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The 12 Best Cheap Restaurants in Glasgow
Ready to tantalise your taste buds without draining your wallet? Well, you’re in luck because Glasgow’s food scene is as diverse as it is wallet-friendly.
It’s not all about haggis and deep-fried Mars bars here; our vibrant city serves up a smorgasbord of tasty eats that go easy on the pennies but big on the flavour. So, read on and check out our top picks of the best cheap restaurants in Glasgow.
Auctioneers
Website: https://www.theauctioneersglasgow.co.uk/
Address: 6 North Ct, Glasgow G1 2DP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 222 2989
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
Auctioneers offers traditional Scottish fare without having to splash the cash, especially with its daily specials and student-friendly prices. Its menu boasts classics like haggis, neeps, and tatties, Scotch pies, and the ever-tasty, deep-fried Mars bars.
Despite its popularity, the place is surprisingly spacious, offering both reservations and walk-in options, with a lovely outdoor seating area for those rare sunny Glasgow days.
Pro tip: Auctioneers tend to get packed during local football matches, making it the perfect spot for fans. However, if you’re looking for a quiet meal, checking the sports schedule beforehand might save you some time.
Missoula Glasgow
Website: https://www.missoulabars.co.uk/
Address: 46 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 2RA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 9724
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 12 PM to 3 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 3 AM
Cost: £-££
Missoula brings a slice of American dining to the heart of Glasgow. This laid-back restaurant and bar serves up an enticing mix of American and Tex-Mex dishes, with crowd-pleasers like pulled pork sandwiches, loaded nachos, and the Missoula Burger.
The flavours are bold, the portions generous, and, of course, affordable. Weekly specials (like half-price cocktails), happy hour discounts, and student deals are staples here, ensuring that good times roll without splurging.
Plus, there’s outdoor seating for those who prefer dining under the sky.
Pro tip: Missoula is a popular spot for watching sports events, so if you’re planning a visit during game nights, booking in advance is recommended.
Also, take advantage of their take-out option for a taste of America at home or in your preferred outdoor setting.
Halloumi Central
Website: http://www.halloumiglasgow.co.uk/
Address: 161 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2UQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 204 1616
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: £-££
For a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving Glasgow, head over to Halloumi Central on Hope St. This gem specialises in Greek cuisine, offering a delectable selection of dishes like pork souvlaki, grilled halloumi bruschetta, and keftedes.
Whether you’re there for affordable lunch specials, enjoying the student discount, or the meal deal for two, you’ll enjoy everything they offer. Also, the restaurant boasts a cosy interior and a charming outdoor seating area, which is perfect for any occasion.
Pro tip: Timing is everything at Halloumi Central, and to avoid waiting, try visiting just before or after typical lunch and dinner rushes.
Walkabout Glasgow
Website: https://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/
Address: 128 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 3AL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 8209
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
Cost: £-££
Walkabout is a lively restaurant where dishes like Southern-fried BBQ chicken & cheese melt and chicken tikka masala take centre stage. Deals and specials run throughout the week here, especially their drink deals that are always on every Monday to Thursday.
The casual ambience, coupled with friendly prices, makes it a beloved spot among both sports enthusiasts and locals craving something different.
What’s more, it’s a large venue with plenty of seating inside and out and has a lot going on—think live sports, music, and themed nights.
Pro tip: If you’re aiming to catch a big game, get there early to grab the best spots. For those looking for a quieter dining experience, weekday afternoons are your best bet.
And, while Walkabout is centrally located, consider public transport as parking can be tricky in this busy part of Glasgow.
Mowgli Street Food
Website: https://www.mowglistreetfood.com/restaurants/glasgow/
Address: 78 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5UB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 345 2564
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £-££
Mowgli offers flavours of Indian street food, with mouth-watering dishes like gunpowder chicken, yoghurt chat bombs, and the comforting Mowgli chip butty.
For those with dietary restrictions, Mowgli also offers a range of kids, vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
They’ve got student discounts and a value-for-money lunch menu, making quality Indian cuisine accessible to everyone. Beyond that, the space can also accommodate walk-ins, reservations and, guess it, dogs!
Pro tip: Mowgli can get incredibly busy, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is wise if you’re planning to dine during peak hours. Also, consider their takeout service for a cozy night in.
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
Website: http://www.brewdog.com/uk/merchant-city
Address: 99 Hutcheson St, Glasgow G1 1SN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 552 6363
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City is a paradise for craft beer lovers (featuring 25 taps) and foodies alike. It serves up a variety of dishes that complement its extensive brew selection like smoked meats, burgers, Korean BBQwings, and vegan hero bowls.
Beyond the brews, BrewDog is committed to bringing affordability to the table, with a range of deals like U25 Sunday Club, Co-working Space (free wifi, hot drinks, water and even a pint), and even Dog Pawties (perfect for your dog’s special day)!
