Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Okay, so we don't exactly get much sunshine in our city, but when we do, it's safe to say that we slap on that SPF and make the most of it. Luckily for us, there are some cracking places to drink outdoors, ideal for setting up camp with a round of cocktails until day turns to night. So, get ready to soak up those rays while you sip and dine alfresco-style with our guide to Glasgow's beer gardens.
Last updated on 15th February 2023
A packed-out spot whatever the weather, All Bar One on Argyle Street is home to one of the best outdoor bars in Glasgow city centre. Swing by the nightlife hub for alfresco cocktails or a gourmet feast of brunch classics, signature burgers and vegan treats.
Looking for somewhere to sip in the sunshine? The Bank Cafe Bar, situated on the outskirts of the city, has a number of outdoor seats where you can enjoy just that. Whether you fancy draught lager, real ale or a glass of wine, this joint has got you covered. Plus, there's a load of tasty grub to get stuck into as well.
Much loved by the student community and sports fans looking for some nail-biting action, Ark is a summer favourite thanks to its generous outdoor space. Just remember to head down early as this beer garden in Merchant City is a popular hotspot that fills up quickly.
Nestled in Merchant City, Festival Village is one of the best beer gardens around. Not only does it boast beautiful decor, showcasing pergolas adorned with hanging foliage and fairy lights, but also fire pits, cocktails and street food. As for entertainment? You can regularly find live music sessions.
When it comes down to first-class beer gardens in the city, BrewDog Merchant City - Glasgow is up at the top of our list. Not only does it have a fabulous outdoor space, perfect for those alfresco afternoons, but there's also a menu made up of mouthwatering American eats up for grabs.
To sip on drinks in a sunny Glasgow beer garden, look no further than O'Neill's Grand Central. Head here and you'll get the chance to tuck into bottomless brunches of pizza and cocktails, or enjoy affordable pints of Guinness.
WEST On The Green is one of the best Glasgow pubs with a beer garden, boasting a huge lawn space that's ideal for picnic-style grub and alfresco pints. Housed in the iconic Templeton Carpet Factory building, this brewery, restaurant and pub is a heaving destination when the sun's out.
Nestled on Ashton Lane, the Innis & Gun taproom may have more of a street-side space than a beer garden, but it doesn't take away from the good times. Chill out, sip stunning craft brews and dive into the menu while catching some sun.
Cubatas has a gorgeous beer garden made up of foliage, chic furniture and fairy lights for when the sun sets. Enjoy a taste of Spain by indulging in award-winning tapas in this stunning space. And if you get thirsty? Tip back sangria and cocktails. Costa del Glasgow, we're ready for you.
One of the top Glasgow bars with a beer garden, The Sanctuary's terrace has room for 200 people to chill out in the summer months. Join them for late-night sessions complete with roaring fire pits, live sports screenings and mouthwatering BBQ grub.
With a stellar lineup of music and art events, St Luke's is the place for live entertainment. You can also catch the football on a big screen inside or sip on a special craft beer in the garden at The Winged Ox bar and kitchen, which always promises good times.
Your typical Irish watering hole, Jinty McGuinty's is a fail-safe bet for good chat, great music and (even better) Guinness. Something of an Ashton Lane institution, this place offers a bustling space for your outdoor sipping.
This East End boozer brings a slice of Americana to Glasgow, serving up comfort food like delicious pizza and naughty wings alongside dirty burgers. Nab a spot in the beer garden and let the sun-soaking, cocktail-slurping and sharing board-grazing commence.
While Chinaskis may be best known for its cracking cocktail collection and cosy interiors, it also just happens to house a gorgeous secret garden out back (but hush, we didn't tell you). The roomy decking area gets the sun all evening, making it the perfect hideaway to indulge in alfresco drinks with your gang.
Perched on the beautiful banks of the River Kelvin, Inn Deep gives you a wealth of waterside views to take in as you sun yourself on the terrace. As one of the best places for outside drinking in Glasgow, craft beer fiends flocking for hops and a menu of hearty accompaniments.
Looking for the best beer gardens in Glasgow's west end? The spacious area for outdoor drinking has plenty of rustic charm. With picnic benches and couches scattered about, Record Factory hosts BBQs in the summer along with sports screenings and late-night lock-ins.
Come rain or shine, this Duke Street spot is a beer lover's haven, armed with craft pints and a sprawling outdoor garden. Glasgow's first experiential craft brewery is the ideal spot to catch all the rays when heatwave weather is here.
Not so much a beer garden but an outdoor drinking space in Glasgow, Republic Bier Halle is the perfect place for a thirst-quenching stein in the sunshine. Affectionately named the bier garden, this vibrant hub is made even better when the frozen cocktails come out to play.
The Finnieston may be your go-to for lush seafood and exotic gins, but it should really be known that this place hides a wee outdoor space that's perfect for summer drinks. Join them in the warmer months for brunches surrounded by lush foliage, with plenty of bubbles to keep you cool.
