Review: Buck’s Bar: Big Chicken Burgers and Rock ‘n’ Roll on Grindlay Street

Birdy and I recently visited Buck’s Bar on Grindlay Street. I’ve been before, more often at their Hanover Street joint, but this was Birdy’s first time to either location. I forgot to warn her about the portion sizes.

I’ve always been on the fence about which Edinburgh location I prefer. Hanover Street has a special atmosphere; it’s a personal, underground warren lit by dark red lights. Grindlay Street, by contrast, is brighter, square, and open.

The Food

Let’s be clear: the best burgers I’ve had from the chain have been at Grindlay Street. The portions are huge, and I’ve never had a small or bad one. Buck’s Bar is all about buttermilk-covered chicken burgers. If you equate food quantity with quality, Buck’s has you covered. If you don’t, then you’ve got the quality and will have to deal with the quantity anyway.

A word of warning: if you don’t like spice, play it safe. When Buck’s Bar says food is spicy, they really mean it. You can always upgrade to sweet potato fries, which I highly recommend.

You must save room for the dessert menu. Check out the “Cheesecake Dollop.” They bring a bowl and a tray, ladling cheesecake from the tray into your bowl until you say, “That’s enough.” The only catch is you can’t go back for seconds, so you have to commit. I’m always struck by calorie guilt and stop way too soon. I regret it every time; I could have eaten twice as much.

The Venue and Vibe

This is a bustling rock bar, with pictures of Blondie and Jimi Hendrix on the walls. It’s a fantastic location and, as such, is often incredibly busy. It’s situated just off the road, opposite the Royal Lyceum Theatre. Even without its fantastic reputation, it would be in a prime location for passing trade.

Because it’s so busy, I would strongly recommend booking a table. The staff are really friendly, even if they are visibly rushed. It seems to be a server for each side of the room and someone at the bar, and they handle the stress of multiple tables arriving at once with impressive calm.

While I wished for a few more independent craft ales on tap, I settled for the options available. Birdy notes that the bar has some tasty mocktails, which is a welcome plus and still far from common in many Edinburgh establishments.

Things to do in the City Centre

Buck’s Bar is perfectly placed for a pre-theatre meal, sitting directly opposite the Royal Lyceum Theatre and just around the corner from the Usher Hall.

It’s a prime spot if you’re exploring the city. The top of Lothian Road is only a short walk from the sights of the Old Town, including The Real Mary King’s Close or the Edinburgh Dungeons. For a different kind of Scottish experience, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) offers world-class whisky tasting at their venue on Queen Street.

Overall

Buck’s Bar on Grindlay Street is a fantastic location. It’s a great, busy spot with friendly staff and, most importantly, provides reliably huge and delicious chicken burgers. It’s a strong recommendation from me. Go, but go hungry.