Looking for something a little different from your night on the town? Venture away from the beaten track and you might just find a hidden gem well worth keeping to yourself. From basement escapes to quirky cocktail haunts, Glasgow's secret bars are pretty hard to come by... but luckily for you, we’ve whipped up this ultimate guide to the best of them.
On the hunt for a jazz bar in Glasgow city centre? Blue Dog brings in notable singers and live pianists to set the tone of your sophisticated evening of imbibing. Settle into one of the comfortable booths to click your fingers while in slick surrounds.
A city centre speakeasy that features low lighting and an intimate atmopshere, Devil Of Brooklyn is perfect for date night. Expect plush seating in cosy corners, with polished wood furniture and rustic-looking walls.
They offer a wide range of cocktails, both signature and classic, created by their expert bartenders. They also offer wine, spirits and no-alcohol options, as well as coffee and pastries by day.
The Poetry Club plays host to regular small-scale theatrics, performance art, spoken-word events, as well as large parties and live music shows. This secret bar in Glasgow's West End is a dark and cosy auditorium that is just as raucous as the infamous warehouse space that sits above it.
A sultry hideaway that's pinned itself as a den for illicit drinking, draft beer and vintage trinkets, Tabac is easily one of Glasgow's best secret bars. Expect to stumble upon a lusty lair with a back bar that's dedicated its libations to Leche de Pantera, a Spanish legionnaire's drink of choice.
This cool, stylish hangout has odes to its namesake, Charles Bukowski, and his alter-ego throughout the bar. Head on over to Chinaski's and you'll find a discreet place for a romantic dinner date or a catch up over cocktails with friends.
Situated in Merchant City, Absent Ear is a multi-award-winning speakeasy bar that's inspired by the life and legacy of Vincent Van Gogh. Expect a moody, intimate interior, complete with low lighting and lots of quirky, artistic features.
Their inventive drinks have earned them titles like SLTN's Cocktail Bar of the Year and a spot in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars, so you know you're in good hands.
Nested away on Bath Street, The Butterfly and The Pig disguises itself as a kitsch, antique tearoom – when in fact it's a late-night bar with DJs, open mic events and live bands. The cosy, shabby-chic furniture gives it a whimsical edge, while the food and drink menu is ideal for slinky dates.
A secret Glasgow bar in every meaning of the word, The Berkeley Suite is a decadent, vintage-style ballroom and late-night hangout, hidden behind a pawn shop on the side of the motorway. Nights here feature kick-ass DJs, killer club events and stunning surroundings.
Tucked away in a basement on Renfield Street, the front door of The Flying Duck is often locked and requires its cool kid patrons to use an unmarked entrance around the back. The bar below is worth the effort though, with trendsetter indie and electro tunes, alongside fun club nights.
