I can only give 3 stars as I have not sampled the food and there was no band on. Other Rock Pubs have a band on every Friday or Saturday night (if not both) so I presume as I went on a Saturday that I was a day late?? Got there just before 9 and left before midnight. Very low turn out for a Saturday night but it was a very sunny day so guessing lot of peeps may have done BBQ or local pub n beer garden?? Situated just before the coach station on Digbeth high street opposite the Institute, Subside Bar or (Suicide Bar as dyslexic me reads it) is well away from all the usual night spots and night life of Birmingham and is a younger crowd than a typical rock place. No middle aged bikers to be seen for example. The only thing I didn't like about the place was they have one of these stupid punch bag machines to measure how hard or fast you can punch, which personally I think is inappropriate for obvious reasons.... Musically it was mostly Metal, Nu Metal, not much Alt Metal but maybe it was requested stuff. Not sure here. Facilities include, 2 pool tables, outside area, good choice of drinks and drink deals, food available etc so overall I will definitely be going again.
Atmosphere: 3

I go to this venue somewhat regularly however after my experience last night I am not going to be returning. I was going to be allowed in before being told that it was cash only for entry, I went to get cash and on my return I was refused entry for my eyes being “too dilated” even though they were letting people in that were far more intoxicated than myself. My only guess as to why I was not allowed in is that the bouncer was on a power trip or he was racially bias. We then left this bar and went to a different venue and they were happy to let us in. After this experience everyone from my workplace have said they are boycotting this venue UPDATE After looking at the review you mentioned in your reply this was not the group I was with. This is worrying as it shows I was not the only person that felt this way that night. Someone came to the door (I’m assuming you) and talked to the bouncer and asked what was happening to which he replied that he wasn’t letting me in. In this instance you did not acknowledge me so there was no way you would’ve been able to tell if I was too inebriated.

I came here for the first time since it moved to Digbeth (and I'd only been a couple times before in Birmingham town) and it was better than I ever expected. I was really nervous at first but everybody there was so welcoming and kind and it's just not like any other bar I've ever been to. I went with my co-worker on student night, and worried I would be out of place (I've not been a student for a few years) but the people there were just my kind of people, I finally felt like I fit in somewhere! The DJ was amazing, the tunes were great and despite my anxieties I ended up getting up and rockin' to the music and loved every second. Don't usually let my hair down so it was refreshing and liberating to be able to here. I'll definitely be returning!

The BEST alt/rock bar in Birmingham. Staff are always SO lovely and I always feel very welcome. Alternative, queer friendly and look after all their customers. I really appreciate that they keep an eye on whats happening and will kick people out if they cause a problem (eg. Someone making highly inappropriate comments about other customers). Student deals on Wednesdays are brilliant and their competitions are fab. Wheelchair accessible through the gate in the beer garden/smoking area plus Radar key wheelchair accessible toilet. The bar staff are always happy to help move things or bring drinks over to the table when we can't carry them.

Got turned away by the bouncers, they thought we were on drugs because my friend forgot he had a vitamin supplement pill in his pocket. On one hand, I understand and support keeping pubs clean, even though peeking through the windows I saw a few people that were quite a few beers past tipsy. On the other hand, it was just disappointing. I was in the UK for the Karnivool concert at the O2 and I would've absolutely loved to have a few pints in Subside before leaving. I get it, it's not like Subside owed me anything. It's the fact that we were implicitly considered liars, even though we were clearly sober and fully transparent.

Had a lovely day loving the vibes and tunes also one of the safest rock venues I've ever been in door staff 10/10 and the bar staff fast service 3 deep bar and didn't have to wait very long to be served now that's a rock bar worth going to highly recommend going on a Wednesday night student deals on and you don't have to be a student to get the deals Keep up the great work subside I'll be back
Price per person
£20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Jam Doughnut
Wheelchair accessibility
Easy access just ask the door staff for assistance

Went here one time being dragged by friends & damaged my hearing for life, should honestly sue. Also met plenty of coke heads throughout the night Edit: I’ve been to plenty of clubs, never damaged my hearing. A rundown bar with a bunch of emos off their head shouldn’t ruin my life after one trip. Learn how to run a business, that’s probably why people don’t like this place when the owners can’t be professional. Most negative reviews you just leave a cringe reply trying to be funny & insult or belittle paying customers. Maybe I should have sued

