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Exploring the 15 Best Cocktail Bars in Glasgow
Let me tell you, Glasgow spoils us with its eclectic mix of cocktail bars, whether it’s those with a sleek martini or a dimly lit hideaway. And let’s be real, there’s no better way to delve into that than embarking on a spirited journey through its best cocktail spots.
So, ready your taste buds, dress to impress (or not, we don’t judge), and join us as we shake, stir, and sip our way through the best cocktail bars in Glasgow. Trust us, this is one adventure where the journey is just as intoxicating as the destination!
The Alchemist
Website: https://thealchemistbars.com/venues/glasgow/
Address: Unit 2, George House, George Square, Glasgow G2 1EH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 674 2394
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Cost: ££- £££
The Alchemist doesn’t just serve cocktails; it performs them. Their mixologists create elixirs that fizzle, smoke, and change colours, like the Caramelized Rum Punch to the downright fantastical Colour Changing One.
They often base their inventive cocktails on movies like Mean Girls, Frozen, Home Alone, and more, so every visit offers a dash of delightful surprises.
As for food, they’ve got a pretty solid list of crowd-pleasers, with choices like gourmet burgers, burritos, and even gyoza and bao buns.
Pro tip: The Alchemist is known for its busy, buzzing atmosphere, especially during the peak evening hours, so try to secure your reservation well in advance.
August House
Website: http://www.augusthouse.co.uk/
Address: 43 Mitchell St, Glasgow G1 3LN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 729 7979
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: £-££
August House is a place that takes cocktails seriously, but in a ‘let’s have a fabulous time’ kind of way!
Their cocktail list is a delightful mix of classic drinks and unique concoctions, like Cookie Dough Down Low, The Thrill of It All, and Watermelon Sugar High, which, by the way, are the crowd’s favourites.
The food game here is as strong as their cocktails since the menu ranges from small plates to more substantial meals, covering all bases with options like chicken burgers, Korean fried chicken, mac n’ cheese and loaded fries.
Pro tip: Parking on Mitchell Street can be a bit tricky, so consider public transport or taxi services. You’ll be enjoying a few cocktails anyway!
Bar Vini
Website: https://www.barvini.com/
Address: 80 Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 7AA, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
Bar Vini takes classics and shakes them up, quite literally! Their Basil Grande or the Smoky Negroni are just sneak peeks into their innovative menu, where the choices are plentiful and are perfect for an evening sip or a pleasant nightcap.
When it comes to food, you’ll get to enjoy Bar Vini’s nibbles like charcuterie boards, bruschetta, and other Italian classics.
Pro tip: Try to sign up for their wine-tasting events listed online, where you can learn more about their vast wine collection besides enjoying an evening loaded with fun and, of course, vino!
Ralph and Finns
Website: https://www.ralphandfinns.co.uk/about
Address: 23-25 St Vincent Pl, Glasgow G1 2DT, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 5636
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ££-£££
Ralph and Finns is a venue that offers a curated cocktail menu catering to every palate, be it sweet, sour, bitter, or smoky. Classics like Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour rub shoulders with signatures like Commotion Lotion, Speyside Ruby, Or Rosebud Cocktail.
With their ever-evolving seasonal cocktail menus, new experiences are just a sip away every time your footfalls echo in Ralph and Finns. Plus, they have light bites on offer, including calamari, scampi, and a selection of sandwiches.
But don’t worry, they also have a substantial dinner menu if you’re feeling extra peckish!
Pro tip: Remember to get in early on the weekends to nab the best seats. Better yet, make a reservation. You wouldn’t want to miss out on their live music nights!
Devil of Brooklyn
Website: https://instagram.com/devilofbrooklyn?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Address: 42 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1NF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 847 0037
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 2 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
At the Devil of Brooklyn, the cocktail list reads like a who’s who of the mixology world, with seasonal takes that keep us on our toes. Their innovative mixes, like the Reverse Raspberry, Dante Inferno and Johnny Has Been Heard, are house favourites.
