Friend: "Lets go to 'The Other Place'"
Me: "What place?"
Friend: "The Other Place"
Me: "Yes...but what's it called?"
Friend: "The Other Place!! It used to me the Stag's Head in Canonmills!"
Me: "Ah...that makes sense now, let's go!"
(from review on Yelp)
On a recent Friday night the place was buzzing – office workers, regulars, locals and my friend, Ken and I. Formerly the Stag's Head, The Other Place décor is fun and funky mixing old and new, retaining a link to the former bar with its picture of a North American Stag.
Having stripped back the plasterwork for redecoration, the original brick walls were revealed and it was decided to keep this feature for an industrial look. With the street sign for Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central on the wall, this could be in the fashionable old Meatpacking district, NYC.
And so to the food and drink. No fewer than 100 beers from Germany to Jamaica, Italy to India, and good choice of wines, mainly New World such as NZ Sauvignon Blanc and Australian Shiraz (Ass Kisser!). We selected a juicy-fruity Chilean Malbec and studied the menu of Stateside family favourites.
Amongst the starters are BBQ Ribs, Soup and Mussels and for mains, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Rib Eye Steak and fried Chicken. (Border Beef and Beef Mince is sourced from John Gilmour butchers). Lighter snacks too such as BLT sandwiches and Chilli Cheese Fries.
Anticipating American size portions, Ken and I shared a Small plate of Nachos – brilliant value at under a fiver. When a large bowl arrived we asked our server if this was indeed Small. Yes, she said, you should see the Huge bowl!
Smothered in salsa, guacamole, jalapenos and melting cheese, these Nachos were so yummy, we nibbled them up with our fingers. Then after a pause, the main event: Fish and Chips for me, (yes, a giant battered Haddock), and for him, a cajun spiced Veggie Bean Burger in a bun, with salad and hand cut chips.
Classic American food is certainly comfort eating, homely and satisfying: this is quality pub grub. We sipped our wine and declined a dessert, but you can finish your meal (of course) with Waffles, chocolate sauce and ice cream.
Now that we have found the Other Place we shall certainly be back, perhaps for a lazy Sunday Brunch with a Bloody Mary.!
5 star diner reviews by locals and city visitors.
“I live directly across from The Other Place so as you can imagine I eat and drink here often. I don't have a bad word to say - both bar and kitchen staff are assets.”
“We had the bbq ribs - tasty and the portions big, selection of beers is outstanding, staff very friendly … definitely going back on my next trip to Edinburgh”.