I am never returning here after a VILE experience. The bouncers were rude and less than welcoming but that’s not even the worst part. My friend was groped and it took an age to get the guy kicked out. While this was all happening someone spiked my partner and the only thing the security team did was try and kick us both out even and didn’t even offer to help me carry him out or book us a cab which is standard bar procedure. This is absolutely APPALLING
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

It was my first time out drinking and my friend suggested Subside. It was amazing. The atmosphere was brilliant, really cool design, proper good rock music, great drinks and great deals. The service and staff is the highlight. Friendly staff all night, i got a little drunk but they kept checking up on me and got me some nice cold water. Each one treated me with alot of respect. If your looking for night out, with cheap drinks, decent live music and amazing service. Come to the Subside bar!

I can't comment on food as I have only ever gone there for the music and atmosphere at night. As soon as I walk through the door, I'm greeted with friendly smiles, awesome welcomes and amazing music. This is always one of my first choice of venues. Never fail to have an amazing evening.. Each time I go, I walk out the following morning tired.. Aching.. But smiling. The staff are fantastic and always try to serve as fast as possible despot the crowds.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Subside Bar is a destination bar for anybody who likes their music to come with attitude. It features rock and alternative music entertainment along with a whole lot more. The bar is located at 57 High St, Digbeth, Birmingham, next door to the coach station and virtually opposite the O2 Institute. It has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on the opinion of 1686 people on Yelp 1. On Facebook, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on the opinion of 462 people 2.
Atmosphere: 4

I have had MANY a night out here, and I'm very happy to declare it the only bar I've ever been to (I know, somewhat sad but we move). All of the staff are absolutely wonderful and have always been welcoming, you're greeted with a smile when you're at the bar and it's always nice to see familiar faces. I'm glad that I got dragged here for the first time last year, I've met some amazing people, made some amazing memories and I'll forever be thankful for that!

£4 each to stand at a bar for 20+mins (not busy) to not get served and watch bar staff serve their mate and totally ignore everyone else. Avoid this place at all cost. Just in case you think I'm isolated case guy nest to me asked how long I was waiting just in case he was being singled out. Tip for future Stop trying to be cool and do your job, bar staff serve drinks... Is it that hard to understand

Awesome rock bar, wide range of drinks (particularly beers and spirits) at reasonable prices for Birmingham. Quality music on the speakers whenever there isn't a band on stage. The two pool tables are a great feature, with plenty of space throughout the bar. Visited in the afternoon on Easter Sunday to see Awaiting Ends play live as part of the Zombie Jesus Birthday Bash. Great show!

Dinghy and wonderful just how we like it great tunes, great atmosphere, bar staff are always on it, door men and brilliant and do a smashing job of keeping out the nobs or sorting anything messy out quickly, drink are fairly priced and they keep on top of the toilets really well for a club that's open so late and is really busy all the time. No drama, no fuss, just good old fun.

The staff are amazing, if you have a problem with any if them at all it is because you have caused a problem not the other way around. Amazing prices for the drink, amazing sound system and heavy rock and metal list, willing to take requests (for example I got Fozzy - Judas and Living colour - cult of personality on back to back for the wrestling group who frequent the bar)

What a cracking night on Saturday...Dan the DJ was amazing with the tunes The drink deals are brilliant, £10 & over for card payments so with the deals you may want to take a bit of cash with you. All the staff, including the door staff are all fantastic & super friendly. It's the perfect safe space for the best night out in Brum Thankyou Subside xxx

The bouncers on this place are completely power drunk. If you are in a group of more than 2 men expect to be turned away despite being NHS workers as will accuse you of being under the influence of drugs. Absolutely shocking I come here every week please put it back under bouncer management that was before because the current bouncers are completely incompetent.

OK, let me say this first, I'm 49 years old but I have kept up to date with the music scene, give or take lol The atmosphere in there is great, the drinks are quite cheap considering it's in town. The dj wasn't very good I'm afraid, hence a empty dance floor most the night. The crowd I was with were alot younger, and they said the same.

