Subway Cowgate, Edinburgh – 54 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Subway Cowgate β€” student bar photo

Subway Cowgate -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 54 user ratings

69 Cowgate Old Town Edinburgh EH1 1JW

πŸ’¬ 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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βœ… 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.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively and friendly atmosphere to enjoy a night out.

πŸ’‘ 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.

Subway Cowgate β€” student bar photo
Reviews
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Late night events were ace, truly memorable evening.
By user166592 (Edinburgh) on Aug 12th 2026
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Try the cocktail specials, they're worth a sip.
By user160676 (Edinburgh) on Aug 5th 2026
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Loved their unique nights; a unique experience!
By user774843 (Edinburgh) on Jul 29th 2026
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drinks flowing and music on
By user664726 (Edinburgh) on Jul 24th 2026
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The throwback night with mates was a blast, nostalgic tunes!
By user267442 (Edinburgh) on Jul 19th 2026
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the nights are class πŸ‘Œ
By user125229 (Edinburgh) on Jul 14th 2026
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The friendly staff really made my night enjoyable.
By user164161 (Edinburgh) on Jul 8th 2026
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Plan to get there before rush.
By user391080 (Edinburgh) on Jul 3rd 2026
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sound club, class djs
By user754979 (Edinburgh) on Jun 28th 2026
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Definately loads of screens with lights; perfect atmposhere.
By user347880 (Edinburgh) on Jun 23rd 2026
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busy place, great fun
By user987796 (Edinburgh) on Jun 18th 2026
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great graffiti, cool art
By user126251 (Edinburgh) on Jun 13th 2026
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The DJs' playlists kept everyone hyped, just mint.
By user156800 (Edinburgh) on Jun 8th 2026
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Music was banging πŸ™Œ
By user267420 (Edinburgh) on Jun 3rd 2026
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Plenty of bouncers around, deffo felt secure inside.
By user118051 (Edinburgh) on May 26th 2026
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Danced for hours, the smoke machine was brilliant fun haha!
By user309838 (Edinburgh) on May 21st 2026
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party till dawn vibe
By user129239 (Edinburgh) on May 16th 2026
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awesome tunes all night
By user605996 (Edinburgh) on May 11th 2026
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Smoke machine gave the floor an awesome atmosphere.
By user815161 (Edinburgh) on May 5th 2026
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graffiti murals look amazing
By user768351 (Edinburgh) on Apr 28th 2026
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Visit on a Saturday for proper club vibes.
By user799387 (Edinburgh) on Apr 20th 2026
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party central, brilliant night
By user620534 (Edinburgh) on Apr 14th 2026
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check out the graffiti murals
By user273357 (Edinburgh) on Apr 9th 2026
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Another classic Saturday night out
By user145607 (Edinburgh) on Apr 5th 2026
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Loved the NYC subway-inspired murals, very unique.
By user196646 (Edinburgh) on Apr 4th 2026
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packed but worth visiting
By user908820 (Edinburgh) on Apr 2nd 2026
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Great music and lively crowd, had a fun night.
By user147020 (Edinburgh) on Mar 30th 2026
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The DJs at Subway nailed the vibe, great for nights out.
By user735902 (Edinburgh) on Mar 25th 2026
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Packed club with fun djs
By user918743 (Edinburgh) on Mar 20th 2026
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Drinks are really affordable πŸ”₯
By user720168 (Edinburgh) on Mar 14th 2026
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Really liked the atmosphere, felt like a true niteclub.
By user522512 (Edinburgh) on Mar 10th 2026
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good for dancing and chilling
By user977134 (Edinburgh) on Feb 28th 2026
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nightclub is themed like a subway
By user353788 (Edinburgh) on Feb 9th 2026
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Friends had a blast, thanks to the vibrant atmosphere.
By user100035 (Edinburgh) on Feb 3rd 2026
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Get there early to avoid the queues.
By user792378 (Edinburgh) on Jan 28th 2026
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vibrant with exceptional DJs
By user490931 (Edinburgh) on Jan 23rd 2026
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Great cocktails with fun staff behind the bar.
By user430256 (Edinburgh) on Jan 20th 2026
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amazing dancefloor, great energy
By user162314 (Edinburgh) on Jan 15th 2026
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Subway is brilliant for a night out with friends.
By user334635 (Edinburgh) on Jan 12th 2026
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Really enjoyed the night, super fun.
By user216855 (Edinburgh) on Jan 8th 2026
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great weekend spot
By user868287 (Edinburgh) on Jan 4th 2026
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vibrant atmosphere, great crowd
By user860993 (Edinburgh) on Dec 31st 2025
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Highly recomend sampling the cocktails; they're class.
By user309406 (Edinburgh) on Dec 27th 2025
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DJ knew how to keep us dancing all night.
By user793152 (Edinburgh) on Dec 22nd 2025
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crazy wild night
By user152764 (Edinburgh) on Dec 18th 2025
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Music and smoke were epic in there.
By user508773 (Edinburgh) on Dec 14th 2025
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lively and fun ambiance
By user927678 (Edinburgh) on Dec 9th 2025
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music was absolute quality
By user274408 (Edinburgh) on Dec 3rd 2025
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club vibes, cool atmosphere
By user564613 (Edinburgh) on Nov 29th 2025
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loud music, pure party
By user401840 (Edinburgh) on Nov 25th 2025
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Great atmosphere with cool graffiti murals and amazing DJ sets.
By user492842 (Edinburgh) on Nov 19th 2025
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had a great night on the dancefloor with friends, loved the smoky vibe and everyone was just having such a blast, the DJ really knew how to keep the energy up.
By user239113 (Edinburgh) on Nov 13th 2025
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Despite crowd, bar service was impressively quick and efficient.
By user588833 (Edinburgh) on Nov 7th 2025
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Had a memorable drink while chatting with new friends.
By user289274 (Edinburgh) on Oct 30th 2025