Dundee Food & Drink, Music, Clubs, Theatre and Art

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Food & Drink

Art Bar
140 Perth Rd 01382227888
The Art Bar is... well, it’s a bar for Dundee’s art types. Within touching distance of Duncan of Jordanstone art school, the small but atmospheric basement is always fairly lively thanks to the DJs, open mics and regular live music. Drink prices are student-friendly, and the outside area is perfect for getting some inspiration for your latest work.

Tonic
141 Nethergate 01382226103
While Tonic may be famous for its choice of burgers (fair enough considering they’ll serve up ostrich without even blinking), it’s also a great bar in its own right. A good atmosphere, decent drinks prices and comfy chairs add together to make for a great spot; the fact that they serve a 24oz burger is just an added bonus.

Drouthy’s
146 Perth Rd 01382202187
Drouthy's like to keep things simple, and it's a policy that works well. Whether you're heading in for a hangover breakfast or settling down for a long and lazy post-lecture evening, expect hearty grub with a few nice twists and a grand behind-the-bar selection including a load of interesting beers you might not have heard of but should probably try out. 

Duke’s Corner
13 Brown St 01382205052
Duke’s Corner does things properly – 30 bar taps pumping out a whole host of ales and craft beers, high-quality pub grub all day long, and a focus on live music that sees bands playing most nights of the week. Throw in the beer garden out back and it becomes clear why this place is so popular.

The West House
2 West Port 01382525205
A fairly new addition to Dundee’s eating and drinking scene, The West House’s striking interior helps it stand out. White walls, snazzy tables and quirky flourishes make the House a nice place to be, and the interesting Italian-inspired food menu is filled with intriguing dishes. Oh, and there’s a whole load of cocktails and fancy beers on the go too. Thought we should mention that.

Ketchup
10 South Tay St 08451666020
With the feel of a 1950s American diner, Ketchup makes a welcome change from other Dundee restaurants. 2-for-1 offers and lunch deals help keep the prices manageable, and the comfortable booths and retro decor give the place a relaxed and laid-back vibe, as do the friendly staff who won’t laugh when you get mustard all over yourself.

CULTURE

DCA
152 Nethergate 01382909900
With a two-screen cinema, excellent cafe-bar and regular high-profile exhibitions, the DCA is the place to be for Dundee’s art community. There’s professional printmaking equipment, as well as a gallery shop for gifts and exhibition materials, and the place is interesting just to be in. The best place for the city’s art students to go people-watching.

The McManus
Albert Square 01382307200
After a major refurbishment the McManus Galleries shows off the city’s past in impressive fashion. Packed with artefacts and pieces from all over the world, it’s a great way to learn a bit about the city as well as getting one’s art on for free. Bonus points have to be awarded for the giant whale skeleton and the regular contemporary exhibitions.

Dundee Rep
Tay Square 01382223530
Home to one of the country’s most-renowned theatre companies, the Rep also hosts the best touring theatre to be found in the city. It isn’t just serious theatre that’s on show though, with dance, stand-up and live music all featuring as part of an eclectic programme with something for everyone.

Music & Clubs

Kage
4 St. Andrew’s Lane
Kage is the best place to get your fix of metal and rock in Dundee, acting as a second home to the city’s alternative music fans. It isn’t the biggest, but that’s all the better for the regular gigs, and it just means that you’ll get to know the easy-going and like-minded crowd at the weekend club nights all the sooner.

20 Rocks
15 Ward Road 01382690057
Formerly known as The Doghouse, 20 Rocks is a reliable location for those of you who fancy some live music. Up-and-comers, local acts and touring bands all swing through its doors, and if you fancy getting on stage but haven’t found the rest of your soon-to-be-huge band yet then the Guitaraoke nights can let you flex your musical muscles.

Underground
25 South Tay St 01382200399
We would tell you what Underground is like inside, but we can’t be sure. Currently in the midst of a refurb as we go to print, expect a shiny new interior to go along with the mixed music policy, predominantly-student crowd and decent prices at the bar. Other than that, we’ll just have to leave you to find out yourselves.

Fat Sam’s
31 South Ward Rd 01382228181
One of Scotland’s biggest clubs, Fat Sam’s serves up a range of club nights for students and ‘real people’ alike. Wednesday is the dedicated student night, but the place is always full of scholars taking a well-earned break from their studies / drinking cocktails out of fishbowls.

Reading Rooms
Blackscroft 01382228496
Intimate, loud, and adorned with army-style camouflage roofing, the Reading Rooms is a popular choice among Dundee’s trendier music-lovers. It can fill up quickly, especially on big nights such as electro and disco night Book Club and when big-name guest DJs are in town. A truly unique club for Dundee.