Great music and reasonably priced drinks makes for a fun night out! My first visit here and I would happily visit again as I felt safe (bouncers on the door) and everyone seemed to respect everyone else in there. There is a covered outdoor seated area. Toliet facilities available.
Price per person
£10–20
Atmosphere: 5

This was my first return to the former Barrel Organ, my favourite Digbeth venue in the 70's since that time. Much changed with no live music on a Sunday (when we visited) and not particularly welcoming staff. However 2 good pool tables and some nice beers, we spent a couple of nice hours in there. Worth trying on a music night.

Me and my friend came in here for the FIRST TIME and got kicked out for allegedly talking about something we shouldn’t have been. Weren’t allowed to know what we’d said and doorman didn’t hear us out. Was my first time here and can say we were very disappointed. Long story short. DO NOT come here honestly

What a great place! Prices with the usual city centre hike and card only for £10 and over. Great DJ playing classic rock, unfortunately we decided to go back later only to find there was a charge of £4 on the door for after 9pm.... and it was rammed... so get in early! Ben on the bar is a great fella!

Nice little bar. Bar staff were friendly. The bouncer who pushed me into the middle of the road however should seriously consider a job outside of security very insecure. I was asked to leave I followed no questions asked then was shoved out of the back gates.
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

I visited a month ago with a few friends and I wasn’t really a fan of rock music however the environment definitely changed my mind. Great bar staff and bouncers were quick on the scene to sort out trouble. Good atmosphere, cheap drinks compared to town prices, pool and a relaxed beer garden. 5/5

Really awesome Rock bar!! Music was ace and everyone who worked there was super friendly. Definitely a place my partner and I will be visiting again! Clean and reasonably priced drinks can't comment on the smoking area as I'm a non smoker but it looked awesome out there from what I could see.

Poured my pint all over myself. Never felt so low. It’s the owners fault. Guy came to mop it up. Didn’t say a word. Just shakes his head. Really awful really. Don’t come here. You will spill Budweiser all over yourself. Xoxoxo RAWR xD *cackle* (also £5 entry and it’s dead on a Friday night)

Amazing. Staff were lovely and when a friend was being an pain to the staff due to misfortunate events earlier in the day they were chill despite how unreasonable he was being. He later lost his phone and the bar staff had stored it to the side for him so all around amazing job guys!

Yer standard scuzzy metal bar in a rough part of town, altho just a short walk from the Bullring centre. The bar staff are nice and friendly, which is unusual for this scene Beer prices were good for 2023, at about a fiver a pint. Has a beer "garden" for smoking in. …

Very popular alt venue. We found it as a second option when the gig we went to see at the O2 was cancelled. saw 3 bands play (very enjoyable but very loud...either take earplugs of get some from the bar) good range of beers and a very inclusive vibe. A great (free) night out

Great bar for anyone who likes any alt music. Dj was taking requests and playing whatever was requested. Bar was so cheap. Min £10 on card was a bit annoying. They had pool tables. Staff were friendly and plenty on so you were never waiting long. Big outside smoking area

Service and atmosphere was great, but there were serious sound issues with the live band which was unfortunate. They didn’t even put the lights on until halfway through the first bands set. Nice venue though and would come again
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Absolutely loved it there!! One a gig there with my band and I really enjoyed!! The staff are so lovely and welcoming as well as knowledgeable about the drinks on the bar and the drinks don't disappoint either!! Really lovely venue and I would love to return there

typical dive bar, friendly staff, cheapest drinks in Birmingham. Rock/metal music but anything can be requested really. It can get very busy on Saturday nights after payday but other than that a fantastic place to go if you're into alternative culture …

A great rock pub in the center of Brum. While it only really starts to fill up after midnight, it's good place to hang out, drinking and listening to the rock playlist. There is a nice vibe, between the staff and customers, creating a chilled mood. Lovely!

Don't serve some popular alcohols and there was a snotty drunk lady who was rude and suddenly wanted to play pool when our group started playing. I know public places can't control what people come in and out but it was a bad experience.

