A lively Edinburgh pub-bar with cheap drinks, solid pub food, and lots of screens; great for groups, students, and sports, but not ideal if you want calm, polished dining.
Southsider delivers solid pub fare with reliable food quality and friendly service that keeps regulars coming back, but inconsistent execution and mixed customer feedback prevent a stronger showing. The budget-friendly value and convenient Southside location appeal to students and locals, though the casual setting and occasional service lapses fall short of more polished dining standards.
Southsider feels like a lively, no-nonsense Edinburgh pub that happens to serve a real food menu rather than just bar snacks. Reviewers keep circling back to the same picture: cheap pints, sports on big screens, student deals, and a room that can be buzzing without turning outright chaotic. One regular summed it up best as a place where you can get great-value drinks and still have a conversation—when the noise level cooperates. The cooking leans firmly toward pub comfort food: burgers, fish and chips, pies, curries, loaded fries, and a few vegetarian staples. It is not aiming for finesse or novelty; it’s aiming to be filling, familiar, and affordable. That makes it a good fit for casual lunches, pre-drinks, and group nights out, but less compelling if you want chef-driven cooking or a quiet, polished dinner. Expect value first, refinement second. For families, the menu is workable because kids can actually eat several familiar items like fish and chips, burgers, mac & cheese, ice cream, and toasties. That said, the room can skew studenty and sports-heavy, so it is better for a casual early meal than a peaceful family outing. If your kids are happy with pub classics, it should be fine; if they need a calm setting, this is probably not the best bet.
Area vibe: Historic, tourist-heavy and entertainment-focused with many bars and eateries.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit in evenings but can be noisy; stay aware of crowds and weekend revellers.
What's nearby: Close to University of Edinburgh campuses, Edinburgh Playhouse, Holyrood and main tourist routes.