Seemor
Bucks Bar - Grindlay Street EdinburghB+Worth Trying
32-34 Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AP
· Bar, American restaurant, Chicken restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (693 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Big-flavor fried chicken, burgers, and wings in a loud rock-bar vibe with generous portions, friendly staff, and occasional service slowdowns; great for hearty casual meals and drinks.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bucks Bar delivers solid execution in food quality with crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken and generously portioned burgers that earn consistent praise. Service attentiveness stands out with genuinely friendly staff and proactive hospitality, though consistency challenges—ranging from oversalted items to slower nights—and occasional service delays during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The central location and rock-and-roll atmosphere make it a solid neighborhood choice for casual dining and pre-show meals, competitive with Edinburgh's better casual restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
This is a loud, high-energy spot where crispy fried chicken meets classic bar swagger. Expect neon, a wall of hot sauces, and staff who are genuinely friendly. One diner summed it up as a place where the burgers are huge and the vibe is rock and roll—though on peak nights, service can lag and the room gets noisy. The cooking leans hearty and comfort-forward, not fussy: think Nashville heat, buffalo tang, tonkatsu glaze, and Tex-Mex cheese splashed across very large portions. The culinary approach is elevated comfort food with creative global nods, which suits anyone craving bold flavors, wings, and big burgers far more than those seeking refinement. If you like sauces, crunch, and a pint or cocktail alongside, you will feel right at home. Families do well here if they are okay with a lively atmosphere. The menu is practical for kids: plain chicken burger (The Fussy Bucker), mac and cheese, fries, and waffles are easy wins, while spice chasers have plenty to explore. Milkshakes and desserts help, but with the noise and occasional live music, bring children who enjoy busy rooms rather than quiet corners.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally generous portions with crowd-pleasing fried chicken and burgers
- Friendly, upbeat staff; multiple standout servers mentioned by name
- Central location ideal for pre-show or post-sightseeing meals
- Service can be slow or disorganized at peak times; some reservation/booth mix-ups
- Occasional reports of oversalted or lukewarm items and rare safety concerns
What Sets It Apart
- rock_bar_ambience_with_live_music
- oversized_chicken_burgers
- wide_wing_sauce_selection
- dog_friendly_gestures
What People Love
- Crunchy, juicy fried chicken that feels indulgent
- Playful sauces and glazes that let you customize heat
- The rock-bar vibe with music that keeps the energy up
- Servers who keep things fun and look after guests
- Value from portion size at central-city prices
Points of Concern
- Peak-time slowdowns including long waits to order or receive food
- Food variability: some reports of dryness, oversalting, or lukewarm components
- Isolated food safety complaints (pink chicken, off coleslaw) that merit caution
- Noise levels are high; not ideal for quiet conversation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£30-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value pick: The Mothership burger (£17.95) with included fries.
- Spice fans: Nashville Hot chicken (choose heat) or Hot as Buck wings.
- Comfort route: Mac'n'Cheesed Chicken and Waffles (£17) plus gravy (£1.50).
- Plant-based: Vegan Burger (£17.50) in Salt N Chilli or Mothership style.
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-theatre dinner near Usher Hall
- Casual nights with friends who love wings and burgers
- Tourists seeking a fun, loud American-style bar
- Families with hungry teens who want big portions
Location Insights
Area: Central, entertainment-focused area near theatres and Edinburgh Castle; draws pre- and post-show crowds and tourists alongside locals.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets with good foot traffic; typical weekend nightlife behavior reported.
Nearby: Close to Usher Hall, theatres, and main tourist zones; bars and restaurants clustered with late-night options.
West EndThe West End offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes and pubs to upscale restaurants. It is popular among locals and visitors alike, with a social atmosphere that balances relaxed daytime activity and lively evening entertainment. The area is considered safe and easily accessible, making it a favored spot for both everyday dining and special occasions.
HaymarketHaymarket is a distinct micro-neighborhood within the West End, centered around the Haymarket railway station. It has a bustling, transit-oriented vibe with numerous eateries catering to commuters and students, including quick-service options and trendy bars. The area is known for its convenience and energetic atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →