Review: The Basement, Mexican Food and Cocktails

The Basement, located at 12a Broughton Street, is something of an Edinburgh institution. I’ve been visiting on and off for over a decade, and every time I return, I’m reminded of its lovely, electric vibe. It’s a subterranean spot that champions vibrant Mexican food and punches well above its weight with a fantastic drinks menu.

It’s one of those places you always mean to go to more often. For me, with tacos being a top-ten favourite food, that pull is especially strong. It’s a restaurant with a clear identity, a loyal following, and a menu that delivers.

The Vibe & Venue

You don’t just walk into The Basement; you descend into it. The venue is covered in Day of the Dead skulls, with dark, broody decor punctuated by neon flashes of colour. It is the perfect date restaurant, mainly as a compatibility test: if your would-be partner looks around in horror, you know they’re not for you.

This is not a subtle location; it has energy and vibe. It sits just a few steps off the mainstream, and its confidence is part of the appeal.

However, The Basement is a victim of its own success. It always seems to be busy, which means you aren’t always guaranteed a seat as a walk-in. This can also lead to a bit of a wait, though once you’re settled, the service is generally swift.

A crucial top tip: this is a “wait to be seated” restaurant. There’s a small chalkboard sign on the bar, but it’s easily missed. I’ve seen countless people (and I’m sure I’ve done it myself) walk in, find a table, and then wait in vain, as the staff don’t know they are there. Wait by the door. If you haven’t booked, be prepared for a potential wait.

It’s important to note that while I’ve had to wait, I’ve never dealt with unfriendly staff. The team here is superb, and the servers know exactly what they’re doing.

The final point on the venue is accessibility. As the name implies, it’s down a flight of stairs. I would not recommend tackling it on slippery, icy days if you’re unsteady on your feet, and I do not believe there is a wheelchair or pram-friendly option.

The Food & Drink

If you can make it down the stairs and you love Mexican food, you will be delighted. The kitchen seems to be especially on it, and the food comes quickly once you’ve ordered.

Taco Tuesday is a highlight, offering a great deal: get three tacos for the price of two. On my last visit, I had the halloumi, the Baja fish, and the carne asada (steak), all of which I can recommend.

If you’re not in a taco mood, the “Snacks & Sides” menu has one of my all-time favourites: the Drunken Beans. These slow-cooked beans in beer and tomato, served with tequila cheese and tortilla chips, are absolutely great. You can also opt for small plates like nachos and hot wings.

For those feeling properly hungry, the menu expands to include enchiladas, quesadillas, and a fantastic burrito loaded with those delicious drunken beans. And yes, they do fajitas, too.

You must save room for dessert. The house churros are a must-try, and the cheesecake is highly recommended as well.

The drinks list keeps pace. They pour local success story Cold Town Beer, which is great to see. The cocktail list is impressive, with classics like the Pornstar Martini and Aperol Spritz landing at around the £12 to £15 mark. Crucially, they also offer mocktails. It’s disappointing how few places in Edinburgh do this well, so it’s a real bonus to see a couple of good options on the menu.

Things to do in the City Centre

The Basement is on Broughton Street, putting it right at the edge of the New Town and in the heart of the City Centre. It’s an ideal location for dinner before a show at the nearby Edinburgh Playhouse.

It’s also only a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station, making it easy to get to. If you’re flying in, Edinburgh Airport is a simple tram or bus ride away.

This area has plenty of accommodation, from hotels on Agoda to self-catering options like Sykes Holiday Cottages.

If you’re driving in for the evening, finding a spot can be tricky, so booking parking with JustPark is a sensible idea. For those planning a longer trip to explore the Highlands, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a readily available option.

Overall

The Basement gets a strong recommendation from me. The vibe is electric, the staff are superb, and the food is a delicious, reliable celebration of Mexican flavours.

It remains one of my favourite spots for a casual, high-energy dinner and drinks. Just be sure to book a table in advance, or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it.