Dave's Cosmic Subs - University Heights, Ohio

Connor M.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I've never been more sad to write a review, I mean, I've literally been coming here for 27 years, I live right around the corner. I LOVE Dave's "Cosmic" Subs. Unfortunately, there's nothing to love anymore, and it's because there's nothing "Cosmic" about it anymore. New ownership has disgraced the shop. Their hideous interior renovation, their complete butchery of their classic sub menu, and their abandonment of their quality service makes this a place you should avoid at all costs. (There are 2 other FANTASTIC Dave's locations you can still go to in Chagrin and Hudson, go there.)

Considering Dave's "Cosmic" Subs is supposed to be an icon for music, art, and funk, I've never seen something more boring, generic, and cheesy. Anyone who knows Dave's expects to walk into a glorious assault of classic rock and roll, groovy colors, and iconic memorabilia. It's floor-to-ceiling fun, excitement, and nostalgia.

Unfortunately now, after their new owner's mind boggling renovation, I get better vibes walking into a Jimmy Johns. I've seen more character in an airport bathroom. I feel more comfortable in an ER waiting room than I am waiting for my sub to be made. Do you see that new mural?! It's a slap in the face to artists everywhere.

This location is an absolute disgrace to the NE Ohio icon that Dave's Cosmic Subs has become over the last 30 years. There's other locations nearby that are still amazing and haven't been sold off, take the time to go support them.

Ok, they changed the decor (simply calling the badass memorabilia, iconic photos, classic posters, killer music, and 30 years of hand-painted artwork "decor" is the understatement of the century), but as long as the food is still good, that's what's important, right? Oof, well, I have bad news for you. They butchered the menu too. The classic menu that every local has memorized? The menu that everyone in NE Ohio has hanging on their fridge? Gone. And guess what? If you try to ask the new staff to make one of the old sandwiches for you, they say no! Literally! They have all the same ingredients, but they can only input sandwiches that are already on the menu.

So yes, let me just clarify what I'm saying: Not only does the place not feel like a Dave's anymore, but you can't even expect the same food! I can't believe I have to explain business 101 to this new owner: Acquiring NEW customers is more expensive than maintaining EXISTING ones. You're going after the JCU crowd, great, we get it. But they come and go each year. They're gone for 4 months of the year. Your local regulars are the people who will keep you in business, and guess what? We aren't coming anymore.

Finally, gone is the friendly staff and wonderful service that you know and love at Dave's. I always felt at home walking into a place that employed people who fit the vibe of the shop. People who actually knew the bands who were playing or could speak to the artwork on the walls. Most days it was Dave himself throwing the subs together in the back! But all that is gone. Now you have an unfriendly guy making subs in the back with Airpods, and a dude up front who looked at me like I was crazy when I asked about the new changes. Dudes were just there for a paycheck, they didn't give 2 shits where they were or what the establishment is known for. "Just give me your order and get out" sort of vibes. Transactional. No personality.

I'm not advising you to avoid this location out of some petty need to cling to my nostalgia or because of simple reluctancy to change. I'm all for change when it makes sense. I'm advising you to avoid it because the owner clearly has such little regard for their customers, and this cheesy renovation represents the worst of greedy business owners who only care about their bottom line. It's a slap in your face, it's a slap in the face of anyone who walks into the most generic sub shop I've ever seen. It's a slap in the face of the reputation that Dave's built for 30 years.

1 extra star because it seems like they're at least using the same ingredients.

Michael L.

Been coming here for cover 15 years and have never been disappointed. A must do whenever we are visiting the area. Tastes even better than it looks with fresh homemade bread. Be sure to bring home a bottle of Dave Cosmic Sauce for your at home use.

Steve B.

Been going to Daves for years. I have almost always found the staff to be friendly and accommodating. The menu has a nice selection hot and cold sandwiches, chips, cold beverages and desserts (their chocolate brownies are great)
You can carry out or eat in. The whole restaurant is surrounded by rock band posters and album covers. Especially great for fans of the 60’s and 70’s.
Just down from Ben and Jerrys if you have a taste for Ice Cream for dessert
This is a go to when we want a good selection of sandwiches sides and drinks for our gang.

Sarah G.

So sad the new ownership has changed what Dave’s was. This is not the same. The sterile environment is not Dave’s. Get rid of the new owners and bring back what Dave’s was and is known for. What a shame.

Conor you said it perfectly.

Kathryn W.

Cheesesteak sandwich was absolutely mid at best. I really would not consider it a cheesesteak. Honestly a bit dry, I had to add my own sauce at home. For $12+ per sub, thank god for BOGO deal today. I would have been even more upset if I spent $25 on this meal.

Timothy M.

Just overpriced. Has a good taste but not much meat. And the $3.65 Pepsi zero didn't help. The sub on the menu is 9.99 and my total was $13.65. It's barely a 6 inch sub. But that's what happens when not many options.

Sarah M.

Been going here for years and always love the sandwiches and atmosphere. I always got Dave's Blue whenever I would go - 10/10 amazing sandwich. This last time I went I was disappointed to see that it looks like the company either had a facelift or sold out to new owners, making changes to the vibe and menu. My go-to sandwich was gone, and upon asking was told that it is only a seasonal sandwich. Since when So disappointed. Two of the sandwiches I got instead I had ordered hot, and they were not even warm when I received them (I arrived prior to the time specified they would be ready by). Bring back Dave's Blue!!!

John C.

Went to Dave's today with my friends. Food was awesome as usual, so that's no surprise. However, the place looks so much better than before. The design and artist rendering is amazing!!!! Wish all the locations could do this! It's so clean and elevated!