The best open mic night I've ever been to. We're visiting from Los Angeles and we found them around…read morethe corner from where we're staying. We saw a bunch of musicians walking towards the venue and stopped a gentleman (who was absolutely phenomenal) to learn more and he shared that Mondays, this is the place to be for live music. Everyone was amazing and we couldn't ask for a better way to spend the night in Glasgow. 5 stars well earned!

That we were going to Nice n Sleazy on Sauchiehall (pronounced SUCKY-hall) Street had been…read moredetermined before we departed London. Actually, in truth, I may have gotten word that this mission was not optional while en route to Scotland. In any case, there was no way we were going to pass up the opportunity to visit this Glasgow institution (deemed so because a friend of mine once sat next to Brad Pitt here) and partake of their £2 White Russians. There's free wifi to delight your internet-deprived drinking companions and plenty of people watching to be had. Our night was sadly cut short when smoke began to fill the room and I suggested we skedaddle. Once outside we discovered the street in process of being shut down and multiple firetrucks working on extinguishing the fire above. Past its prime Nice n Sleazy certainly is but that doesn't mean you shouldn't also put this bar on your Glasgow to-do list.

Nice little dive bar. Beers were less than £5 and you can get cocktails for that much also. They…read moreserve dogs and wings too, but I got there too late for the meal service. I liked the seating at the bar, and the two bartenders working were very nice. Young crowd, good music. Looking forward to going back and trying the food!

The Pot Still is a Mecca for Scotch Whisky lovers...a 5-minute or so walk from the Buchanan Street…read morecentral area of Glasgow, slightly off the beaten path, but well worth a walk to from anywhere in the world. It was recommended to us by 2 different Scots (Our tour guide in Skye and our hotelier in Glasgow), so it has quite a lot of credential from all over. We stopped in for our nightly-during-vacation dram on our first of 2 nights in Glasgow. The place was packed...You order at the bar and try to find somewhere to sit when they serve you. (We found a spot upstairs. Our bartender was quite knowledgeable in the extensive collection and guided us to a good choice. (Our main direction in every bar was to give us something we'd have a hard time finding back in the States.) That got us to a Duich Moss dram...heavily peated (just the way I like it) from Islay...a great choice for one of our last whiskeys in Scotland. If you like Scotch Whiskey, you can certainly get it any and everywhere in Scotland...but this place is a true Scotch lovers' destination...the selection is unrivaled, and you'll find yourself in a great, historic atmosphere to enjoy it. Don't skip this place.

Small pub, massive whisky selection -- and I mean massive. We're talking over 1,000 whiskies on the…read moreshelves, plus a solid lineup of beers on tap. It's cozy, crowded, and buzzing with life -- often standing room only and packed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and travelers alike. If you're a whisky fan (or even just whisky-curious), do yourself a favor and try one of their Scotland whisky flights. It's like taking a mini tour of the country's whisky regions without ever leaving your barstool -- and without worrying about driving. The bartenders really know their stuff and are happy to guide you toward something you'll love. A quick heads-up: no football colors allowed, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and relaxed no matter who you support. And speaking of friendly -- the locals here are as welcoming as they come. This is exactly the kind of place where Scotland's famous pub culture shines. Prices are surprisingly reasonable too, so you can sample a few drams without feeling guilty. Whether you're a seasoned whisky nerd or just looking to experience the local vibe, this is the spot. Pull up a stool (if you can find one) and enjoy a proper Scottish night out

The chances are, if you find yourself in this neck of the woods, you're lost…read more While Castle Vaults lies just a stones throw from Great Western Road, so secluded is its location that many Glaswegians are unaware of its exact whereabouts. In actual fact, this is probably a good thing, as although safe enough and cheap, the bar is run down and not a particularly pleasant place to enjoy a pint. During my visit here I was joined by a man I'd never met before, who proceeded to tell me a very lengthy tale about a fall out he'd hand with auntie, who I'd also never met. Mind numbing. In many ways, he seemed genuinely thrilled just to have a new face in the bar to vent to and that, perhaps, tells you all you need to know about this place.

An old school Scottish pub across from the train station, popped in for a quick drink before…read moreheading out for some shopping. Filled with locals and old decorum. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

An unassuming pub on Dundas street, right oppisite the side entrance of Queen Street station, Dow's…read moreis always good for a quick drink while you're waiting for the train. (not that I would even consider doing such a thing) The prices aren't that cheap, and you kind of get the feeling that there are no regulars as such, just people passing through. Nevertheless, it has everything required of a pub these days: a screen perpetually playing sport, a well-stocked, up-to-date jukebox and a couple of fruit machines. No seats were available the last time we went in, most of them being occupied by grumpy-looking couples, their rapport and shine being eroded by years of unspoken resentment and monotony. Outside, black cabs circle, picking up travellers, business people and late-night workers. To conclude, it's really only a stop-gap when you want a quick drink and I would feel very out of place if I turned up here in my glad rags and leopard-print platforms...

