Dear Variety Bar, You scared me earlier this year when you told us you were closing. I thought we were close, how could you do that to me? I was all upset because never again would I get to enjoy the feeling of walking into a bar in the middle of 1970s New York, from the dimmed lighting, to the always interesting music choices. I thought I'd have to go somewhere else to enjoy a great choice of real ales and bottled beers. I was sure that I'd never again get to see the wee fishies swimming round in the fish tank at the top of the stairs. All those people that like to bring their dogs to hang out? They'd have to go somewhere else. There would be no retro vibes to take in while you were waiting for a gig at The Garage, or just on the spur of the moment. But you didn't stay closed, and you're back open once more. I knew you couldn't close and treat me like that. We're too close for that to happen, right? Right! And the best bit? You haven't changed a bit. Never go changing, Variety. Never. Your friend, Tony. read more

Variety Bar - The famous Variety fish tank. No, you can't eat them! - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I've always had a healthy respect for the Variety, but it's at times been tinged with my dislike of the 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! read more

This is a little gem of a bar that hides in plain site. I have been visiting Glasgow on a regular basis 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. read more

Variety Bar - Fish Tank! - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

It's a strange place the Variety Bar, but strange in a good way in my opinion. I have meant to write this review for a while as when you get good service you should certainly highlight it. It was a few months back we went in to watch the Wimbledon final on the big screen. The bar was fairly empty and they were selling pims to get in the Wimbledon vibe. Anyways the crux of the matter is nobody was buying it and as the afternoon moved on we befriended the barmaid and we ended up getting 3 free pims each! Free drinks make me happy! Free drinks aside it is quite an old fashioned place, but it is very atmospheric. Lots of different beers types on offer and a really cool fish tank in the middle of the room. You get a really mixed crowd in there and they now have smoak cooking food on site. I have not tried it yet, but it certainly looked good and I will be back to give it a go in the future. This place is a bit of a Glasgow institution and will be around for a long time to come. Certainly worth a visit. read more

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For the short visit we had, I really liked the Variety Bar. I wasn't in charge of buying drinks and so I'm not sure about the range but the cider I had, I enjoyed. The place is pretty small and cosy - on a Saturday afternoon we easily got a seat although I suspect later in the night is more of a challenge. It had a nice chilled out vibe and I liked the art deco decor. I believe Smoak stopped doing food here some time ago and I'm not sure if they have another food option instead. I'd definitely head back for drinks though. read more

Variety Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

There's a fish tank! A fish tank? Well, you immediately know you're on to a winner in that case! The "variety" in the name probably comes from the customers who look like regulars here. It's as if all the generations of a large family have gathered for a drink. It's quite a laid back bar, rough round the edges, with black booths to sink into. The decor is a bit haphazard, like the teeth of some of the punters. No glitz or glam here, it'll be good for a drink, but not for your big Saturday night out. Cheap enough for the location. read more

Variety Bar - Taken by Liz - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I love the Variety Bar. It's just so cool! And not like cool, but like Jazz cool. I've always liked this place; it's got down to earth service (meaning that you get some decent chat off the bartenders), and it seems to know exactly what kind of place it wants to be, so you can understand when you don't get served right away because once you do, they'll talk your ear right off. Well, they did to me anyway. The only complaint that I have about it, is that I can never find a seat; or I can never find a seat for everyone in the party. It always feels like someone has to stand. But it adds to the charm. So if you don't mind drinking your pint standing up until something comes available, then this is your place. Good for a quiet chat. But be ware that the music gets louder as the night goes on. read more

Variety Bar - Pubs Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

This place reminds of several bars I used to frequent in Toronto in the 1980's. Little places nestled in amongst the row houses of Adelaide or King Street . Patronised by art students or gay residents from the local area, They would have the remnants of previous events scattered around the place that had never been taken down. A stetson from a Western evening or a fake palm tree when they had a Tiki night had lingered and just added to the character of the place. It also reminded you that there had been some parties in here that you had not attended. The Variety fits into this mold of quirky bars for a local crowd. It seems to have layers that just make it more comfortable and familiar to the folks who come here. The problem is that if you just drop in here it may take you a while to become accustom to what you see around you. I would re-iterate the statement from Chris. Glasgow Beer has grown up a lot from the local and imported fizzy lagers. They could do a lot better in that regard. Brewdog or Williams would suit well in here. Also the prices are not cheap. I would feel better paying 3-4 quid a pint if it was slightly better than something of the Euro Fizzy variety. We had dropped by for Smoak who were off that day. I am definitely coming back but it will not be for the beer. Possibly for the unique atmosphere. EDIT - They have upped the beer stakes by serving Williams and others in bottles. Great step in the right direction. What is better than a quirky bar on your doorstep? One that listens. Get in here - food rocks and now there is decent beer to go with it. read more

