One of the coolest cities in Scotland? It's no wonder that Glasgow is full to the brim with great places to drink. From iconic (and sometimes secret) cocktail bars, to casual favourites serving the best in local scran, check out our recommendations for the best bars in Glasgow to visit while you're here.
Situated in Shawlands, The Marlborough is a cocktail bar, live music venue and event space all under one roof. This beautifully restored, historic venue is divided into four separate sections, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
Enjoy regular performances from skilled live musicians and DJs, alongside energetic club nights. What's more, their cocktails are truly fantastic.
When it comes to the best bars in Glasgow city centre, Flight Club really is a hot contender. Settle inside the quirky venue boasting vintage fairground decor and get to know the revolutionised version of darts, all while delving into bottomless pizza and bottles of bubbly.
With a proud and diverse history of brewery excellent alcoholic drinks, Glasgow welcomes its first brewpub in the form of the Shilling Brewing Company. Based on West George Street, the bar itself is beautifully decorated, with exposed brick and large metal pipes giving the venue a distinctive industrial vibe.
Bar91: Glasgow's Merchant City gem, a cherished hotspot for over two decades, blends classic charm with contemporary flair. Opposite the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, this beloved bar offers an exceptional selection of drinks and a food menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients with an international twist.
Whether you're enjoying a gin pairing, sampling artisanal beers, or unwinding to live jazz, Bar91 provides a perfect mix of flavours and atmosphere. With a commitment to quality service and good times, every visit here is an experience to remember.
The activity bar that's taken the country by storm, Glasgow's branch of NQ64 can be found in Merchant City. The unique venue is covered with a splattering of fluorescent graffiti, and it's filled with 31 different arcade machines - alongside eight retro consoles and two pinball machines. Whether you're booking out a booth for a big group or heading there for a quirky date night, you can get competitive over everything from Mortal Kombat to Mario Kart, while sipping themed cocktails such as an Aku Aku fruit punch.
Step into the heart of Latin culture at Boteco Do Brasil in Merchant City, where the energy is electric and the drinks are always flowing. From caipirinhas to reggae rum punches, this lively bar is a hotspot for Glasgow's international crowd. Expect reggaeton, Latin dance, and afrobeat beats to keep the party going all night long.
Whether it's salsa nights, live music, or a match day celebration, Boteco Do Brasil has something for everyone. Add in delicious Brazilian dishes like feijoada and moqueca, and you've got the ultimate spot for a vibrant night out.
For a wild night out on the buzzing Sauchiehall Street, head to Berlinkys. This vibrant spot knows how to throw a party, with long wooden benches that you can get up and dance on while live music plays on the stage.
There's a cracking selection of drinks on offer, as well as a scrumptious food menu. Think homemade birria beef burgers, tempura cauliflower, bang bang shrimp tacos and so much more.
One of the best bars in Glasgow's West End, Vodka Wodka has a cosy chalet-style look and the apres-ski party vibes to match. Check out this den whether you're in the mood for after-work Scotch or late-night cocktails.
As one of just a few Glasgow secret bars, Chinaski's was always going to be high on our list for a great night out in Glasgow City Centre. With mighty cocktails, cool surroundings and chilled out vibes, Chinaski's is a bar for grown ups, without any stuffiness or pretension. A must-visit for anyone looking for a true hidden gem in Glasgow.
White Russians, big burgers and friendly smiles are at the forefront of this Argyle Street favourite. A must for the casual drinker in Glasgow, Lebowskis is a no-fuss spot where a celebration of the cult movie also doesn't go unnoticed.
A fixture on the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, Daddy Marmalades is a cosy and super stylish spot on Parnie Street. Known for its precision-crafted drinks, its master mixologists serve up stone cold classics alongside more experimental signature serves.
All low lighting, dark hues and cosy corners, it's perfect for catching up with friends, impressing a date or unwinding after a long day at work. To keep your energy up while you sip and savour, there's pizzas, nachos, sharers and small plates.
A treat of a bar with a cosy rustic interior, blinding grub and friendly vibes, The Butterfly and the Pig is a popular stomping ground for many. A darling hangout in a great location, whether it's for a romantic date or a raucous catch-up, there's plenty of reasons this Bath Street bar is home to many a great Glasgow night out.
Not only are The Smokin' Fox known for their menu of gastro classics and pub favourites (head down for fresh fish and bountiful burgers), they aren't shy a cocktail or two either, serving everything from unique smoking drinks to the espresso martini.
Just across from the iconic Barrowland Ballroom, The Gate is a must-visit spot for whisky lovers. Championing the best of Scotland, its list of drams is the stuff of legend.
Take your pick from over 160 bottles, hand-picked to show off the diverse flavours of the national drink. While Scotland's spirit leads the charge, there's plenty more on the menu too, from gins to craft beers and wine.
The Rotunda group (also known for Glasgow restaurant Halloumi and Pickled Ginger) have pulled it out of the bag with this Mexican favourite. Head down to Mezcal not only for a premium selection of the favoured spirit, but plenty of tacos and frozen margaritas alike.
A Sauchiehall Street bar, with a cool crowd and fun vibes, Nice 'N' Sleazy is a firm favourite among Glaswegians. From its cracking playlists and kicking club nights, to its divine burgers and delicious drinks, it may be a little rough about the edges, but we wouldn't have this great Glasgow bar any other way.
This sprawling venue just exudes Scottish charm, there's good reason The Ubiquitious Chip has pride of place on many a Glasgow bar crawl. From the epic banter and great music, to the extensive selection of eats and drinks, this Ashton Lane bar has a whole lot of heart and its earned itself a special place in ours.
Devil Of Brooklyn's discreet doorway hides a warm and welcoming speakeasy in the city centre. All polished wood, candle-glow and a haze of incense, it's intimate, intriguing and exciting all in one.
Its cocktails lead the charge, with modern classics and signature serves like Aphrodite sharing space on the menu. There's plenty more besides, with an enviable whisky collection, carefully chosen wines and an impressive list of no and lows.
