Best Bars in Glasgow

Best Bars in Glasgow

Glasgow can offer you a pretty impressive night out, as long as you know the right places to go that is.

Throughout Glasgow city centre you will find plenty of bars and places to enjoy a cocktail or two. But if you are new to the city it will probably be quite difficult to narrow down all of them and put together the top ones that you want to visit during your time in this Scottish city. To make things easier we have put together a list of the 10 best bars in Glasgow. That way you will have a better idea of the places to go for a drink in the evening.


Best Bars in Glasgow - Hillhead Bookclub

1. Hillhead Bookclub

A Glasgow West End bar that is full of character, colour and amazing cocktails. This bar can provide you with a numerous amount of things. Ping pong, retro computer games, gramophone cocktails, vintage fairs and disc jockeys. If you are looking for a bar that has it all and also has an impressively affordable cocktail list, then this is definitely the place for you. It is perfect for any day of the week so whenever you are fancying a drink then Hillhead Bookclub will be the best place to head.

17 Vinicombe St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn

2. Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn

Tiki Bar is a basement bar that will make you feel as though you have transported to an exotic island haven! But in reality you are in a bar in the city centre of Glasgow. Whether you are looking for a tropical cocktail, or a drink of beer or rum and even a few bar snacks. You will find it all here. The Tiki Bar also has the Kitsch Inn where you can enjoy a bite to eat before you get onto the drinking. So if you are looking for a place to start your evening this could be it.

214 Bath St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Gin 71 Glasgow

3. Gin71 Glasgow

Everyone loves gin now, wherever you go you will find a delicious gin based cocktail but if you think of yourself as a gin connoisseur then you will love Gin71 in Glasgow. This is known for being Glasgow’s first dedicated gin bar. And it is located right in the heart of the city centre, meaning you will be able to easily enjoy this bar as you make your way to or from a few more on your night out. And since they have dedicated their bar to gin we’re sure the drinks here will be perfect.

71 Renfield St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Brel

4. Brel

If you are looking for a perfect all year round place to head for some drinks, then you will love the Brel Bar. With 100s of fairy lights in canopies, a heated patio, summer BBQ’s and plenty of other events throughout the year. You will definitely have an experience to remember if you head here for a drink or two. They have over 60 different craft beers from all around the works, Pimms on tap and plenty of other amazing drinks (including 21 amazing Scottish gins!)

37-43 Ashton Ln | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Flying Duck

5. The Flying Duck

The Flying Duck is known for being a little bit more unique but still an amazing place to head for a drink. Since opening in 2007 it has been a part of the underground music, vegan and drinking scene. If you are looking for a huge drinks selection, a pool table, quizzes, karaoke, film screenings, gigs and delicious food menu then you will definitely love it here. The Flying Duck is also a sister venue to Stereo, Mono, The Old Hairdressers & The 78!

142 Renfield St | Website

Best Beer Gardens in Glasgow?

Aside from bars, some venues in this Scottish city are loved for their epic beer gardens in Glasgow, so here’s a few to tickle your fancy. When the weather is good, there’s no better place to be than one of the best beer gardens in Glasgow city centre with your pals!

Best Bars in Glasgow - Blue Dog

6. Blue Dog

Blue Dog has earned the title for being one of the best places to go for some delicious cocktails in Glasgow. The Blue Dog is a New York Style piano bar that is known for its live entertainment and incredible drink options. You will be able to enjoy a variety of classic and contemporary cocktails from their wide menu list. And throughout the week they also have different live music entertainment that will keep you all entertained throughout the evening.

151 W George St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - BeGin

7. BeGin

Right in the vibrant West End is where you will find BeGin. There are over 100 gins from all over the world along with plenty that come from Scotland! At the bar you can choose your gin, then choose a mixer and even a garnish that you would like! They even do a ‘gin flight’ where you can sample 3 different gins with mixers and garnishes which is a great way to get your gin knowledge up to scratch. As well as gin they also do cocktails, craft beers, wines and spirits.

383 Byres Rd | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Chinaskis

8. Chinaskis

Probably a popular place to start your night out is Chinaskis, a candle-lit bar that offers a choice of amazing drinks along with a small garden out the back which will be perfect during the summer months. With exposed brick walls you can enjoy anything here from a bite to eat in the late afternoon to a glass of your favourite wine in the evening. They have resident DJ’s throughout the week that play too and provide some amazing music.

239 North St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox

9. Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox

Inside of a restored Grade B listed building you will find Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox. A music & arts venue, bar and kitchen that can provide you with a number of different experiences. There are an eclectic range of food available 7 days a week, along with an impressive amount of drink options that you can enjoy. Throughout the months there are also different events and entertainment acts that you could also enjoy.

17 Bain St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Amsterdam

10. The Amsterdam

A proper all-day venue, The Amsterdam Glasgow doubles up as a cosy and welcoming place to grab some delicious pub food during the day, and serves the late-night party animals in their club downstairs during the evenings. Open 'til late every night of the week, this is a brilliant Glasgow bar worth checking out.

106-108 Brunswick St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

11. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

Famous for hosting some of the most popular live music sets in history, King Tut's Wah Wah Hut is a legendary Glasgow bar that has seen the likes of Oasis, The Killers, Radiohead and many more through their doors. As well as hosting a tent at T in the Park during its glory years, this is a fantastic place to see up-and-coming bands and makes for a fantastic night out.