The place buzzes with energy, especially when they host their famed mixology workshops and the ever-popular jazz nights.
Pro tip: You can scout for parking spots on nearby streets, but honestly, your best bet on a bustling night might be a quick Uber ride. Keep an eye out for their workshops if you’re keen on upping your cocktail game!
The Absent Ear
Website: http://www.theabsentear.com/
Address: Brunswick St, Glasgow G1 1TF, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££-£££
Life’s too short for dull evenings, and that’s never a concern at The Absent Ear with its regularly scheduled theme nights and live DJ sets.
Plus, the selection of cocktails here is both vast and eclectic, featuring rejuvenated classics as well as nuanced inventions, with Van Gogh’s Tipple and Mar Tai being particularly notable.
They’ve also got a variety of small plates available with choices like arancini balls, tempura prawns, and more to tie you over as the tunes spin.
Pro tip: Due to its speakeasy nature, look out for the sign, or you might just walk past this hidden gem. And if you fancy a quieter evening, mid-week is your best bet to enjoy it without the crowds.
Boom Battle Bar
Website: https://boombattlebar.com/uk/glasgow/
Address: Unit 1F, U091-094, St. Enoch Shopping Centre, Glasgow G1 4BW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 471 7717
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: ££
In Boom Battle Bar, you can move from shuffleboard to augmented reality darts, all with a cocktail in hand. Their options for food span from street food variants to heartier meal options, ensuring your games are well-fuelled.
And yes, you’ll find a variety of cocktails here with the Bacardi Rum Punch, Spice Mango Marg and the ever-famous Pornstar Martini being the hit.
But beyond that, Boom is more about the zany Crazy Golf Cocktail or the Axe Thrower’s Gimlet, which are as outrageous as they sound. Plus, with themed nights that range from gaming leagues to student specials, this bar turns up the ‘Boom’.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their website for deals and events before you go. Parking is a breeze thanks to the shopping centre, but remember to validate your ticket!
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 is famed for its great lineup of cocktails. From the trusty Margaritas and Mojitos to their daring Montana Iced Tea and Missoula Mule, the cocktails here are always served with flair.
They even have Chocoholic on offer, which is perfect if you’d like something sweet and, at the same time, strong to sip. And with everything from quiz nights to live music sessions, it’s a social hub that never sleeps.
As for grub, they’ve got all the bar essentials covered, serving up a series of easy picks like wings, nachos, tapas and quesadillas.
Pro tip: There’s no specified parking for the bar, so if you’re driving down, the nearby city parking is your best bet. And keep an eye out for the cocktail masterclasses—they’re the talk of the town!
Kelvingrove Cafe
Website: http://www.kelvingrovecafe.com/
Address: 1161 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 221 8988
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Kelvingrove Cafe’s menu doesn’t skimp on variety, offering small plates ranging from charcuterie to seafood delights. Their cocktail menu doesn’t either, as it has a year-round love affair with vintage classics while crafting seasonally inspired libations.
Their signature The WEE Man, Appletini and the Coconut Daiquiri are some of their best-sellers. But wait, there’s more, since, besides the stellar drinks, there are themed tasting events, ensuring that it buzzes with activities.
Pro tip: Parking around Argyle St. can be tricky, so plan. And for an insider edge, ask the bartender about their seasonal specials—they’re usually off-the-menu delights that regulars swear by.
Lunar Wine & Cocktail Bar
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lunar.glasgow/
Address: 72 Nithsdale Rd, Glasgow G41 2AN, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Cost: £-££
Lunar is where classic cocktails are reborn with a twist and where bespoke is the order of the day. Signature sips like the Lunar Eclipse and the Stardust are crowd-pleasers, sparkling with creativity and brimming with bold, intricate flavours.
Regulars are often seen enjoying the lunar-inspired interior on live music nights or indulging in the occasional wine tasting that graces this establishment’s schedule.
And when the munchies hit, you’ll find a selection of shareable plates—everything from olives and cheese to heartier gourmet sliders.
