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Top 12 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Glasgow
If you’re anything like me, a day without coffee is like—well, honestly, I wouldn’t know because I’ve never gone a day without a cup! Thankfully, Glasgow has a dizzying array of cosy and trendy spots pouring out some of the best brews.
Now, I’m about to spill the beans on the best coffee shops in Glasgow, offering impressively crafted caffeine concoctions. So read on!
Black Sheep Coffee
Website: https://leavetheherdbehind.com/blogs/locations/sauchiehall-street
Address: 254 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 20 3988 6994
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: £-££
Black Sheep Coffee doesn’t play it safe when it comes to their brews. Whether you’re a stalwart of the classic espresso or someone who seeks a crafted latte, they’ve got you covered.
The salted caramel frappe and matcha latte has been making waves as a must-try, together with the assortment of pastries and sandwiches you can pair it with.
The Wi-Fi here is as smooth as their signature blend, along with the abundance of power outlets, meaning you’re never running low, both literally and figuratively.
Pro tip: It gets pretty busy around mid-morning, so if you’re looking for a quiet spot to work or read, plan an early visit. Also, their loyalty app is not to be missed for great deals!
Riverside Coffee Glasgow
Website: https://www.facebook.com/piepie.lab/
Address: 52 Broomielaw, Glasgow G1 4QN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 222 2764
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Riverside Coffee offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the river. The interior speaks volumes of coziness with a rustic charm—think wooden floors and comfy sofas.
Coffee aficionados will appreciate Riverside’s dedication to serving up a curated selection of blends, with the flat white being a standout.
They also have non-coffee drinks like herbal teas and hot chocolate, along with scrumptious cakes and freshly made sandwiches. The addition of reliable Wi-Fi and plentiful outlets across the café makes it a popular choice for both work and leisure.
Pro tip: Their riverside terrace is a hidden gem during the warmer months. Grab your favourite drink and soak up the idyllic views.
Off The Rails Glasgow
Website: https://offtherailsglasgow.co.uk/
Address: 1a Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 4277
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Cost: ££
Off The Rails is a popular spot for those seeking a relaxed vibe. Offering a selection from classic cappuccinos to inventive seasonal specials, every cup is a journey.
The homemade cakes and sandwiches and pastries are other stars here, perfect companions to your coffee quest. For the digital nomads, the café provides a stable Wi-Fi connection and enough outlets to keep their gadgets charged.
While you won’t find grand events here, the laid-back atmosphere makes for an ideal setting for small gatherings and book clubs.
Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, their take-out window is a lifesaver. And for those leisurely visits, arriving just after opening guarantees a spot in your favourite corner.
Black Pine Coffee Co.
Website: http://www.blackpine.coffee/
Address: 518 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8EL, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Black Pine has meticulously sourced beans brewed to perfection, perfect for those who seek authenticity in their cup. Given its snug size, the café cleverly maximises its space to accommodate those wishing to work, complete with Wi-Fi and a number of outlets.
Their pour-over options are particularly popular, showcasing the nuanced flavours of their single-origin beans. And let’s not forget the tempting array of pastries and vegan treats that are sure to entice.
What’s more, Black Pine occasionally hosts coffee workshops, inviting patrons to dive deeper into their coffee passion alongside like-minded enthusiasts.
Pro tip: Space can be limited, so for those planning to hunker down with work, snagging a spot early in the day is wise. Also, keep an eye out for their workshop schedule; it’s a fantastic way to enrich your coffee knowledge!
Spitfire Espresso
Website: http://www.spitfireespresso.com/
Address: 127 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 7578 250105
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Cost: ££
Just as its name suggests, Spitfire Espresso packs a punch both in terms of its atmosphere and its robust coffee offerings. Now, if you’re in the mood for something classic, their Americano is a crowd-pleaser, together with some seasonal specials.
For the not-so-caffeine-inclined, they offer rich hot chocolates, a variety of teas, and smoothies, which are quite a showstopper, too. You can also have your brunch here with their breakfast plates on offer, and even some vegan burritos.
Good news for the digital jet-setters, Spitfire Espresso comes equipped with reliable Wi-Fi and a healthy dose of power outlets.
Pro tip: If you’re driving, parking can be a test of skill in this bustling area. Consider public transport, which drops you almost at their doorstep.
Willow Grove Coffee
Website: https://www.willowgrovecoffee.com/
Address: 531 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G3 7PQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 237 3490
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: £-££
Willow Grove Coffee runs the gamut from your much-loved espresso to innovative ones and is perfect for chilling, studying, or even working. Their selection includes classics like the Americano and Macchiato, as well as surprises like the pumpkin spiced latte.
