What a wonderful hidden gem on one of the worst streets in the Tenderloin. You enter this bar and are immediately confronted with interesting decorations. Your eyes will be captivated as you look around at all the artifacts. You'll be most often served by the owner, who is a moderately friendly gent. There is a pool table if that's your thing. And the drinks are dirt cheap. They have a decent selection of single malt scotches. But the selection of other liquors is relatively simple. Be safe when going here. The streets of the Tenderloin nearby are no joke. I would not recommend parking anywhere nearby if you value your window glass on your vehicle. read more

This is The greatest genuine dive bar in San Francisco. Not very crowded. The place is huge but if you want to dive in and meet a few nice people, this is the place. Just be careful cuz it is located in the heart of the tenderloin. read more

Now THIS is a dive bar! My husband brought me here as a joke because my son lives in Scotland very near the actual Edinburgh Castle. We had a laugh as we checked out the Scottish-themed decor, including photos of bagpipers, Scottish flags, and an actual caber (used in caber tossing events at Highland Games) mounted on the wall. If you have any doubts this place is a dive, you can read a sign by the bar stating, "The Edinburgh Castle - the biggest dive in the Known Universe!!!" One thing that was a bummer is the lack of Scottish beer on the menu! We ended up getting Racer 5 instead. Also, this place is in a sketchy neighborhood and it was weird to see an older person climb up the blocked off stairs and realize he probably lived up there right above the bar. read more

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Everything here rocks. TK is the man. Do yourself a favor, come see old school SF. These guys have it all. Music. A solid bar. Classic SF bar scene. Skip the new places and come on down. read more

Edinburgh Castle Pub - Smooth and tasty beverages. - Pubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bad service, bad location, giant rat traps and garbage cans all over the place, uneven scraped up floor, bathroom location makes you cut through the stage. This place is straight trash read more

Hubby and I popped in here for some single malt scotches after dinner before we headed to Great American Music Hall. It was fairly empty at 7pm on a Friday night. There is a room in the front that you go through a door that's kind of like the feel of being outside. This place is a quirky dive bar. It is what it is. And we found it to be a very pleasant one. The stools were comfortable, the bar itself was beautiful with the coins and the copper rail. I had an Oban and a Linsmore and my husband had an Aberlour and a Highland Park black label. The bartender brought us a water back without prompting and I thought that was very thoughtful. He left us alone until I signaled we were ready for our second shot. I liked that we were able to just talk and relax. The place smelled fresh for those saying it smelled like piss. I got nothing of the sort. Nor did it smell musty. The bathrooms are small. The water worked for me in the tiny corner sink. The door to the men's room is missing at the moment, but as hubby said, that's kind of what you expect at a dive bar. Would we go back? Yes, we would. I wish I knew more about the history of the place and what the upstairs was for. The sign said it was opened in 1959 or 1951 (hey, brain sometimes remembers things, sometimes it doesn't) It was definitely fun. read more

I thought Edinburgh closed permanently!? I was on the verge of tears thinking it was sold. I used to live nearby-ish, and I'd bring people to visit the castle (and get fish n chips) for trivia night, a game of pool, a concert .. whatever! I don't live nearby, sadly, but now that I know it's still around I am going to return asap!! I'm so happy that Kim has made it work, and been recognized for his writing. Thanks for SO many memories! I hope I don't get the mean lady the other reviewer wrote about hahaha... I'm just happy you're around!! read more

It's a local lounge pub and bar from SF, historical also Dance floor, fish n chips, special drink Experienced DJs, happy hour Beverages Pool table It's a good spot for chill and hangout Also every 1 st and 3rd Saturday They have a local DJ playing beats Disco, jazz, house, 80,90remix read more

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really disappointing. even two stars would be generous on a friday at 5pm, I was literally the only customer in the bar. the smell was horrible, this isn't even the tenderloin or civic center but this place smelled like piss. not even kidding. I felt like I needed to wash my clothes after sitting there gulping down a beer as quickly as possible how could they even pretend to be a Scottish pub with such a poor selection of SMS and only a couple of draft beers on tap? bartender was totally apathetic even if I lived next door I wouldn't step foot in here again read more

Just fair warning this place is in the Tenderloin and the neighborhood is a bit sketchy. That sketchiness continues inside. We came on Tuesday for trivia and found that the bar was decrepit and the bartender seemed annoyed to have patrons. Yes the drinks are cheap. No, they have no food of their own. Many of the positive reviews are likely from regulars that enjoy the idea of a dive bar in a seedy area, as it may up the cool factor due to danger. The trivia was hard. Aside from the obscurity of the questions, the host went way too fast and did little to explain the flow of questions or seem to care about the crowd very much. Was totally not worth the cheap booze to endure the obscurity lightning rounds. If you are a local and a regular go for it. As a visitor I wouldn't make the effort to come out for the trivia or to hang out based on the area and the hosts. read more

