel, and the coffee rocks. It's also very conveniently located with a decent amount of seating, which I presume can lead to really busy periods, but the Wednesday evening I chose to attend was fairly quiet, making space finding easy and literature reading a joy. read more

Mediocre at best. Don't get me wrong, they have a very rustic and cozy scenery, but I was just not that impressed by the latte I had. Probably because of my high expectations... read more

Insanely busy place, but I think they deserve it. Had a lovely wee cuppa (ever had coconut syrup in your coffee? Me neither til I spied it on the shelves here - it's interestingly delicious!) latte while I waited for my family to arrive for a birthday meal. Loved the decor, the wooden furniture. Had I had the cash on me, a clock may have accidentally been purchased while whiling away the time here. Only problem was how busy the place was - people pushing everywhere. Somehow it doesn't seem to matter if a person is wearing a rucksack, and rests it against you (seriously, I can TELL when I'm hitting someone with my bag, why can't you, you ignoramous?!), or to push past you as if you are invisible (apparently saying excust me only needs to be said it you are cutting in front rather than just barging past, I didn't realise there was a difference...). Where did courtesy and manners disappear to? I probably wouldn't come back when it was crowded, but it is a pleasant place to visit and surprisingly more places more to sit down than what it looks like upon first arrival. read more

Black Medicine oh how I waxed lyrical about your coffee on my first visit....... and I stick by this 100%! I have returned twice, once for coffee and a custard danish pastry, which was good, just what I was after. Second time for coffee and a quick panini -something with chorizo and cheese? I can't quite remember!? It was tasty but the only issues I had were that it was maybe a little bit on the small side, it also didn't come with any sides, like a wee bit of salad, or some crisps so I was left still a little peckish. Other than that I could still sit in here for hours happily, next target on the menu - smoothies! read more

Interesting spot. Came here twice as two of the other coffee spots we wanted to try were closed for the new year. My coffee snob friend said his Americano was 'ok, but had too much water in it.' My smoothie was good, but about standard for a smoothie, I'd say (mango and coconut). The decor is nice (like... American northwest chic?), but sometimes it was quite busy and hard to find a seat. I also had a mocha, which was quite tasty, but nothing to write home (or yelp) about. All in all, a solid local coffee spot, and one NOT overrun by Harry Potter fans... Oh, the brownies and lemon drizzle cake were really nice. read more

I like the decor and how much space it has! There is a lot more space downstairs with quite an original variety of chairs. The coffee was ok. Not my favourite. Just OK. I had a latte. First I had a syrup added (white hot chocolate), asked the baristas opinion but they were both honest in saying they don't like syrups and haven't tried it. But then they really put too much in. I know it is a sweet one but this was like drinking straight syrup. Luckily they without hesitation remade it for me, without any syrup haha. Had enough sweetness after two sips for the rest of the day. I found the wait quite long even when only two people were in line before me. The peanut butter bar I got was yummy! On the bright side, somebody told me they have the BEST tuna melt in the city.... He said he was truly a tuna melt specialist having tried them everywhere.... And then when looking around I did see several tables having the tuna melt. So when I go back here, I'll definitely have to try that! read more

Coffee is solid, they have Wifi and if you get there at the right time of day it's actually not that busy! Great stuff. However - it's pretty noisy and I don't like the chairs. However - the food is awesome and it's reasonably priced for the location. And It's near my work - so 4 stars. You now also get a free piece of fruit or a tunnocks wafer with every large take away coffee. This is an excellent pick me up in the morning time. read more

We were looking for somewere to have a coffee after we had been round the castle but we didn't want to go in a chain coffee shop, so we used the yelp app and searched what was near by. It was lovely inside they had stools and tables made out of wood and it was a really chilled out outmosphere. I had a large latte but it was a bit to big but a nice coffee. Worth popping in if you're passing. read more

Black Medicine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

One of the three stores located in the City and I think it's the biggest. I had a really good smoothie here although I was not all that keen on the watery cappuccino I had. It's a good place to bring laptops, as the tables are a convenient height and the window stools are ideal to people watch as well as work. However, I do not know If I was that a fan of the Native American theme going on- didn't really fit in with the surrounding as such, and they have a system of ordering where they call out (more like yell out) your order when it's done(somewhat like Starbucks) but the lady serving me seemed to be in a particularly bad mood and more like screamed out my order after I failed to realise the first time it was called that it was ready. This explained the luke warm coffee and almost cold panini.Other than the keen ear you need, overall this was a good little spot for a cafe and has great smoothies! read more

