The Tippling House is a subterranean bar and restaurant situated in Aberdeen's cultural district, near the Aberdeen Art Gallery and His Majesty's Theatre. Established in 2012, it offers a unique blend of hand-crafted cocktails, boutique spirits, fine Scottish ales, and inspired casual dining. The venue features an Italo-style décor with cozy booths and tweed fabric, creating an inviting atmosphere. The menu includes globally-inspired small plates, such as Mexican-style albondigas and sea trout gravadlax, as well as more substantial dishes like braised Scotch beef shin and aubergine cochinita pibil. The bar is known for its extensive whisky collection, focusing on indie bottlings and new releases, and hosts weekly drop-in tastings and a monthly whisky club. The Tippling House operates from Tuesday to Saturday, with varying hours, and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a distinctive dining and drinking experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 497
- Tripadvisor 4.0 360
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious Food The food is consistently praised, with options ranging from small plates to tasting menus. Many reviewers highlight the quality and flavors, with the pre-theatre menu offering excellent value.
- Exceptional Cocktails The Tippling House is renowned for its creative and well-balanced cocktails, made with skill and precision. Bartenders are knowledgeable and can even create custom drinks based on preferences.
- Extensive Drink Selection Beyond cocktails, The Tippling House offers a wide variety of whiskies, gins, and wines to suit all tastes. Staff can offer specialist knowledge for the drink options.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Multiple reviewers rave about the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff. Servers like Jamie and Charlie are frequently mentioned for making visits memorable.
- Great Atmosphere This speakeasy-style bar has a cozy and stylish ambiance, perfect for a relaxed evening. Its decor and intimate setting create a unique experience.
Criticised
- Bathrooms Need Improvement Some reviewers have mentioned that the ladies' restrooms are dark, dingy, and have a musty smell. Upgrading the bathroom facilities would enhance the overall experience.
- Can be hard to find The entrance is understated and easily missed, making it difficult for first-time visitors to locate. More prominent signage would be beneficial.
- Can get crowded, so booking recommended This popular spot often gets busy, so it can be hard to get a table without a booking. It might be a bad spot for spontaneous visits.
- Food can be inconsistent While many praise the food, a few reviewers have noted that dishes can be inconsistent in quality. Some dishes were too salty, or poorly executed.
- Lighting is dim Some guests may find the low lighting creates too dark of an atmosphere. It can be a negative aspect for people with visual issues.
The longer read
The Tippling House in Aberdeen is a highly-regarded establishment, consistently praised for its exceptional cocktails, knowledgeable and attentive staff, and unique atmosphere. Many reviewers describe it as a hidden gem or a speakeasy, noting its discreet entrance and stylish, cozy interior, often located in a basement setting. The ambiance is frequently described as relaxed, sophisticated, and perfect for both casual drinks and special occasions. The bar's decor is consistently mentioned as quirky and beautiful. The Tippling House is known for its extensive and creative cocktail menu, with bartenders who are skilled mixologists capable of creating custom drinks based on individual preferences. Many reviewers highlight the staff's knowledge of spirits and cocktails, and their willingness to offer recommendations and engage in friendly conversation. Several reviewers specifically mentioned staff members such as Jamie, Finn, Lucy, Charlie, Joe, Nikki, Pat and Andy by name, praising their attentiveness and exceptional service. The quality of the drinks is consistently described as outstanding, with reviewers noting the care and skill that goes into their preparation and presentation. The Tippling House also offers a food menu, with many reviewers praising the quality and taste of the dishes. The small plates, tasting menus, and pre-theater menus are particularly popular, with reviewers highlighting the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Some reviewers mentioned specific dishes they enjoyed, such as the fried chicken bao buns, breakfast poutine, and salmon tartare. Value for money is generally considered good, with reviewers noting that the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food, drinks, and service offered. Several reviewers mention that the Tippling House is a popular destination and recommend making a reservation, especially during peak hours. The bar also caters to special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas parties, with reviewers reporting positive experiences. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few reviewers have mentioned minor issues such as occasional inconsistencies in food quality, slow service during busy periods, or a lack of non-alcoholic options. However, these criticisms are relatively infrequent and do not detract from the overall positive impression of the Tippling House.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Website
- thetipplinghouse.com
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 16:00 - 1:00 |
| Wed | 16:00 - 1:00 |
| Thu | 16:00 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 16:00 - 3:00 |
| Sat | 13:00 - 3:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 51 places to eat we hold for Aberdeen, where the most-reviewed is Miller & Carter Aberdeen.
Still deciding?
- What are the standout dishes or drinks on the menu at The Tippling House?
- What kind of atmosphere can guests expect when dining at The Tippling House?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation in advance at The Tippling House?
- Does The Tippling House feature any traditional Scottish or local Aberdeenshire dishes?
- Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available at The Tippling House?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.