St Andrews is a stunning seaside town northeast of Edinburgh, on Scotland’s east coast. The historic town is known as The Home of Golf and is also home to Scotland’s first university, the University of St Andrews. A world-class university and fabulous golf links are not all this town is known for though. Its mediaeval streets, beautiful beach and utterly great nightlife are worth boasting about too. For students studying in this picturesque town, you’ll be blown away by the array of bars there are. Whether you’re in the mood for some cheeky cocktails, a few pints and a place to watch the match or some late night fun, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Thankfully, most of them are located on North Street, Market Street or South Street so you won’t have to walk too far on a bar crawl, or when you’re ready to go back home to your student flat. Within this post, we reveal the top 8 bars in St Andrews…

1. Vic

St Andrews has its fair share of top bars, and one place in particular which is a must-visit during your student years is the Vic. This lively pub, social club and kitchen focuses on ensuring that everyone has a good time with classic cocktails, craft beer, gins and hand-made pizzas on the menu. Every Friday and Saturday there’s live music until 3am so you can start and end your night out here. With the warmer weather on the horizon, you can head up to their hidden rooftop beer garden to enjoy some tipples with your pals. If you download Student Recommended, you can benefit from some money off your next bar tab too!

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Address: 1 St Marys Pl, St Andrews KY16 9UY

2. The Keys Bar

When it comes to night-time fun in St Andrews, The Keys Bar should be a top choice. This award winning bar located on the buzzing Market Street was founded in 1858 and has over 300 whiskies, 150 gins, Scottish beers, and spirits on offer. For an atmosphere that is like nowhere else, head here for a catch up over a few drinks with your friends. Or, get involved with their darts and dominoes nights if you’re feeling like some friendly competition! This friendly family-run venue is open from 10am until 12am every day of the week, so if you’re yet to visit, why not check it out?

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Address: 87 Market St, St Andrews KY16 9NX

3. BrewDog

BrewDog is a craft beer bar and restaurant worth raving about. Located in the heart of the town centre on South Street, this venue specialises in Scottish brewery's craft beers, with incredible ciders, cocktails, spirits and wine also on the menu too. There’s a great vibe, great tunes and great service at this bar, and they even do epic food if you’re feeling hungry with the likes of burgers, wings, salads and desserts. Half of the menu is even vegan or vegetarian! If you’re looking for somewhere to kickstart your night out, or just want to sip on a few drinks with your friends before heading home, BrewDog is open every night until 10pm, and 11pm on weekends.

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Address: 159 South St, St Andrews KY16 9UP

4. One Under Bar

One Under Bar is one of St Andrews best kept secrets. When visiting, be prepared to enter a cosy venue decked out in speakeasy interiors and golf memorabilia. Take your pick from their extensive drinks menu of fine ale, stout, red or white wine, a world-class dram or boujee cocktails. This drinking den overlooks the golf course making it the perfect place to chat with your friends and sip the day and night away. The entertainment here is great with live music nights and events, as well as a monthly pub quiz featuring great prizes up for grabs. So, be sure to get your flatmates together and give it your best shot!

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Address: Rusacks, Pilmour Links, St Andrews KY16 9JQ

5. The Räv

The Räv may be known as a loft-style restaurant specialising in contemporary dining, but it’s also a popular drinking spot. This exquisite bar and restaurant is located just a stone’s throw away from the University of St Andrews on North Street, overlooking the historic St Salvator's Chapel. With drinks to suit every taste, you can choose to sip away in style within their Insta-worthy indoor space, or head out to the stunning rooftop terrace to spend your evening. Although it is on the pricier side of things, the atmosphere is worth spending those extra pennies!

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Address: 80 North St, St Andrews KY16 9AH

6. Central Bar

If you want to enjoy St Andrews thriving bar scene, we recommend heading to Central Bar. Whether it’s enjoying a relaxing pint after a busy day on campus or toasting a few glasses of bubbly to start your weekend off right, a good time is always promised here. This Market Street bar has been a popular place that both locals and students flock to for over a century, and service is definitely not slowing down any time soon. What can you expect? They have a huge menu with all your usual drinks selection, as well as British cuisine if you’re feeling hungry. For the very best of Scottish hospitality, head down and see what it’s all about!

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Address: 77 Market St, St Andrews KY16 9NU

7. Molly Malones

Looking for a bar in St Andrews with a warm and friendly atmosphere? Molly Malones is your best bet! With a chilled vibe during the afternoon, where you can enjoy a range of food on offer and watch the latest sports showings, by night it becomes a lively joint. You can play pool or darts, watch some live music or even choose your own tunes with their jukebox! They have a huge stock of gins, vodkas, rums, whiskeys, beer and ciders and much more so you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. This local boozer is open until late 7 days a week and can do no wrong. Don’t just take our word for it though…

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Address: 5 Alexandra Pl, St Andrews KY16 9XD

8. The Rule

The Rule is a modern family-run pub on South Street and is the perfect place to meet up with friends. Boasting a massive drinks selection from refreshing cocktails to fizz to wines to rums and more, you’re sure to quench your thirst. They even have student offers too so if you're looking for an affordable night out, you're sorted. If entertainment is what you’re after you’re in luck, there’s live sports showings, boozy brunches, live music and events here. They’re open until 12am on weekdays and 2am on the weekend, and they even have the biggest beer garden in town. Once you take a visit to this fuss-free venue you’ll never want to go without!

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Address: 116 South St, St Andrews KY16 9QD The bars in St Andrews have you spoilt for choice with a variety of watering holes spread across the town. You’re sure to make unforgettable memories and spend many a night with your friends in these places! Do let us know if you visit any of these top St Andrews bars @_homesforstudents. If you’re wondering about what fun things to do in St Andrews are, take a read of our blog post next!

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