The City Café

Complete with a large function room, The City Café and its friendly team offer beer, big portions and all round good vibes.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Amidst the Cowgate’s late-night drinking spots, over time The City Café has become a magnet to those starting the night young. With DJs at the weekends blasting out Motown and funk, groups of revellers set up camp in the café's booths, tucking into ginormous burgers, sharing pitchers of beer and eyeing up the pool table. The real daredevils can sign up for the burger challenge, while the rest of us admire the pictures of previous competitors hanging proudly on the wall by the glowing neon lights. Open bright and early from 9am, the breakfast menu is predominantly American and fills hungry tummies with eggs benedict, royale and florentine, syrupy waffle stacks and full Scottish brekkies. Not surprisingly, this, and the reasonably priced kids' menu makes it a hit with families – until the serious drinkers arrive, anyway.

• High point: Surprisingly strong Scottish beer selection
• Low point: Steer clear if you're trying to be healthy and sensible
• Notable dish: Posh mac 'n' cheese with bacon lardons