Tonic is a cocktail bar in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.5 stars from 778 Google reviews. Known for cocktails that aren't an afterthought and staff who actually pay attention. Best for cocktails with friends and date night. Ranked #15 of 15 in Grassmarket. Price range: €€.
Rankings updated April 2026
Tonic
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Grassmarket
Holding steady
Quick Verdict
Locals keep coming back because the cocktails are genuinely inventive and the staff actually care. That's rare enough to be worth the squeeze on a Friday night.
You want cocktails made with thought, staff who know what they're doing, and don't mind standing shoulder-to-shoulder with 40 other people while a live singer works the corner.
About Tonic
Tonic is a cocktail bar tucked into the Grassmarket with a reputation that rests entirely on what arrives in your glass and who's behind the counter. The menu reads like someone actually thought about what works: creative house cocktails, a build-your-own margarita option, and enough depth that regulars come back for the new recommendations. The space is small and gets properly rammed on Friday and Saturday nights—standing room at the bar by 9pm, live music most evenings, mixed ages from students to couples. Service is the thing reviewers won't shut up about. Thomas, Connor, Jamie, and the rotating cast of bartenders don't just pour drinks; they remember what you ordered last time, suggest cocktails off-menu, and once charged someone's phone so they could get home to their kids. The atmosphere is cosy and trendy without trying too hard. Drinks are reasonably priced for Edinburgh city centre. It's the kind of place where staff going above and beyond isn't the exception—it's the baseline.
What Stands Out
Cocktails that aren't an afterthought
Reviewers consistently praise 'creative and tasty drinks' and 'never seen a cocktail menu with such perfect options.' The build-your-own margarita option and ability to order off-menu for custom recommendations suggests depth beyond standard house pours. One regular called it 'still the best porn star martini in Edinburgh.'
Staff who actually pay attention
Multiple reviews name bartenders by name and praise their attentiveness: 'Thomas was very kind and attentive,' 'Connor was an absolute star,' 'Jamie' received 'Fabulous service.' One reviewer noted staff 'went above and beyond' for a hen party. Another praised 'really nice staff that take care of you with their best.' The consistency across reviews suggests this isn't one person carrying the bar.
Reasonable prices for the location and quality
One reviewer specifically noted 'Great time' with 'reasonably priced' drinks. Another called them 'well priced' despite the creative menu and central Grassmarket location. For Edinburgh city centre cocktails with live music, this is notable.
What Customers Say
Thomas was very kind and attentive and was helpful at recommending drinks.
Really really nice staff that take care of you with their best ;) and of course really tasty and good drinks<3
Fun and unique bar with amazing drinks and service.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Tonic
Walk-ins are welcome, but arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. The space is small and fills up fast—one reviewer noted it gets 'very busy' with standing room at the bar by later hours. Arrive before 9pm on weekends if you want a seat.
Creative and seasonal. They offer house cocktails, a build-your-own margarita option, and bartenders will recommend off-menu drinks if you ask. Reviews praise the menu for having 'such perfect options' and the cocktails themselves for being 'inventive and tasty.' Christmas specials rotate in seasonally.
Yes. Multiple reviewers mention live singers performing in the corner most evenings. One called it 'very good,' and the atmosphere with music is part of what keeps people coming back. It gets louder as the night goes on.
Cosy, trendy, and busy on weekends. Mixed crowd—groups, tourists, couples, different age groups. Small venue means it fills quickly and can feel cramped by 9pm Friday/Saturday, but reviewers describe it as 'great' and 'fun.' Ventilation is noted as weak by one reviewer, so it can feel warm when packed.
Yes, outdoor seating is available. The Grassmarket location means you can grab a spot outside if the bar's too rammed, though this depends on weather and how busy they are.
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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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