Recently named "best drinker's pub in Britain," the Bow Bar is known for its huge selection of ales, malts, and whiskeys. At last count, there were 140 kinds of malts on the menu! Decked out in traditional pub style, this is an unpretentious, friendly place with nice views of Dublin Castle from the comfortable booths. If you choose one pub in Edinburgh, this is the top pick for variety, decor, and location.

Connected to a popular seafood restaurant, this pub fills up with the after-dinner crowd, who mob the large island bar. Go early to get a better, less-crowded glimpse of the elegant Baroque furnishings. On the ground floor, look for portraits of famous inventors. This establishment tends to attract a more mature crowd than many of the bars in town.

This classic, dark-wood lined pub has a laid-back appearance and a laid-back staff to match. A more mature crowd meets here for real ale made on the premises along with all the classic British favorites. The lunch is popular ­ thanks to a large variety of well-prepared pub food. Large televisions make this a fun place to go to watch soccer games or rugby matches.

The white-collar crowd hangs out at this elegant, attractively decorated pub. Don't take the kids; there are no kids allowed here ­ a plus if you are looking for a quiet place to sample one (or several) of 12 real ales on tap. The pleasant garden is a nice place to relax, and the Cumberland is also known as one of the best places in the area to have an authentic pub lunch.

Listed on the Good Beer Guide, this pub draws large crowds who come to peruse the railroad decor and to enjoy a pint from their large, rotating selection of ales and lagers pumped from kegs by hand. Named for its location halfway up Fleshmarket Close, you have to take on a good hill to get there, but your efforts will be rewarded. Small and cozy, there are plenty of interesting regulars to strike up a conversation with.