7 of the best places in Glasgow for pub food

If you are on the hunt for good value quality grub, you can't go wrong with Glasgow's pub scene.

Published 2nd Feb 2018
Updated 20 th Sep 2023

With a huge variety of quirky and traditional joints to suit all tastes, Glasgow has a range of gastro-pubs which are sure to make your mouth water.

We asked food blogger Pam Gilmour – also known as The Glasgow Food Geek - to tell us her favourite places in Glasgow for pub food.

Here is her choice of seven fantastic eateries for you to peruse at your leisure.

Who knows, your new favourite pub might just be among the suggestions.

7 of the best places in Glasgow for pub food

WEST Brewery

(Templeton Buisness centre, Templeton St, Glasgow G40 1AW)

https://www.instagram.com/p/9mMfnLIXQ7/?taken-at=227753276

This gem is sits in the east end of the city in Glasgow Green and features a fabulous Bavarian-inspired menu.

You can choose from a selection of classic German dishes, such as currywurst or Jäger Schnitzel. However, there are also lighter options, such as Scottish Smoked Salmon sandwich, and a delicious Pork and Chorizo Burger.

To continue the Bavarian theme, you can try some of WEST's German-style beers, such as St Mungo, Hefeweizen, and Munich Red.

There are also a few of WEST's newer brews, including Wild WEST, and WEST Black.

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McPhabbs

(23 Sandyford Pl, Charing Cross, G3 7NG, 0141 221 8176)

Glasgow pub food

Picture: Glasgow Food Geek

A cross between relaxed restaurant and classic pub, McPhabbs is a perfect place for Sunday lunch or Saturday brunch. On Soul Food Sundays, you can indulge in a fantastic fried chicken dish, served with collard greens, charred corn, biscuit and gravy.

If brunch is more your bag, you might like to try the banana bread French toast, or the chorizo potato hash.

Throughout the week, there are a number of pub classics to suit all tastes, including cheese burgers and the eternally popular mac n cheese.

There is also a pool table and some wide-screen televisions to keep the sports fans happy, and some outdoor picnic tables which are superb in summer.

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Kelbourne Saint

(182 Queen Margaret Dr, G20 8NX, 0141 946 9456)

Glasgow pub food

The now famous rotisserie chicken. Picture: Kelbourne Saint Facebook

This eatery specialises in rotisserie chicken – so much so that they even have a chicken-inspired signature cocktail! The Kelbourne Saint cocktail is made with chicken washed Talisker, lemon and thyme syrup, angostura bitters, and crispy chicken skin.

The stars of the food menu are Grampian beer brined chicken, and the incredible St Brides chicken, which is fed on garlic and herbs.

The restaurant is very family friendly, with a climbing frame outside, and children's portions on the menu. There are also picnic tables for sunny days.

People with a sweet tooth will be pleased to learn that there is also a daily pie special for dessert.

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Big Slope

(36A Kelvingrove St, Charing Cross, G3 7SA, 0141 333 0869)

Glasgow pub food

Picture: Big Slope Facebook

Big Slope is not just one type of bar – it is a gastro-pub, a pizzeria, a fondue house, and a pre-drinks place all in one. It gets its name from Kelvingrove Park's “big slope”.

The atmosphere is very relaxed, with Alpine-inspired décor, and a heavily student-based clientèle. There are a couple of pairs of antlers on the walls to keep an eye out for.

Many students like to come here for lunch, dinner, coffee or drinks, in order to forget the work-load waiting for them at the university.

There is also a charming bar garden with a fake fireplace for those chilly spring nights.

Stravaigin

(28 Gibson St, G12 8NX, 0141 334 2665)

Glasgow pub food

West coast mussels, Kerelan tomato and coconut broth, paratha. Picture: Stravaigan Facebook

The word “stravaig” means “to wander”, which links into Stravaigin's commendable ethos: “Think Global. Eat Local.”

There is a café on street level, and a restaurant downstairs, which has won the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2012.

The menu focuses on Scottish produce, with influences from further afield. For instance, you can sample a delectable Pentland pheasant breast, or a seared stone bass with kohlrabi.

The list of British cheeses on the menu is also impressive, featuring great British varieties such as Ragstone, Corra Linn, and Isle of Mull Cheddar.

Rum Shack

(657-659 Pollokshaws Rd, G41 2AB, 0141 237 4432)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BahZkfxAjq2/?hl=en&taken-at=421843975

This Caribbean bar and canteen is a great place to chill out with your friends.

There are over 100 rums behind the bar, including Plantation 5, Angostura 1919, and the brilliantly named Legendario.

One of the Rum Shack's best cocktails is called El Jefe, and is made with El Dorado eight year old rum, Oloroso, Amer Picon, demerara syrup, and bitters.

There are a number of classic West Indian dishes, such as jerk chicken, served with rice, peas, and corn on the cob.

You can also try curry goat and chicken brown down for an authentic Caribbean experience.

Firebird

(1321 Argyle St, G3 8AB, 0141 334 0594)

Glasgow pub food

Firebird has a passion for fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere.

Their food cannot be assigned to just one cuisine – their influences come from a variety of different traditions.

Their fish of the day is always excellent, with past dishes including monkfish in a white wine and saffron bisque.

The desserts are equally spectacular, including such wonders as the caramelised white chocolate ganache with passionfruit parfait.

At lunchtime there are also good combo deals, where you can have half a pizza alongside a nourishing soup.

Maddy lives in Edinburgh and has written for the Sunday Herald and the Ed Fringe Review. She is passionate about authentic, sustainably sourced food, and is always keen to discover exciting new flavours.
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