Glasgow's Top-10 bars and restaurants
To say that Glasgow is a cool place - would just be an understatement. In fact, the biggest Scottish city is definitely one of the most exciting places you will probably ever see. Even 24 hours in Glasgow offer a vibrant, distinct, and a charming scene, where a warm Scottish welcome comes as standard.
When it comes to going out in Glasgow, you don't have to look far - the city is full of venues to suit any taste and mood. To put simple, Glasgow and social life are both synonyms.
When I used to live in Glasgow and when I go back, these are some of my favourite bars and restaurants. Check out this very own Top-10 list. Cheers!
Useful links: cheap flights to Glasgow
The Lab
26 Springfield Court
The Lab has been my local for over 15 years. It was a 20-minute walk away from my flat on the south side of the river.
A city centre pub just off Buchanan street, it is very popular with shoppers for lunch and people in for a drink, avoiding the shops. You will find a good selection of draught and bottled beer and the menu offers meals between £5 and £10.
There is also a courtyard area, and, on the rare hot, sunny days, there are tables and chairs in Buchanan street.
Alston Bar & Beef
Central Station, 79 Gordon Street
The Alston is underneath Central station, the entrance is on the right as you come out into Gordon street.
The bar specialises in gin, steaks and cocktails. There are over 100 different brands of gin along with a varied wine list, Scottish draught beers and European bottled beer.
There are also gin masterclasses available (about £30 per person) and if you are waiting for your train, there is a live departure board at the end of the bar.
Bar 91
91 Candleriggs
Found in the Merchant City, Bar 91 is a laid-back bar and kitchen with a small terrace outside on the pavement.
There are a good variety of ‘specials’ each day ranging in price between £4 and £10. The bar is usually very busy after work and before concerts in the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket opposite.
Rab Ha’s
83 Hutcheson Street
Rab Ha’s is not only a bar and restaurant but also a 4-bedroom hotel. There is a cosy bar (especially on a cold day with the open fire burning at the end of the bar). The food is served in the bar area and I can recommend the Cullen Skink. Small plates are available as well as a good selection of mains at under £10.
The rooms rate is between £95 and £120 per night.
Blackfriars
36 Bell Street
A busy bar just outside of Merchant Square, especially at the weekends. There is always a selection of 5 real ales, draught beers and up to 40 bottled beers at any one time.
The menu has snacks and main courses up to £12.
There is also a basement venue for club nights or for private hire.
Brewdog
99 Hutcheson Street
The second Brewdog bar in Glasgow (the original is at Kelvingrove) is situated in the Merchant City just opposite Rab Ha’s.
The décor is industrial and there is a large seated area outside in Hutcheson Street. Very dog friendly.
A wide selection of Brewdog beers both draught and available to buy in cans. There are also guest beers.
The menu is based on burgers and Bar B Q.
Waxy O’Connors
44 West George Street
A multi-level, 6 bar pub. Part of a chain, it is just a piece of nostalgia for me. Very close to Queen street station, you can go in for a drink or a snack if you are waiting for a train or a late running girlfriend.
With 9 separate areas, including a big screen sports area on the bottom floor, don’t drink too much and get lost!
There is a varied menu, including oysters, at reasonable prices.
Pot Still
154 Hope Street
The best whisky bar in Glasgow in my opinion. With over 700 whiskies to choose from and excellent malt of the month deals, it is a whisky lovers dream.
There are also 4 real ales as well as the usual draught beers.
The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, so if you are not sure which is whisky is for you, let them guide you.
Food on offer is a selection of pies with some vegan and vegetarian options.
Cote Brasserie
41 West Nile Street
Another chain restaurant but I have always had a good meal there. Beef Bourguignon or Roasted Pork Belly is a reliable main and a bottle of Lagarde Rouge.
Also, if you register with them, you get monthly deals such as a free cocktail or bottle of wine. I usually go the night before I leave to go home.
2 course lunch for under £12 or 3 courses for under £15.
Mediterraneo
159 Ingram Street
Mediterraneo is just up the street from Rab Ha’s and Brewdog and is one of the very many Italian restaurants in Glasgow.
There is a very reasonable lunch menu, 2 course pasta lunch for under £6 and on Saturday under £10 including a glass of wine. A good place to eat if you are having an evening out in the city.
There is also a separate bar area which is usually busy at the weekend with regular live music.
These are my favourite places but you should come to Glasgow and find out for yourself!