A city as diverse as Glasgow is always going to have a bit of a freaky side that we don't always see. And with converted churches, secret speakeasies and a few themed venues, where better to see this weird and wonderful side than in its bar game. From the heart of Merchant City to the edge of Finnieston, the city is dotted with bars that have something special about them. We've compiled a stellar list of Glasgow's weirdest and most wonderful bars for your drinking pleasure, featuring both new hangouts and old favourites. Enjoy!
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 25th July 2024
The Shilling Brewing Co. is a venue that celebrate the complex art of creating craft beer. Based in the heart of Glasgow and featuring its own micro-brewery, the bar frequently serves beers that have been crafted only a few feat away from the taps. Framed by huge brass brewing tanks and splashes of bright paint, its the bar's weird and wonderful character that sees it draw in some many guests.
Drenched head to toe in carved wood furniture and with huge tree trunks connecting the floor to the ceiling, Waxy O'Connors laughs in the face of Glasgow's ordinary pubs. Serving a range of gastro pub treats and featuring a craft beer and real ale line-up that's capable of rivalling any, the venue's low hanging lanterns and stained glass windows makes it one of the weirdest bars in Glasgow.
Found in the heart of George Square, The Alchemist is keeping thirsty folk on their toes with a lineup of beautifully bizarre bevvies. From cocktails the foam and bubble to sharing sips served in an assassin's teapot, your intrigue will certainly be piqued.
Brel can be found on Ashton Lane taking influence from Belgium in both its decor, food and drinks. Beer is specially selected from the country and served to thirsty punters in a fairy-lit garden, lined with leafy foliage. There's even a fire fit for when things need to heat up. On the menu? A variety of international eats ranging from schnitzel to raclette and hot honey fromage - it's mussels are incredibly popular too.
Charming in every way, Kitty O'Shea's is a quirky Irish pub in the heart of Glasgow that's far removed from your run-of-the-mill local boozer. With rows of barrels lining the walls, unfinished wooden flooring and over 11 different beers on tap, it's an ideal place to escape the bustle of the city after a long working day. For those that prefer something even stronger, there's even a little whisky bar here, full of the best single malts that Scotland has to offer.
Carving into giant blocks of ice to make their drinks, the Kelvingrove Cafe is an experimental cocktail bar that never stops when it reaches a boundary. Once a Victorian ice-cream parlour, the venue's expert mixologists blend together a range of fresh fruits, exotic liqueurs and international spirits when creating their drinks. Expect to find things that you've never seen or tasted before at this weird and wonderful bar in Glasgow.
Based in the city's East End, St Luke's is a venue housed in an old Presbyterian Church. With the original pulpit and organ still placed in the venue, the former church now has a number of different bars, all serving sin by the glass, and a stage that's hosted some of the city's best up-and-coming rocks bands. Kick back in a pew and soak up all the brilliance that this venue has to offer.
The team at Tabac deal only in fresh dishes, stunning cocktails and cheeky surprises. Based on Mitchell Lane, the venue's sleek decorations and ultra cool vibes are mirrored by the daring cocktails its mixologists produce using their arsenal of international spirits and potent liqueurs. But unquestionably the best secret in town, the venue has a secret bar, The Panther Milk Bar, that's hidden beyond a fire exit. This is easily one of the coolest bars in Glasgow.
Hidden in the middle of town, Chinaski's is a secret bar in Glasgow, dressed as a speakeasy that you'd expect to find back in the 1920s. Simple yet wonderfully decadent, the venue pairs its burgers, pizzas and pastas with a drinks menu full of great craft beer, fiery spirits and signature cocktails. Maybe take a littler wander and peak behind a few curtains. Who knows, you could find a complete new drinking den at this weird and wonderful bar in Glasgow.
At Glasgow's Bavaria Brauhaus, ever month is October. The German beer fanatics behind this Oktoberfest den have all the biggest German brands on tap, including the likes of Lowenbrau, Hofbrau, Augestiner, Paulaner, Hacken-Pschorr and Spaten. With a menu composed of traditional German dishes keeping things on an even keel, the rowdy, infection vibes make this one of the most wonderful bars in town.
Based on Kings Street, Super Barrio washes a wave of nostalgia over every guest that walks through its doors. The venue's walls are lined with all your favourite vintage arcade games - such as Miss Pacman, Space Invaders and Tekken - and the bar is stocked will the best craft beers produced by Britain's most iconic breweries.
