Cool and Quirky Bars in Glasgow
Packed with some of the coolest, most quirky places to go for a drink in the whole country, Glasgow’s nightlife scene always delivers the goods when you fancy trying something a little different. Whether you’re looking for upbeat club nights, whimsical watering holes, craft beer lounges or something in between, our guide to the cool and quirky bars in Glasgow should set you right.
Last updated on 15th March 2017
There’s really only one place to spend those hazy summertime days in Glasgow. Brel’s enchanting, spacious beer garden is a firm favourite for those looking to enjoy some tasty food and drinks while soaking in some rays. Stick around later into the evening and relax under the twinkling fairy lights of one of the most welcoming bars in town.
Not all of us will be lucky enough to experience the culture and colours of Thailand, but there's a unique bar in Glasgow that is promising you just that. Coming at you with not only the finest in Thai bites and cocktails, the interiors are nothing short of incredible.
Paying homage to Glasgow's established history of brewing, the team at the Shilling Brewing Co. bring the very first brewpub to the city's humble streets. Having been crafted just a few meters away from their consumers, the brewery offers some of their finest products to Glasgow's revellers, allowing them to experience a number of previously ignored flavour combinations alongside perfected, traditional craft ale.
A top notch tavern for all your South Pacific hankerings, the Tiki Bar and Kitsch Inn is a must try for all things exotic and island life inspired. A spot on Sauchiehall Street known for their tropical flavours, Hawaiian themed cocktail cups and cracking party nights, Tiki Bar is a must-try for all those after a fun bar in Glasgow.
A cocktail corker in the heart of the city, Riding Room is a must for those than like their drinks as rampant as their entertainment. From burlesque to cracking cabaret, not only can guests indulge in some of the most unique nightlife in Glasgow they can tuck into quirky cocktails in a contemporary-cum-vintage den.
From the offset this place has got the quirk factor. The granny's-place décor, the house party feel, the bizarre drinks menu and the cool club nights in Glasgow make Flat 0/1 champions of all things weird and wacky. Whether you're in for a Lambrini or in for a dance, Flat 0/1 is a cracking night out on Bath Street where mess and mayhem are top priorities.
Named after the very church it has taken over, St. Luke's is a million pound venue in the East End that's become a new favourite for gigging and the like. Having renovated the incredible church, you can enjoy live music and shows with organs and one hell of an atmosphere here. The Winged Ox restaurant bar lies within for a taste of more unique night life in Glasgow.
We've said it before and we'll say it again, Hillhead Bookclub is all kinds of fun. Where else could you play 90s computer games while quaffing cocktails out of a gramophone... Seriously - where? A unique Glasgow bar with blinding banter, great tunes, good grub, and best of all, ping pong, this beautifully decorated pleasure palace is one of the hippest hangouts north of the Clyde.
A reputation among the cooler kids of Glasgow, The Art School is one of the city's most hailed creative spaces with a stage graced by international artists as well as hosting art exhibitions. Very rough around the edges and boasting a 'give a f!@k' kind of attitude, Art School is one of the most quirky clubs in Glasgow.
Perfectly garnished drinks served in cool glassware are what Kelvingrove Cafe is all about. Something of an institution for their captivating collection of quirky cocktails in Glasgow, this place knocks out a mix of chic style and vintage class all at the same time. Head here for some truly expert mixology in a supremely laid back setting.
Tucked away down a little lane in Central Glasgow, The Old Hairdresser's is a bit of a secret and operates on a need-to-know basis. So we're letting you in on this surprise. A fun little bar with a cracking slapdash space upstairs for gigs, performances and exhibitions, this unfussy wee party pad is a great spot for a quirky night out in Glasgow.
The recent gin resurgence must have something to do with venues like beGin, who take their gin drinking seriously. The suave bar serves over 68 varieties of gin in cocktails and in different takes on the classic G&T. They also offer a ‘Perfect Serve’ option, where the specially trained bar staff are trained to pair your gin with the best tonic and garnish. It’s definitely a place for Glasgow’s aspiring gin connoisseurs.
Brought to you from the Brewdog collective, Doghouse is their first food focussed venture where you can find all the promises of craft beer goodies as well as a menu of good old fashioned barbecue foods. With a restaurant bar physique, Doghouse is a cool Glasgow bar for socialising, indulging in smoked meats and sampling their 25 strong taps of beer.
This old world inspired haunt is one of eccentric charm and antique excess where you can have some old fashioned concoctions rattled up at the bar. With a traditional spread of G&T's as well as interiors that call on colonial decadence, The Trading House is a top pick for somewhere quirky to drink in Glasgow.
Never mind if you've loved the film, you're about to love the bar. A cool cornucopia of bowling inspired antics and burger woofing, Lebowski's are doing cool and quirky Glasgow bars proud with their overtly encouraging White Russian list. Boasting over 25 takes on this beloved classic, try something new, but only White Russian.
Chinaski's might be understated, but that doesn't mean it's not one of the coolest bars in Glasgow. This secret bar off Sauchiehall Street is home to a slick crowd of refined drinkers, some tasty eats and exquisite cocktails, if you're looking for a chic night out in Glasgow that's cool without being try-hard, Chinaski's is the perfect hangout for chic trendsters in Glasgow.
The illicit drinking den known as Tabac, hides a secret of its own... Follow the neon lights and you'll find yourself in the lair called the Panther Milk Bar. This dark and mysterious den is dedicated to the old Spanish legionnaires drink, Leche de Pantera. Knock back this lurid tipple and revel in this unusual place to drink in Glasgow.
With reclaimed tenement shutters and vintage lighting fittings salvaged from shipyards, there’s a rustic edge to the interiors of this fun Irish pub. The rich woods and snug corners give this one a cosy feel, with 11 beers on tap, comfort food from the kitchen and a cheeky whisky bar to dabble in for those looking for something a little stronger.
