Description: The Waiting Room is a pub in Morningside in Edinburgh that serves food. Seems harsh to describe it as this but this place is fairly unremarkable and defines the world average.
The interior is largely wooden and red with a large bar in the center. Seating is a mix of wooden high tables and standard dining tables with a mixture of seating ranging from stools, standard dining chairs and more relaxing sofa and armchairs. Wherever you look you'll also find numerous large flat screen TV's showing an array of sporting events to please many. The most popular seems to be Scottish football and usually Hearts or Hibs but they'll show anything that's on - golf, Spanish football, etc... The pub has a generally cleanly feel with tables cleared efficiently so it doesn't have stale lingering glasses and plates. The toilets are basic but in working order and again appear to be cleaned regularly.
The service here is always friendly. If you're drinking you order at the bar, if dining then they offer full table service which is rare for a pub.
Their selection of beers is large if unexceptional. As is typical in Scotland, Tennents on tap is standard but they also have other continental beers such as Staropramen. Ales are from equally well known sources but all beer is of a good quality with well kept pipes.
Wines tell a similar story of unremarkability but then this place doesn't think of itself as gastro so deals in the conventional pub wine fare.
Food again, a similar story, the only remarkable thing being the size of the portions, which are huge! They serve an array of pub grub ranging from sandwiches (deep filled) and burgers (juicy and hearty) to pasta (a little dull and uneventful but filling), salads (limited selection), chilli (has just enough kick to it) and even fajitas (although a little dry and could have been a little spicier). Nothing will set you alight but it's all good quality... And big! Make sure you are hungry before you go here. Prices are on the very reasonable side too with a main usually £7-£8. Food is also served throughout the day I believe and until relatively late so a good place to go if you need to eat at an unusual time.
The atmosphere can get a little rowdy if there is a local sports event on TV and occasionally you get the odd drunk loitering outside but they are generally friendly. Otherwise it's a mixed crowd although probably leaning towards an older market.
I wouldn't make a trip specifically to The Waiting Room but if you're looking for somewhere easy and local to eat, you could do worse than here. We have family in the area and although there are better options, this is where we tend to gravitate as we know it's always going to be OK.
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