I've only ever been on Tuesdays, but I am a regular at Trivia night and it is the best trivia I've ever been to. Hard but fun. Good mix of regulars and new teams each week. If you're looking for a dive bar with cheap drinks, this is a great find. Plus, you can bring in food. Mostly writing this review to respond to Maggie A.'s review below (1/29/19). She was drunk and yelling out answers to the trivia questions. She was asked nicely twice not to yell out answers before being told to shut up. Tbh her friends looked embarrassed by her, one apologized, and they left soon after the confrontation. The quizmaster was 100% in the right and had the support of the entire bar, who were also all yelling at her to shut up. Now that's some community spirit:) read more

Went there with my friends and the dj was rude. Had only asked a question and be told me to "shut the hell up" during a trivia night I guess. I work in customer service and I personally think he could've handled it 10x better than he did. I have never told a customer to shut the hell up before. Even if they were rude or talking out of turn. Which I apparently did. My friends got talkative to back me up which I apologize for but this DJ wasn't very nice whatsoever but it didn't give him the right to treat me how he did. Will tell college friends to never go here again. read more

The music from the digital Juke seemed to make the crowd yell louder. The bartender seemed more interested in the girls at the end of the bar than serving others. The waitress seemed to be out of the room more than in it. The patrons seemed oblivious to the others around them. - one stepped, no stomped, on my female friends foot with no apology, just stared at her like she did something wrong - another knocked over a pint of beer on our table and said "You should set that in the middle of the table." From the other reviews here I obviously need to go back. My experience certainly wasn't up to that of the others here. The evening was an hour or two of slow service, poor food, and rude and obnoxious patrons. This didn't feel to me like any Scottish pub I have been to, more like an American bar filled with Scottish items and young Americans who thought they were acting Scottish. And come on, no Tennents? No Bellhaven? How about something from the Inveralmond Brewery or the Caledonian Brewery? They do have Guinness and Racer. Very good, but not Scottish. Guinness is an Irish beer, and before any of you utter "same difference" you better think before you speak. I thought they had Kiltlifter, but they weren't pouring it that night (and it's brewed in Arizona anyway). There are some positives: - Good selection of Whiskey - Trivia night looks fun - they do get some decent bands here So I will go back. But I'll probably be back in the real Edinburgh first (already have my plane ticket). BTW, have you ever tossed a caber? Not easy. read more

People insist on giving other folks labels. Whether you're 'punk' or 'emo', 'rockabilliy', 'new age Amish' or anything else. I personally don't like the idea of fitting into one random group, so I'm generally unamused when people say I'm a hipster. To those that label me so, I laugh at thee. If I'm such a hipster why don't I just loooooove Edinburgh like all the rest of the hipster flock? As of right now, 47 of the 340 reviews of the Castle mention hipsters taking over this place, and yea, I'm not that impressed. Take THAT people that call me a hipster. Now there's nothing wrong being a hipster and there's nothing wrong three stars either. I find the place to be pretty solid, the usual makeup for a decent pub: jukebox, pool, lots'o'beer. I think Edinburgh has a nice setup too with booths, tables, dim lighting, and a long bar. I dig the tall ceiling giving it a very open feel. I guess I'm just not amazed to the point of seeking this place out consistently. Been here on a few Friday/Saturday nights, had some beer and whiskey, the purpose was served. I'll probably be back, and you know, maybe some day I'll fall in love with Edinburgh. If you see a 5 star update from me it's likely I went and met some hot hipster chicks which will drastically alter my opinion. There I go labeling 'hot hipster chicks' all hypocritical like, sorry, but if you're going to have a label it could be a lot worse than that one, I'm just sayin.. read more

When I used to hear about Edinburgh Castle before I visited for the first time, I actually thought there was a historical castle in SF that people visited. Unfortunately this Edinburgh is far from a castle. I enjoy their Tuesday (pretty sure it's Tuesday) trivia night but be warned that the questions are hard and that the wildcard category is particularly random. You can bring food in to enjoy while you share pitchers of beers with your teammates or order cocktails. I've been a couple times on the weekend and don't enjoy it as much. It gets packed and once time they even charged us $4 cover without a live band. We're still not sure why there was cover that night for a divey bar with a DJ. A few other random facts - they have a pool tabel, the women's bathroom smells like a dirty fish tank (and doesn't look a whole lot better), there is a neat balcony area up above the main bar area, and I'm pretty sure there are darts also in the front room. read more

