The City Cafe

The City Café is a Bar & Restaurant on Blair Street. They serve coffee, milkshakes and alcoholic drinks, all day breakfasts, burgers and hot dogs, soup, fajitas, sandwiches, fries, and other hot meals.

Why The City Cafe?

Located in the historic Old Town of Edinburgh is the quirky American diner The City Cafe. The retro decor, signage on the walls, comfy bar stools, booths, a jukebox, a pool table, and oldies playing in the background contribute to the relaxed atmosphere.

From 9am, cooked breakfast is available, and so are filled rolls, pancakes, waffles, French toast, poached eggs, porridge and toast. This comes with the benefit of a classic american diner feature: free refills for coffee and tea.

Burgers and hot dogs are among the classics that come recommended, but fajitas, sandwiches, soup of the day (£4.50), fries, nachos and sharing platters are also on the menu. If their generous portions leave you feeling wanting more, this can be satisfied with a large variety of classic or boozy milkshakes, or perhaps one of the epic floats.

The cafe is family friendly until 10pm and a reasonably priced kids menu is available, including a hot meal, soft drink and ice cream for £5.

Many GF, vegetarian and vegan options can be ordered and are listed on separate menus, which is helpful for those with special dietary requirements.

The kitchen closes at 10pm, but The City Cafe remains open until 1am. There is a range of draft and bottled beer, and a selection of spirits and cocktails to choose from on the drinks menu.

Dogs are welcome, and the free WiFi can be used. Two large tables and seats out the front are perfect for those sunny days or mild evenings.

An institution since the 1980’s, The City Caf’, as it is also called by locals, is merely a minute’s walk away from the Royal Mile on Blair Street, between Tron Church and the Cowgate. The friendly atmosphere and reasonably priced food make this a classic tip for the Old Town.

Where is The City Cafe?

19 Blair Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1QR