Seemor
The Auld HooseB-Worth Trying
23-25 St. Leonard's St, Edinburgh EH8 9QN
· Pub, Bar
· 4.6/5 Google (1408 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Beloved pub for colossal nachos, generous portions, and good beer selection; food quality and service can be inconsistent and pricing feels high to some.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
The Auld Hoose delivers solid neighborhood pub dining anchored by strong food quality, particularly its famous oversized nachos that justify the destination appeal. However, inconsistent execution—dry chilli, occasional stale chips—and a recent downward trend citing price rises and reduced portions prevent a higher grade. Service ranges from warm to curt, and tight seating at peak times limits the experience, making it a solid choice for casual sharers but not a standout destination.
Restaurant Summary
A classic Southside boozer with big-hearted portions and a fondness for cask ale, The Auld Hoose draws crowds for its colossal shareable nachos. The vibe reads relaxed and slightly quirky—think comfortable banter at the bar and even the occasional offbeat TV pick. One diner summed it up: "Came for the famous nachos, left very full and pretty happy," while others note that service ranges from warm to curt depending on the rush. The cooking leans pub comfort food more than culinary fireworks: burritos, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and those layered nachos in beef, veg, or vegan form. It is hearty and portion-led, with value strongest when sharing. Some nights the chilli sings; other times it can be dry or the chips a touch stale—so execution can wobble. If you want generous sharers after a walk up Arthur's Seat, this place fits the brief. Families will find several kid-amenable choices like hot dogs and mac, fries, onion rings, and ice cream sundaes. Do note pub rules about under-18s in the evening and that the signature nachos skew spicy due to jalapenos; customization has been inconsistent, so plan accordingly or pick simpler plates.
At a Glance
- Legendary-sized nachos with vegan and vegetarian options
- Welcoming pub vibe with good cask selection
- Quality varies (dry chilli, occasional stale chips, barebones burger)
- Limited customization and rigid ID policies reported
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- largest_nachos_claim
- broad_vegan_choices
- post-hike_stop_for_arthurs_seat
What People Love
- Feeling properly full from a single shared dish
- Easygoing pub atmosphere with friendly bar staff on good nights
- Reliable vegan and vegetarian nacho options
- Cask ales and broad drink choices
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent execution with reports of dry chilli, bland food, or stale chips on some visits
- Limited willingness to remove jalapenos or customize dishes at times
- Evening seating can be tight; service may feel brusque when busy
- Pricing can feel high for simplicity despite large portions
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegans: Vegan burrito (£12.50) or vegan chilli nachos; pair with vegan onion rings
- For lighter eaters: Spring rolls (£6) plus a dessert (£6-7) keeps total near £15
- For groups: Regular nachos (£21) plus an extra side can comfortably feed three
Perfect For
- Post-arthurs-seat refuel with friends
- Casual pub night with shareable plates
- Budget-conscious group that values portions over polish
- Solo pint and a simple bite at the bar
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy and laid-back area near the University of Edinburgh with classic tenements, indie cafes, and relaxed pubs.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked with students and locals; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park; near university buildings and residential streets; good for pre/post-walk pints.
St. Leonard'sSt. Leonard's is a lively neighborhood just southeast of Edinburgh's city center, popular with students due to its proximity to the University of Edinburgh's main campus. The dining scene here is diverse, featuring casual eateries, pubs, and affordable restaurants catering to a youthful and academic crowd. The area has a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–23:00
Tuesday16:00–23:00
Wednesday16:00–23:00
Thursday16:00–23:00
Friday16:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →