Subway Cowgate, Edinburgh – 31 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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Subway Cowgate -
Subway Cowgate -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 31 user ratings
69 Cowgate Old Town Edinburgh EH1 1JW
🕐 Opening Hours
Monday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Tuesday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Wednesday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Thursday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Friday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: Closed
💬 What Students Say
Subway Cowgate, located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, is a popular nightlife destination for students at the University of Edinburgh. This venue has become a staple for those looking to unwind after a long day of classes or to kick off a fun night out with friends. With its full-service bar, cocktail specials, and a lively atmosphere, Subway Cowgate has something for everyone. The venue is adorned with graffiti murals inspired by the iconic NYC subways, adding a unique touch to the overall vibe. The ambiance is described as cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot to hang out and enjoy a night out with friends.
The atmosphere at Subway Cowgate is frequently praised by students, who often mention the chill vibe and friendly crowd. Many reviews highlight how easy it is to meet people and enjoy a relaxed evening. The venue tends to attract a mix of students and locals, which adds to the fun and lively ambiance. It's not uncommon for patrons to bump into familiar faces, enhancing the sense of community that makes Subway Cowgate a go-to spot for many. The crowd is described as laid-back, with no drama, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without any pressure. This welcoming environment makes it an appealing choice for those looking to socialize and have a good time.
Music is a major draw at Subway Cowgate, with students frequently mentioning the quality and energy of the tunes played throughout the night. The venue is known for hosting DJs that keep the dance floor lively, ensuring that everyone has a great time. With high ratings for music, it's clear that the soundtracks here contribute significantly to the overall night out experience. Whether you're in the mood to dance or simply enjoy the beats with friends, Subway Cowgate delivers on musical entertainment.
When it comes to drinks, Subway Cowgate offers a full-service bar with various options, including cocktail specials that are popular among the student crowd. While some reviews mention that it may not be the cheapest option in town, many agree that the overall experience makes it worth the price. Students appreciate the decent drink deals available, which help to keep the night affordable while still enjoying a fun atmosphere. The pricing level is generally considered reasonable for the experience provided, although it may vary depending on the specific night and drink choices.
The queue and entry experience at Subway Cowgate also receive positive feedback. Many reviews indicate that the queues are usually manageable, allowing students to get in without excessive waiting. The venue has a reputation for being a reliable choice for a night out, with students often commenting on how they never feel rushed or pressured while waiting to enter. This contributes to the overall enjoyable experience, as patrons can focus on having fun rather than dealing with long lines.
Students have shared numerous positive anecdotes about their nights at Subway Cowgate. Many have noted that it’s a great place to relax and catch up with friends, while others have highlighted the fun and energetic atmosphere. The venue seems to cater well to those looking for a casual yet lively night out, where laughter and good times are the norm. The combination of good music, a friendly crowd, and a comfortable setting makes Subway Cowgate a favorite among students.
However, it’s important to consider some of the potential drawbacks. While the atmosphere is generally well-received, some reviews mention that the venue can get quite packed, which may lead to a bit of jostling. If you prefer a quieter environment, this might not be the best choice on busier nights. Additionally, while the drink prices are seen as fair by many, some students feel that they could be lower, especially for a student budget. Finally, while the crowd is mostly friendly, as with any popular venue, there might be the occasional rowdy group that could disrupt the otherwise chill vibe.
In conclusion, Subway Cowgate stands out as a vibrant and lively night out venue for students at the University of Edinburgh. With its welcoming atmosphere, great music, and decent drink deals, it's no wonder that this spot has become a favorite among the student community. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy some good company, Subway Cowgate offers a reliable and enjoyable experience that’s perfect for a night out in Edinburgh.
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The atmosphere at Subway Cowgate is frequently praised by students, who often mention the chill vibe and friendly crowd. Many reviews highlight how easy it is to meet people and enjoy a relaxed evening. The venue tends to attract a mix of students and locals, which adds to the fun and lively ambiance. It's not uncommon for patrons to bump into familiar faces, enhancing the sense of community that makes Subway Cowgate a go-to spot for many. The crowd is described as laid-back, with no drama, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without any pressure. This welcoming environment makes it an appealing choice for those looking to socialize and have a good time.
Music is a major draw at Subway Cowgate, with students frequently mentioning the quality and energy of the tunes played throughout the night. The venue is known for hosting DJs that keep the dance floor lively, ensuring that everyone has a great time. With high ratings for music, it's clear that the soundtracks here contribute significantly to the overall night out experience. Whether you're in the mood to dance or simply enjoy the beats with friends, Subway Cowgate delivers on musical entertainment.
When it comes to drinks, Subway Cowgate offers a full-service bar with various options, including cocktail specials that are popular among the student crowd. While some reviews mention that it may not be the cheapest option in town, many agree that the overall experience makes it worth the price. Students appreciate the decent drink deals available, which help to keep the night affordable while still enjoying a fun atmosphere. The pricing level is generally considered reasonable for the experience provided, although it may vary depending on the specific night and drink choices.
The queue and entry experience at Subway Cowgate also receive positive feedback. Many reviews indicate that the queues are usually manageable, allowing students to get in without excessive waiting. The venue has a reputation for being a reliable choice for a night out, with students often commenting on how they never feel rushed or pressured while waiting to enter. This contributes to the overall enjoyable experience, as patrons can focus on having fun rather than dealing with long lines.
Students have shared numerous positive anecdotes about their nights at Subway Cowgate. Many have noted that it’s a great place to relax and catch up with friends, while others have highlighted the fun and energetic atmosphere. The venue seems to cater well to those looking for a casual yet lively night out, where laughter and good times are the norm. The combination of good music, a friendly crowd, and a comfortable setting makes Subway Cowgate a favorite among students.
However, it’s important to consider some of the potential drawbacks. While the atmosphere is generally well-received, some reviews mention that the venue can get quite packed, which may lead to a bit of jostling. If you prefer a quieter environment, this might not be the best choice on busier nights. Additionally, while the drink prices are seen as fair by many, some students feel that they could be lower, especially for a student budget. Finally, while the crowd is mostly friendly, as with any popular venue, there might be the occasional rowdy group that could disrupt the otherwise chill vibe.
In conclusion, Subway Cowgate stands out as a vibrant and lively night out venue for students at the University of Edinburgh. With its welcoming atmosphere, great music, and decent drink deals, it's no wonder that this spot has become a favorite among the student community. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy some good company, Subway Cowgate offers a reliable and enjoyable experience that’s perfect for a night out in Edinburgh.
✅ What Students Love
- Great atmosphere with a chill vibe and friendly crowd.
- High-quality music that keeps the energy up all night.
- Comfortable seating and inviting decor, perfect for hanging out.
- Manageable queues, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
- Decent drink deals and a full-service bar available.
- Mix of students and locals, creating a lively and diverse crowd.
⚠️ Things to Note
- The venue can get quite packed, leading to some jostling.
- Drink prices may not be the cheapest for all budgets.
- Occasional rowdy groups that could disrupt the vibe.
- Limited opening hours, not open during the day on Sundays.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a lively and friendly atmosphere to enjoy a night out.
💡 Things to Know
- Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
- Arriving earlier in the night can help avoid long queues.
- Check for cocktail specials to make the most of your budget.
- The music style is varied, typically upbeat and dance-friendly.
- It's a popular spot, so expect a lively crowd, especially on weekends.
❓ Common Questions
What is Subway Cowgate like?
It's a vibrant venue with a chill atmosphere, great music, and a friendly crowd.
How long is the queue?
Queues are usually manageable, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
Is it good value?
While not the cheapest, drink deals and the overall experience offer good value.
What music does Subway Cowgate play?
The music is upbeat and dance-friendly, keeping the energy high all night.
Is it suitable for large groups?
Yes, it's a great place for groups to enjoy a night out together.
Reviews
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Good vibes and decent music. drinks are affordable which is always a plus. queues were manageable too, so no complaints here.
By user145607 on Apr 5th 2026
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Drinks were good value and the music kept the energy up. stayed out late and enjoyed the vibe.
By user196646 on Apr 4th 2026
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Music was decent and the drinks were reasonably priced. not much of a queue either which was a bonus.
By user908820 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Go here a lot, good music and decent drink deals . queues are usually chill and the vibe’s always fun.
By user147020 on Mar 30th 2026
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Popped in and it was just the right amount of people, not too packed or anything. would go back for sure
By user735902 on Mar 25th 2026
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The place works for both day and night, so you can make the most of it anytime.
By user918743 on Mar 20th 2026
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Walked in and everyone seemed chill and friendly, like a good crowd to hang with. just had a nice feel to it.
By user720168 on Mar 14th 2026
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The place is pretty comfy for hanging out, which is either a bonus or a drag depending on who you’re with
By user522512 on Mar 10th 2026
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The atmosphere was cosy and it felt really inviting. that’s all you need for a good night out.
By user977134 on Feb 28th 2026
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Atmosphere's chill and the crowd's just here to enjoy themselves without any pressure. it's all about having a laugh and enjoying the night.
By user353788 on Feb 9th 2026
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Bumping into familiar faces is pretty common here. it’s nice seeing mates around all the time.
By user100035 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Seating's comfy and the place has a nice atmosphere. just a better spot to hang out.
By user792378 on Jan 28th 2026
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This place is the go-to for students and you can see why. it's always packed with people and the atmosphere is just right.
By user490931 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Looking back it was a fun place. the atmosphere helped, easy to meet people and just a short walk away from everything.
By user430256 on Jan 20th 2026
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Never a boring night here, always something happening
By user162314 on Jan 15th 2026
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Always a chill spot to kick off the night. never felt rushed or out of place here
By user334635 on Jan 12th 2026
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Music's good and the people are chill but it's pretty packed so you might get jostled a bit
By user216855 on Jan 8th 2026
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Couldn't stop grinning all night — had the best laughs with everyone.
By user868287 on Jan 4th 2026
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Perfect for a relaxed evening and catching up with mates. not a big deal in the big picture.
By user860993 on Dec 31st 2025
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Met loads of people here, so it’s always easy to hang out and have a good time.
By user309406 on Dec 27th 2025
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The crowd is chill with no drama, just a good time at subway cowgate. that’s what keeps me coming back.
By user793152 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Music was really good and the energy was off the charts. had a blast all night.
By user152764 on Dec 18th 2025
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Crowd was lively all night, everyone was up and moving. left feeling hyped and ready for more.
By user508773 on Dec 14th 2025
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Not the cheapest place but it was a good time from start to finish. wouldn’t want it any other way really.
By user927678 on Dec 9th 2025
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The music was really good all night and kept everyone moving. that's what matters most
By user274408 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Always a reliable night out, never had any issues with the atmosphere or the crowd. no drama or stress, just what you expect
By user564613 on Nov 29th 2025
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The atmosphere makes it easy to lose track of time. always end up staying longer than I meant to.
By user401840 on Nov 25th 2025
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Always a lively crowd which makes it entertaining. always had a good time there
By user492842 on Nov 19th 2025
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Always a mix of students and locals which makes it fun. never had a boring night there
By user239113 on Nov 13th 2025
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user588833 on Nov 7th 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user289274 on Oct 30th 2025
Review published! ✓