What should I order at Makars Mash Bar?
Makars Mash Bar
Lamb Shank
Frequently praised for being incredibly tender, falling off the bone, and full of rich flavor, often served with buttery mashed potatoes and delicious gravy. Many reviewers highlighted it as a standout dish and a classic Scottish comfort food.
Slow-Cooked Beef Shoulder
Recommended multiple times for its tenderness, deep savory flavor, and being expertly braised. Often paired with various types of mashed potatoes and gravy, making it a hearty and satisfying main course.
Scotch Egg
Highly recommended starter noted for its crispy outer shell, tasty minced pork layer, and perfectly runny soft-boiled egg inside. Often served with a creamy garlic or aioli sauce that enhances its flavor, making it a popular dish to order again.
Haggis
Described as rich, comforting, and flavorful, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy or pumpkin puree. Made fresh onsite and considered a must-try traditional Scottish dish by many reviewers.
Chicken (including Haggis-stuffed chicken and Spatchcock chicken)
Multiple mentions of chicken dishes, especially spatchcock chicken, which is noted for falling off the bone and having unmatched flavor. The haggis-stuffed chicken was also highlighted as a tasty and authentic option.
Mashed Potatoes (various types)
Frequently praised for their creaminess and variety, including cheddar cheese mash, applewood smoked cheese mash, bacon and spring onion mash, and traditional creamy mash. Considered an essential and excellent accompaniment to many mains.
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 8 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 7:30 PM |
About Makars Mash Bar
Unfussy restaurant specialising in mashed potatoes flavoured with meat or vegetarian toppings.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Makars Mash Bar known for?
It is best known for its mash-centered Scottish dishes, especially the lamb shank, haggis, Scotch egg, and beef shoulder. Reviewers often mention the comforting gravy, generous portions, and the way the meat and mash combinations make it a hearty Edinburgh meal.
What dishes are most recommended at Makars Mash Bar?
The most frequently recommended dishes are the slow-cooked lamb shank, slow-cooked beef shoulder, Scotch egg starter, haggis, and wild boar sausages. Reviewers also call out the horseradish mash and cheese mash as strong pairings, and some say the sticky toffee pudding is a good finish.
What is the atmosphere like at Makars Mash Bar?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and often very busy, with a warm downstairs dining room and a brighter upstairs space. It suits groups, couples, families, and solo diners who want a hearty meal and do not mind a lively room.
Is Makars Mash Bar good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is £20–30, and many reviewers say it is good value because the portions are large and filling. Several guests mention that one starter and one main can be more than enough, especially with the mash-heavy plates.
How busy does Makars Mash Bar get, and should you book ahead?
It can have waits of about an hour to 1.5 hours at peak times, and reviews repeatedly say reservations are a must. Lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, especially if you want to avoid waiting for a walk-in table in central Edinburgh.
Is parking available at Makars Mash Bar?
Yes. Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Does Makars Mash Bar have vegetarian options?
Yes, Makars Mash Bar offers vegan options.
Is Makars Mash Bar kid-friendly?
Yes, Makars Mash Bar is good for kids.
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