Going out in Glasgow City Centre* and need a few ideas? The following list is just a handful of the bars we love here at Get Out Glasgow. We also put out some feelers to our 4,000 Twitter followers and included the most popular suggestions in here too. We’re only human, and may have missed some real gems, but if we have let us know and we’ll be sure to right our wrongs in the future! A few of these establishments have been reviewed in full on GOG in the past, so be sure to check those articles out too for more detailed write-ups.
The Pot Still (Hope Street)
A real local favourite, receiving loads of votes from our Twitter followers, you’d be pretty hard pushed to find such a small pub anywhere else in the world with such a massive drink selection. They really specialise in whisky and the bar staff are famed for being friendly and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to helping you select your perfect tipple. Great variety of beers on offer too, and solid pub grub.
The Old Hairdressers (Renfield Lane)
With its stripped back aesthetics, good beer and whiskey selection and laid back clientele, The Old Hairdressers is the perfect pub for a quiet after work drink, or a great alternative to a night out on the tiles at the weekend. Primarily indie tunes to match the primarily indie crowd give this place a chilled out vibe and you’ll always find a seat on a Saturday night. Sister pub Stereo, just across the lane, great for some veggie eats. Read our full review.
Variety Bar (Sauchiehall Street)
In the heart of Sauchiehall Street’s maddest goings on, The Variety Bar offers a bit of respite with a huge selection of drinks, unique retro aesthetics and the recent introduction of its “Smoak” menu brings some wonderful food to the table as well. Well worth a look to escape the madding crowd and enjoy one of a great selection of beers.
The Lab (Springfield Court)
One of the few decent bars off Buchanan Street, The Lab is the perfect after-work haunt for would be city slickers. Offers pay on arrival table service, which is a nice touch and not even seen in this country, as well as a host of interesting drinks and a few bites to eat. Also boasts a little inner-city beer garden. One for the 30-somethings.
The Butterfly & The Pig (Bath Street)
A very popular one with all age groups, this slightly old fashioned (probably deliberately) bar/restaurant, themselves describing it as a “welcoming, shabby chic, vintage country” interior, is a busy weekend haunt but also great for a few beers after work. Very reasonably priced, and great for a meal too if you’re so inclined.
Nice n Sleazy (Sauchiehall Street)
Hardly needs an introduction. One of the longest standing independent pubs in the city. Great atmosphere, fantastic drink selection, incredible food nowadays thanks to Meathammer Ltd. The music can be hit or miss, and the service can be slow, but you’ll always have a great night here. Dedicated gig venue downstairs too, rock club on the weekends. Read our full review.
Sloans (Argyll Arcade)
One of the oldest pubs in Glasgow (if not the oldest) brings a traditional Scottish atmosphere to the city centre. In a world where everything is going slick, modern and bleak, Sloans is a nice tonic with simple home-cooked meals, a good beer selection and a nice traditional “banterous” ambience. Read our full review.
Boteco Do Brasil (Argyll Street)
If you like your pubs with a bit of latin flair, you’re not particuarly well served in Glasgow. Boteco Do Brasil is a Brazilian themed pub which does this sort of thing really well. One for the weekends, they play a variety of Salsa and latin-inspired music all night. Somewhere to go and see people actually dance as opposed to jump up and down on the spot with their fist in the air.
13th Note (King Street)
One of the city centres best rock bars, as it doesn’t smack you over the head with it like certain others. Laid back atmosphere, a really good beer selection including loads of locals and a dedicated gig venue downstairs, plus fantastic vegetarian food to boot. Can get rowdy on the weekends but you’ll usually find a space. Read our full review.
There you have it! Like it or loathe it, the city centre has a pretty good selection of bars these days if you’re willing to hunt them out. The above would be great place to start, but be sure to get in touch on Twitter and Facebook with your own suggestions.
* This list is arbitarily defining the “City Centre” as a rough square with edges Charing Cross, Sauchiehall Street, Queen Street and the Clyde. Bar guides for other areas coming soon!