Black Medicine - Side view of Black Medicine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

It's exceptionally rare these days to find yourself with change from a fiver after splashing out on tea, a smoothie and a cookie, and even rarer to do so in the middle of a busy city centre. Due to the barg I received in here earlier, I can testify that it's at least possible. The smoothie was an absolute cracker as well, and while I wasn't quite too sure about the blaring music, voodoo style decor, or annoying people sitting next to us, I did leave here feeling that I'd quite enjoyed the experience. I expect I'll nip back in for a smoothie before too long. Special mention must go to the staff. A young guy here showed a level of enthusiasm and enjoyment for his job I've not seen in a while, including singing along at full voice to one of Wyclef Jean's many poor efforts. Either he's buzzing off all that coffee, or he's dipping that cash register, I know what would make me happier. Anyway, the general enthusiasm made the place all the more memorable, and we got a "live long and prosper" Star Trek hand signal as we left, and thus Black Medicine got it's fifth star. read more

Black Medicine is one of those cool, trendy places that I always feel a bit guilty for being in - I'm not very cool you see. The thick, wooden benches and chic pedestal-tables kind of summarize the style of this coffee shop - organically chic. However I was surprised at the price, where some things are really cheap (black coffee, tea, hot chocolate), any deviation of that is quite expensive. overall it's a really nice, relaxing place. It has been a bit if a victim of its own success, however, as it can get uncomfortably busy. They have free wifi too, so it's impossible to get one of the window seats - but when you do it's bliss read more

I have friends who love this place more than life itself! and, to an extent, I can understand their enthusiasm. Without a doubt the place is cool with Aboriginal and Native American-style carved benches to sit on and artwork to admire. Further, it definitely provides value for money with multiple deals on hot drinks, cakes, paninis and soups. I've spent entire afternoons just lazing around in Black Medicine with occasionally wandering up to the counter for yet another cookie (of varying flavours). My one criticism of the coffee shop, however, is that it can get uncomfortably crowded to the point where you can barely hear people speak. This is accentuated by it having two entrances as some people seem to just drift in and chat with their mates before leaving again. Black Medicine is definitely a place to come and enjoy some good food and a hot drink in a unique environment, just try and get there before everyone else does! read more

Black Medicine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Although always unbearably packed during lunch and at the same time managing to carry a distinct air of pretentiousness, there are some tasty eats and half decent drinks to be found here. The odd soup and sandwich deal with a fruit juice can be a satisfying snack for lunch but I would always prefer the Bruntsfield branch of Black Medicine over this one: it has much more character. read more

Black Medicine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Black Medicine is still one of my favourite coffee shops in Newington. It has that classy coffee shop atmosphere that I tend to find is lacking in coffee chains like Costa or Starbucks. I love the chunky wooden furniture: much more unique than filling it with a load of tables that could quite easily have come from a page of the IKEA catalogue. I have sampled their cake and their smoothies, and I hold both in high regard. Cake always gets me excited (I have a sweet tooth, and a meat tooth for that matter), and theirs was worth the purchase. Compared to their Marchmont branch, this is definitely the busier, but this is not surprising the prominent location on the corner of Drummond Street. You'll almost certainly find a group of students in here during term time. Great food and drink, great atmosphere. Black Medicine is well on the coffee shop map of Edinburgh. read more

Love the vibe, love the drinks, love the cookies. It has a very distinctive feel, and though i visited mid Festival last week and it was really crowded, still managed to grab a corner of a table. The coffee is strong, and provides a great pick me up, but my favourite treat here is an Oreo cookie shake. Great for a rainy day, I think this place really come onto its own in the winter time. the other two branches are always quieter, but this one being th most centrally located is the one I usually end up in. Staff are friendly, efficient, and relaxed-keep it up. Nor is this place overpriced. Definitely recomended,. read more

A much-loved chilled out coffee hole located in the Student haven of Nicholson Street. Decor is very different with an african/latin american fusion theme to it. Tall chairs and intimate booths adorne the place and if you get there early you may bag a very comfy sofa neuk. Staff are freindly, though service can be a little slow & free WiFi attracts many an Edinburgh Uni student on their Macbooks, but that adds to the atmosphere for me! I recommend coffee and cake here - a winning combination Ess read more