Was with a group of friends and was not allowed in because I was wearing athletic-style shorts…read more This was despite the fact that many of the women were wearing skimpy clothing. Would have appreciated a publicly posted dress code but I guess that would be too much effort.

Why step into a place with one genuine bartender, well theres no reason. The live music is there…read morebut there is no kindness or appreciation upon being served. We as customers must understand that beer/ale is overpriced at bars but we are there for the enviroment. I do not think that there is a manager in place and if there is please rid of the unhappy employees, its a bit of a drag seeing subpar workers.

The service was first rate and good beyond expectations. In America you buy 4 wings you get two…read moreflats and two drumets. I got 5 full wings covered in BBQ and fried onion chips. The testator tots as side were piled high and could eat all. The wife got a burger and fries and burger was perfect and fries piled high. We would come back if in Scotland and recommend to anyone

Easily accessible to Kings Cross. Had the Châteaubriand that was excellent. Great food and service.read more

I love the music in this dingy wee bar but every time I have been in the toilets have been flooded…read more The first time was several years ago and last night we went in around midnight. No-one else was in the bar but in the first cubicle the toilet bowl was covered in black bin bags and the second was splattered with vomit. Absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. Floors were swimming. This appears to be an on going issue which has never been resolved and I am at a loss as to why the place is still allowed to be open under these conditions. It's a disgrace and a serious health risk. Can't imagine how they can afford to stay open when customers forced to leave due to unusable toilets. Maybe it's a money laundering front. Filthy.

Total dive bar but open late so decent place to hang. People were smashed when we arrived at 1:00…read moreAM, lots of dancing & loud music. I was told there were some drug situations in the men's restroom. The crowd got a little rowdy towards the end of the night but the staff were nice enough. Cheap drinks

I've always had a healthy respect for the Variety, but it's at times been tinged with my dislike of…read morethe hipsters and crusties among the clientele. However, post Elite Event on Thursday night, I took one look at my get up, acknowledged my penchant for waistcoats, skull ties and facial hair, and gave my self a shake. So, with a bunch of Elites, some Comic Con brains and a desire for a post event pint, The Variety was the destination. You know the one thing that really, really, really rocks about this place. In my ten plus years living in Glasgow, this joint feels like it's not changed one bit. Aye it's a bit grubby, but it's the grubby of an awesome vintage leather jacket. Old, bashed, a bit faded, but just amazing looking and comfortable as all hell in a basket. Drink wise, i'm certain this place could do with a wee overhall in terms of what's on tap. Bottled seems like the way to go if you wish to avoid the massive brands. Ok, it's not an ale pub, but let's look elsewhere. Williams Bros anyone? So aye. This place is back on my map. I feel like it's maybe an age thing, but I felt well comfortable sporting this place!

This is a little gem of a bar that hides in plain site. I have been visiting Glasgow on a regular…read morebasis for close to six years now. Many a time I could be found sauntering along Sauchiehall street in need of a nice, cool bar where I could sit my bum down, have a good drink and read a book. Or just sit with the book in front of me while I drink. All this time and I had never once stepped inside The Variety Bar. I've been missing out. Be warned, this is a small bar and on a busy night it seem cramped. I would not recommend this bar for taking a large group of friends because if even one other person has this same idea, you will be fighting for seats.... Okay so two tribes fighting over seats is an exaggeration, but anyway the bar is cosy. However, this is the only comment I have to make that comes close to being negative. A wide assortment of Beers, lagers (bottled and draught), spirits, mixers, wines and liqueurs will set the ball roiling nicely on your experience and you will marvel at the display of drinks that dazzles your eyes as you make that heart-wrenching decision that is your first drink. The decor sets a nice atmosphere with old timey fans that do not actually keep you cool but look nice. Leather seats, stools and lovely standing spaces will accommodate all posture preferences. The real stand outs, for me, are the fully functional fish tank (with real fish!) and the Batman pinball machine in the corner. These added real flavour to the place and have left an impression with me. Any time I talk about the place I mention them, but then I am a nerd so I would! The bar is located about 3/4 of the way along Sauchiehall St. (walking from the city centre) and so is ideally placed for anyone who wishes to continue their festivities with a night at one of Glasgow's many nightclubs or late night bars (The Variety closes at midnight). During the day they serve food, I have not experienced this yet but will soon. Food is served until 7 pm. So go ahead and treat yourself, visit The Variety Bar. While it may not look like much on the outside, there is a saying about books and covers that you should look up and then live by.

Good for beer or shots and music, otherwise no. Had chili that was ground beef and spicy salsa over…read morerice. We each had a cocktail that was a rendition of a classic cocktail and they were weak and pretty bad. Atmosphere was decent dive bar, good for hanging out, and I'm sure the beer and whiskey is fine just avoid the food and cocktails.

3.5 is more accurate, but you know.... good music, good drinks. Food was OK…read more A great late night place when you are hungry in Glascow.