Right in the middle of the city centre, just off the beautiful Merchant City streets, George Square is one of Glasgow's most popular landmarks and has been a gathering place for celebrations and protests for years. It's undergoing a bit of a makeover right now, but we bet it'll be looking rather beautiful after receiving a bit of TLC. As you'd probably expect, there are plenty of bars near George Square that are worth a visit. We've put together a list of some of these bars, so next time you're near George Square, why not stop off at one and see what's on offer?
Ark can be found just a stone's throw away from George Square. This bar is a popular place with students - probably due to the drinks promotions and cheap food - but also with the younger post-work crowd looking for somewhere centrally located to relax in. A laid-back and casual bar near George Square.
Browns probably couldn't have asked for a better location. You'll find them right next to George Square, in an iconic Victorian-era building that overlooks the Sir Walter Scott monument. Pretty impressive. Browns serves up delicious cocktails and some great food, making it a great bar near George Square and a popular spot for post-shopping drinks or people watching.
Hidden below Sticks'n'Sushi – Glasgow's resident Japanese-Scandinavian eatery – Nanajuni is a cocktail bar inspired by Japan's 72 micro seasons, displayed in its highly curated and balanced drinks menu. With blends including everything from matcha foam to lacto-fermented plums, you'll feel as if you're sipping the cocktails of the future.
The atmosphere is dramatic, with low lighting and natural materials making the cocoon-like intimate space feel extra contemporary. Want to pair your cocktail adventure with a culinary one? Grab a seat at one of their oka-sake events which features six courses and six sakes that complement each other perfectly.
Situated in the centre of George Square, The Alchemist is a quirky cocktail bar with sultry interiors, banging brunches, East Asian-inspired eats and molecular mixes. Our favourite? The Foam Alone, a bubbling gin-laced tipple.
Waxy O'Connors is about a 20 second walk from George Square and the location means that it's always busy with tourists and passing trade. It's not just a bar for the tourists though, as the great service and helpful staff keep the locals coming back to this city centre bar. A brilliant bar near George Square to meet up with friends for a casual drink or two.
All Bar One is a favourite with the professional post-work crowd and come 5pm on a Friday, this bar will really fill up. During the day, though, its close proximity to George Square makes it a buzzing place with people looking for a drink or quick meal in the city centre at a reasonable price. Grab a seat upstairs and watch the world go by through their huge windows.
Just a stone's throw from George Square on Royal Exchange Square, Revolución de Cuba Glasgow is an essential stop for anyone exploring the city centre's bar scene.
Step inside the grand, island-themed space and you're instantly met with 1950s Havana energy, complete with comfy booth seating, dark timber accents and soaring ceilings. Behind the bar, expert mixologists serve up signature rum cocktails premium Latin spirits and cold craft beers, paired alongside crowd-pleasing bites like stacked burgers, loaded burrito bowls and shareable tapas. Whatever you're stopping by for, live salsa music and late-night DJs ensure the fiesta runs late into the evening.
Looking for a quirky bar near George Square? Flight Club has got you covered. When you're not lapping up the quirky vintage fairground decor, bottomless pizza paddles or delish sips, try your hand at their revolutionised version of social darts.
One of the best gay bars in Glasgow, this is a name near George Square that promises a party, pretty much every day of the week. From party classics and commercial music down to drag queens and late night antics, this is a fun and frivolous place to drink.
Just a short stroll from the heart of George Square just so happens to be one of the best places for beer in the city. Hunker down in their cool and casual setting as you work your way through a list of beer favourites and craft pints that never get boring.
