Rufus has always been there. Just... there. It was never a place that I thought "I must drop in" - that was until recently. Not sure if anything has happened behind the scenes, but they seem to have upped their game. Their social media presence has increased, and there just seems to be a buzz around the place. I approve! The beers are cheap and plentiful, the bar itself if nice and clean and comfortable, and a pool table as well. The crowning glory for me is the Rufus app. Request music from your phone, without even having to get out of your seat! If they could maybe adapt it to bring you a pint as well, then they can have the fifth star, and I would possibly never leave,,, read more

Ok so i'm going to go for a drink in this rocker joint..check list for fitting in and not getting the "why are you in here you Square?" look: 1, Piercings; visible or hinted at.........negative 2, Tattoos; again visible or hinted....nope 3,Grrrrrr face; one that says i'm angry at stuff and my mum too cos she bought me the wrong findus crispy pancakes for my tea last night......again no. Right....shit, what makes me think i can pull this off then......just as the fear would normally begin to set in, just when the overwhelming doubt would normally begin to rise and all hope would be lost a hero steps into the light, a hero that for centuries has smoothed over such issues, something that has allowed you to be blinkered to the utter disdain that a group of non rocker type dressed folks has spewed at them by the rocker type folks.....this hero, this joyous beast of loveliness i speak off??? Well folks its our one and only best friend and Scotland's answer to ambition, invention and solving world hunger............Alcohol!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yip, 5 pints and a couple of drams is just about enough to make you utter...." Rufus T's?....Aye, why not." To be honest it ain't too bad in hear, yeah its loud, yeah its a rockers pub but hey its friendly, cheapish and a damn site better than some of the city centre alternatives.. Rough and ready, not a bad joint at all. read more

I don't love Rufus, but I don't hate it which is how I've ended up at the middle of the road 3 stars. It's a rock bar but the regulars seem pretty friendly so you don't need to feel out of place if that isn't your thing. Drinks are reasonably priced, and what I tried of the curly fries were pretty good (thanks Sheena!). We were visiting for a weeknight drink and the place was relatively busy with folk around us, but it wasn't too loud with chat or music that we couldn't get on with our conversation. During the night some promo folk came over offering free samples of Bailey's (decorated with cream to look like a cake which was a bit odd). I love that there's an app to request your own tunes and remembered I wanted to do that last time I visited, and forgot again. Looks like I'll be heading back to Rufus again soon then! read more

Rufus T Firefly - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

Love this place! Been coming here for years whether for Friday night "bring it on" or for a wee catch up and grab some food with a friend during the day. They do good food, good drink and goooood music. Yeah I'm a bit of a rock chick. I remember one friend's mother saying "is that not a scary place". To be honest you're probably safer there and get treated better than in Yates' or a Wetherspoons. Ok so there is one down side to this pub, the toilets are downstairs and yes they do reeeeeeally smell of pee but I found out there's a sewer underneath. This explains a lot as the toilets are usually clean. Don't let this put you off so to even let you into their softer side, my man and I were killing time before heading to the cinema on Valentine's Day, they put a wee glass filled with Love Hearts on all the tables. Awwwwww!!! read more

Another Rock Cafe: and so, it has a very specific clientele. They like rock, they like drink, they like loud music. And they are all younger than me. It has those cool bar-staff- the ones with the tattoos that I can only envy. They have whiskies and cold beer on tap. They serve it well without fuss. And the atmosphere, despite the music, is chatty and open. It seems pretty quiet on week nights, except for whatever party I have attached myself to. That is a high recommendation for me. read more

Rufus T Firefly is the little brother, if you like, of the Solid Rock Cafe further down Hope Street. It really does appear from first glance to be a scaled down version of the Solid - the same kind of 'rocker' clientele, rock posters and guitars decorating the walls, rock music - but just squeezed into a smaller area. As well as the main bar, there is a smaller upstairs room with a bar in Rufus T's, although recently this appears to have been closed off. Although Rufus T's and the Solid Rock both share a pleasant appearance and atmosphere, musically they are actually like chalk and cheese. While the Solid plays well-known hit after hit all night long by the likes of AC/DC and Metallica, Rufus T's playlist seems to purely consist of a bunch of pub bands you won't have heard in your life. On my recent visit to the Solid I recognised practically every song i heard over the course of several hours. On three or four recent visits to Rufus T's however, I barely recognised a single tune (er, well, they did play one Rammstein song, that's about it). To make matters worse, the TV screens on the walls seemed to always be playing a constant stream of crap horror films. It's a real pity about the music and TV screens, because Rufus T's is an otherwise decent pub. It shares the same good qualities of the Solid in many ways - inexpensive drinks, comfortable, nice decor, good spaghetti bolognese. But unless you enjoy the underground rock scene and like to watch films about mutant sheep running around biting people, you will be a bit dissapointed. read more