I fondly refer to this place as the 'craic den'. The coffee there is basically liquid crack, and it's a great place to meet up with people for some good chat. I find myself there most days getting my fix and taking a break from the crazyness of life. The wooden tables, chairs, etc, alongside their totem pole insignia remind me of coffee shops I would go to back in the west coast of Canada: a little hippy, a little rustic. The eclectic mix of staff adds to this feel. They have a good selection of sandwiches and treats, and if you get there early enough have a cup of soup - cheap and delicious. They know how to steam milk properly for a great latte, and the music will always surprise you. The only problem is that during term time it can get very full of students - but don't let that deter you. Definitely a place to check out. read more

Very cute venue with delicious coffee! Can definitely recommend! Coffee roughly £2.50 for regular size read more

Black Medicine - Timber Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Got an Americano. No comment. I'm giving an extra star for ambiance. No...I take that back. The coffee was too bad. read more

I spent three and a half hours this afternoon on an great date at Black Medicine. The company probably had something to do with it, but the setting certainly helped. The coffee is good, the sandwiches are tasty, and they sell Oreos at the counter. I especially like the furniture - chairs and tables cobbled together from random pieces of beautifully polished timber. It would be very, very easy to wile away an afternoon surfing the net on the free wifi and simply watch the traffic flow by on Nicolson St. Oh, and they play the best music. read more

Really laid back little coffee shop designed for people looking to chill out, catch up, or just get some work done. The interior has a funky twisted wood look to it, especially the taller tables with bar stools. But there are slightly more normal tables and chairs, and even a couple of couches in the window nooks (and the corner location off of South Bridge makes it a prime people watching spot). The java is pretty inexpensive, though what they call a pot of tea is actually only a cup's worth, brought to you in a small metal pot about the size of your average creamer. They make up for it with their cakes and panini, though. The staff is super friendly and completely in tune with the laid back atmosphere. The shop also has free wifi. It's the perfect place to bunker down while waiting for the rain to blow over. read more

I love this little coffee shop! It feels much more personal than your average Starbucks etc, the staff are welcoming and knowledgable and the coffee is to die for. Yes it's popular with students, but only at certain times of the day/week. It's often nice, relaxing and quiet. It's a great place to chill out with the laptop for an hour or two whilst sipping some amazing blends. The shop enjoys a very central position, but I agree with previous Qypers - it can easily be overlooked. It's definitely worth a visit though, so keep an eye out for this little Gem of a place! read more

I expected reviews for this place to be higher, I've always had good experiences here, and the prices are great. Usually you have to pick between reasonable cost and a decent atmosphere, but Black Medicine has both. It also has wi-fi and SPACE. There is extra seating downstairs for when it is busier, or you want to be there a while and want to be away from the people traffic. They also don't have a credit card minimum, unlike many other places, are accommodating to special requests on food. They have different kinds of table set ups which is great because sometimes you just want to go alone and get some work done, and not be in the middle of things, so the window seats and little tables are convenient. There's really nothing I'd change about this place other than the bagels (just...avoid them). read more

Black Medicine - Cappuccino, £2, Simon & Garfunkel on the speakers - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Quick synopsis: If you want a really nice and comfortable cafe with good espresso, check out Black Medicine. If you want really good coffee (in general, including espresson), though, head less than a block west to Brew Lab. The staff at Black Medicine are incredibly nice and very helpful. They also have delicious sweets (the rocky road bars are excellent). The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and comfortable. In terms of coffee, though, they could be stronger. First off, I had an espresso and it was excellent. But I also wanted a regular coffee. Unfortunately, that isn't an option--the closest choice is an americano. I don't really like americanos, but that's not a big deal. I DO love cappuccinos, so I ordered one. It was good, but not great. Still, Black Medicine is well worth a visit. If you're in Old Town and looking for a place to get a good espresso and to take a load off, Black medicine is a great choice. read more

The atmosphere/interior and the quality of the coffee are second to none. People of all walks of life and ages feel comfortable here. It must have something to do with the eclectic wooden furniture and a nice soft lighting which makes everyone look at their best ;-) !! The whole place feels very welcoming - like a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. The coffees and cappuchinos are excellent and presented very nicely. The only downside for me is the volume of the music. Maybe I'm getting old, but I prefer my music to play softly in the background allowing for easy conversation. But here they like their music loud and clear! This does not stop me from coming back though. The coffee is way too good for that! read more

Good selection of food and pastry, friendly service, decent milkshakes! Love the decor (don't get discouraged, there's a huge downstairs to sit in!) and heard rumors that JK Rowling did much of her HP writing here. read more