The Best Pubs
in
Inverness

Forget everything you think you know about a night out. Playback is a three story playground where you can hurl axes, battle over giant foosball, or sip prosecco pong, all while your dog snoozes at your feet. The kitchen fires out incredible burgers and the cocktail list is just as adventurous, making it the perfect spot for a competitive date or a raucous group outing. With live music and a rooftop terrace waiting in the wings, this is the kind of place where you walk in for one drink and end up staying for the whole evening.

Perched right opposite the historic castle with stunning views over the river, this family-run gem has been pouring pints and Highland hospitality for centuries. Pull up a chair in the ground floor bar for a perfectly poured real ale or a malt whisky, then let your four-legged friend enjoy a biscuit and fresh water by your side. Upstairs, the traditional Scottish fare is cooked fresh to order, with generous portions of Cullen skink and haggis croquettes that keep locals and walkers coming back for more. With live music, outdoor seating, and a welcoming buzz perfect for groups or catching the match, it’s a true Highland haven where every visit feels like a homecoming.

Step into a legendary Highland institution where the walls have echoed with live Scottish music every single night since 1841. With 24 taps pouring an incredible range of cask and craft beers, alongside a stellar selection of whiskies and gins, this is the perfect spot to raise a glass with a buzzing crowd of locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re catching a live folk session, settling in with your dog by your side, or enjoying a cocktail on the outdoor terrace, it’s a warm and welcoming hub that turns a quick pint into an unforgettable singalong.

Nestled on the NC500 route with breathtaking views over the Beauly Firth, this charming Highland inn is a true gem for travellers and locals alike. Pull up a chair in the sunny beer garden with your dog by your side, or settle inside for a perfectly poured cask ale, a fine whisky, or a refreshing cocktail. The kitchen serves up hearty, traditional pub fare, and with live music and screens for the big match, every visit feels like a celebration. Whether you’re refuelling after a walk along the Caledonian Canal or gathering with friends, this is the kind of place where a quick stop turns into a long, happy afternoon.

Head to Johnny Foxes for a fantastic night out where you can enjoy ice cold beers, fine wines, or expertly mixed cocktails in a lively setting that welcomes everyone, including your four legged friend. The generous portions of tasty food, from excellent burgers to fresh daily soups, make it a brilliant spot for groups or a casual meal, while the live music after 10pm turns the evening into something special. With outdoor seating and a friendly buzz, it’s the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the good times.

Tucked away in the heart of the city, MacCallums Bar is a proper local gem where the beer flows freely, the prices stay friendly, and the live music gets everyone singing along. Bring your four legged pal, grab a pint of ale or a cocktail, and settle in with a lively crowd that makes you feel like a regular from the very first round. With plenty of room for groups and a genuinely warm welcome, this is the kind of spot where a quick drink turns into an unforgettable night of toe tapping tunes and good craic.

For a proper local boozer that’s all about genuine warmth and cracking value, The Nip Inn is an absolute winner. Swing by with your dog, grab a reasonably priced pint of Guinness or Tennent’s, and you’ll find a welcoming crowd that’s always up for a lively chat, a game of pool, or a Sunday session of bingo and entertainment. It’s the kind of unpretentious spot where you can pop in before the match, return after for a few celebratory jars, and feel completely at home with the friendly regulars and cheery staff. Skip the tourist traps and head here for an authentic, good times filled experience that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.

Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a gin enthusiast, this historic corner pub is the perfect spot to settle in with a perfectly poured pint of McEwan’s or a creative cocktail. The staff are incredibly welcoming, the locals are full of great conversation, and the jukebox offers everything from punk to classics, all while your four-legged friend snoozes happily at your feet. With outdoor seating for sunny afternoons and screens for the big match, it’s a brilliant place to gather with friends or make new ones. Come for one drink and you’ll be planning your next trip before you leave.

This is the kind of place where locals and visitors alike pull up a stool, clink glasses, and cheer on the match together, all while their dogs curl up happily under the table. With a superb selection of real ales, wines, and cocktails, it’s a proper haven for anyone who appreciates a perfectly poured pint in a welcoming, no fuss setting. Whether you’re settling in for a long afternoon with a group of friends or just popping in for a quick one, the genuine hospitality and lively buzz make every round feel like a celebration.

Bring your four legged friend along to this welcoming spot where the drinks are as friendly as the service, from crisp pints and fine wines to expertly mixed cocktails. The food is a genuine treat, with hearty, well prepared dishes that leave plates clean and smiles wide, all served in a comfortable setting that’s perfect for groups. With outdoor seating for sunny days and a warm, unpretentious buzz inside, it’s the kind of place where a casual meal turns into a proper night out. A true find for anyone after great value, delicious food, and a genuinely good time.