Rufus T Firefly - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

As far as bars go, I didn't really rate Rufus when it first opened. At the time, it seemed to me like a pale imitation of the Solid Rock Café, a bar that I'd sort of bonded with upon reaching legal drinking age, much like a newly hatched duckling - it was even run by the same people! I didn't think it had a personality of its own to make it any more interesting. Now, several years later, dragged in for the second stage of a birthday night out, I have to say that Rufus has come into its own as a pub for the rockishly inclined. There's a nice vibe about the place, a pool table, and a second bar up the stairs where there are various cosy nooks for ensconcing. I believe that there's also a rooftop beer garden thingamiebob for those who are inclined towards the burning of tobacco. The upstairs bar, known as Otis B. Driftwood, doesn't serve the pitchers of cocktail that we were all craving after our previous destination (fishbowl envy and all that), so we had to traipse back down the stairs to get one. Not a biggy, though. Drinks were still yummy! I couldn't possibly comment on the selection of beers and ales, as when there be cocktails about I don't notice these things - pretty colours and big flavours and GIANT JUGS (no, not those you scandalous rogue). I reckon it's worth a few more visits from me. On ye go, have a magical cocktail pitcher of doom! read more

I'd been denying my rock and/or roll lifestyle for too long, so I popped in here for a quick pint of an afternoon when I should have been studying. YEAH! REBEL REBEL! Fight the system! Down with the man! This place is twinned with the Solid Rock down at the bottom of the street. During the day the two places are fairly similar. Decent enough food of the burger and nachos variety and standard fare when it comes to drinks. At night the two places differ, with the Solid attracting a slightly younger crowd, and Rufus's a more...let's say classic rock crowd. At least, I think that's the idea, however, there isn't really that much of a difference. Maybe this place is more inviting to the borderline rockers. "Hey guys, there's this great rock bar called the Solid Rock. We could go tonight and tear it up!" "Yeah, but classy Steve's with us tonight" "Oh well, Rufus's it is then". I don't want it to sound like it's always the second choice, it has a brighter, lighter atmosphere than a great many rock dives I've ended up in around the world. Any time I've been in, the music hasn't been as brutal-in-your-face metal either. More Pearl Jam and Faith No More than Slayer or Rotting Christ. It depends who's behind the bar. There's a second bar next door called Otis B. Driftwood which used to be closed off for private functions. I haven't ventured through there for years, so can't tell you what it's like. The smoking area upstairs is known as the Back Passage, which makes me chuckle. What's in a name? Who were Rufus T. Firefly and Otis B. Driftwood? Well, allow Wiggles to put on his teachers hat. Both were characters in Marx Brothers films played by Groucho Marx in the 1930's. Rufus in Duck Soup and Otis in A Night At The Opera. Invite me to your next pub quiz, I am a master at trivia. One could say I'm entirely trivial. read more

I really enjoy being in Rufus T's. It's somewhere fun to have a drink and relax, no matter who you are or what you're into. Yes it may be a rock bar but everyone is welcome! Kris and I often visit for the pizza since they run an offer where you can have 2 pizzas for £9, bargain! I chose a Rufus T (BBQ sauce, mozzarella, bacon, chicken and sweetcorn), while Kris chose an Italiano, made with mozzarella, meatballs and jalapenos. The pizzas are made thin and crispy, just the way I like it (can't stand doughy deep pan pizzas, bleurgh!) and come with a generous amount of toppings. Kris wolfed down his pizza, so it must have been tasty! I enjoyed the sweet BBQ sauce on mine; a nice change instead of Napoli sauce. Rufus T's will always be a favourite of mine for their straightforward (but delicious) food and the fact they stock one of our favourite beers: Joker IPA. It's somewhere I know I will always have a great time and get a decent pizza! read more

