Mary Shelley fans, did you know there is a world-famous Frankenstein bar in Edinburgh?
It’s a ghoulishly good time and perfect for any fan of spooks and horror.
You can sit in Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s lab while indulging in killer pizzas and chilling cocktails.
The best part is their regular show where you can see Frankenstein’s creation come to life before your very eyes!
As a fan of all things Gothic and Mary Shelley, I was in my element here.
Here is a review of my Frankenstein Edinburgh and whether it’s worth visiting.
What is Frankenstein Edinburgh?
Frankenstein Edinburgh is a Bier Keller where the story of Mary Shelley comes to life.
Set in a stunning 19th-century Victorian building near the George IV Bridge, you’ll be transported straight to Dr Frankenstein’s laboratory.
It tells the story of an eccentric scientist who creates an 8-foot-tall creature in a chaotic experiment.
It’s the perfect night out in the city for those who love horror or anything spooky!

Enter Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s Lab
Before you even enter Frankenstein’s, you’ll be greeted with a life-size statue of The Monster.
Then, as you enter the lab, a whole world of Frankenstein awaits you.
There are statues of the creature Frankenstein, the bride of Frankenstein and a plethora of movie posters on the walls.
I also thought it was a nice touch to see the old black-and-white versions of the movie on TV.


The best part is all the decor that paints the mind and workings of a modern Prometheus.
You’ll see formulas and equations on the walls, bookshelves of tomes, scientific equipment and electric currents.
I loved the tables for dining on the mezzanine floor which were designed like electric chairs!


Killer Pizza
In addition to the wicked setting, you can enjoy a bewitching menu of homemade 12-inch pizzas.
I treated myself to their ‘Proscuitto & Rocket’ pizza, which was tasty and included sugo, mozzarella, prosciutto, parmesan, and rocket.
But, they also have Margherita, BBQ chicken, spicy pizzas and the Great Scot served with Haggis.
You can also pair your dough with loaded fries, light bites and devilishly delicious puddings.

Chilling Cocktails
Although Frankenstein’s is a Bier Keller at heart, I loved its menu of magical cocktails.
I had an Espresso Frankentini which was a spin on the classic Espresso Martini. It came with spiced rum and Baileys which was delectable.
You can also choose from The Monster, Blood Red Martini, The Black Death and a Silver Bullet!
If there are a couple of you, you may want to try Frankie’s Fishbowls which are made to share.
Plus, they have a great range of beers, ciders, wines and soft drinks if potions aren’t your thing.
While you drink, you can listen to an incredible playlist of rock music with legends like Rob Zombie and his song Dragula based on The Munsters.

Don’t miss the Frankenstein show
The best part about visiting Frankenstein Edinburgh is their show that takes place every 30 minutes or so.
As you’re dining, the laboratory will come alive and you’ll see Frankenstein’s creation come to life before your very eyes.
The show starts with lots of light, smoke, electricity and phantasmagoria.
Then, a surgical table appears that hangs over the bar and the creature sits up to greet you. You almost feel compelled to scream “It’s alive”!
It’s a spectacle you cannot miss and a delight for horror fans. I saw it thrice during my dinner and it only gets better each time.


Spooky events & quiz nights
Frankenstein’s has lots of spooky events waiting for you throughout the week where you can party with the Monster.
A great time to go is their Monster Wednesdays, a themed party where you can get two pints and a pizza for just £15.
They also have Monster Karaoke on a Sunday, Speedquizzing on a Tuesday and live music every Thursday.
Plus, if you’re a sports fan, this Bier Keller is the perfect place to watch a game on their large screens.

Is Frankenstein Edinburgh worth visiting?
Yes, if you’re a fan of horror, literature or Mary Shelley, then you must visit Frankenstein Edinburgh.
Not only will it transport you to Dr Frankenstein’s Lab, but it’s also filled with phantasmagoria, pizza and petrifying potions.
It’s perfect if you want to visit spooky places in Edinburgh or simply try somewhere a little different.
Don’t skip Frankenstein Edinburgh. It’s guaranteed to be a scream!


Should you book a table?
This entirely depends on what you’d like to do here, the time you visit and the season.
Frankenstein’s is a very popular bar as it’s located near the George IV Bridge.
I visited in the early evening for dinner and had no problem finding a table as a walk-in. Lunchtimes and early afternoon are quite quiet.
If you visit later in the evening, around Halloween or during the Fringe Festival in August, it’s recommended to book a table for food.
If you just want to grab a drink at the bar and see the show, you can do that without booking a table.


Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in the UK
If you love Mary Shelley and Frankenstein then you must visit the city of Bath.
It’s famous for its connection with Jane Austen but did you know that Mary Shelley wrote parts of Frankenstein there too?
They have marked the house with a memorial plaque and you can visit the new House of Frankenstein attraction.
It’s an immersive experience that takes you on a journey of Mary Shelley’s life and inspirations for creating Frankenstein and his Monster.



Are you looking for spooky things to do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the world for spooky locations and is home to thousands of resident ghosts.
My favourite area has to be around Boswell’s Court with the famous Witchery by the Castle restaurant.
The concept was inspired by the Witches Well close by that commemorates all the innocent lives taken during the Witch Trials.



You could also organise a trip to see some Burke & Hare attractions.
You can visit Greyfriars Kirkyard to learn about mortsafes or see the William Burke Museum in Cadies & The Witchery Tours.
You can visit the National Portrait Gallery on Queen’s Street to see the Life and Death masks of Burke and Hare.
Or, you can visit the National Museum of Edinburgh to see the Burke and Hare Dolls.


Also, why not stop by Deacon Brodie’s Tavern which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write his novel, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde?
The Writers’ Museum in Lady Stairs’ Close is a free attraction where you can learn more.
Or, the Banshee Labyrinth is rumoured to be the most haunted pub in Scotland!

The Cadies & The Witchery Tours run award-winning walking tours of the city that are guaranteed to spook.
You can also ride the Ghost Bus which is a comedy-horror show as you whizz through the historic streets.
There is no end of Harry Potter sites and experiences in Edinburgh. You must visit Museum Context Harry Potter Shop and Victoria Street which is a real-life Diagon Alley or visit Tom Riddle’s Grave.


Read more of my Edinburgh guides
My ultimate Edinburgh Bucket List
A complete guide for The Vennel viewpoint
Things to do at Calton Hill
A complete guide for Dean Village
Why you must visit Circus Lane
How to find the Old Stockbridge Market Arch
Why you must visit Craigmillar Castle
Afternoon tea at the Signet Library
The most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh
Bakehouse Close Edinburgh
Did Mary Queen of Scots bath in wine here?
Tweeddale Court Edinburgh
Armchair Books guide
Visit White Horse Close
Department of Magic cocktails review
Outlander locations in Edinburgh
Topping & Company Booksellers Edinburgh review
How to visit the Ross Fountain


Save Frankenstein Edinburgh for later!
