The pub’s story
Taco Libre Bar at 85-87 Rose Street is a recent Mexican food-and-drink stop, not a traditional pub with a deep historic claim. CAMRA’s first image record was published on 18 March 2024, and its description identifies a retro-decorated bar with a strong sound system, operated by Mezcal Edinburgh Ltd on a site previously occupied by Greggs; it also lists Viva Bar as a previous name. Those points describe the modern changing use of this commercial unit, not a continuous bar lineage. The Food Standards Agency’s current business record provides a later official check on the Taco Libre operation. The appeal is straightforward: tacos, Mexican food, cocktails and a lively Rose Street pause that breaks up a beer-and-whisky run. Exact weekdays are less certain because CAMRA’s older listing and a newer map directory conflict; the record transparently prefers the more recent directory but advises rechecking.
What to notice
- 01
This is a recent Mexican food-and-drink stop, not a heritage pub; CAMRA records Viva Bar and a former Greggs as earlier uses of the site.
- 02
CAMRA’s older hours start later on weekdays, while the newer map listing says noon daily. Recheck the linked Instagram or phone before travelling.
- 03
CAMRA notes a strong sound system and pavement tables, so it suits a lively food break more than a quiet drink.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
CAMRA records Viva Bar as a previous name and says the Taco Libre site had previously been a Greggs unit.
CAMRA published its first exterior record of Taco Libre Bar at 85-87 Rose Street.
CAMRA last updated its Taco Libre record, describing retro decor, a strong sound system and Mezcal Edinburgh Ltd operation.
The Food Standards Agency records a food-hygiene inspection for Taco Libre Bar at 85-87 Rose Street.
Apple Maps lists Taco Libre at 85 Rose Street with a current daily noon-to-01:00 schedule and Instagram as its website.
Sources & confidence
CAMRA and the Food Standards Agency independently corroborate Taco Libre Bar’s current identity and Rose Street location; the former supports its 2024 opening. The profile treats it as a recent, food-led bar and avoids any false historical continuity.
Research reviewed
- Taco Libre Bar, EdinburghCampaign for Real Alespecialist
Supports85-87 Rose Street address, March 2024 image, May 2024 update, previous name Viva Bar, former Greggs use, Mezcal Edinburgh Ltd operation, retro decor, sound system and an older opening-hours listing with its maintenance warning.
- Taco Libre Bar food-hygiene ratingFood Standards Agencygovernment
SupportsCurrent Taco Libre Bar business record at 85-87 Rose Street and its April 2026 inspection context.
- Taco LibreApple Mapsappearance
SupportsCurrent map-directory address, phone, linked Instagram site and daily noon-to-01:00 hours; used with an explicit conflict note.
- Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Pub GuideCampaign for Real Alespecialist
SupportsCurrent local CAMRA directory context for Edinburgh licensed venues.
- List of licensed premisesCity of Edinburgh Councilgovernment
SupportsCouncil licensed-premises cross-check for the Rose Street site.
- Taco Libre Bar online ratingFood Standards Agencygovernment
SupportsFood Standards Agency online-rating display for the current Taco Libre Bar address.




