
Hideout Cafe
Quick info
About Hideout Cafe
On Upper Bow in Edinburgh, Hideout Cafe is a counter-serve coffee shop where cassettes line the walls as part of a rock and music theme. Seating is limited to a few tables, and a window seat looks out onto the street, while the doorway in is narrow. Coffee comes with latte art, alongside options like an oat milk cappuccino and iced americano, and the counter also serves sandwiches, pastries, brownies, and a nut-free sweet treat. It operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations, and dogs are welcome inside.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
- Good for kidsFamily-friendly
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention iced americano, flat white, oat milk cappuccino and brownie.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention iced americano, flat white, oat milk cappuccino and brownie.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee draws the steadiest praise here, with reviewers repeatedly calling out an oat milk cappuccino and an iced americano as standouts, and the espresso art getting a mention too. Close behind, brownies and other pastries and desserts come up often, along with the quirky rock and cassette-lined decor that several describe as cozy and charming. Staff are consistently called friendly and kind, with quick, personable service noted more than once. A couple of reviewers raise trade-offs: one found a flat white burnt, chalking it up to a possible off day, and another felt an iced latte was mostly ice for the price. The narrow doorway and small, cramped seating come up a few times, with one reviewer flagging it as difficult for wheelchairs or strollers, though several say a wait for a table is usually short. Multiple visitors mention grabbing a window seat to watch the street outside while working through a coffee and a treat.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee draws the steadiest praise here, with reviewers repeatedly calling out an oat milk cappuccino and an iced americano as standouts, and the espresso art getting a mention too. Close behind, brownies and other pastries and desserts come up often, along with the quirky rock and cassette-lined decor that several describe as cozy and charming. Staff are consistently called friendly and kind, with quick, personable service noted more than once. A couple of reviewers raise trade-offs: one found a flat white burnt, chalking it up to a possible off day, and another felt an iced latte was mostly ice for the price. The narrow doorway and small, cramped seating come up a few times, with one reviewer flagging it as difficult for wheelchairs or strollers, though several say a wait for a table is usually short. Multiple visitors mention grabbing a window seat to watch the street outside while working through a coffee and a treat.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Absolutely delicious oat milk cappuccino! Very friendly service and a great location. If you appreciate really good coffee, make sure to visit this spot. One of the best-tasting coffees in Edinburgh.”
- Google user
“Hideout Café is the cutest little coffee stop in Edinburgh / Royal Mile and if you walk past it, you’re truly missing out. If you love great coffee, tea, pastries, and art, this place is an absolute must-visit. It’s vibrant, welcoming, full of character, and everything we tried was delicious. Even the restroom is a work of art, with creative details that perfectly match the café’s unique personality. The staff are wonderful and make you feel right at home. Seating is limited, but that’s part of its charm. The cozy, intimate atmosphere only adds to the experience. A hidden gem that I would highly recommend. I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in Edinburgh.”
- Google user
“This café has a lovely atmosphere with a beautiful interior, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. It’s a nice place to stop by and enjoy the surroundings. During my visit, I ordered a flat white, but unfortunately it tasted quite burnt, and I couldn’t really enjoy the coffee flavor. It may have just been an off day, so I wouldn’t judge the café entirely based on this one experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the space is quite small, so it may not be convenient for wheelchairs or baby strollers. Despite that, the warm service and pleasant atmosphere left a good impression, and I’d be happy to give it another try in the future.”
- Google user
“Very quaint cafe. We were lucky to grab a seat in the corner. We had a couple of coffees and a brownie. It was the perfect spot to take a break as we explored the city. Nice staff too!”
- Google user
“Had 1 hour in Edinburgh between trains and a girl must have some good coffee. Hideout cafe was totally worth the detour. I got an iced americano and the beans were absolutely delicious. The pastries looked soooo good except I wasn’t hungry but if I ever come back, I’d definitely grab something. The interior and ambiance was perfect - a little bit quirky and so homey, and the baristas were amazing. Customer service was quick and personable. Highly recommend!”
Highlights
“Local counter-serve coffee shop offering specialty brews & sandwiches in relaxed surrounds.”
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
Show more amenities
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Coffee
- Prepared foods
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Parking· 1
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Dining options· 4
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Pet-friendly· 1
- Dogs allowed inside
- Highlights· 2
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Crowd· 1
- Tourists
Location
Coffee Shops near Hideout Cafe
- Zaza's Coffee House4.21,0560.2 miWi-Fi / laptop
scottish breakfast, haggis, halal food options
- LOWDOWN4.71,7100.3 miOutdoor seatingVegan options
inconsistent counter service, espresso, limited seating
- Sub Station Express4.8980.4 mi
coffee, avocado salad, bacon and egg roll
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hideout CafeWi-Fi / laptop · Outdoor seating · Vegan options | 4.7939 | — | iced americano, flat white, oat milk cappuccino |
| Zaza's Coffee HouseWi-Fi / laptop | 4.21,056 | 0.2 mi | scottish breakfast, haggis, halal food options |
| LOWDOWNOutdoor seating · Vegan options | 4.71,710 | 0.3 mi | inconsistent counter service, espresso, limited seating |
| Sub Station Express | 4.898 | 0.4 mi | coffee, avocado salad, bacon and egg roll |
The 3 nearest coffee shops by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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