I'm a big fan of darkly lit rock pubs. The regulars are usually less pretentious than your average crowd, and there's usually a good atmosphere. Rufus T's is no exception. With two bar areas and an upstairs smoking area, it's bigger than you expect but still cosy. Drinks are expensive but no more so than your average inner city pub. Often a bit too busy but what can you do? The only major flaw is the positioning of the toilets. They are down a set of steep stairs that are often slippery with water and piss. I've never seen it, but I guarantee many a person has tumbled down those steps after a few pints. Keep some of your faculties for navigating down there. Recommended. read more

Rufus is often being compared to Solid rock cafe, but the thing is they are two very different places I like both pubs yet I will always find myself in Rufus more and the reason is simple I'm 23, the solid will always appeal to an older clientele than Rufus don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's only younger people that go to Rufus and older to solid it's just the majority of how it is. During the day In Rufus you can expect some cheapish food and some good banter with the staff - most of the time anyway. The food can be both awesome and pretty rank I think it depends on how the chef is feeling. Most people that like rock music will fit in here, if your an ****hole more and likely the staff will make you aware of that, they are very nice people but they don't like horrible people just trying to ruin it for everyone else, which I personally think is a great quality for a pub to have. It also has a really awesome smoking area, its a balcony with a canvas - retractable - roof and even heaters, they really do know how to care for all the smokers out there. I don't find Rufus so much fun at the weekend as it does get packed and unless you are in really early then you will not get a seat, I understand that people do like this sort of atmosphere personally I don't. But all in all great rock bar as long as you remember more aimed at younger rock fans - so will not find AC/DC played on a loop, but if that's your sort of thing you will love Solid Rock Cafe - and they really do have some of the nicest most helpful staff. read more

I'm not a huge rock/metal person, and so I've generally stayed away from places such as Solid Rock and Rufus T Firefly but having been a couple of times in the past few weeks, I think my opinion is changing. I've not eaten in here yet, but the drinks are pretty well priced. I'm a rose wine and lemonade kinda gal (yeah, I know...) and in here it's pretty nice - even though their wine glasses don't leave much room for any actual lemonade. I like how the music is chosen via an app for the guests, the house "wine" is Jaegermeister and they show films up on the big screens (with sound muted) which always results in a fun attempt to guess what's actually showing. Pub quiz on a Monday was a nice surprise (and a helpful boost to the bank balance with a wee cash prize!). I can definitely see myself coming here more. read more

If you're looking for a slab of some rock music before a night out, then Rufus T is yer man! Serving up a mixture of everything from classic rock to metal, Rufus T pipe out some great tunes over the course of the evening. Like the Solid, it attracts the alt rock contingency of Glasgow, but it's not so overtly metal as the former. It's got quite a brooding, cozy atmosphere, and is dark and dimly lit enough for nighthawks to be satisfied. Despite the fact it's always fairly busy, it doesnt' ever seem too mobbed (unless it's later on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected.) For being a pub that caters to a particular taste it's not ladened with posers, and is actually quite relaxed. The people in the bar are a good mix of ages and the bar staff are very friendly. Booze is flowing, a wide variety of music is playing and a good time is usually had by all. It's a mature pub that's not as self conscious as some of the "music bars" in town, and thus a bit more chilled and grown up. One to take the kids to...when they're old enough to drink. Wink, wink! read more

Hadn't been into RTF for a while and went in last night, the midgies (wee fruit flys?) are back which is just disgusting when you've ordered food! I was also disappointed by the change in menu to a very limited one with basically very basic burgers and pizza, we ordered pizza only because we couldn't be bothered going elsewhere. I love Rufus and used to love a chilli cheese burger but the new menu is lame and the pizza was awful. We were also thrown off our table as it was supposedly "reserved" when we had ordered food!? Great way to treat regulars! read more

This place is nothing special, and that's exactly what I love about it! It's a dark, dingy, rock music-playing bar in which you can feel totally relaxed. The folk behind the bar are friendly. The drinks are pretty cheap and the food is just bog standard pub grub for a good price (and sometimes that's exactly what you need of a night!). It doesn't try too hard to be something it isn't all the while providing all the staples of a good night out in the pub. You always feel welcome there! read more

