Top Bars in Glasgow – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled on Stockwell Street, The Scotia Bar stands as a testament to Glasgow's rich cultural tapestry. Since its inception in 1792, it has been a haven for artists, musicians, and thinkers, fostering a community where creativity thrives. The pub's interior exudes old-world charm, with low ceilings, wooden beams, and vintage memorabilia adorning the walls. Patrons can enjoy a selection of traditional Scottish ales and whiskies, complemented by hearty pub fare. Live music is integral to The Scotia's identity, with performances ranging from folk to blues occurring several nights a week. The venue's intimate setting provides an ideal backdrop for both seasoned performers and emerging talents. Beyond its musical offerings, The Scotia Bar has been a gathering place for political discussions, literary readings, and community events, solidifying its role as more than just a pub, but a cultural institution in Glasgow.

Tucked into Merchant City on Brunswick Street, The Absent Ear is a speakeasy-cocktail bar that’s as much art instalment as it is drinking destination. Opened in 2021, the bar draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh—especially his missing ear—and builds around the idea that cocktails can be creative expressions. Think moody lighting, immersive design touches, playful interactivity, and a menu crafted to surprise. The drink menu is a rotating, immersive gallery of flavours. Cocktails are divided into “minimalist” and “maximalist” side of the menu: minimalist ones tend to be more restrained, elegant; maximalist ones are bolder, layered, theatrical. Drinks like Fragola-Rama (a strawberry-centric cocktail using cryo-concentration, lacto-fermentation, etc.), Roobarb & Custard (a nostalgic dessert-inspired showstopper), and even a Thai green curry-inspired cocktail are examples of how far the creativity goes. Entering feels theatrical: there’s a neon staircase, a concealed or subtle entrance (behind curtains / via a hidden bell or hatch) and a ritual of discovery. The bar avoids being pretentious, though—it balances high concept with warm service, so even the boldest drinks feel friendly. Staff are knowledgeable and tend to treat you like part of the experience. Music tends to support the mood: ambient / lounge / curated. The crowd? Mixed: date-nighters, cocktail enthusiasts, locals looking for something a bit special.

Nestled on Argyle Street in Glasgow’s vibrant Finnieston / West End quarter, Kelvingrove Café is less “just another bar” and more a thoughtfully curated experience. Retaining its original, slightly worn frontage, the venue surprises once inside: rich leather booths, exposed brick, black-and-white tiles, and a gleaming brass bar evoke a timeless, sophisticated energy. At its heart, Kelvingrove is a cocktail bar that also takes food seriously. The menu mixes small, medium, and large plates with flair — expect sliders, mac ’n’ cheese, global snack influences, and occasional elevated mains (e.g. monkfish with fennel slaw) alongside more familiar brunch and American-style treats. One of the signature touches is their ice: enormous blocks are produced in-house and diced using a 14-inch Japanese ice saw to ensure cocktails chill cleanly without dilution. You’ll often see copper sinks behind the bar holding these blocks. Though quite popular (especially at weekends), the bar enforces a seating policy — you won’t be served standing — which preserves a more relaxed, sit-down vibe. There’s also a small downstairs bar area, which helps ease crowding when upstairs fills. The ambience leans grown-ups-meets-quirky: vintage touches, warm lighting, and a mix of mellow background beats. It’s as much about the whole sensory experience as it is about the drinks or food. In short: Kelvingrove Café is a polished, characterful cocktail + bar spot that doesn’t shy away from solid food, a clever bar program, and a space that feels both intimate and stylish.

Nestled on Byres Road in Glasgow’s lively West End (inside or adjacent to the Grosvenor Hotel), beGIN Glasgow is a destination for gin lovers and cocktail seekers alike. The bar positions itself as “your first stop” on a night out, or a relaxing pre-dinner spot. Its ambient interior mixes cosy seating (chesterfields have been mentioned in reviews) with warm lighting and a relaxed yet elegant vibe. What really sets beGIN apart is its gin programme. With over 100 gins from around the world (including a strong local Scottish gin selection), the bar offers “Perfect Serves” (50 ml gin + matched mixer & garnish in a large Copa de Balon glass) or 25 ml serves paired with mixers/garnishes. They also offer gin flights to let you sample multiple options in one go. Gin isn’t all they do — there’s also a cocktail menu, a selection of premium spirits, wine, craft beers, and light bites/nibbles to accompany drinks. Reviews specifically call out table service (so you sit down rather than queue at the bar) and helpful staff guidance when choosing a gin or mixer. Because of its emphasis on gin, paired experiences, and relaxed elegance, it’s ideal for both casual nights out and special occasions. The scale is intimate rather than grand, so it tends to attract a crowd that appreciates depth, nuance, and a more curated drinking experience.

Nestled on 232-246 Woodlands Road in the West End of Glasgow (a few minutes’ walk from the University and Kelvingrove Park), Dram! blends the charm of a local pub with the ambition of a serious spirits and craft beer venue. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the relaxed, eclectic interior—recycled furniture, comfy seating, large windows letting in light, and a bar area piled high with bottles and malts. One reviewer notes the “stagh-head and quirky lampshades” aesthetic, giving it a unique character. The drink offering is a major highlight: the bar boasts over 70 malt whiskies, numerous craft beers from local Scottish brewers (such as Williams Bros & Stewart Brewing) and a wide mix of wines and non-beer alternatives. Staff are known to be friendly, knowledgeable about the whiskies and willing to guide you—especially useful if you’re not a spirits connoisseur yet. Food is available too: the kitchen (operated by a local team) serves burgers, bold tacos, sharing fries, Sunday roast (meat & vegan) and classic pub dishes. On Mondays/Tuesdays the kitchen is closed but you’re welcome to bring in take-out. Dram! also serves as a social hub: there are plenty of big-screens for watching live sport (Sky Sports & BT Sports), free WiFi, and an outdoor seating area in summer. They also run quiz nights and have two function/hire rooms for events or group bookings. The crowd is mixed—students, locals, whisky fans, sports watchers. Dogs are even welcome inside. If you visit: Head there in the late afternoon or evening; if food is important, check the kitchen hours (Wed-Sun for food) since it closes early in the week. Ask a staff member for a malt sampler if you’re exploring whisky. For a quieter spot, aim for early in the evening before the sport crowd builds. Reservations for larger groups are possible via the website. In short: Dram! is a West End favourite in Glasgow for its combination of serious drams, relaxed pub environment, decent food and sports-friendly vibe. Whether you’re after a whisky flight, a craft beer, catching the match or having a cosy drink, it covers all bases well.

Tucked into Merchant City on Miller Street, The Spiritualist is a refined cocktail bar and restaurant that balances luxe design with social energy. The name hints at its essence: a place to gather, sip, and be transported. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by soft lighting, curated décor (think marble surfaces, brass accents, plush seating) and a centerpiece bar gantry that proudly displays a sweeping selection of spirits. They champion the “share & discover” approach to food: small plates, bar bites, and a full a la carte menu that draws from British and international influences. A highlight is their Boozy Brunch, available Thursday to Sunday (12 pm–3 pm) — combining solid brunch fare with cocktail flair. They also offer a “just drinks” booking option, so even without a full meal you can reserve a table for cocktails. Walk-ins are welcomed too. The Musical backdrop is subtle — background tracks meant to complement rather than overpower conversation. The vibe feels elevated but not intimidating: more approachable elegance than stuffy formality. Many patrons highlight both the creativity of the drinks and the approachable food menu. In short: The Spiritualist is ideal for nights when you want more than a drink — a combined sensory experience of ambiance, flavors, and a sense of occasion.