Cafe Voltaire

I was directed here when I asked someone at another bar where I could find house music and dancing. Didn’t quite know what to expect as I walked across Edinburgh…
What I found was a hot, sweaty, house party in a basement. Perfect.
I have no idea what time I left.
I don’t remember anyone’s name.
Don’t remember getting back to my hostel.
Slept until 4pm the next day.
Solid place.

One review, are you joking?! This place is a wee beast!
Set in the heart of Cowgate, it’s a wee hipster hangout which is totally my bag. Loved everything about it. Nice gin, Innes and Gunn beer, pizza, corn dogs, Lego straw holders, a framed picture of Ken Dodd — off the wall and got its own identity.
I was through for the Fringe so the focus was more on comedy than anything else, but the vibe was great — chilled out but vibrant — good tunes, good people and nice bar staff. Can’t argue with it!

I always loved Cabaret Voltaire. For a different night out it was one of the few Edinburgh options. With my clubbing days largely behind me I’m glad to see they have finally made good use of the upstairs space, and doubly pleased to see it doesn’t come subject to a surcharge (Limelight was good before this came along, but £5 entry… really?).
Particularly good for a group, the space at the back has been decked out trendily with vintage arcade machine tables. Meaning that for 50p you can have a couple of games of Pacman or Asteroid or Donkey Kong, etc. while you sip on a cocktail.
Speaking of which, Café Voltaire are blessed with some decent mixologists. As well as having a decent array of beers and spirits there is an interesting cocktail menu to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately the one thing really letting them down is a decent-​sized bar.
Good for the funky house and R’n’B crowds, the music here is a big draw on the weekend, and if you find yourself all warmed up after a few jars and a handful of jumpy tunes, you always have CabVol downstairs.
A good spot but only if you’re looking for a less than chilled evening.