Sotano, York – 55 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Sotano -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 55 user ratings

1 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

Located in the heart of York, Sotano is an independent bar and restaurant that has become a favorite among students from the University of York. This venue stands out for its Mediterranean-inspired tapas and cocktails, creating a unique dining and nightlife experience. With a focus on authenticity and quality, the team behind Sotano crafts food and drinks that reflect their diverse travels and culinary expertise. The atmosphere here is laid-back yet lively, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a long week of classes or to kick off a night out with friends.

Students frequently comment on the vibrant energy that fills the space, with many noting that the atmosphere is consistently positive. The venue boasts a good mix of people, creating a welcoming environment that feels both relaxed and exciting. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a chat with friends, Sotano manages to strike a balance between chill vibes and a lively crowd. The music is a significant highlight, with many reviews praising the DJ's ability to keep the dance floor packed. The selection often includes a solid mix of genres, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy.

When it comes to drinks, Sotano offers a range of reasonably priced options, and students have noted that the drink deals are fair. While some reviews suggest that the drinks might not be the fanciest, the overall value for the experience is appreciated. Many patrons feel that the pricing is better than expected, especially given the quality of the atmosphere and the music. This makes it a popular choice for students who want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

The queue experience at Sotano is generally positive as well. Students mention that the door staff are accommodating and that the wait to get in is usually manageable. This is a significant factor for those who want to avoid the frustrations of long lines at other venues. The efficient entry process contributes to the overall enjoyable experience, allowing guests to dive straight into the fun without unnecessary delays.

In terms of who this venue suits best, Sotano is ideal for students looking for a relaxed yet fun night out. It's a place where you can enjoy good music, tasty food, and a friendly crowd without the pressure of a more intense nightlife scene. Many reviews indicate that it's a spot where you can kick back with friends, chat, and dance without feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. However, it's worth noting that it can get busy, especially on weekends, which might not appeal to everyone.

While Sotano has many strengths, there are a few caveats to consider. Some students have pointed out that although the music is solid, the drinks could be better. Additionally, while the atmosphere is lively, it may not be the most intense party spot for those seeking a high-energy night out. Instead, it offers a more balanced experience that combines fun with a chill environment. It's also important to mention that while the crowd is generally positive, it can get packed, especially during peak hours, which might not be ideal for those who prefer a quieter setting.

Overall, Sotano is a highly rated venue for students at the University of York. With its welcoming atmosphere, good music, and reasonable prices, it has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy a night out. Whether you're celebrating the end of exams or simply catching up with friends, Sotano provides the perfect backdrop for memorable nights. The combination of quality food, a vibrant crowd, and an engaging atmosphere makes it a place worth visiting time and again. Many students express their eagerness to return, highlighting the enjoyable experiences they've had here. So, if you're looking for a chill yet lively venue to enjoy with friends, Sotano is definitely a place to check out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere with a positive vibe
  • Good music that keeps the crowd dancing
  • Reasonably priced drinks and fair drink deals
  • Chill crowd and relaxed entry experience
  • Diverse mix of people, creating a fun environment
  • Consistent positive energy throughout the night
  • Ideal for hanging out with friends after classes

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Drinks may not be the fanciest available
  • Can get quite packed, especially on weekends
  • Not the most intense party scene for those seeking high energy
  • Some students feel the venue could improve its drink selection
  • Not the fanciest spot, but it gets the job done
  • Occasional quieter nights may not appeal to everyone

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet fun night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Expect a manageable queue, especially on weekdays.
  • Drink prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • The music varies but generally includes a good mix for dancing.
  • Sotano can get busy, so arriving early is recommended for a better experience.
  • Perfect for post-class hangouts or casual nights out.

❓ Common Questions

What is Sotano like?

Sotano is a vibrant bar and restaurant known for its Mediterranean tapas, lively atmosphere, and good music.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, with students noting that entry is usually quick.

Is it good value?

Many students find the prices reasonable, especially for the quality of the atmosphere and music.

What music does Sotano play?

The music varies but is generally a solid mix that keeps the crowd dancing.

