13th Note Café

An institution among music fans due to its intimate basement venue and eclectic jukebox, the 13th Note is also popular for its vegetarian meals. Light snacks are served in the main bar area from noon to 5pm and a wider selection of food is offered in the rear dining space later on.

50-60 King Street (G5), 0141 553 1638, www.13thnote.co.uk, Mon-Sun noon-10pm (bar open until midnight).

The Horseshoe Bar

Pubs come and go, but the Horseshoe endures. Having the longest continuous bar in Britain, and members of Travis as ex-employees, has ensured its fame.There’s karaoke every night and the standard is intimidatingly high, but prices are ridiculously cheap – a plate of pie and peas costs just 90p.

17 Drury Street (F4), 0141 229 5711, Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 12.30pm-midnight.

Tchai-Ovna

Set up as an alternative to ‘corporate bars and cafes’ and inspired by Czech tea houses,Tchai-Ovna offers both West Enders and Southsiders affordable vegetarian meals and more than 80 speciality teas and infusions.

42 Otago Lane (B1), 0141 357 4524, Mon-Sun 11am-11pm 169 Deanston Drive, 0141 649 7258, Mon-Sun 11am-1am, www.tchaiovna.com

The Butterfly and the Pig

Going for a meal at The Butterfly and the Pig is something of an Alice in Wonderland experience. Beyond its unremarkable basement entrance, the bar is decorated in a cluttered, mismatching fashion, like the Mad Hatter’s front room. Crisply battered sole and chunky chips come wrapped in the daily papers.

153 Bath Street (F3), 0141 221 7711, www.thebutterflyandthepig.com, open daily 11am-3am, food served Mon–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–6pm.

Grassroots Café

This café/restaurant’s creative menu and relaxed atmosphere are of a higher calibre than your typicall vegetarian operation.There’s a distinct homely feel, helped by the open kitchen, and regular theme nights are laid on - Lebanese, for example.

93-97 St George’s Road (D2), 0141 333 0534, www.grassrootsorganic.com, Mon-Thu 10am-8.45pm, Fri 10am-9.45pm, Sat 10am-3.30pm and 5pm-9.45pm, Sun 10am3.30pm and 5pm-8.45pm.

Mother India’s Café

Mother India’s Café, part of the well-known Mother India group of ‘home-style’ Indian restaurants, doesn’t take bookings, so be prepared to wait a few minutes for a table. But the delay is worth it.There’s a genuine buzz about the place, inspired by the open kitchen, allowing diners to see the delicious tapas-style Indian food being prepared.

1355 Argyle Street (A2), 0141 339 9145, www.motherindia.co.uk, Mon– Sat noon–10.30pm, Sun noon–10pm.

Ichiban

Ichiban’s informal approach and reliable cooking make going out for a Japanese meal a fuss-free affair. Some west end residents prefer a speedy supper at the relaxed Dumbarton Road branch, while office workers appreciate the city centre’s briskness during a tight lunch hour.

184 Dumbarton Road, 0141 334 9222, Mon-Wed noon-10pm,Thu– Sat noon-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. 50 Queen Street (F4), 0141 204 4200, Mon-Wed noon-10pm,Thu– Sat noon-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm, www.ichiban.co.uk

North Star

This small café/shop is a beacon in the hinterland between Byres Road and Maryhill. It has an honest neighbourhood feel, with posters and small notices advertising activities across North Kelvinside, It even hosts a knitting class every fortnight.

108 Queen Margaret Drive, 0141 946 5365, Mon 8am-5pm,Tue-Thu 8am-6pm, Fri & Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Tinderbox

Celebrating a decade in Byres Road, the original Tinderbox is still a contender for the crown of king of cappuccino bars, although, at the newer Ingram Street location, the hot food selection is wider.

189 Byres Road, 0141 339 3108, Mon–Sat 7.15am–10.40pm, Sun 7.45am–10.40pm 14 Ingram Street, 0141 552 6907, Mon–Sat 7.15am–10pm, Sun 8am– 10pm.

Where the Monkey Sleeps

Opened in 2001 by a group of coffee shop anarchists,Where the Monkey Sleeps have established themselves as the antithesis of corporate coffee chains.This café/gallery is adored by bicycle couriers, office workers, students and drifters alike, who all flock for their range of homemade paninis, sandwiches, smoothies and damn good coffee.

182 West Regent Street (E3), 0141 226 3406, www.monkeysleeps.com, Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm.