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At the west end of Rose street, the words, 'Bad Ass Cafe'
shot through in bullet holes on mounted barrels brings you
to this unusually named bistro, part of the Below the Belt
Food Company group, Inside, the bistro has an old tavern feel
to it, dark tables with the bar side to side, and an ante
room for non-smokers or private functions. But this is not
a saloon bar with rough edges. Music from the big bands or
old crooners plays lightly in the background and walls are
adorned with photos of movie stars past and present. In fact,
despite the name this is somewhere to enjoy a relaxed and
possibly intimate evening, excepting perhaps the rugby season.
The menu takes a fair crack at pleasing everyone rainbow trout
and char-grilled steaks sitting alongside fajitas and home
made burgers. If you have a craving for haggis, the Bad Ass
offers it in starters and main portions. as a bed for their
Highlander chicken and as an alternative topping on nachos.
At lunchtime the soup and filled half baguette for £3.45
is popular with shoppers and office staff, and for an added
bargain, two main courses bought between 4pm and 7pm, Monday
to Thursday earns a complimentary bottle of house wine.
+ Satisfying portions for healthy appetites
- Crinkle cut chips
The List 10th edition
Its location in the drinking avenue of Rose Street and its
name might lead you to assume that The Bad Ass Café
Bistro is not the most highbrow and swanky of eating establishments,
and you’d be absolutely right.
That said, the no-nonsense menu is full of fare that could
accurately be described as hearty, and the cheery staff are
efficient and friendly as you could hope for. The décor
is slightly idiosyncratic, with all sorts from abstract art
to dozens of mirrors and fake stonework adorning various walls,
and the general atmosphere is one of intimacy, with an oddly
Gothic air.
The food is above average pub grub standard with a definite
Tex-Mex influence, and the portions are absolutely massive,
so be warned before you go ordering three courses. The likes
of steak and Guinness pie and whisky haggis sit comfortably
alongside enchiladas and chilli, and there is the usual range
of steaks and burgers on the go too. A similar menu is served
up at lunchtimes, where a host of filling wraps joins it,
baguettes and baked potatoes designed to hit the spot of the
passing shopper or suited type.
All in an honest and friendly stopping place.
+ Huge portions across the board
- Menu could be more adventurous
The List 2002/2003
Rose Street is Edinburgh’s Golden
Mile of café’s and bars and The Bad Ass café
Bistro , almost at the west end of the street, was enjoying
a makeover just as the guide went to press.
Formerly Peevers, which served a mainly
Scottish menu, The Bad Ass Café Bistro now has a distinctly
Mexican feel although, with smoked salmon and Scottish beef
making a major appearance on the menu, they haven’t
quite abandoned bonnie Scotland.
Just as well as the succulent 8oz char-grilled
burger is fantastic quality and, served with fries and salad
for £4.95, is extremely good value for this part of
town. The veggie nachos starter is offered both for one and
as a shared starter, and makes for a huge plate of Tex-Mex
comfort food. The menu continues all day and into the evening,
there’s a modest wine list and, if you don’t have
room for pudding but still have a yen for something sweet,
coffee comes with a chocolate flake.
The List
Glasgow and Edinburgh Events guide
2002/2003
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