For about 10 years I've been coming to the Castle, largely, because it's the same place that it was 10, 20, probably 30 years ago. Here are some fun facts: Film crews used a snow machine to make it look wintery when filming So I Married an Axe Murderer. Back in the day, underage drinkers could sneak in through from the filthy alley entrance. Now closed off. There's an attic where bands used to play. The sound was terrible, it was a fire hazard, but many remember it as being The Most Awesome Thing Ever. The jukebox has always been one of the best in the city. David Bowie, T Rex, Pulp, you know. Every other Wednesday is "1964." It gets packed with hip kids in tight pants, dancing to old 45's. It used to be a simple affair but now the line can go down the street, so come early if you want to get in. Tuesday night trivia is one of the best in town, and can get VERY competitive. Happy hour goes until 8pm! 2 pieces fish & chips and ANY pint for $10. Shot of well and a PBR for 5. There's usually one tv playing a ball game and one tuned to AMC. The other night I sat at the bar and watched Predator 2 almost in its entirety. You can smoke in the tap room in front. If you step in for 30 seconds on crowded nights, everything on your person will smell like an ash tray forever. read more

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Rob says "Check your expectations at the door and best to stick to beer." Came here for SantaCon and we had a great time. Looked like a dive bar, smelled like a dive bar, sounded like k-pop. I'd go back. read more

I went back again for the pub quiz--still Awesome with a capital A. Hell, AWESOME--all caps. Sure, the quiz is hard, but that's half the fun. Anyways, Carl rocks my socks. When I told him that I was the one who wrote how awesome it was last week, he gave me a free drink ticket. That just made me like him even more than already did. I really like the collegiality of the place. Everyone's competing against everyone else, but it's friendly competition. Plus, if someone's an ass and everyone knows it, said ass is made to feel unwelcome. Fortunately for all of us, tonight's ass left on his own accord. So five stars for Tuesday night at the castle. read more

Just as dirty as the neighbourhood streets. Very strange smells and uncomfortable vibe. Nothing to recommend this place. Not even as a dive bar. This place fails on every possible level. read more

Best Pub Quiz in the City. Best bartender in a non-bantering role. Great selection of single malt scotch and draft beer. The Old Chelsea link is quaint, they even serve the fish n chips wrapped in newspaper, too bad it can't be the Sun. Note: the fish n' chips are NOT good. They don't even try. But after a few beers you could drop an old shoe in hot oil and slather it in salt and vinegar, it'd taste pretty good. They used to have the worst cocktail waitress in the City but I think she quit. Update: I've decided that the non-bantering bartender has to be Alan Black, author and blogger. So you know he has things to say -- just not to *me.* read more

The food here is typcial "pub-grubb." That's morse code for, "not very good." That being said, there's that cool rustic, wooden, Victorian interior and social vibe about this place that makes me return here despite the grease that will make my stomach and digestive system work overtime. Besides, it's a Scottish place. If it tasted good, it wouldn't be authentic. Tip to groupie chicks: If you are hoping to muse or marry the next John Lennon or Paul McCartney, a lot of English bands who perform at the Great American Music Hall often hang out here. Get here at 7pm and you're bound to meet an English, Irish, or Scottish Rock Musician. Don't worry, they are hairy, ugly and desperately in need of inspiration. They'll fall in love with you in a hurry. I only call them hairy and ugly because I'm jealous that I'm not as good of a musician as they are. read more

Edinburgh, I give you a five and I'll tell you why. Yes, on Fridays your lines can seem unbearable, and the crowd of hipsters obnoxious. And the music loud, and waiting out in the Loin makes me nervous. Sure, one should not lock their bike outside your doors for fear of theft, despite two cameras at your doorstep. The pesterings of Otis and his constant search for a free tip (usually not his). But I love you for this, you are my friend, you treat me well, you always have good beer on tap, some fine oldies spinning on Fri., a fun pool table at the top of the stairs, plenty of space, plenty to do, a smoking room so that people can converse and puff, but don't have to blow it in my face, Black Prince Porter (that's for Will, his fav, but one of only two places in the city where we know to find it.) I love you for that night Ali and I spent all Monday 5PM till 1AM as the only patrons in the bar for hours, that is until Will showed, allowing him to park his ride indoors, and before that when we recruited a couple to come in and have a drink and "no, it wasn't closed, just a slow Monday." Where the lady barkeep thanked us with shots of Fernet and we Anchored the hell out of that evening just talking about life and friends and frustrations and more. And you just sat there and let the magic happen. For that you will have a place in my heart. For the first night I met Rachel, and she is the coolest film lady I know. For Ali's b-day where a group of us just enjoyed each other's company at a large round table and again, you just sat back and let it happen. For ever time I come in and grab a booth with ease and on busy nights a guy comes up and takes my drink order and returns pretty prompt with my suds. For surviving the TL, and all it's issues. For surviving the onslaught of vehicles along Geary for that matter. For offering Amsterdam across the street should you be too loaded to grant me entrance (which has happened so few times). For So I Married An Axe Murder. You jewel. read more

