Cool And Quirky Bars In Glasgow

Packed with some of the weirdest and most wonderful places to drink in the whole country, this city's nightlife always delivers the goods. Whether you’re looking for unusual club nights in wacky places, whimsical cocktail bars or a few retro craft beer spots, our guide to Glasgow's cool and quirky bars will have you thirsty for something a little different.

Last edited by Marcus Sanigar

Last updated on 16th January 2026




Hope & Vincent

A pub-slash-lounge bar right in the heart of the city, Hope & Vincent is the place to be for laid-back vibes and lots of entertainment. Boasting a pool table, a juke box and even an eight-foot screen showing live sports, there's something for everyone here.

You can nab cocktails for as little as £8.50, as well as refreshing beers and whisky. Feeling peckish? Indulge in hearty dishes like scampi and chips, haggis, neeps and tatties or creamy garlic chicken breast.

Vodka Wodka Merchant Square

Serving up creative cocktail concoctions for nearly 25 years, Vodka Wodka brings something a little different to the Merchant City bar scene. Its signature Jolly Rancher, packed with vodka, coconut and all kinds of fruitiness, is reason enough alone to pay a visit.

Get down here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and live DJs will add the soundtrack as you sip. Outside, there's a banging beer garden, fully equipped to handle the Glasgow summer.

Maggie's

Looking for something a little different on your next night out? Then head to Maggie's in Merchant City, which takes its inspiration from the dive bars of Nashville. They host a regular lineup of quirky events here - think hoedown karaoke, line dancing lessons and even a cowboy-themed ceilidh, with a mechanical rodeo bull to test out your skills on too. To top it all off, they're serving up all kinds of cocktails and American beers, paired with a menu of hearty burgers, loaded fries, chilli nachos and more.

Corset Club

When you're searching for a quirky bar with entertainment in Glasgow, The Corset Club is your go-to spot. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique performances, and creative cocktails, this venue offers an experience that stands out. Whether you're hosting a hen party, a girls' night out, or just enjoying a cocktail with friends, The Corset Club guarantees that your night will be filled with laughter, fun, and excitement. This is where great drinks meet amazing entertainment.

NQ64 Glasgow

If you're after something a little bit different on your next night out, then be sure to try NQ64 in Merchant City. This quirky pick is filled with neon graffiti and dark decor, as well as more than 40 different retro arcade machines and video games consoles. Whether you're booking out a booth for up to 40 people or heading there in a smaller group, you can get stuck into the likes of Mortal Kombat, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero and more. Topping it all off? Themed cocktails like the Lemmingade or a Power Star martini.

The Tiki Bar and Kitsch Inn

Tiki Bar and Kitsch Inn is a unique, cool, and quirky bar that offers much more than just great drinks. Located in the heart of Glasgow, this tropical hideaway boasts an eclectic mix of décor, from bamboo-lined walls to tiki mugs filled with rum cocktails.

The basement tiki bar is an immersive experience, where you can enjoy exotic cocktails and games like augmented reality darts, making it one of the coolest bars in the city. The fun doesn't stop there - upstairs, the Kitsch Inn offers tasty Thai food, making this spot a perfect blend of food, fun, and fantastic drinks. 

Boteco Do Brasil

3 Tapas & Caipirinha and 2 other offers

For a slice of Latin America in the heart of Merchant City, make your way to Boteco Do Brasil. These guys host everything from live DJs playing reggae, dancehall and RnB beats to Thursday night jam sessions, with cocktails like the reggae rum punch and Cuba Libre to sip on. And if you're hungry? Expect Brazilian burgers, chicken breast in coconut milk and pan-fried spicy prawns.

Derby Lane Glasgow

For a cool and quirky night out, Derby Lane hits the mark. From Brooklyn cheese steak bagels, electric acid tater tots, and sourdough and dip to smoked salmon bagels, the food is playful and fun.

The bar offers inventive cocktails, wine, and soft drinks, all served in a Hamptons-inspired setting with a laid-back yet stylish vibe. Perfect for casual catch-ups, quirky group nights, or celebrating milestones, Derby Lane is one of Glasgow's coolest and most inviting bars.

Devil Of Brooklyn

With low, inviting lighting, the warm glow of candlelight and the haze of incense, Devil of Brooklyn perfectly channels the old school speakeasy. Taking inspiration from mythology, there's plush, quiet corners, polished wood and a soft soundtrack, making it perfect for a cosy date night or catch up with close friends. 

The drinks list keeps you guessing too, with classic cocktails, signature serves, a world of whisky and a carefully chosen selection of wines. Spend any time at all in here and you'll soon see why this place is has been recognised as Glasgow's Best Bar.

Daddy Marmalades

With a casual and inclusive vibe, Daddy Marmalades brings something a little different to Glasgow's cocktail bar scene. Expect moody lighting, glorious greenery and vibes that are at once relaxed and vibrant. 

The drinks list will keep you guessing too, with master mixologists crafting classics along with inventive and experimental signature serves. In need of a nibble? Pizzas, nachos, sharers and small plates will keep hunger at bay while you sip and savour.

Absent Ear

Nestled behind a hidden door in Merchant City, Absent Ear is a multi-award-winning speakeasy bar that serves some of the best cocktails around. They've been awarded SLTN's Cocktail Bar of the Year, as well as 25th place in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars, so you can count on them for great drinks.

Their quirky concoctions are served in all kinds of unique containers, made with high-quality ingredients and unusual garnishes. The interiors are just as whimsical, featuring low lighting, colourful artwork and sultry red decor.