So I want to recommend this place but I will place a few caveats. Plan on making a reservation or you probably won't get a seat. The negatives included the fact that they ran out of fish so a fair amount of the items on their menu weren't available including the fish pie and the fish and chips both of our first choices. I foolishly ordered the steak as this is not the place for this kind of meal (it's a pub and I should have stuck to burgers and fries) and it was terrible but my wife liked her curry. They also ran out of the two different tap beers we had. So ... they are a very busy pub with good beer and great live music but you might have to be flexible in regards to food or drink choices. read more

Whatever you do don't complain about service to the staff because when my parents were asked how everything was they said they couldn't see due to being placed under the stairs. Whomever was asking claimed they called the police on them and accused them of not wanting to pay their bill. My parents run a tourist business and would never treat anyone like that. They need lessons in how to talk to customers who are having an issue. My mum has a heart condition and is losing her sight. That was so poorly handled. I'm livid. read more

Hel-LO Hootananny! So, our first night in Inverness we stumbled upon Hoot's, chuckled at the name, decided to have a peek in, and ended up staying for dinner. Surprise #1: The menu was THAI FOOD! Traditional Scottish music and Thai food? Whaaaaaaaaat. Surprise #2: Thursday night (when we were there) happens to be "Country Americana" night downstairs....I felt like I had been plopped down in Texas instead of the Highlands. Hmm. Anyhow, the food was very tasty; well-spiced, not too expensive, and served quickly. The music and scene were interesting -- seemed like a happening after-work place. (Note: upstairs at Mad Hatter's is an entirely different experience....and the average age seemed to drop about 8 years as you moved up each floor) The beer selection was pretty good and the bartenders knew a thing or two about making a proper cocktail. Overall: totally worth checking out if you'll be up north! read more

Hootananny - What a Hoot! - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

We heard good things about this place, but it was in a more tourist-heavy area, so we worried about it. No reason to worry. The food was great. Had the fish and chips and steak and ale pie. Both had great flavor and were made fresh, not some tourist version. It was the sticky toffee pudding that put this place over the top. They have great live music and a great scene. Also, while the service was a bit slow, our hats off to them for dealing with some tourists that didn't understand why they would not serve bourbon whiskey in Scotland, and yes, the local salmon is better than the stuff from Alaska. read more

We wanted a real pub experience while in Inverness. This was fun and the food was a hit. We all did the fish and chips, which seemed to be the go to for most everyone in the restaurant. Great fish quality with a flavorful, yet thin batter. They also had vinegar and a tarter sauce that you need to ask for. We also got the Cullen Skink soup. I thought this was one of the best I have tried. Light and flavorful. For dessert, they had several homemade options. The cheesecake was unique. We all liked it, but not a New York Cheesecake for sure. Much softer and has a bit more of tangy flavor. We really loved the toffee pudding. That was heavy, but the vanilla ice cream helped balance it perfectly. We did not stay for the music, but most nights music starts at 8:30 or so. Seems fun if we weren't such early birds. read more

While in Inverness last summer (yes, it's been a while...) my friend and I were in the area and looking for a local place to hang out after dark. This place popped up on Yelp and it seemed interesting, so we were able to walk after we checked out Gellions. It was an incredibly lively pub, even on a Monday night. There was hardly any seating room, and it was by some luck that my friend and I ended up finding a table near the wall with our requisite pints. Which brings me to the live music. The first night we were there, it was more traditional, with bagpipe playing, and we were there for a while, enjoying the lively, excitable atmosphere and the good vibes this place exudes. Afterwards, we went to several other pubs around the area. We had such a good time here, however, that we actually came back the next night, which is something I try to avoid doing when on vacation, but that should show you how much of a good time we had. The next night it was quite as packed, but it was still very full. The live music was an interesting conglomeration of sounds: spoons, guitar, fiddle, keyboard, stomping. It was here that we made the acquaintance of several Scottish gentlemen who were driving their motorcycles across the country. We'd seen them in an earlier pub, and then again here, and we struck up an amused conversation at having seen each other again at two different places in the same night. We ended up going to several local pubs with them, having a blast at each one, dancing, drinking... They even made sure we got to our Airbnb safely, and they were a part of the whole experience that would make me really love Scotland. Only outside of your home can you strike up a conversation with a group of strangers who are fun, funny, and genuinely decent people who have no ulterior motives other than to have fun. So 5 stars for the great music, lively patrons, and just being one of my favorite pubs that I saw in all of Scotland. read more

This was a fantastic meal and the whiskey was wonderful. I had the baked salmon -- never had better. Also had a 21 year old GlenFiddich while my husband had a 12 year gold medal winner Tomatin. Both were great and we were treated to a group of school musicians playing fiddles! Tried to upload a short video of the fiddlers but yelp doesn't allow videos. They were truly wonderful! read more

