If you’re a student at one of Dundee’s two universities, you’ve probably heard of or enjoyed many nights out in the city’s biggest, most popular clubs, such as Aura. However, if your old favourites are starting to feel a little stale, this article is the one for you! We’ve prepared a list of the eight best underground nightclubs in Dundee, so read on for some inspiration for your next night out.
Club Tropicana
Located on South Ward Road is Club Tropicana, a club which specialised in more retro tunes. So, if you’re more drawn to The Beatles and Queen than current chart-toppers, this is the place for you. They host many themed events with a particular emphasis on 80s music – perfect if you want to belt out some Bowie or dance the night away to a bit of Rick Astley. Entry here can often be super cheap or even free, so tease your hair and dig out a pair of leg warmers for a night out here!
Fat Sams
Located in the same venue as Club Tropicana is Fat Sams, a club which offers themed events and live music as well as a classic club night. You can expect a diverse range of events, like comedy and live gigs, and of course their Disco Days vs Dance days club afternoons! These club afternoons finish in the early evening, so they’re perfect if you want the night out experience but have things to do in the morning. It’s certainly one way to go out and still make it to your 9am lecture!
Firewater
Firewater is a great nightclub right in Dundee city centre. It also has a sister venue in Glasgow, showing it’s loved all around Scotland! It’s known for its great selection of indie tunes, but hosts plenty of themed nights to keep things fresh. For example, you could attend a night full of the best club classics, dance the night away to the best of rap and hip-hop, or belt out the greatest pop bangers. Entry can also be pretty cheap at £6, and they have some great drinks deals as well. Fancy a £3 vodka and Red Bull to keep your energy up all night?
Church
Not to be confused with an actual church! Church Nightclub specialises in a mixture of club nights and live music from up and coming bands, so there’s something for everyone here. They’ve got a great range of themed nights. For example, their pop girl nights plays Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan all night long. If pop’s not your thing, they also offer a metal, rock and alternative night where you can expect the best emo, pop-punk and heavy metal tunes around. For the live music fans, they also offer plenty of that, showcasing the best tribute bands and original music live.
Draffens
Whilst not technically a club – this secret speakeasy bar is quite literally underground! This bar was originally Draffens department store and is now a part of Franks Wine and Pasta Bar. Draffens serves a range of tasty cocktails and the bartenders are said to be super knowledgeable if you’re unsure which ones to try. The drinks prices are pretty decent, starting at £8 for a cocktail. If you’re looking for a new place to for a few drinks before heading to the club, Draffens could be your new favourite!
Kandy
Kandy – which used to be known as Klozet – is one of Dundee’s biggest gay bars and is right in the city centre. If you’re LGBTQ+ and looking for a new place to go out, it might be perfect for you! The bar has previously won the award for best independent bar in Scotland, and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s open seven days a week and hosts a range of live acts like drag queens and musicians. Kandy also serves as a nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays, so a night here’s a great way to start the weekend. And since entry is free until midnight (and then only £3.50 afterwards), your head might hurt the next morning but your wallet certainly won’t!
Rewind
Are you a fan of retro discos? If so, you’re going to want to check out Rewind. They play live music from local artists every weekend. Don’t worry if you’re more of a classic club night fan, as they host club nights every weekend catering to people who love music from all decades! Each club night is themed around a different decade, featuring music from the 70s right through to the 2000s. Like its name suggests, Rewind is the perfect blast from the past. It’s perfect for everyone, whether you’re a Queen fan or you’re after some classic 2000s Britney Spears. Entry’s usually free before midnight too. That’s certainly a deal that’ll inspire everyone to get out of the house and to the club!
Beat Generator Live
Beat Generator Live calls itself Dundee’s home of rock and roll, so if you’re not usually a fan of the music played at clubs, this one might tempt you. They host tons of live music from different rock bands – so this spot’s perfect for all the people who like to brag about having listened to an artist before they made it big. Even though most of their nights feature live acts, that doesn’t mean Beat Generator is expensive! Tickets are pretty reasonably priced, for example at £12 to £15 for some acts. However, keep in mind that some tickets can cost you more, but it’s worth it in my opinion!
There you have it – a great mixture of underground (sometimes literally) nightclubs, bars and music venues in Dundee. They’re all perfect for your next night out, so get to planning your weekend with these venues in mind! If you’ve used this article well and had a great night out at one of these clubs, you might want to check out our list of the best brunch spots in Dundee for the perfect hangover cure.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best clubs in Dundee?
The best three clubs in Dundee according to Google reviews are Kandy, Aura and and Rewind. Two out of three of these are on our list. That just goes to show that going to a lesser known underground club can result in a more fun night!
What are the best bars and pubs in Dundee?
The best three pubs and bars in Dundee (according to Google reviews) are the Barrelman, Trades House and the Speedwell Bar. Additionally, if you’re looking for a great bar to pre-drink in before going clubbing without breaking the bank, check out our list of the ten best student bars in Dundee!
Hi, my name is Lili and I am currently studying for a Psychology degree! When I’m not studying, I love swimming, reading and writing.