A bar that I used to frequent until tonight, after 10 years coming here I was told only fancy dress only allowed. Seems a little backward since I've been coming to this bar for the past few years without any issues until tonight. From the usual clientele they aren't refusing regulars to this bar for fancy dress, makes sense as the bar is nearly empty. Will remember not to come here unless severely desperate, best to avoid here. read more

The Variety bar has always fascinated me. I think its due to its ravishingly attractive decor - very 30s. I love the lines of the lettering and the shape of the windows (yes, you did indeed just read that sentence). It looks great, it can't be denied. It looks fairly ambiguous from the exterior, and mysterious with its darkened windows (so dark it's the equivalent of a building wearing sunglasses). So what are you going to get - a traditional boozer or a trendy bar? Go on in and find out! I would say that the Variety has been overtaken with a hip, trendy crowd. The elite music lovers have latched on to this place and I can see why. With its fairly lights, dark booths, eclectic mix of music playing and walls littered with gig posters, it is heaven for music fanatics who don't quite fancy the squash of Sleazy's. The booze selection is healthy and although the yound dudes love it here, they live harmoniously alongside old faithful customers. With the mix of music and atmosphere, it's accessible to all and one of the best bars to drink on in Sauchiehall Street. The staff are awesome and add to the ambience of this bar, which is cool in the least pretentious way possible. read more

Oh how I love it here. This place is incredible, though I can't quite pinpoint exactly why. A big factor is definitely the atmosphere; everything just feels... right. From the lighting - moody but not too dim - through the choice of music (Mogwai gives way to DCfC gives way to ambient sounds gives way to subtle dance beats and back again) - through the clientele (wonderful mixtures of misfits, trying-to-be hipsters, thirtysomethings clearly in it for the long haul, couples relaxing over pints and gin & tonics). The decor is quietly stunning, if that's possible; almost thirties influences that work their magic in a way that doesn't intrude or overwhelm. The staff are approachable, talkative if you're in the mood, quietly efficient if not. My favourite bar in Glasgow. read more

I've been a fan of the Variety Bar for many a year, don't get me wrong it's not my favourite pub in Glasgow, but if I ever find myself on Sauchiehall Street on a night out, I tend to gravitate towards a few places - Variety, The Griffin, The State and Sleazy's. The Variety is a bit rough round the edges and good probably do with a wee bit of a tidy up, but I'm not sure that would work. Maybe part of the appeal is down to the fact it's appearance is past it's best? As with most of the pubs I like, a lot of it is down to the clientele and staff - and both in the Variety are, well, varied and good. You get a nice cross-section of folk in here most of the time and I've always found the staff to be pretty decent. The drink on offer is a little uninspired, but the prices are pretty good and it's always a braw place to go if you're in that part of town. They say variety is the spice of life and all that jazz...and the Variety Bar offers a different vibe to most of the Sauchiehall St hostelries, which is most definitely a good thing! read more

A firm favourite city centre bar, the Variety is always good choice for drinks at the Charing Cross end of Sauchiehall Street. The orange/red lighting and music creates a hip ambiance, and the art deco wall decor and lights are perfect for this pub sited opposite Glasgow's biggest and most spectacular art deco building, The Beresford. Drinks wise, all the usuals are here, with West's Munich Red and Joker IPA on tap both welcome additions. Real ale aficionados might be disappointed though. Sadly the popup restaurant Smoak are no longer here, but with so many food choices nearby it's not a deal breaker. Drop in for a drink if you're nearby! read more

The Variety Bar is a decent bar and does exactly what a bar should! I've been in a load of times for drinks, food and just socialising, and I quite enjoy the place! It's quite sizeable, with plenty of seats scattered right up the wall and a huge well stocked bar. The bar staff are excellent and always up for a laugh, and the decor is quite rustic with dark colours and hanging dim lights. I've always had a good time in here and would totally suggest it for drinks. Recently the guys from Smoak have opened a pop up food bar in here selling burgers and nachos and it's absolutely fantastic. The guys that work there are excellent at making burgers and I've never left hungry since they've been there. If you wanna know if the Smoak guys are in, just look for the picture of the Cow in the window! read more