Pro tip: Evenings get busy, so consider booking a table. And if wine’s your thing, they’ve got offers on bottle purchases that are great for sharing with friends under this slice of Glasgow’s ‘moonlit’ sky.
The Finnieston
Website: http://www.thefinniestonbar.com/
Address: 1125 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 222 2884
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
The Finnieston has a nautical theme, which means you’ll encounter ocean-inspired classics and fresh concoctions laced with seaweed or samphire.
Now, to help you decide what drink to try first, you should check out their best-selling cocktails, like Picante and Bloody Mary.
They’re also a hub for seafood enthusiasts, offering dishes that pair perfectly with their bevs—think of fresh oysters and Korean fried fish nuggets. The bonus? They’re dog-friendly so your pooch can tag along!
Pro tip: They’re right in the heart of Glasgow’s trendiest stretch, so why not walk it or take public transport? For seafarers with a sweet tooth, ask for the catch of the day; sometimes, they have cocktail and dessert pairings that are downright irresistible.
Gin71
Website: http://www.gin71.com/
Address: 71 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1LP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 353 2959
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
Cost: ££
Gin71 is a juniper lover’s paradise, where the selection goes far beyond the typical tonic mix. Here, gin cocktails range from the reverent classic to the avant-garde, featuring their signatures like French 71, Bramble, Ninja Storm and Pollinator.
For a twist, you can try their ‘Choose your own Negroni’ that’s got customers talking. What’s unique about Gin71 is not just their daily evening service but their masterclasses and tastings, which provide an educational arc to your drinking escapades.
Pro tip: Gin71 is popular for events, so booking is essential. Plus, they occasionally offer “Gin Deals,” which include a selection of small plates—a treat you won’t want to miss out on.
Porter & Rye
Website: http://www.porterandrye.com/
Address: 1131 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 572 1212
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: ££-£££
At Porter & Rye, the cocktail menu features seasonal alterations, keeping regulars eager and newcomers intrigued. Their in-house classics, such as the Down the Rabbithole, Patois and Porter Mary, are much loved, each elegant in their simplicity.
And, if you are looking to satiate your palate, they’ve got an array of cheese and charcuterie selections that sing in unison with their cocktail offerings. Beyond that, Porter & Rye comes alive with its whiskey tastings and classic jazz nights.
Pro tip: Their private dining space upstairs keeps things intimate on busy nights—a hidden treat that’s worth checking out. With limited street parking, a short stroll from nearby lanes is a safe bet.
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 presents an intriguing blend of traditional Mexican influences and on-trend mixology techniques when it comes to cocktails. Their ever-changing menu reflects the seasons, with a clear focus on using the freshest and most interesting ingredients.
Their signature Mezcal Mule and Mexico’s national cocktail, The Paloma certainly leave an impression alongside their small plates like tacos, quesadillas and plantain chips.
Where Mezcal truly shines is in its lively event schedule, including tequila tastings and salsa dance nights that carry the spirit of Mexico right in the heart of Glasgow.
Pro tip: Try to grab a table early, particularly if you want to avail of their 12pm to 3pm lunch deal, as it’s a hit.
All Bar One Glasgow
Website: https://www.allbarone.co.uk/
Address: 56-72 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5TS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 229 6060
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £-££
All Bar One Glasgow is a stylish and vibrant spot that brings people together over an impressive collection of wines, beers, and Instagram-worthy cocktails.
The Pineapple Mezcalita, Banana Mai Tai Shots and Spiced Rum Punch are just a couple of fan-favourites that you shouldn’t miss out on.
They also have a delicious range of tacos, chorizo skewers and Korean BBQ chicken, all of which are quite popular, so you shouldn’t miss out on them.
Pro tip: Make sure you try to book a spot for their cocktail masterclasses; it’s all fun. And they have a brilliant loyalty app, which makes it a hot spot for the deal-savvy visitor who likes to get the most out of their night.