Hootananny - Baked Salmon - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

While in Inverness during the summer of '08, we did a few pub crawls downtown. Of all the pubs, the one we found ourselves at most---Hootananny's. Hootananny's is touted as being one of THE pubs in Scotland for checking out traditional Scottish and Irish music. The trick for this pub is to get there before the music starts--that way you can grab a seat. Otherwise you'll be sandwiched between people checking out the music---well, there's nothing wrong with that as long as you have a wee dram o' Scotch in hand! ;) On my last day in Inverness, my sister and her boyfriend grabbed a table here, and chilled for a couple of hours. We played blackjack, ordered rounds of brew, had some whisky, and listened to an AWESOME Scottish band by the name of Schiehallion. I'm half Scottish, and I really felt at home in Inverness and the people are a big reason for this. One memory of Hootananny was when I was ordering a round at the bar, and an old timer suggested a local Scotch to try out. He was really cool, and I got him a round and was on my way. I really loved Hootenanny's and can't wait to get back. read more

Hootananny - The Pub Front - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

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I recommend dinner reservations at least a day in advance. While we were eating we watched more than a dozen small (2) and large (8) parties get turned away. Great meals and atmosphere. Staff is great with a wonderful selection of single malts and beers. My father and I ordered the salmon and it was fantastic. My mom (mum) had the meat and ale pie that came with an amazing puff pastry. Prices were very reasonable and very comfortable atmosphere for my elderly parents and myself. The deserts were great ....ok...better than great. I ordered a second order of the sticky toffee chocolate cake. One of the more enjoyable evening locations on our trip to Scotland. They recently won the best Scottish Restaurant in the highlands. read more

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All the things necessary to make a good bar are present here- great atmosphere, music, and interesting people. This was one of the first places we visited in Scotland and we loved every minute of it. If you happen to be in the area, drop in. You won't regret it:) read more

Drinks are slightly more expensive than places around here but that's totally worth it for real Scottish music at night! Vibe is awesome and would totally come spend a night here again :) read more

Since we visited Scotland, we've been able to sample lots of meat and potatoes kind of dishes. Hootenanny made a steak and ale stew/pie as good as any we'd had all trip. There are a few cask ales available, as well as regular draughts. Wine and spirits are available too, but I didn't sample any Scotch whiskey here, of which you can find a mix of regional brands both well-known and more obscure. The live music this place is known for draws a crowd. And while the musical genres differ, it is likely to be something lively and energetic. If you are here in high season, or get here the same night as a cruise docks, call ahead and get a reservation. If you are at a lower volume time, it seems easy enough to walk in and find a place. read more

Great beer and music! Came here with the wife and her mum while waiting for our dinner to be ready. Filled up quick. Would come back again! read more

I visited Hootananny's when I was staying in Inverness back in October, and was really impressed with the atmosphere and the selection of drinks available, particularly their range of local beers and ales (mainly from Black Isle Brewery - The Red Kite Ale is a particular highlight!) The staff are friendly, live music every night and although I didn't try the food, anything I saw emerging from the kitchen looked (and smelled) very appetising and hearty, so I'd happily plan a return to Inverness to try their pub grub-style menu. Well worth popping in if you're visiting Inverness! read more

Amazing soup, amazing music! A nice place to hang out and relax the night away with friends! Bring a tabletop game... and hang out. Lovely little pub. read more

Hootananny - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

I came here for a good drink and some good music and was very satisfied with both. Not much like a good cider and live bagpipes. I do hope to come here again! Prices were reasonable and the music amazing. read more

Found Hootananny on our first day in Town, stopped in to grab a bite to eat, kitchen was closing in 10 minutes, kept it open for three hungry Americans Great pub ! Fish n chips ruled, local beers on tap and whiskey from all over ! Staff friendly and helpful, like being at a friends house ! read more

Yes, this is one of the best pubs in Inverness. There's a fun vibe & anyone who lives in & around Inverness will tell you this is the place to go. However, the Thai food just isn't that good. It's "exotic" and different, so it may seem good to those sick and tired of traditional pub food. Also, the handful of times that I went there during different seasons, the music was NOT good. Quite amateurish even. There are far better venues for real folk music, whether it be Scottish tunes or American country or other.. You'll see a whole bunch of sad-looking foreigners and ex-pats forcing themselves to have a good time here. What is it trying to be? read more

FUN! FUN! FUN!! The fish & chips were nice & crispy & not oily at all. The steak meh... The Guinness from the tap was so fresh & tasted amazing. They have a Scottish band playing every night. This place has good food, great local band & amazing Guinness...a recipe for a FUN night. read more

I live down in Brixton, and there's a Hootananny there. I'd no idea there was a second-- nor that the Brixtonian Hootananny is the second! One of Inverness' best music venues-- there's some sort of music on almost every night-- this place combines a capable bar staff, a selection of locally sourced ales (although all but MacEwan's 80/- were out the night I was there), some old folk sitting 'round a table making music, and a friendly vibe to make a nice, if unusual, pub experience. If you're in Inverness, do stop in. read more

Fun place if you like beer, music and people! It really is a great vibe. Went 2 evenings, it was always packed. They stop serving dinner early so if you're a tourist going after 8:30pm you'll have to get dinner elsewhere. read more

