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Lowdown Coffee

4.7 (18 reviews)
ModerateCoffee & Tea
Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Lowdown Coffee Photos

LOWDOWN COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating
Good for working

Recommended Reviews - Lowdown Coffee

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Stopped by in the afternoon for a cup of coffee while I was in town. There were no seats available so I ordered a cappuccino to drink while I walked around. It was good! Hard to tell how it compares to other places since it came in a paper cup rather than a ceramic mug. But the staff were friendly and it seemed like a very popular spot.

Americano takeaway
Briony C.

I was visiting Lowdown because I wanted a coffee (and cake) and somewhere to work for an hour or so. Sadly my plans were scuppered by the fact that this place was totally full and there wasn't a spare seat in sight - so I grabbed a coffee to go, instead. If you're not sure where to head, follow the map on Yelp and look for the sandwich board outside. It's downstairs and the space is pretty small - there isn't a tonne of seating so you'll be lucky to get a seat (maybe 15-20 seats inside, I think)! The staff were super friendly and I ordered my Americano to go (£2.40). I also had a peek at the menu which sounds really good - granola and yoghurt, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches and cakes galore (I've added a pic of the full menu on offer the day I visited). They also sell Jarritos which is a bit unusual! My coffee didn't take long (they apologised for the wait but I reckon it was only 3 minutes anyway) and off I went. I am a pretty new coffee drinker and really enjoyed this one, even without sugar. So that's a win for me. I'll definitely be back here and it's well worth a visit in an area rammed with chain coffee shops.

Menu
Chantelle T.

Ohh a new coffee place in Edinburgh! With the likes of Wellington's and Urban Angel nearby, these guys have some close competition. I was taken here by my partner last week with the excitement of a new space, however it does not look like your regular coffee shop- on the basement level, from the outside it looks like the kitchen area of a small business and I had to question whether this really is a new coffee joint or whether we were about to get in trouble for trespassing. So don't panic, it's a real business. The layout is... interesting. It looks like an Ikea kitchen. Or some kind of super futuristic sterile lab with a coffee machine inside. The coffee is good here, this little engine that can will rival the big trains once it picks up speed. The lattes and cappuccinos were served in the same cup which is a no-no for me, but was strong, full bodied and hot. There are also specialty chocolates, whole beans and baked good for sale. Would reccommend giving it a crack!

Stuart B.

I am always excited to try out new coffee shops. Lowdown has opened up on George Street and with Wellington, Cairngorm, Burr & Co all nearby this is little area is a bit of coffee hot-spot in town. It's down some stairs and might not be obvious unless you are looking out for it. The glass door leads to a room which is pretty minimalist; a few tables and wooden chairs in a bright space. It feels to me like being in a museum or gallery; it's less cosy and hipster and a bit more sophisticated and refined but perhaps lacking a bit of character. It still has quite an independent feel about it however and I feel confident that the owners and baristas care about their coffee and the beans they use. I had a flat white which was pretty good. I believe it was Workshop coffee in the hopper, which is one of my favourites. I will definitely come back to try out some filter coffee, have one of their nice looking pastries and buy some beans for home. Seems they have got off to a solid start and I think this could be a good space particularly as some of smaller coffee places in town get super busy. I look forward to coming back.

Katerina K.

Spent a looooovely afternoon here on an indulgent search for more of Edinburgh's high spec coffee. Enjoyed a yummy latte in the outside seating area, and didn't plan on ordering food at all, but the freekeh, feta, apricot and almond salad massively grabbed my attention - had to try - and was super glad I did, it was delicious! Looking forward to next coffee stop, and most probably more lunch menu sampling!

Peanut butter cream filled doughnut and a long black
Grace L.

Best long black I've had in Edinburgh so far! It also paired very well with a peanut butter and chocolate filled doughnut. I like the layout of Lowdown, and it was nice to sit outside even if it was on the basement level. Definitely a great spot to pop in for coffee and a treat if you're shopping around new town. Service was quick and friendly, and the baristas were knowledgable. I wish I remembered more about the type of bean/roast I had (because I enjoyed it so much)... I think it was from Brazil. But even without remembering the origin of the coffee, it was a great experience!

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4 years ago

Excellent coffee and really tasty avocado toast. The cafe is really cute and the staff are super nice.

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

Best coffee I've had in town, have been back twice just to buy beans! Highly recommend.

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Review Highlights - Lowdown Coffee

Lowdown has opened up on George Street and with Wellington, Cairngorm, Burr & Co all nearby this is little area is a bit of coffee hot-spot in town.

