The Amsterdam
106–108 Brunswick Street
Attached to the Brunswick Hotel above (and the secretive cocktail bar beneath), The ’Dam has an enticing outdoors area on a handsome stretch in the Merchant City. There are sports on TV, weekly quizzes, ‘dam’ good food (burgers, tacos and more US-Mex faves) and interest on the taps including from nearby Drygate.

Babbity Bowster
16–18 Blackfriars Street
This Merchant City hotel bar seems to have it all. It’s in a lovely Georgian townhouse (c.1790) on a surprisingly tranquil road off High Street. There’s a secret beer garden, Scottish and Euro beers on tap, lots of vino by the glass, great pub grub and a thoroughly transportive effect thanks to muted, simple décor and well-worn wood.  

Bar 91
91 Candleriggs
Straight-shooting Bar 91 is a local for many folk, but just as welcoming for visitors (and their dog), especially when the big doors open onto the outdoor space. Food has always been a cut above, with nachos, wings, loaded fries, burgers plus MYO pizza. Weekends see brunch dishes joined by perky mid-morning cocktails.

Blackfriars Of Bell Street
36 Bell Street
Something of an institution, Blackfriars has long attracted an eclectic crowd, with nightly live events, whether in the main bar or in the (rentable) basement space, including trad music sessions, live gigs, open mics and comedy. Taps include plenty of US and Euro interest, while food is via pizza specialist Nonna Said.

The Spiritualist
62 Miller Street
The gantry at this smart cocktail specialist is reported to be the country’s biggest, and it’s a dazzling experience, hitting the heights when there’s some theatre, be it flames, dry ice or smoke. Food is small plates, tacos, brunch and burgers, including a set menu Boozy Brunch with three cocktails to set you on the way.

The Tap Yard
17 Bell Street, Merchant Square
Sports bar showing all manner of events (at the same time if needs). Large screens are joined by individual ones at tables where folks pick their own sport and larger groups can get their own beer tap. Football dominates but during the day there is badminton, cricket and athletics. Food is small plates, sharers and burgers.

Also try… Sebb’s and The Absent Ear for cocktails, BrewDog for its army of craft beers, and Bar Gandolfi for an intimate taster of the classy Café Gandolfi below.

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365 Glasgow, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Glasgow.