Hey Palu is a restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.9 stars from 953 Google reviews. Known for cocktails that justify the skill and staff who actually care. Best for date night and birthday cocktails. Ranked #6 of 15 in Grassmarket. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
Hey Palu
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Grassmarket
↑ Up 1 this week
Quick Verdict
Yes. Reviewers go back multiple nights during the same trip, name staff members in their reviews, and describe the experience as leaving as a friend rather than a customer.
You want cocktails made by someone who actually knows what they're doing, in a space that feels like a proper bar rather than a tourist trap.
About Hey Palu
Hey Palu is a cosy cocktail bar on Bread Street in the Grassmarket that's built its reputation on skilled bartenders and inventive drinks. The space is small but deliberately fitted out—reviewers consistently mention the immaculate vibes and the care staff take with every detail, from complementary snacks to napkins when glasses steam up. The cocktail menu rotates with inventive concepts (the Paper Plane, Yuzu margarita, Final Ward, and Irish Coffee all get specific praise), and the bartenders—Becca, Nikki, and others—are named repeatedly in reviews as knowledgeable enough to steer you through the menu or write down food and drink recommendations for the rest of your trip. It's not loud or trying too hard. You'll find groups, couples, and solo drinkers here, and dogs are welcome. Food is available (bar food and full meals mentioned), though cocktails are clearly the draw. The bar landed in the Top 50 UK bars, which reviewers cite as validation but not the reason they return—they return because the drinks are genuinely excellent and the hospitality is genuine.
What Stands Out
Cocktails that justify the skill
Multiple reviewers praise specific drinks: 'Best Tommys margaritas in Edinburgh', 'The Yuzu margarita was delicious', 'her Irish Coffee is the best we've had', and the Final Ward is described as 'delicious' by someone tasting it for the first time. One reviewer watched the bartender craft drinks and called it 'pure delight'.
Staff who actually care
'Becca was the perfect host, with great knowledge and recommendations; she kept us topped up with complementary snacks and water if we got a little warm - even napkins on the door as our glasses steamed up!' Another review: 'Nikki and Potato were amazing hosts with incredible knowledge.' Reviewers describe 'genuine hospitality' and leaving 'as a friend'.
Atmosphere that works for different occasions
Reviewers describe it as 'delightfully cosy', 'really chill', 'Perfect date night spot', and suitable for groups and birthday celebrations. One reviewer notes 'It's not a big location but plenty of room.' Google attributes list it as 'Casual, Cosy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket'.
What Customers Say
We enjoyed a visit to Hey Palu for some birthday cocktails.
The staff were really welcoming and the drinks excellent.
Excellent cocktails, really chill atmosphere in the bar, and two very lovely bartenders.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Hey Palu
Yes. Reservations are required and the venue accepts them. No online booking available, so ring ahead or arrive early to secure a spot.
Inventive and well-made. Reviewers name the Yuzu margarita, Paper Plane, Final Ward, Irish Coffee, and Tommy's margarita as standouts. Expect £20–30 per person for drinks and bar food. Staff will guide you through the menu based on what you like.
Yes. Bar food and full meals are available. Reviewers mention 'great food' and 'fantastic bar food', though cocktails are clearly the focus. Specific dishes aren't detailed in reviews, so check the menu or ask staff for current offerings.
Yes. Dogs are allowed and reviewers mention taking theirs.
Cosy, casual, and genuinely welcoming. It's small but doesn't feel cramped. Full by 8pm on weekends, with staff who know regulars and first-timers equally well. LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
Also in Grassmarket
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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