272a St. Vincent St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Admiral Woods

12. The Admiral Woods

A traditional bar with a modern and atmospheric vibe, this exciting venue offers function rooms for parties, meetings and private events. Located in the bustling city centre, The Admiral Woods is a brilliant spot to enjoy some delicious food and cocktails. 

29 Waterloo St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Denholm's Bar

13. Denholm's Bar

Known for its regular karaoke nights, brilliant whiskey and electric atmosphere, Denholm's Bar sits right on the doorstep of Glasgow Central Station. One of the best bars in Glasgow for commuters, this lively venue is fantastic for a no-frills night out. If you're into bars with lots of drinking and dancing, this is a great place to head to.

17 Hope St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Waterloo

14. The Waterloo

One of the city's best and longest-standing gay bars, The Waterloo Glasgow is no stranger to a great atmosphere, belting out karaoke classics and cheerfully cheap drinks! In a nutshell, this Glasgow bar is a no-frills hotspot that's popular with locals and visitors, so we would definitely recommend heading here if you get the chance.

306 Argyle St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - MacSorley's

15. MacSorley's

One of the oldest music bars in the city, MacSorley's Glasgow has stood for over 100 years serving the people of this great city. Located just a stone's throw away from Glasgow Central, this exciting bar stocks some of the best beers, wines and spirits around as well as introducing new flavours regularly. With a grand space inside and stunning Victorian décor, this is a Glasgow bar worth drinking at.

42 Jamaica St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Cranside Kitchen

16. Cranside Kitchen

Sitting on the banks of the River Clyde that runs through the city, Cranside Kitchen is a popular spot for event-goers at the nearby Hydro looking for a bite to eat and a few pints. With an extensive menu serving cuisines from across the globe, this bar's amazing selection of cocktails and a huge beer garden to enjoy, this is a fantastic Glasgow bar worth checking out.

28 Tunnel St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Howlin' Wolf

17. The Howlin' Wolf

A firm favourite for the city's music-lovers, The Howlin' Wolf has been hosting fabulous live music nights every day of the week for many years. Hosting regular "blues jams" with local musicians, this exciting bar stays open to the very early hours of the morning. If you're not a big nightclub fan and prefer lively venues with the same opening hours, this is an amazing option to go for.

100 Bath St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Old Hairdressers

18. The Old Hairdresser's

Another popular live music hotspot this city is well-known for, The Old Hairdresser's hosts local bands throughout the week and is known for being an eclectic hipster hotspot. Specialising in craft beers, you'll find all sorts of weird & wonderful concoctions behind the bar here!

Renfield Ln | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Smokin' Fox

19. The Smokin' Fox

A classically traditional Victorian pub with a modern twist, The Smokin' Fox doubles up as both a place to grab a delicious bite to eat and an epic place to enjoy a few drinks and live sport! Open 'til late throughout the week, this is a great Glasgow bar for those looking for a chilled drink whilst taking in the stunning décor and ecelctic atmosphere.

6-8 Waterloo St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Alpen Lodge

20. The Alpen Lodge

With over 30 years of hosting some of the best live music in the city, The Alpen Lodge is another fantastic Glasgow bar that sits right next to the city's railway station. As well as serving up to locals and visitors alike, this venue is also known for its all-day dancing on the weekend, hosting live music performances earlier on, then hosting resident DJs later in the day.

25a Hope St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Woods Bar

21. The Woods Bar

One of the newer Glasgow bars, yet that doesn't mean that The Woods Bar isn't a great place to drink... because it is! With a modern and contemporary vibe inside, this bar also boasts a stunning candle-lit beer garden. Open throughout the week and a closing a little bit later on Fridays and Saturdays, this all-day bar is also a great place to grab some food during the day.

29 Waterloo St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Ivory Blacks

22. Ivory Blacks

Another highly exciting live music spot in the city centre, Ivory Blacks Glasgow is a fantastic gig space where you can enjoy a host of local bands & artists on a great night out. Situated just around the corner from Glasgow Central, this exciting bar hosts live events every Friday and Saturday night and definitely shouldn't be missed if this is your thing.

56 Oswald St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - The Piper Whisky Bar

23. The Piper Whisky Bar

For those of you who have a taste for Scottish Whisky, then The Piper Whisky Bar Glasgow is the place to go to! Whether you're looking to try a completely new flavour or want to re-discover an old favourite, this exciting Glasgow bar is a great place for it. Boasting a cosy and atmospheric vibe inside, this exciting hotspot is open every day of the week and is also a great bar for live music, pub grub and craft beers. 

57 Cochrane St | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Times Square Glasgow

24. Times Square Glasgow

Just a short walk away from the River Clyde is the amazing Times Square Glasgow, a wonderful all-day venue in the city centre where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a few drinks. A large and modern Glasgow bar, Times Square boasts one of the coolest beer garden spaces in the city by far, making it the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine with a few drinks. Open every day of the week 'til late, this is the ideal place to party for any occasion.

46-48 St Enoch Sq | Website

Best Bars in Glasgow - Glasgow Hootenanny

25. Glasgow Hootenanny

Another fantastic all-day venue to enjoy a few drinks and some great pub food is Glasgow Hootenanny. Located on the bustling St Enoch Square in the heart of the city, this traditional Scottish bar boasts a buzzing atmosphere every day of the week, meaning there's never a bad time to pay a visit. With live music on the weekends and a large beer garden to enjoy the sun in, this is another great Glasgow bar worth checking out.

40 Howard St | Website

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