The Best Pubs in Inverness

This family run, traditional Real Ale bar and restaurant is housed in a building dating back to the mid-1700s, directly opposite the castle. It boasts an ever-changing collection of local ales, malt whiskies, and traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps and tatties. The menu is filled with freshly prepared wholesome food using the best locally sourced ingredients, including a gluten free fish and chips that has been praised by visitors. Four-legged friends are always welcome in the bar area, and the beer garden offers a scenic view of the castle.

Hootananny is a multi-award winning pub and live music venue that has been a cornerstone of Scotland's grassroots music scene for over 20 years. It earned the prestigious Scotland’s best live music venue award in 2019 and has been named best pub of the year for eight consecutive years. The venue offers live music every night of the week and has hosted notable acts like Mumford and Sons and Sam Fender. Guests can enjoy a large selection of drinks, and the food menu includes praised dishes like haggis with neeps and tatties and sticky toffee pudding. For a complete experience, the upstairs Hoots Hotel provides quirky, luxurious rooms with details like Italian marble topped vanity units and tartan tiles.

Number 27 is a true gem where the friendly staff and excellent beer create an inviting spot for a memorable lunch or evening out. The kitchen shines with dishes like the celebrated Pork Filet with Black Pudding, a local favorite that keeps guests coming back. You will want to book ahead, as this place is a must visit for anyone craving authentic Fish and Chips alongside a hearty pint in a lively city pub.

Johnny Foxes is a vibrant bar and restaurant offering two distinct venues under one roof, with fresh food served daily and live music and entertainment. The friendly staff are known for excellent, well priced food, including a best seafood broth, and great drinks like gin and tonics. It has outdoor seating and is a popular spot for beer, soup, and music. Everything here is good, with fast service and a cool bartender to welcome you.

Welcome to the speakeasy world of 1920s Chicago, where craft cocktails and American street food take center stage. This dog friendly bar serves up incredible American inspired comfort food, including burgers that get rave reviews alongside fantastic cider. Patrons consistently praise the amazing service and friendly staff, with many declaring the cauliflower wings the best they have ever tasted. Late night hours on Fridays and Saturdays make it a perfect spot to enjoy the music and grab a drink.

This pub is the best gastro pub in the north of Scotland three years running, nestled on the banks of the river Ness. It offers great food, great service, and great value, serving modern and contemporary Scottish fare using the finest local ingredients. Seafood and game dishes are the house speciality, and visitors rave about the super fresh food, wonderful preparation, and fabulous whisky flights.

Step into The Gellions and you’ll find a lively little pub that truly comes alive at night. It’s a fantastic spot for live music, where the energy is high and the pints are great. The service is friendly and the value is excellent, making it a favorite for a proper night out. While the music choice can sometimes be a bit questionable, the overall buzz and warm welcome more than make up for it.

Step into the Phoenix Ale House, a true haven for anyone who loves a perfectly poured pint. This traditional bar is a treasure trove for beer enthusiasts, boasting ten hand pulls featuring a fantastic range of real ales alongside a remarkable selection of elusive malt whiskies. The friendly and helpful staff make you feel right at home, whether you're grabbing a quick meal or settling in for a long session. It’s the perfect spot for a genuine, no-fuss pub experience with an exceptional drink list.

The Corriegarth Hotel is a charming 1840 stone retreat that offers a recently refurbished space with modern elegance and traditional Scottish hospitality. Its lively pub features an enticing outdoor terrace with an inviting open fire, perfect for socializing while enjoying locally brewed ales from Cromarty Brewery. The onsite restaurant serves an array of Scottish dishes, from west coast mussels to heartwarming local pub classics, catering to various dietary needs.

Step into Glenalbyn and you’ve found the real heart of the city, a true local’s haven far from the tourist trail. The welcoming hum of conversation wraps around you as an open fire crackles beside plush seats, with a pool table and a bandit machine adding to the easygoing buzz. This is the kind of spot where you can pop in for a quick pre dinner pint and end up staying all night, surrounded by genuine Highland hospitality.