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Cocktail barCocktail barMerchant City
The Absent Ear is an award-winning hidden cocktail bar on Brunswick Street in Glasgow's Merchant City, a Van Gogh-themed speakeasy with a hidden door.
DrinkVan Gogh-themed signature cocktails
FoodBar snacks
TipReservations are strongly advised and are taken through the bar's own site; it is closed on Mondays.
££££
ScottishTraditional pubMerchant City
Babbity Bowster is a Merchant City institution on Blackfriars Street in Glasgow, a French-Scottish bar, inn and eatery pouring cask ale since 1985.
DrinkCask ale and Scottish whisky
FoodFrench-Scottish pub menu
TipIt is a rare Merchant City pub with a beer garden and folk sessions; the upstairs eatery does a fuller menu.
££££
British gastropubWhisky barCity Centre
The Pot Still is a fourth-generation whisky bar on Hope Street in Glasgow, pouring from more than 1,000 bottles under the eye of the Murphy family.
DrinkA dram from the 1,000-plus whisky range
FoodPies and toasties
TipAsk the staff for a recommendation by flavour rather than name; they will find you a dram to suit and a pie to match.
££££
British gastropubNeighbourhood barWest End
The Kelbourne Saint is a neighbourhood bar on Queen Margaret Drive in Glasgow's West End, mixing craft beer, cocktails and a well-regarded pizza kitchen.
DrinkRotating Scottish craft beer
FoodWood-fired pizza
TipThe pizza kitchen is a genuine draw, not an afterthought, so come hungry as well as thirsty.
££££
British gastropubWhisky barFinnieston
The Ben Nevis is a snug whisky and folk-music bar on Argyle Street in Glasgow's Finnieston, with over 100 malts and traditional sessions most weeks.
DrinkMalt whisky from over 100 bottles
FoodBar snacks
TipTurn up for a midweek folk session; the bar works first-come-first-served rather than taking bookings.
££££
Cocktail barCocktail barFinnieston
Kelvingrove Cafe is a dark, seasonal cocktail bar on Argyle Street in Glasgow's Finnieston, reviving lost drinks in the old cafe's original room.
DrinkSeasonal cocktail menu
FoodSmall plates
TipThe cocktail list changes with the seasons; ask the bartenders what is new before defaulting to a classic.