The Best Bars in Glasgow, Scotland

| © Thornton Cohen / Alamy Stock Photo
Madeleine Bazil

Glasgow is famed for its nightlife, and whether you’re looking for a sophisticated tipple, a cozy pub, or a raucous night out, there is something in the city for everyone. Read on for the ten best bars in Glasgow to find out where to have a drink and some fun.

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Stereo

Bar, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British, European, $

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This alternative cafe, bar and music venue is always busy, right up until it closes at 3 am. With mismatched furniture, old concert posters, and local beers on tap, this is a cozy and welcoming hipster haven. Grab a drink and head down to the basement to catch some live music.

The Vintage at Drygate

Bar, Pub, Market, European, Pub Grub, $

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Craft beer fanatics will swoon over this East End brewery, bar, restaurant, and beer hall. With 24 draught beers— some of them brewed onsite— and 200 more bottled, there is no shortage of options at this industrial hotspot.

Brel

Restaurant, Bar, Belgian, European, Beer, $

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Named after Belgian singer Jacques Brel, this bar in trendy Ashton Lane serves imported Belgian beers, as well as a multitude of locally-made Scottish brews. If the weather’s good, there’s no place better than Brel’s cobblestoned beer garden.

Lebowskis

Bar, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British, Russian, $

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Fans of the cult-classic Coen Brothers film ‘The Big Lebowski’ will feel right at home in this tribute bar, which is decorated with bowling-inspired decor and offers 28 versions of White Russians. But this bar doesn’t rely on cheesy gimmicks: it also serves up seasonal, local dishes for hungry customers, including one of the best burgers in Glasgow.

Variety Bar

Bar, British, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, $

© Jonathan Howell Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

This eclectic dive bar marries Art Deco with retro Americana decor, potted palm trees, and even a fish tank, and the clientele is a mix of students and locals. All in all, the atmosphere is fun-loving and has a reputation as a stalwart in the Glasgow bar scene, having been around since the early days of the 1990s.

Chinaski’s

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, British, $
Inspired by writer Charles Bukowski, this is a chic hangout favored by Glasgow’s hippest denizens. Approximately 80 varieties of whisky are on offer, as well as beer, wine, and other assorted spirits. Resembling a Los Angeles dive bar, this is one boîte that the famously hard-living author and poet would have appreciated.

The Old Hairdresser’s

Bar, Pub Grub, British, Wine, Beer, Cocktails
Fun and unpretentious, this bar provides a casual and low-key night. Don’t miss the upstairs performance/exhibition space, which offers everything from music gigs and art exhibitions to theatre performances and even the rare club night. No matter what’s in store for the evening, The Old Hairdresser’s guarantees you a good time.

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