Variety is a cool and cosy corner of Sauchiehall Street. With its atmospheric low lighting and eclectic soundtrack, it's the perfect place for a pint or two, amongst the madness of Sauchiehall Street. The punters here range from quirky art school students to bunnet wearing old men, who all sip their pints quite happily alongside eachother. The staff are always laid back and friendly, and add to this place's cool vibe. Not the cheapest of places, however it's worth some extra pennies for the warm and welcoming surroundings with some great music thrown in. read more

A proper "dive" bar, with gritty interior, The Fall on the playlist, and oddly enough, a big fish tank, Variety is a bit like a smaller, less trendy version of the nearby Nice 'N' Sleazy. It's laid back, edgy and dingy in a good way. Theres no boob tubes or hair gel here. An atmospheric little venue for a few beers and worth a visit. read more

While it pains me to award a good review to any bar which continues to offer McEwans Export on tap, I appreciate the removal of this would probably be akin to the scrapping of student discounts at the Garage. A veritable cocoon of serenity from the grating student madness of Sauchiehall Street, the Variety is perhaps the only bar in the area which maintains a steady stream of regulars, many of whom are a tad old school. However, the atmosphere in here is always welcoming and it's actually an exceptionally handsome bar, very much at the forefront of the slight art deco revolution which seems to be going on in this area. The music is fantastic and for that reason, my visits here tend to coincide with gigs I'm attending at the ABC. Indeed often staff will play tunes similar to acts that are playing that night, helping you get in the mood. It's little touches like this which ensure the Variety is streets ahead of the sterility of many of its neighbours. read more

Possibly scuzzier than Sleazies, but due to the low lighting it's impossible to tell. I'm really not selling this place but it's good, and with less try-hard clientele than Sleazies too. Chris D. below makes a fair point about the beer selection being a bit workmanlike mind you. read more

For personal reasons, this venue will always have a special place in my heart. I have noticed the older I get, the more I like a seat in a pub! And in this pub, I've never had a problem getting a seat. Not to say that this place is never jumping. It most certainly is, including midweek some times. Really good range of bottled beers and ciders, and a nice wee West beer on tap. I like that the venue doesn't take its self too seriously (some draft beer wasn't working when We were in and the sign said "Taps aff"). Red lighting inside could be off putting to some. I find it quite charming. read more

The Variety Bar is always playing top tunes no matter what night of the week. The staff are good fun and actually look as if they are having a good time. Unfortunately you won't find any cheap-o pints in here so if you're a poorer student you might want to head somewhere a little less costly. However, the atmosphere is always great and you can usually find a seat with exceptions being Saturday night. A great place for music nerds and trendy's alike! read more

It feels like a lot of Glasgow bars are turning into hipster ale-houses or generic mega-pubs. The Variety is stubbornly refusing to yield. And why should it when it's one of the cooler bars in Glasgow? The art-deco plaster work and black leather seats are timelessly hip, the music is often peculiar, throw in some neon signs, a pinball table, weird b&w films projected onto a wall from a jaunty angle - and you've got a bar with real character. Joker, Guinness and ciders on tap, decent fridge of cider and ales. They might do wine but it's really not a wine place. We like coming here for a fly pint on the way home. The staff are friendly and the punters are usually a mixed bunch of 20-40 somethings. You can get a cheaper pint on Sauchiehall Street, which keeps the bams away from here. read more

Variety bar is a little bit edgy, with good tunes being played that generally excludes cheesy pop and includes a lot of great tunes. Staff are very friendly and the bar itself is suited out like a 60's retro style pub. It's cosy sized but with a friendly atmosphere. Prices are competitive. read more

Always been a favourite since we stayed 2 floors above during my student days. In fact it hasn't changed much since then and its all the better for it. 'Interesting' mix of clientele....students, crusties, oldies - like me and the odd jakey to keep things intersting. Never ever seen it fill up with your standard Sauchiehall Street bampots. Tunes consistently excellent. No food....they do sell McCoys however so who needs it read more