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The Edinburgh Larder - Scottish Breakfast

The Edinburgh Larder

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Wow... this was one of the best breakfast spots on our 2-month trip! We were there in early…read moreSeptember and had to wait only about 5-10 minutes for a table. The food was absolutely delicious! My porridge was so hearty and yummy, I wanted to lick the bowl. My spouse's eggs benedict dish was also fantastic, and you can tell they use very fresh, high quality ingredients. The way they serve the meals in little stainless steel lunch boxes is adorable. My chai tea latte with oat milk was fantastically spicy and not too sweet. The server was friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and always nearby, so it was easy to ask for our check when we were ready. And the inside of the restaurant had a warm, cozy feel. I would gladly eat every breakfast here the next time we're in Edinburgh!

This place seems to be very popular and know it. At first glance, it's a cute, cozy, and humble…read morecafe. Everyone there was very nice; service was good. When it came to ordering, I got an Iced Latte and a Buttery Bap. The menu is a bit difficult to decipher, as it was confusing how much or how little can be added to it and at what cost. The menu said I could only pick one filling, but when I asked I was informed that I could pick an unlimited amount. I'm glad I trusted my instinct and went with just two: Veggie Haggis and Tattie Scones. Both of these were truly delicious. However, there was an extra charge for the second filling. Prices for additions are listed at the bottom of the menu as if they were sides you could order separately. On the receipt, I also saw that I was charged 0.50 extra for ice. I don't understand why places charge extra to make an iced drink when overall you're actually getting less of the drink. Overall, everything tasted good and I'm glad I was able to try numerous Scottish classics.

Southern Cross Cafe - Chicken ciabotta and chili

Southern Cross Cafe

(120 reviews)

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This was such a cute little coffee shop just off the mile. Clearly they know how to attracts…read morecustomers in with the fresh baked cakes on full displays. Scotland's weather is basically all season daily. You never know what you'll get...lol... Of course the rain started and we happened to be right here. Just to get warm as well, this place seemed very cozy. Inside you feel the warm homey cottage feel. Fresh baked cakes, smell of coffee and tea. They also serve food as well. There's the main dining area along the entrance with the cakes on full display for everyone to see. A small room in the back as well as a loft and downstairs. Of course restrooms are downstairs. All the staff were amazing and very friendly. All so welcoming. The cakes were amazing and paired very well with a coffee or tea. I'm not sure if it's baked in house but the selections they offered, it was amazing. So many too chose from. It's not a crazy big place but the warm cozy feeling right when you walk in was amazing. Friendly smile and anything with fresh baked goods will bring people in.

This cafe is just steps away from the Milkman and the royal mile. It has lots of seating options:…read moreoutdoor tables perfect for people watching, and 3 floors of indoor tables. The three of us chose a table outside, since the weather was nice. Service was attentive and friendly. As we were there, another party left but forgot one of their bags. An employee ran out after them and returned it. So nice of them! We ordered 2 cappuccinos and 1 latte. I wasn't able to finish my cappuccino because it was quite large and got cold a little quickly. Nevertheless, it was good while I was drinking it. We could see plenty of pastries in the window which looked like they could be tasty, but we didn't try any of them. Finally, there were several individual bathrooms that were clean downstairs and upstairs.

Clarinda's Tea Room - I liked the hanging teacups

Clarinda's Tea Room

(67 reviews)

£

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**March 2024: Weekday Morning Visit**…read more A couple of things to note -No reservations -Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am-4:30pm; Mon: Closed; Sat/Sun: 9:30am-4:30pm I saw this tearoom featured on a youtubers channel and thought it would be a great breakfast option as Clarinda's is known for their scones and baked goods. I came pretty close to the opening and was able to select my choice for seats. I picked a table near the window for natural lighting. They have a table of a lot of tasty treats and while I didn't get a chance to try them all, I can attest to the scone being very tasty! I ordered the Cream Tea (I think I ordered the Lemon and Elderflower) which comes with a freshly baked homemade scone (I chose a fruit one), and a cup of tea €6.80. I decided to upgrade to a pot of tea (€7.75) and added a bowl of porridge (€5.50) with jam as I usually prefer savory breakfasts. This was more than enough to eat for one, but I just enjoy trying different items - does anyone else have this problem? lol I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here as the ambiance, food and tea were homey and intimate. This would be such a fun place to converse with girlfriends for tea time!

If you make it down to the bottom of Royal Mile you MUST stop at Clarinda's Tea Room, a small…read morehole-in-the-wall place with so much personality. We had breakfast here on our first day in Edinburgh. It's cozy and the walls are covered with paintings, antique cups, and plates. To be honest the walls are quite chaotic but that's where the personality comes in. We ordered the eggs with toast and the full Scottish breakfast. Food was great, coffee hit the spot, and service was excellent. Even with the chaos they keep the place clean. Also, BEWARE they do not have hot sauce here LOL. I asked the server and she said "No, but it was worth a try to ask" Respect lol. We sat by the window and people watched and awed at the beautiful architecture of Edinburgh. It's a chill spot to rest and refuel. Would love to come back for their afternoon tea!

Lowdown Coffee - coffee - Updated May 2026

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