It's a great route, been doing it for many years before it was the NC500. Best bits for me are JoG to Fort Bill. Inverness, Fort Bill and Ullapool probably the best places for evenings (food/pub/accommodation choices).
We have "lads nights out" typically in Inverness (definitely) and then either Portree/Ullapool/Fort William for the other night and do it over 3 days / 2 nights... The Castle Tavern in Inverness is a great early evening pint, and then lots of good pubs if you like things a bit bouncier (Johnny Fox's for instance). https://www.castletavern.pub/ https://johnnyfoxes.co.uk/
Usually we don't bother with the East coast...
We have "lads nights out" typically in Inverness (definitely) and then either Portree/Ullapool/Fort William for the other night and do it over 3 days / 2 nights... The Castle Tavern in Inverness is a great early evening pint, and then lots of good pubs if you like things a bit bouncier (Johnny Fox's for instance). https://www.castletavern.pub/ https://johnnyfoxes.co.uk/
Usually we don't bother with the East coast...