Curly Coo Bar: Stirling’s Best (and Only) Whisky Bar
Looking at visiting the Curly Coo Bar? Let me tell you all about it!
Curly Coo Bar in Old Town Stirling, Scotland is arguably the best whiskey bar around. In fact, it was so good that we visited twice during our stay, which says a lot as we like to keep trying new things while we travel.
When you think of Scotland you think of whiskey. You don’t always have to visit a distillery to try fine Scottish whiskey. Visit a whiskey bar and you’ll have a plethora of whiskies all in one place.
With over 220 Scottish malt whiskies to choose from, you won’t be lacking in drams to try.
Where is Curly Coo Bar?
Address: 51 Barnton St, Stirling FK8 1HH
Hours (according to Google): Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-1am; Sun 5pm-12am
Curly Coo Bar had its beginnings in Crieff in 2009, but relocated to old town Stirling in 2013 down the quieter north end of Barnton Street. Stirling train station is a mere 5 minute walk away.
If you aren’t looking for the bar you may not even know it exists as it just quietly blends with the scenery.
There is some street parking but if you are exploring Stirling all day you might just want to park at the Wellgreen Car Park for convenience. This parking garage is only 10 minutes away.
Do note that Google says Curly Coo is open at 4:00pm but it actually opens at 5:00pm. I think I overheard her saying that she is trying to open around 4:30pm but assume it opens at 5:00pm and you won’t be left out in the cold.
Inside the Curly Coo Bar
There is no pomp and circumstance to the exterior of Curly Coo. You might just walk by it if you weren’t paying attention.
Open the doors and you’ll find yourself in a wee cozy pub. Red walls, leather benches, tartan stools and dark wooden features create a cozy atmosphere. Empty whiskey boxes line the entire wall perimeter of the room serving as a sort of 3D menu.
There are a few tables and also two corner benches available for you to sit with your friends. Perhaps you can even pull out the chessboard and enjoy a game together. If you are in the mood for conversation, you can sit at the bar and chat with Mandy, the owner.
It’s an inviting, quiet, and homey place to relax after a day exploring Stirling Castle or climbing the Wallace Monument.
This place seems to be a popular spot among regulars. During our two visits, we noticed that many of the customers knew the owner and came either to catch up with friends or to enjoy a drink after work before heading home.
If you’re expecting to watch some sportsball while having a drink, think again. An unassuming typed-up piece of paper in the window clearly states “Nae Footie Here!” (translation: No Football Here).
Besides the lack of tv screens, you’ll also find there is no wifi. It’s a simple bar with simple features.
Drinks at the Curly Coo Bar
Mandy knows her whiskies and she’ll help you choose a dram to your liking. Ask her if she has a specific bottle and she probably does. If not, she’ll know a good substitute.
As she carries over 220 malt whiskies and the space isn’t that big, everything she has is not displayed on the shelves. Check behind the bar and you’ll find just as many bottles sitting on the floor waiting to be picked up for a pour.
Again, use the whiskey boxes displayed on the walls as your menu for choosing what to drink or ask for a booklet with everything listed. Of course she may be out of one kind or another may not be listed, but this will still provide a general idea of most of the things she has.
She has a simple pricing system using color coded sticker dots, which you can find on the wall. And I shouldn’t be saying it out loud, but she definitely under charges her shots, at least to American standards. If you want a steal of a deal, especially when trying a whiskey you could never afford, you want to come here.
Besides more whiskies than you could ever drink in one visit to Stirling, she also carries a healthy selection of Scottish gins, vodka, and beers on tap. I wanted to try the gins and didn’t really care which ones, so I had Mandy pick them out for me and she knew which fruits to garnish it with to accompany the tonic.
Going back to the simplicity of the place, the Curly Coo doesn’t make fancy cocktails, merely drinks that can be poured. Food is also not served here and outside food isn’t allowed either, so prepare to eat before or after imbibing.
You can find plenty of restaurants near Curly Coo like Mint Leaf Indian/Nepalese, No. 2 Baker Street Pub food, or Fryars Wynd for some Scottish food.
Events at Curly Coo
In the back room upstairs there will be an occasional whiskey event. While we were there they were setting up for a whiskey and cheese pairing.
Did you know you could pair cheese with whiskey? Cuz I didn’t until I did one in Edinburgh at the Whiski Rooms. So I would have no problem recommending trying the Curly Coo’s version.
I saw Mandy the next day and asked how the tasting went and she said it was lovely, and that they always have a good time.
Another event they host is a Wee Whiskey Fest where you get to talk with whiskey ambassadors, try multiple drams, and nibble on some snacks.
Follow Curly Coo Bar on Facebook to know what and when the next event will be. Tickets must be purchased in person though; no online sales.
What is a Curly Coo?
So what is a curly coo anyways?
Scotland is well known for their fluffy Highland cows, with emo bangs falling in their faces.
Scots’ nickname for them are hairy coos.
So a curly coo is a just a highland cow with curly hair. 🙂
Looking For a Place to Stay in Stirling?
Check out the Stirling Highland Hotel! It’s halfway up the hill to Stirling Castle so you don’t have to walk far!
Looking to continue your Scottish Pub experience?
Best Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
7 Pubs Open Christmas Day in Edinburgh
Epilogue
The Curly Coo Bar is a cozy and inviting whiskey bar hangout in Stirling, Scotland with great drinks and friendly staff. With its selection of over 220 malt whiskies you are sure to find a new favorite dram.
Visiting the Curly Coo is one of my favorite memories from my trip to Scotland and I know it will be yours too.
