Best for First Date in Glasgow
Where to take your first date is a decision that could seriously affect your relationship chances. But fear not, for if you've got a first date in Glasgow, there are oodles of great places to choose from. With buzzing restaurant bars that will keep conversation flowing, cosy pubs for something low key but romantic, and fun bars if you're looking for something a little more lively; the choices are endless. We've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of great bars in Glasgow to take your beau. Now all you have to do is decide what to wear.
Last updated on 1st June 2017
Sometimes you need a vibrant venue to get that first date conversation flowing, so look no further than Thaikhun. Channelling the atmosphere from Thailand’s capital city Bangkok, the venue serves delicious, authentic Thai food, while the interiors provide a laid-back, rustic setting perfect for a chilled out, comfortable first impression.
Brel dishes up the perfect marriage between cosy, intimate venue and beautiful outside space so you can make the transition between Winter-warming date and alfresco Summer session. Charming, a lush green garden and a gorgeous menu of delightful foods should keep you and your date busy, while friendly and informal vibes makes Brel ideal for a more laid-back first date approach.
What could be more romantic than locking eyes across a table filled with delicious sharing plates? Spanish restaurant Cubatas serves mouth-wateringly good tapas, with dishes known for their innovative presentation that are crafted from traditional ingredients, all at reasonable prices. They also boast an excellent selection of Spanish wines and cocktails.
First step: find out if they love Indian food (who doesn’t?), Second step: take them to Horn Please. Not only is their fun interior of exposed brickwork and woven, colourful furnishings the perfect backdrop to a first date, you’ll really impress them when you offer them a plate of ‘new concept Indian cuisine’. If you need a bit of Dutch courage, then wash it all down with some cocktails.
For a quirkier first date, Waxy O'Connor's is the place to go. Although the bar sprawls over three floors, six bars and nine spaces, it manages to maintain a warm feel. Stunning carpentry shoots up out of the floors and the ornate stained glass which adorns the ceilings and walls add to the intimate atmosphere and give you a talking point with your date - bonus!
Beer, Pizza and Italian Tapas - SoHo Pizzeria & Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot for a first date in Glasgow. Head to this city centre venue as they serve delicious cocktails to get your evening started before tucking into a delicious stone-baked pizza. With an offering like that, we have a feeling there may very well be a second date.
We love dates that actually involve "Doing Something" as it takes the pressure off having to look perfect and say the right thing. So if you're looking to combine a drinks date and an activity outing in one, why not show off your swing and take your date to Golf Lounge. Playing virtual golf is a fun, kooky way to get to know one another and, of course, teaching golf moves has unlimited flirting potential.
Liquid courage can sometimes save an awkward first date and Gin71 is definitely a place to help you out. It's a liquor laden parlour of cocktail tricks and specially infused spirits, with more than just a dabble in your usual drinking affairs. We know the sentimental value of good strong drink to shake off those nerves, and if there's anywhere you can do that whilst impressing, it's Gin71.
Tabac is something of an illicit lounge on the Glasgow bar scene. Dark, mysterious and clad in a seductive style, Tabac forms the perfect backdrop for your first date if you're looking for something a little atmospheric and less bright eyes and doughy. Drinks come in all shapes and sizes with palatable plates to match should your date be going well. It also hosts its own secret bar, the Panther Milk Bar, if you want to seem really in the know...
Clothes, banter, smell – there’s too many things to think of when impressing your first date. At Bilson Eleven, the food and restaurant is one less thing off that list. The venue is situated in a beautiful 19th Century Townhouse, creating a sophisticated backdrop for your meal. Meanwhile, the menu serves Scottish classics with a modern twist, earning you some serious foodie points.
A cool restaurant bar on Bath Street, Lucky Seven is a prime spot for a casual dinner date. Great food, cool vibes and none of the fuss that comes with formal dining. With high backed booths that make for more secluded vibe, you and your date can chat away in private while still being close to the action in a bustling Glasgow bar.
A room with serious wow factor is a great choice for a first date, and Teller's Bar has the wow factor and then some. Lavish surroundings will instantly impress, while the great food and stylish cocktails will make the night feel really special. There's a casino next door if you want to give off that high-roller impression, or if you'd rather keep the conversation flowing, why not slip into a secluded high-back booth?
If you're looking to do some serious schmoozing, The Butchershop Bar and Grill is just the place to impress. Incredible food, amazing cocktails, and in an unfussy, unpretentious setting, this is the perfect place in Glasgow for a grown up date that's still heaps of fun.
If you like the comfort of a movie date, but still want to leave room in the evening for a little getting to know one another, then the Lane Bar is a nifty first date location in Glasgow. Not only has this Ashton Lane bar got a built-in cinema, but it has great (and thrifty) cocktails, tasty snacks, and one of the finest music selections in the city. Scope out your dates, movie, music and mojito all in one go.
Chinaski's is a great first date bar in Glasgow. As both a bar and a restaurant, its ideal for a informal drinks date, a more serious dinner date - or both. The premier secret bar in Glasgow is stylish, chilled out and has great conversation-starting features making a chic venue that will impress any potential suitor.
