Dave's Cosmic Subs — Restaurant in University Heights

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...

Best Subs, Longest Wait Ever. Ate lunch at Dave's Cosmic Subs at 1:00PM Friday, November 23rd (the day after Thanksgiving.) The place was empty except for 1 table waiting for their food. We ordered 3 subs , and 1 fry. It took 45 minutes to get our food! We sat there and waited, as customer, after customer, after customer, came in with called in orders, got their order and walked out the door. The called in orders kept getting their orders filled while we waited. It was absolutely ridiculous. If it was going to take 45 minutes, and they had all of these orders in the works already, they could have at least warned us. And if not, perhaps I should have called in my order instead of ordering with the cashier. With all that being said, the subs were literally out of this world. Best sub I've had in the past 10 years at least. But given the ridiculous wait, I would NEVER EVER just stop by again and try to get lunch. PS the fresh cut fries were...

Delicious subs in a shop with a rockin' atmosphere. I've been going here since I was a teenager, and I can always count on the subs to blow my mind. I think it's the awesome Dave's sauce. Personal favorites are the Sloppy Dave, Tuna Dave, and the Haight Ashbury, though I think they changed the recipe on that one. This last time I had the Haight Ashbury and it seemed more vinegary than usual, with fewer roasted red peppers. Still very good though. They have their own brand of sodas, and the blue raspberry flavor was recommended to my date. He gives the soda 4 stars-- good, but not life-changing.

The service was medium speed-- we waited about 10 mins for our food-- and the cashier was very courteous and chill. Of course the vibe of the shop is awesome, with memorabilia and a custom paint job on the walls and ceiling. Really great place to stop for a chill lunch or even a...