Big shout out too Bev, and all the the security team they are always fair, and make everybody feel safe And big shoutout to all the staff Subside rocks ! Love the music, i have always had a great night out, every time I have been there

Very cool bar, staff are friendly and the regulars are great too. Definitely worth a visit if you like metal music and make sure to try the mango cider it's amazing and quite fairly priced. Will be back anytime I'm in Birmingham :)

Not too bad a place, music got good later in the night after midnight and i was there till 5:30am, there a taxi/uber pickup just round the corner. Shame Rock pubs are a dying breed, especially in a place like brum.

Traveled from Ireland to Birmingham for a gig and popped into to this Absolute banging Rock Bar and found our new home for the weekend! staff where great and DJ was class! Shall be making a visit again! …

Great venue. Not many idiots. Generally quite lovely bar staff. Fair warning though: this place stays open until 6am on Saturdays. NUTS.
Price per person
£30–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I popped in while waiting for a bus at the coach station. As a 68-year-old went in with some tepidation, only to be greeted by friendly, helpful staff. My worries about my age we're off no Concern

Best alternative pub/club in Birmingham. You meet all kinds of people in the smoking shelter without being worried that you'll get spiked. Cool gigs and events on, what more can you want?

Attend subside bar after gigs in Birmingham, great venue, friendly bar staff, plays awesome music, people always seem friendly and nice to talk to, good variety of drinks …

One of the best rock, alt, metal bars that Birmingham has to offer. Great mix of music from old to new, decent drink prices, big outdoor smoking area, two pool tables and a great crowd!

Fantastic crew with so many events with free entry, I don't understand why more people don't support the venue and bands by attending these free shows with amazing performances.

Illiana? Medium size girl with black hair? Amazing host. First time being in Birmingham and the pub I went into. Amazing!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great music, heavy old spot but all the better for it. Met this cheeky chappy local man outside and he couldn't speak more highly of this place. Great people and great music.

Been going to Subside since it first opened (in its original location). Never a dull night, people always friendly, drinks more than reasonably priced. Great night all round!

Great place, great music, great bar staff its a shame they hire the door man with the biggest attitude in Birmingham.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Thought this was a place for rockers to feel safe. Only if you know someone who knows someone. Otherwise they’re just like chavs. Very clicky. Did not feel welcome at all

Had a good day,16 of us went in,staff very moody we all couldn't wait to leave..if you don't like your job then change it life is too short
Price per person
£1–10

Came all the way from Coventry because a friend recommended I should go with her, great music, great atmos and the staff are great
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had a great night. Met some great people. Staff were really friendly and chatty. Will defo go back.
Price per person
£50–60
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Me and my boyfriends favourite. Great atmosphere great drinks reasonable prices. Love a night out there and can’t wait to return
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

First time in a club, thought I would hate it but it was actually really good, the small outside bar was really the highlight
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Decent rock venue let down by very slow bar experience. Be prepared to spend half your night waiting to be served. Also minimum £10 spend if using a credit card!!!

The best authentic alternative bar in Brum bar none. In an age where alas, foolish people don’t get the value of live music; this is a “jewel amongst stones”.

Stagnight with my son Being stag in moshing pit frock wearing and loving life
Price per person
£40–50
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Never coming back to this awful place. Security people are rude, making you feel like a criminal. The worst experience in bars at Birmingham

First time coming here, was after blink 182 gig. Would definitely go again when back in Birmingham.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Bar staff are lovely, its a decent bar, music is pretty good. They do have live music on occasions.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great atmosphere, door staff very good know what they are doing and not Jerks like other places.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Great staff, atmosphere and music. I don't know who Dave is but he through a good 60th!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

First time in brum and this place made me feel at home and welcome
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great atmosphere everyone is friendly. You will not feel odd or out of place if you are not a hard rocker like myself.

Such a cool bar! Drinks are a good price and staff are welcome - great venue for live bands and a night out

Brilliant night out, great music, fab atmosphere
Price per person
£20–30
Atmosphere: 5

Good value for money. The cheapest beer in the town. Good atmosphere and a very friendly crowd.

Awesome atmosphere, fantastic staff. Had a great night and can't wait to go back