Came here for drinks a few weeks ago before heading out for supper. Since it was early (6'ish), the place was pretty empty. The bartender was super friendly and nice and got us our drinks quick. Not a bad place if your'e stopping by for a beer or cider. read more

Awesome location, I love this place, so many good memories. I used to go on trivia night. They have a darts board I believe...or at least they used to. You can get fish and chips here, and I often do. GREAT beer selection. reasonable cover prices if there even is a cover charge. i spent New Year's Eve here once and it was fun. I am going to have to not be stingy with these guys and give them what they deserve. A full 5 stars. read more

If you're in the mood for a cheap pint in a place that smells like thick piss, look no further than Edinburgh Castle Pub. I came in twice on a Saturday night because my idiot friend forgot his credit card. The place was nearly empty and somehow the classic San Francisco smell of Tenderloin streets was stronger inside the bar than out. I'm actually shocked to now find out that they apparently serve food here? I'm not going to advise anyone against eating here but I will present you with the knowledge of the women's restroom, that has 2 stalls. One of which has a toilet that does not flush and a door that once locked, jams. So be prepared to go full Kool Aid Man to get out there like I had to. When you go to wash your hands you'll notice there's not only no soap, but the sink is not even hooked up to water. I have no idea how many women work here, but they aren't washing their hands up in this piece. I went back to my friend at the bar who was truly disgusted that I came back with "piss hands" even though I'm 70% sure I did not pee on my hands. But I guess I see his point. The great thing about this place is that on a pretty prime Saturday evening in a bar that could probably hold 250 people, there were maybe 11 people here in total and that includes the bartended, my friend, and I . So there were plenty of seats, it had a great dive bar vibe, the accompanying SF dive bar smell, and while you maybe need to bring your own hand sanitizer, it's a cool gritty place to come with a big group for maybe the cheapest drinks in town. read more

Been coming here for 22 years. Its dark large and cozy with chill jazz music on some nights thanks to the cool bartender who really appreciates same. Smithwicks on tap, great stuff. read more

Usually the bars I wander into in the city are a bit over priced, but the Edinburgh Castle Pub had great prices on both the drinks and the beer! Plus their happy hour goes till 8pm! Smart! They've got a nice long bar, tons of tables, and plenty of room in between. Pool table, jukebox, and even a smoking lounge complete with piano! The fish and chips smelled really gooood, but I didn't get to have any as we were only here to kill time before meeting up with some friends for dinner.. Funny, as I'm typing up this review, I see several of my fellow Sacramento Yelpers have also enjoyed this pub! read more

Edinburgh Castle Pub - Pubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

I like this spot, its kinda smelly, dirty, but they fit right in to the neighborhood. I think its the only place in SF where I can drink a real Fullers. read more

Very good beer here!!! Had the death & taxes beer... Awesome!!!! Very cool ambiance just a little divey. Very cool tender socializing with... About beer, sports etc read more

Edinburgh Castle Pub - Death & taxes - Pubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Seems like a random dive bar when you get to the door. Then you walk in and.. still a dive bar. But a really nice spacious one w/ an upstairs seating area. Almost looks like a barn.. a nice lively barn that serves good drinks. My friends and I almost felt like square dancing. Not really. Overall nice chill spot. read more

When people ask me what my favorite bars in SF are, I don't really know how to answer; nothing springs to my mind. However, when I'm at Edinburgh, I always enjoy myself, which I guess is what counts, right? Edinburgh is home to a couple great club nights (1964, Nightbeat), but even on off nights, it's a fun place to grab a couple pints. There are plenty of seats at the long bar, booths, and upstairs (if they have it open.) I always hear how back in the day, they held 1964 in the now closed room upstairs (and curse the fact that I couldn't see that at least once.) Also has a dedicated smoking space up in the front, which is often as packed as the rest of the bar. The bathrooms are pretty disgusting, thankfully I don't need to spend too much time in there nor actually touch any of the fixtures. But I guess it's kind of fitting for the ambiance of the bar to have dirty restrooms. Reminds me of the 'worst toilet in scotland' scene from Trainspotting. Can't forget to mention there are also bartenders walking around taking orders for more drinks. What's better than being able to get more beer without having to lose your seat and/or squeeze in between people at the bar? Definitely a must if you're in the TL. read more