What type of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a diverse and friendly crowd, making it a fun place to meet new people.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
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Not the most thrilling spot but it has everything needed for a student night. the drinks are cheap and the vibe’s chill enough to enjoy a good time.
By user329882 on Apr 1st 2026
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Good vibe and decent music, not too expensive either. no issues with the queue and the staff were chill. it was a fun night out for sure.
By user404120 on Mar 31st 2026
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Decent vibes and good music, the DJ knows how to keep people dancing. drink deals are fair and the place is clean enough, which is a plus. queue wasn’t long and the crowd was chill, making it a solid option for a night out.
By user467398 on Mar 27th 2026
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Door staff are chill, never had any issues getting in. makes the night way better.
By user114216 on Mar 24th 2026
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user908011 on Mar 19th 2026
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Always a diverse crowd which makes it fun. feels like a chill spot to hang out with mates.
By user869868 on Mar 16th 2026
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Prices were better than i thought. the place had a decent atmosphere too
By user787662 on Mar 11th 2026
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The atmosphere really gets you in a good mood and it keeps that energy up all night. no weird drops in the vibe at any point.
By user697028 on Mar 9th 2026
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The atmosphere's always positive, you can feel the good energy in the air.
By user804963 on Mar 8th 2026
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The night was a good mix of people. everyone was enjoying themselves but it didn't feel too packed.
By user504886 on Mar 7th 2026
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It’s got a good student scene but it can get pretty packed in there
By user652960 on Mar 6th 2026
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Music's got everyone dancing and the atmosphere is always lively
By user950564 on Mar 5th 2026
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Not the best drinks but the crowd had a good buzz. would choose it again for a night out.
By user180808 on Mar 4th 2026
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Not the best but i'd go back. solid music and cool people around
By user522521 on Feb 26th 2026
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It's all about having a good time at sotano, nothing too heavy or intense. that's what makes it a chill spot.
By user600988 on Feb 25th 2026
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Chill atmosphere with a relaxed crowd. just a cool spot to hang out with friends.
By user998023 on Feb 24th 2026
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user542043 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Definitely looking forward to going back. had a blast with friends and the energy was sick
By user462595 on Feb 20th 2026
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Everything was exactly how it should be and there wasn’t anything to complain about. that’s all you want, really.
By user485415 on Feb 19th 2026
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Not the fanciest spot but it gets the job done. music's solid and the prices are fair, so you know what to expect.
By user441719 on Feb 18th 2026
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Not the most lively spot but it's a decent place to kick back and relax for a while. you're not just spending time in a crowded bar.
By user900551 on Feb 17th 2026
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Got there and it felt really relaxed, like the energy was just right for hanging out. the place has a comfy feel to it.
By user837566 on Feb 16th 2026
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Good mix of chill and chaos — in the best way.
By user138126 on Feb 15th 2026
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Been a few times and it usually turns into one of those 'best nights' 😅
By user186214 on Feb 14th 2026
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Always a mix of people which makes it enjoyable. it’s a laid-back spot without feeling too chill.
By user894300 on Feb 13th 2026
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user199263 on Feb 9th 2026
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Music is always good and there's a solid mix of stuff to dance to. that's what makes it worth going.
By user602807 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Prices are reasonable and the place has a decent atmosphere. it's a chill spot to hang out with friends.
By user796899 on Jan 27th 2026
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It's a nice place to relax after a long week. that's really all you want.
By user781651 on Jan 22nd 2026
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You can just relax and have fun, no stress at all.
By user216740 on Jan 19th 2026
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Music was solid and the crowd was friendly. little things that make a night out enjoyable
By user888909 on Jan 15th 2026
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There’s always loads going on, keeps things interesting. makes a big difference for a night out
By user528579 on Jan 11th 2026
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Atmosphere was lively and the music kept everyone moving. little things that make the night enjoyable.
By user836560 on Jan 8th 2026
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Cheaper nights are out there but this place just has a better atmosphere. the drinks are easy on the wallet too.
By user702595 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Spontaneity is everywhere, which can be either exciting or a bit much depending on the night
By user330583 on Dec 30th 2025
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Queue was quick and the staff were really friendly. made the whole night way better.
By user502034 on Dec 25th 2025
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First year wouldn't have been the same without sotano. it brings that proper student energy.
By user249359 on Dec 21st 2025
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Music's always pumping and the crowd's really friendly, perfect for a night out with mates.
By user924837 on Dec 17th 2025
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Friendly faces and solid tunes — what more do you need?
By user585968 on Dec 12th 2025
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Not the wildest spot but it’s always a good time. solid tunes, decent prices, you know what to expect.
By user450439 on Dec 5th 2025
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Not too crowded, just the right amount of energy.
By user289176 on Dec 1st 2025
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Had a good energy and a nice atmosphere from the start. by the end of it, it felt really comfortable.
By user449956 on Nov 27th 2025
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The atmosphere was chill and made it easy to unwind. little things like that really help when you want to just hang out.
By user486618 on Nov 22nd 2025
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The type of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.
By user840889 on Nov 16th 2025
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Mix of people is chill and it's always easy to strike up a convo, which is nice. makes the whole night feel less awkward.
By user821825 on Nov 9th 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user683912 on Nov 2nd 2025
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user516092 on Oct 27th 2025
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Looking back it was a good spot. the mix of people made it easy to connect and enjoy the night.
By user154241 on Oct 24th 2025
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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user676775 on Oct 20th 2025
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Really close to everything and loads of cool people around. it’s a good spot to hang out and meet new mates.
By user167959 on Oct 17th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user203561 on Oct 13th 2025
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user181580 on Oct 10th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user144855 on Oct 5th 2025
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The place is ideal for hitting the dance floor and hanging out with mates. makes every night out feel easygoing.
By user194914 on Sep 29th 2025
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user825094 on Sep 24th 2025
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user665937 on Sep 14th 2025