I feel the service in here has gone down hill dramatically in recent years. The usual rocky crowd have moved on and a more pop based group have moved in. The choice of food and drinks isn't much to shout about. I miss the old Rufus's/. read more

Much better than Solid Rock Cafe, Rufus T's is the place where you'll find the alternative crowd in Glasgow, before heading to The Cathouse or Classic Grand. Although it's a rock pub, Rufus manages to be warm and welcoming to newcomers and avoids the cliquey nature that often comes with pubs of this sort. The drinks aren't too expensive and there is a great mix of music, coming from a laptop at the bar, and the staff will happily play requests if they have it, which they usually do. The food here is above your average pub grub and you can get a decent meal for two, with drinks, for under a tenner. Overall, a decent pub if you're after something a little out of the ordinary and enjoy your music loud. read more

Rufus ahhh lovely rufus how i love thee so!! As many other people will say its this or solid down the road, in my opinion solid doesnt get a look in. During the day both bars are pretty similar, tasty food, decently priced and quieter than during the nightime ruckus that goes on in glasgow :). The times that it differs are your busy periods, nighttime, Friday and Saturday are the best! The things that set rufus apart are the look, the staff and the atmosphere. The staff first of all are easier to talk to, generally more fun and enjoyable to be with, the area is slightly more open and much more comfortable. The seats are comfier, bigger tables and easier travelling between bar table and toilet. And lastly its the atmosphere, its really laid back and, to me, doesnt feel as serious rock as the solid. Its a nice atmosphere, relaxed, fun but ask anyone around and most will know their music! So to sum up i absoloutely love this place and reccommend it to anyone, try it and see how it is :) read more

Rufus T Firefly is just a standard pub that caters t the "alternative" music lover. Despite there emphasis on rock music I like that they haven't were for the all out dark and dirty typical rock pub and instead keep the place spic and span. They offer a pretty good selection reasonably priced food and drink and the staff are pleasant enough. read more

This may not have been the best venue for us but it was two doors up from the restaurant and an old haunt of the friend I was with. It has a great open space, and plenty of tables. It's a tradition to get after dinner cocktails but we may have been over estimating what Rufus could offer. We started with Jack Daniels, Cherry Sours and Dr Pepper....it started to become palatable about half way through...I then tried a Ride the Lightening or something to that effect, which had, if I remember right, amaretto, jim beam, grenadine and coke....interesting thats for sure. For a place to have an after dinner drink and chat, it's probably not the best place as it's quite loud, the customers rather than the music, and a bit sticky. But for drinks on a night out, sure ;) read more

Used to spend alot of time in here. A close relative of The Solid Rock down the brae, this place serves up more of the same metal music but in a friendlier environment where you can breathe. The bar staff are super cool, and up for a wee chat about this that and the next thing. The prices are decent as well. A great alternative to The Solid before venturing out to a gig. Should really go more often. read more

Rufus is a bar I've attended since I turned 18. A lot of Rufus' regulars will consider it to be their local, many live no-where near however it's the connotations that the phrase has. Rufus is a comfortable place that everyone is welcome. There isn't a stereo-type as there is always people you wouldn't expect to see in there. It's also a place that people all know each other. The bar staff have changed over the years but the attitude is always the same. Rufus isn't a 5 star bar for it facilities or type of clientele. However it's as safe as home to a lot of people. read more

I've been here 3 times since I returned to Glasgow from Liverpool. I had the cheesy nachos with a bowl of chilli to pour over it. I also had chips too. I must admit the portion size is a big honest portion. I walked out my way to get here on the 3rd time. Very today. It is a rock bar, but during the day time you would never know that. Staff are nice and polite too. They have a pool table too. I'm sure they had an open top area to smoke if I remember rightly from years ago, if you smoke. Worth a try. Food is cheap. read more