Awesome beer, and I don't even like beer. People here love to party. If you've had a painfully long day, week, or just car ride, stop in, let completely f*ing loose and enjoy yourself. PS:beware accepting invitations to underwear parties, I don't care how cute she is, you've been warned. Definitely bring a wingman, less as a backup, more as a second opinion. And lose the shirt and jacket, t-shirt and jeans are fine so save the effort. read more

Man did you see the size of that pub!?! This place is huge and deep. Was kinda difficult for me to find it. I think its pretty cool they allow food in there..or at least the pizza place next door. It felt a bit too dark but then again it IS a pub. I didnt order any drinks but I had a great time here, perhaps more because of the company. :] read more

"If it ain't Scottish, it's crap!" A good place for weekday/weeknight drinks with an order of fish & chips. Decent jukebox (as good as Treat Street) and a plentiful selection of beers, ales, and single-malt whiskeys... mmm... Talisker. Trivia Night is fun and laidback. Edinburgh Castle is also a good place to kill some time and liver cells before (or after) a movie at AMC Van Ness. read more

We stumbled in on Tuesday night not knowing it was their trivia night and found the place pretty packed...from the moment we walked in, I had one of those "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto" feelings and that's saying a lot because I don't feel that way very often...I go from chi-chi wine events with my Sonoma boyfriend to SoMa cooler-than-thou hipster parties with the staff at the Bay Guardian with the greatest of ease. I am the greatest of chameleons...but I digress, I felt a little judged walking into this place. Not gonna lie. It started with the bouncer. Maybe I wasn't old enough. Maybe I wasn't Anglophile enough. Maybe my arm candy wasn't scruffy enough. Maybe I was too fashionably dressed and it was apparent even through the very dim lighting. I would give this place a five for the service (our server was a no nonsense great at what she does type) and for the beverages on tap, a four for the trivia night (although my favorite is The Bitter End), and a 3.5 for the Fish and Chips. How's that for a score? The too clean-cut bf loved the Fish and Chips but I'm loyal to the ones at Perry's downtown and The Irish Bank, they're more my style. The batter on the fish was excellent, though, golden, thin, perfectly crisp, not to oily or thick or lumpy, and I did LOVE the proper presentation in newspaper, just like they do in Brighton. read more

Edinburgh Castle Pub - Properly wrapped - Pubs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wish I could give it 0 stars. I bought 4 mediocre taxed a** drinks for myself and a friend, left for 30 minutes and came right back (mind you, there was like 2 other customers) and when I came back in I asked for a glass of water. The lady yelled at me and said she wouldn't serve me if I didn't buy another drink. I tried to remind her of the last 4 drinks I bought and my friend wanted to get another drink and she still wouldn't give me a glass of water??? Absolutely ridiculous and would not give my money to this unprofessional garbage establishment. This is why they don't have customers. do not waste your money here read more

Best damn Pub in San Francisco!!! Best Scottish Pub on the West Coast of the Americas!!! *Best Bar Manager in the world! ; The Author, Philosopher, Honest world observer, and a damn fine Scotch Barista : "Sir Alan Black" !!!!! read more

One of my favorite bars in San Francisco, have come here for over a decade. Good drinks, good music. Low key and chill spot.

It breaks my heart to have to say this but this once great pub has been ruined. They used to draw a crowd of people of all ages, interests, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds now the place is generally full of hipsters. They used to have bands play in the room upstairs leaving the people downstairs free to talk but the last few times I've been there they had a band or DJ play downstairs making it impossibly loud to hear the person sitting next to you. The worst and final straw is that the price for a pint of Anchor Steam has gone up to $6. I'm not exactly sure why this has happened to my once favorite bar but I'll probably wait a few years before I check in again. read more

I used to go to Edinburgh Castle when I first moved to Ess Eff back in 1998. Then I sort of grew up (or so I thought) and moved onto other bars and the finer things. I do remember missing their fish 'n chips, though, and a very good jukebox to boot. Forward to this past Friday where I'm there for happy hour, actually to celebrate a friend's birthday. The place hasn't changed much, and that's a good thing. I like the more social downstairs area (where the bar is), but the upstairs seating allows for more quiet conversation, perhaps even introspection on quieter nights. But one thing will definitely have me coming back, and that is the $3 beers on tap, from 4-7pm. Let me restate: $3 Guinness, $3 Racer 5, yes $3 beer on tap. It's downright glorious, at least for this old man. read more