Dropped in here after a meal just up the road in what used to be Cool Runnings, it was packed out (Saturday night) and there was some live music courtesy of a boy on the irish pipes and a lad on guitar. Atmosphere was great, didn't go upstairs, but he bar was well stocked, good fast service and reasonable prices, all in all one of the best places in Inverness for a drink and a bit of entertainment. Decor is also pretty mad, with old wooden arches and stalls being used round the room. read more

I have been desperately wanting a steak pie since arriving in Inverness a few days ago. Hootenanny did not disappointed. Loved everything about and completely cleaned my plate. Even the boiled carrots which I normally hate! Husband loved his haddock and red kite ale. Fresh seafood, friendly and fast service... my type of place. It isn't fancy, but that's definitely more our style. Real pub with trying. Five stars and two thumbs up! read more

Hootananny - Steak and Red Kite ale pie. Yummmmmm - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

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Lively crowd with solid music. Got a local beer that was excellent. Great energy. Walls covered with old newspapers or colored dark red giving it a warm feel. Not enough seating but it adds to the energy having people stand. read more

My wife and I were here on our honeymoon visit to Inverness. Wonderful pub, great food, great staff, great music! The time we were there they only had the first floor open for music but I've heard they have another floor with more! Highly recommend! read more

Hootananny - Music Venues Near Me - Inverness, HLD

Great local music. Above average beer. We would have liked to try something off the menu but they stopped serving at 2100 which is a trend item in these parts. We are used to the kitchen being open much later, especially with such a big crowd...seemed like a poor financial decision. Great local music. Above average beer. We would have liked to try something off the menu but they stopped serving at 2100 which is a trend item in these parts. We are used to the kitchen being open much later, especially with such a big crowd...seemed like a poor financial decision. read more

We found this pub while walking around Inverness. The atmosphere is great at this pub. There was a great mix of older and younger people sitting around listening to traditional scottish music. The beer prices were reasonable as well. Upstairs there was another bar with a much younger crowd and pop music - we did not go up there so I cannot rate it. read more

Black Isle blonde on tap! Really friendly staff, regular spot for gigs and whilst i've never had any food there, it looks pretty good.

The landlord of my guest house recommended Hootananny's for good authentic Scottish food. I got a pint of cider and ordered the Hoots Cullen Skink (smoked haddock potato soup), and it was amazing! I was far too tired my first night in town to stay for the music, but I came back the next night and ordered the Cullen Skink again, I liked it so much! The staff are friendly, they gave me some good recommendations for fun little things to do in town, and were genuinely pleased when I came in the next day and ordered the same food. Next time I go to Inverness, I will try something else on their menu, but I can't praise that soup enough! read more

Try to avoid this restaurant as the service is appalling. The customer service I have received was the worst I have ever experienced from Laura the server. She was not helpful at all and very rude. We were told that they were full so we had to wait for over 30 mins. While we were waiting, we asked if we could take 2 seperate tables of 2. She said there were no tables at all but she ended up giving 2 seperate tables to people who came after us. We felt like she was racist against Asian people. read more

Based on many in person recommendations we popped in for both dinner and evening drinks. I wouldn't call them a true restaurant as they aren't as in tune to waiting service as other places but the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cool and the food was authentic and tasty. I had the traditional pie and ate it up! The evening entertainment is great, traditional foot stomping music and other floors of different music and decor. The crowd gives it a small town vibe with its 'everyone's welcomes' type of feel. I think it's a must visit spot in Inverness for sure. read more

What a fun place! Our waitress was very kind and answered all of our questions with a smile. The food was pretty good and a good selection of beer. A dram of whiskey is the same price, regardless of the brand which is great. We stuck around for the live music and it was a blast! read more

Great pub atmosphere. Great food. Scottish music playing. We had Steak & Ale Pie and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Great live music & fun atmosphere. I love how there are three different levels to the place to accommodate your taste.

Great family spot for dinner (veggie haggis!) before the night scene. We loved the pub atmosphere and spotted Rick Steves scouting the place. I accidentally left my purse in the loo and it was returned safely to the barman, nothing missing. Nice. read more

My Best memory of hoots was when my girlfriends brother from new Zealand came to visit and we took him to hoots he amazed by the atmosphere from the band playing and loved the Scottish music only downfall it has, is that it sometimes is hard to get served on a busy night but overall hoots is a great bar and one of my favourites. read more

Great spot. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. Chips that came with fried fish were a bit overdone and chicken salad was simply a chicken breast atop some lettuce but all in all a fine place. read more

Though I really wanna give this place 2 stars, nothing is really wrong with it... Just totally not my style. Did not eat here, only came to hear the music and see the "must see" bar of Inverness... It is red!... I mean really red, not my dark and dingy local pub I prefer, but the drinks were standard and the music was O.K. glad to say I went, but would not go back. read more

Very good pub food. We both had the crusted salmon with the potatoes, it was excellent. Perfectly cooked, really crusty crust (and that's important), the fish was fresh, tasty, what else do you need ? The staff was super friendly. We had a really nice dinner. read more

The service was wonderful and food excellent. I had the skink soup. YUM! and then the butternut squash chickpea curry also delicious. It was the perfect size. I ate my whole me as l (rare for me) and left satisfied. read more