I love a good rock bar, and while I always find Rufus a bit hit or miss, I keep going back. Its a rock bar, so therefore you expect it to be a bit dark and dingy, but it also feels quite dated - i feel like i go back in time every time I walk in, and they seem to be constantly playing the same old metal from about 10 years ago. Its a pub, not a club, with no dance floor and loads of seating, but yet they play the music so loud that its near impossible to talk most of the time! The drinks are reasonably prices, some good offers, buts its often packed and difficult to get served. Its a good pre-club place then (i.e. when drinking is a higher priority than chatting) and with the odd good songs thrown in, it can get you in the mood for a dance, just don't be expecting bells n' whistles! read more

This is definitely an underground scene. Somewhat goth and just odd people who try hard to be unique. Pizza was good. I was obviously out of place here but overall the experience was certainly unforgettable. read more

Rufus is my default bar in Glasgow, not least because it's the more salubrious of the two rock bars on Hope Street. Busy at weekends and if big gigs are on in town, Rufus is usually pleasantly quiet or at least not too busy through the day or weekday nights (excepting the traditional Monday pub quiz) making it a great shout for lunch while shopping or before going to the pictures. Big tables and booths make it ideal for group meet ups and birthdays too. The menu isn't earth shattering but does exactly war you want it to with it's selection of burgers, pizzas and spicy bar bites. It's also reasonably priced and I've always enjoyed my dinner or lunch in here. The bar is well stocked with a few varieties of whisky and rum in addition to the usual suspects and bottles of Williams Bros. beer keep me pretty happy... read more

Somewhere good to kill an hour or two reading a book in the afternoon, or to meet friends. The food is reasonable, and the volume is not too loud until the evening. There's also a pool table if that's your thang. I recommend the curly fries, yummy! It can get quite busy and loud on weekend evenings, but if you're young and fit and don't need to sit down then it's fine! :D read more

Watch your money in this place - not because of the punters - it's the bar staff you have to watch. My wife gave a £20 and got change back from a £20 then the barmaid declared it was a £10 she gave her and refused to give her all the change. The manager did nothing. Unbelievable!!!! I would avoid anywhere like that. read more

One of my favourite pubs; good tunes (rock and metal and indie), can get Joker on draft and always feel at home. Awesome for a pint before a gig in Glasgow plus decent food for not a lot of cash. read more

Some of the staff were cool, the music is just screamo thrash metal nonsense. Yet they have picture of The Rolling Stones and The Who and a bust of John Lennon and never play any of their songs. I used to be a regular but after they refused to serve my friend even though he is over 18 (21 in fact!) Really annoyed me. It's a rock bar and as soon we walked in with our guitar cases we got dirty looks. Barman even took a huff as I asked for my money back. All in all just another drinking den for Glasgow's clique of a rock scene. read more

I like rock music but don't dress like many people that go here however I've never found that I've looked out of place or not welcomed. I think it's a good place to catch up with friends over drinks as you can still have a conversation without the music being too loud. read more

Rufus T's is a rock bar filled with regulars and teenagers maybe not old enough to be drinking yet. I abaolutely loved this place when I was a bit younger but it's easy to grow out of. The selection of music can be anything from old metal to more modern pop punk but it's generally played too loud to have a conversation that doesn't require shouting over the table. Don't get me wrong, if you're a fan of popular alternative music and just want to grab a few pints before hitting the Cathouse then you'll have a brilliant time - just don't ex read more

Live music, grungy surroundings and good drink deals, however, why does it always smell like fish? or pva glue?? They also offer good food and all prices are reasonable. read more

I have to admit to being a bit disappointed with Firefly's. The crowd is mixed and friendly enough but the music is really hit and miss. It is also another bar which just shouldn't bother with a pool table. Kudos for having some decent signed albums and guitars on the walls though. However, I was really disappointed when there was a sing along to Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin''. Yea, rock on... read more

My husband and I visited this restaurant/bar on a trip to Glasgow five years ago because he loves Groucho Marx. We enjoyed it so much, we had to return all these years later. The food was tasty and the prices were very reasonable. Even better was the "Clock In" special. If you order between 3 p.m.-5 p.m., your entree is the cost of the time. I.e. each of our entrees was £3.45 because we ordered at 3:45. Good food at a great price ... Have to love it. read more

It's been declining over the years, but it's still the best rock bar in Glasgow. Guaranteed to have a great night at Rufus thanks to their regulars and staff. However, they do need to update their photos on the plasma screen! read more