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The Best Bars in Glasgow, Scotland

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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, $

© Oscar Elias / Alamy Stock Photo

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, $

© Kay Roxby / Alamy Stock Photo

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, $

© Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

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, $

© gerard ferry / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

About the author

Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.

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