And if you’re a bit peckish, they offer sandwiches, salads, and pastries that can be paired to any beverage choice. What’s more, this joint is dog-friendly so you can sip a coffee and relax with Fido on your side.
Pro tip: Their loyalty card is a hit, so make sure to snag one for some sweet deals after a few visits. Early birds take note: their morning window is less crowded, plus the pastries are at their freshest.
Sexy Coffee
Website: https://sexycoffee.co.uk/
Address: 115 Union St, Glasgow G1 3TA, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 6:30 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
If you thought coffee shops couldn’t be sultry, Sexy Coffee on Union Street begs to differ. Its ambience is sleek and modern, and the art pieces give the space an edgy vibe.
The sexy vibe of this place extends to its coffees, with tantalising options like the dirty chai latte and cold brew—a hit among locals. Beyond that, they also serve sandwiches, and even cocktails if you want to spice things up.
Pro tip: If you’re hunting for a midday pick-me-up, visit during lunch hours when it’s less crowded. Make sure not to overlook the sweet treats, particularly the pastries, which are as decadent as they sound.
Perch & Rest Coffee
Website: https://www.facebook.com/perchandrest/
Address: 39 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8JJ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 341 0229
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Perch & Rest Coffee is a haven for those who prefer their coffee experience to be as relaxing as their Sunday mornings.
Their signature house blend offers a consistent and comforting flavour, while the single-origin option changes regularly, inviting regulars to explore the coffee globe without leaving Glasgow.
Avid tea drinkers and those with dietary restrictions are also thoughtfully catered to, with a variety of alternatives and non-dairy milk. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon their community board game evenings.
Pro tip: On-street parking is a little easier to find here compared to the city centre, but walking or cycling could add to your eco-friendly and peaceful coffee experience.
Gordon Street Coffee
Website: http://www.gordonstcoffee.co.uk/
Address: Central Station, 79 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 221 1367
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Gordon Street Coffee’s claim to fame is the coffee roast produced on-site, providing an unmatched freshness that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. From the robust Glasgow Roast to seasonal single origins, there’s a spectrum of flavours to explore.
Those in the mood for something less caffeinated can delve into a selection of teas or creamy hot chocolates. And if you’re peckish, their homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries make for a satisfying treat.
Pro tip: They sometimes do coffee roasting demonstrations, which offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of coffee making.
Ottoman Coffeehouse
Website: http://www.ottomancoffeehouse.co.uk/
Address: 73 Berkeley St., Glasgow G3 7DX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 588 5982
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost: ££
Ottoman Coffeehouse takes its brew seriously, with a wide selection of traditional Turkish coffee and teas. For the adventurous, the cardamom-infused Turkish coffee is a must-try.
Besides these traditional offerings, they serve classic espresso drinks, an assortment of pastries, and light bites that are as delightful as they sound.
Beyond coffees and treats, they offer reliable Wi-Fi, and a scattering of power outlets makes it an ideal setting for those wishing to work or study in a unique ambience.
Pro tip: Parking can be a bit of a hunt in this area, so public transport might be your best bet. Visit in the late afternoon for a quiet, reflective experience unlike any other.
Absolute Roasters
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Absoluteroasters/
Address: 10 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6DA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 737 6989
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Cost: ££
Absolute Roasters is where modern minimalism meets a passion for coffee. Dedicated to the craft, the café showcases a rotation of single-origin coffees and expert blends that cater to every taste.
Coffees like pistachio latte, nitro cold brew latte and even espresso martini often steal the spotlight. Non-coffee alternatives, including a selection of teas, hot chocolates and smoothies along with some heavy meals, sandwiches and cakes.
Pro tip: It’s quieter in the early afternoon, making it the perfect time for focused work or study. And if coffee tasting is up your alley, keep an eye on their social media for event announcements.
Kaf Coffee
Website: http://kafcoffee.co.uk/
Address: 5 Hyndland St, Partick, Glasgow G11 5QE, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost: £-££
Kaf Coffee offers an intimate escape characterised by its Scandinavian-inspired interiors and a fervent commitment to coffee excellence. It takes pride in its hand-picked selection of specialty coffees, with each cup promising a narrative of its origin.
While their filter coffee is a revelation in itself, the ‘Kaf Specials’—innovative seasonal drinks—offer an unexpected twist to the coffee routine. The pastries here, especially the cinnamon buns, are the best-sellers, made in-house, and perfectly pair with any brew.
No worries if you have four-legged friends in tow as they welcome them with open arms.
Pro tip: Given its petite size, securing a spot during peak times can be tricky. For a guaranteed seat, aim for late mornings or early afternoons. And seriously, don’t leave without trying the cinnamon bun.