Pro tip: Be on the lookout for BrewDog’s weekday specials and happy hours, which offer great deals on food and drinks. If you’re planning a group outing, this BrewDog spot can get busy, especially during weekends, so consider booking ahead.
Topolabamba
Website: https://topolabamba.com/
Address: 89 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5TF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 9359
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £-££
Tucked away on St. Vincent Street is Topolabamba, a vibrant spot that brings the heart and soul of Mexico to Glasgow. With an array of tacos, fajitas, and their famed tequila collection, it’s the place to be for a lively dining experience.
Signature dishes such as tacos Al Pastor, churros con chocolate, and the quesadilla explosion are not to be missed here.
The restaurant is beloved for its value-oriented lunch deals, student deals and an extensive, affordable drink menu that perfectly complements the spicy, flavourful dishes.
Pro tip: If you’re a tequila lover or looking to become one, don’t miss Topolabamba’s tequila tastings. Also, early evenings are the best time to visit if you’re looking for a quieter dining experience.
The Lauders
Media credit: kirstychalmers0
Website: https://www.thelaudersglasgow.co.uk/
Address: 76 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3DE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 9690
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £-££
The Lauders is a traditional pub with a twist, serving up hearty Scottish cuisine alongside international favourites. With bestsellers like fish and chips, Scottish pie, and bangers and mash, it’s a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
It’s also the ideal spot for a casual lunch, dinner, or a night out with friends, offering daily specials that guarantee a good deal any day of the week. The pub is spacious, with a blend of tables and snug booths, and often hosts live music.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on The Lauders calendar for live music nights and quiz events, which add an extra layer of fun to the traditional pub experience.
Kimchi Cult
Media credit: grzno
Website: http://www.kimchicult.com/
Address: 14 Chancellor St, Glasgow G11 5RQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 258 8081
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost: £-££
If you’re on the lookout for something spicy, and delicious, Kimchi Cult is your must-stop kimchi shop. This joint dishes out tasty kimchi cheese fries, Korean fried chicken, and the iconic bibimbap bowls that fill you up without slimming you down financially.
Though compact, Kimchi Cult’s bold flavours pack a punch on their small but mighty menu. They’ve got wallet-friendly prices and deals, and student discount days to boot too, so those seeking flavour on a budget will find themselves right at home.
Pro tip: Kimchi Cult is a hit, so peak times can get busy. If you want to beat the rush, then sneak in an early lunch or opt for a later dinner. And hey, if you’d rather chill at home, they’ve got your back with delivery options.
Shilling Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.shillingbrewingcompany.co.uk/
Address: 92 W George St, Glasgow G2 1PJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 353 1654
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
Shilling Brewing Co. is where you should be if you’re a craft beer aficionado and like to pair that with some pizza. Locals rave about their wood-fired pizzas like the wild mushroom and truffle or the classic Scottish ‘Nduja which are real penny-savers.
This spot is spacious, with an open-plan setting that means you can peek at the brewing magic as it happens. Plus, of course, they’ve got cracking lunch deals and the occasional student discount.
Pro tip: If you can’t make reservations ahead, no worries, since they’re usually good for walk-ins. But when Glasgow’s buzzing—mostly evenings and weekends—giving them a bell to book your spot might save you from the dreaded wait.
Thaikhun
Website: https://www.thaikhun.co.uk/thai-restaurant/glasgow-silverburn/
Address: R5, Barrhead Rd, Glasgow G53 6AF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 320 0122
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: £-££
Thaikhun can transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok. Decked out with trinkets and treasures from Thai markets, it’s here you can feast on chicken satay, pad Thai, or the flavourful green curry, all while being kind to the purse.
You can choose from many of their offers, like student deals, Tasty Thursdays and Sundays, and even for those serving the public, like police and rescue teams.
What’s more, the space is abundant and lively, usually able to accommodate the spontaneous eater, but you can book ahead if you like to have it sorted.
Pro tip: Remember to keep an eye peeled for their lunch specials and themed deals. And for those quick dashes, their takeaway packs the same punch as the dine-in experience.
Mezcal
Website: https://mezcalglasgow.co.uk/
Address: 104 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6PH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 7535 468473
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £-££
Mezcal is a treasure trove of tacos, tequila, and budget-friendly good times. Here, you can choose from tacos de Pescado, carnitas burrito, or, if you’re into sharing, the Totopos with Guacamole, which is an affordable fiesta on a plate.
With a name inspired by the iconic agave spirit, Mezcal brings that buzzy energy to the table with a decor that comes from the ‘Day of the Dead’ playbook. If you aim to save more, their happy hours are not to be missed for top-notch drink deals.
Pro tip: If you have no time to go out and about, Mezcal has a take-out service that doesn’t skimp on flavour. As for the best time to visit, off-peak hours during the week offer a more chilled vibe.
