Seemor
Boston BarC+Worth Trying
104 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DR
· Irish pub, American restaurant, Irish restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (433 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Lively Irish-American bar with standout Guinness, live music, and crowd-pleasing sharers; fun for drinks and vibes, mixed for food and service at peak times.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Boston Bar succeeds as a lively music-first destination with genuine appeal for groups seeking Guinness, live entertainment, and Irish-American pub comfort. Friendly, personable service and attractive Irish-themed setting create memorable nights, but inconsistent food execution and notable waits during peak hours limit the overall experience. Best enjoyed for atmosphere and drinks rather than as a destination for food quality.
Restaurant Summary
Set on Hanover Street in the New Town, Boston Bar feels loud and lively most nights: Guinness flowing, music up, and sports screens glowing. Reviewers rave about friendly servers by name and that fun, big-night-out energy, with one diner noting, "The room was buzzing and the band had everyone smiling." However, expect crowds and wait times during events, and staff focus can slip when it is heaving. The cooking leans Irish-American pub comfort with a local twist—think spice bags, nachos, and potato scone tacos—more elevated traditional than cheffy theatrics. Sharers tend to please, pints and Guinness cocktails win frequent praise, but some mains like roast beef or bourbon brisket draw mixed feedback. It suits groups who want music-first good times with snacks and a few plates rather than a hushed sit-down meal. Families report good experiences before 8pm, and kids often enjoy burgers and fries or splitting a spice bag. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the lineup (nachos, tacos, schnitzel when available) covers safe choices. Do note the volume on live music nights and plan for earlier hours if you need a calmer table.
At a Glance
- Buzzing live music with friendly servers and strong Guinness pours
- Central location with easy walkability and sports screens
- Long food and bill waits at peak times; reservations can be mishandled
- Mixed quality on roasts and some large plates
- Music volume can overpower sports audio and conversation during events
What Sets It Apart
- live_music_every_night_or_often
- strong_Guinness_reputation
- Irish_spice_bag_sharer
- central_New_Town_location
What People Love
- That first creamy Guinness and themed cocktails
- Lively bands and a feel-good crowd
- Big sharers like spice bags and loaded fries
- Attentive named servers who try to fit in groups
- Central location that is easy to find
Points of Concern
- Service delays during peak hours for food and payment, with occasional confusion on table times
- Sports audio often muted in favor of music, which frustrates match watchers
- Inconsistent execution on roasts and some mains like bourbon brisket
- Review patterns show signs of social-media-driven hype; expectations should be managed for food depth
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into sharers (Spice Bag, Nachos) for best value and fun factor
- If ordering mains, consider the rump steak or tacos; request sauces on the side for wings
- Families: split a sharer and add fries to keep costs and volume manageable
Perfect For
- Pre-game pints and shared plates before a show or match
- Birthday drinks with live music and a lively crowd
- Casual group hangouts where atmosphere matters more than fine dining
- Touring friends who want an Irish-American pub vibe in the city centre
Location Insights
Area: Central, elegant New Town streets with mixed office, retail, and nightlife; caters to after-work drinks, weekend crowds, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and lighting typical of central Edinburgh; occasional late-night crowd control complaints tied to bouncers.
Nearby: Close to Princes Street retail, bars on Hanover Street, nearby pubs and sports-viewing venues.
Old TownThe dining scene in Old Town is diverse, ranging from traditional Scottish pubs and casual eateries to upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The area is lively, especially during festivals and evenings, attracting a mix of visitors and locals seeking authentic and varied culinary experiences.
GrassmarketGrassmarket is a historic market square within Old Town, known for its bustling atmosphere, numerous pubs, and restaurants. It is a popular social hub with a friendly and energetic vibe, often busy with both daytime visitors and nighttime crowds.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–01:00
Tuesday11:00–01:00
Wednesday11:00–01:00
Thursday11:00–01:00
Friday11:00–01:00
Saturday11:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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