Outdoor eating and drinking in Glasgow
Outdoor eating and drinking in Glasgow
Whether you're after a rooftop or a beer garden to catch the rays, here are our top picks for eating and drinking outdoors in the city.
Roof terraces
KONG
Located in Royal Exchange Square, Kong has a roof garden for all seasons. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long day of shopping or sightseeing. All day dining and craft cocktails await, with a resident DJ and music until late.
Book now at kong-glasgow.com
Ubiquitous Chip
Small but perfectly formed, the roof terrace at Ubiquitous Chip is a hidden gem in the west end. The perfect suntrap, it comes equipped with a mobile cover and heaters for when the sun goes down. Their wine menu is particularly impressive, as well as their locally-sourced brasserie menu. Book at ubiquitouschip.co.uk.
Radisson Red Sky Bar
Located at the top of the Radisson Red hotel in Finnieston, the stylish sky bar boasts incredible panoramic views over the city and River Clyde. As well as the views, enjoy their innovative cocktails and live music from resident DJs every weekend. Go to redskybar.com to book.
Mackintosh at the Willow
The historic Mackintosh at the Willow has a rooftop terrace where they serve nibbles and drinks. Visit mackintoshatthewillow.com to book a table at this south-facing suntrap, which includes views of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed chimney - a hidden architectural treasure!
Malones Irish Bar
The roof garden at Malones is perfect year-round with its outdoor heating. Located right in the centre, it's an ideal spot to enjoy an afternoon alfresco. Follow Malones Instagram to find out more.
Cafes
Kilmurry & Co
Taking you through from brunch to dinner, Kilmurry & Co offer a spacious outdoor seating area. Enjoy their pancake stacks, bagels or ciabatta along with a coffee or a fine wine in the sunshine. Go to kilmurryandco.co.uk to browse their menu.
Singl-end Merchant City and Garnethill
Singl-end are known for their epic brunches with all the trimmings, not to mention the delicious cakes. Both locations have outdoor seating, are family and dog friendly, and are fully accessible. Visit thesingl-end.co.uk to book.
Beer gardens
Sloans
One of the city’s oldest pubs, Sloans, has a picturesque courtyard. Head through the archway from Argyle Street and discover a quaint outdoor dining and drinking spot with fairy lights and murals. If you get hungry, try their legendary mac ‘n’ cheese. Visit Sloans' website to book.
Brel
At the end of the cobbles of Ashton Lane, you’ll find Brel. Their beer garden is a popular spot in the summer, perfect for drinking classic cocktails or cold beers. Though if it is a bit cooler, you can still enjoy their heated, covered patio area and firepits. Visit brelbar.com for more info.
Bier Halle
Right in the heart of it all is Bier Halle, which boasts an outdoor terrace on Gordon Street. Prepped with heaters, lighting and tents for full rain cover, Bier Halle offers a great city centre outdoor spot. Expect a huge range of beers and tasty pizzas. Book in advance at Bier Halle's website.
Chinaski’s
Named after Charles Bukowski’s literary alter ego, Chinaski’s heated outdoor terrace and beer garden is perfectly located for a central meet-up. Grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry, and at the weekend their DJs create an upbeat atmosphere. Find out more at chinaskis.co.uk
The Social
Set in the spacious Royal Exchange Square, The Social has a pretty beer garden with stylish furniture and floral arrangements. Give their experimental cocktails and mocktails a try, with food options including shared plates and pizzas. Visit The Social online to book.
Cottiers
Formerly a church (and churchyard), this gorgeous outdoor garden is magical to visit all year round. Their extensive drinks list is suitable for all occasions and comes alongside an impressive menu, all of which you can enjoy on the terrace. Visit cottiers.com to book.
River views
Inn Deep
Situated on the banks of the River Kelvin, Inn Deep offers plenty of craft beer and pub grub. If you need a bit of warmth, they also have tables under the archway with heaters. For those who want to bring their furry friends along, dogs are encouraged. Visit inndeep.com to find out more.
The Clutha
Beloved by locals, The Clutha’s mural-covered beer garden looks onto the River Clyde. The perfect location for a sunny pint, you can also enjoy one of their delicious pizzas. Visit The Clutha’s Facebook page for more.
Restaurants
The Dam
The pedestrianised cobbled streets of the Merchant City are ideal for outdoor dining and drinking with many options, including The Dam on Brunswick Street. The menu includes burgers, club sandwiches and loaded fries with a great range of beers on tap and bottled. Explore the menu at thedamglasgow.com.
Mharsanta
Enjoy a pot of mussels with a cold beer at Mharsanta, also in the Merchant City. Their outdoor menu includes Scottish delights, such as Stornoway black pudding fritters and prime Scottish steak burgers. Book via mharsanta.co.uk.
Kelp
Located in Cowcaddens, Kelp is a sustainable Scottish seafood restaurant. Enjoy small plates including, hand-dived Barra scallop ceviche and whisky and treacle cured salmon in their garden. Complete the experience by sipping inventive cocktails like the Harris Kelp Martini. To book head to Kelp's website.
Five March
Five March’s terrace is a perfect suntrap, away from the hustle and bustle, and close to Kelvingrove Park. Enjoy vibrant sharing plates, seasonal cocktails, and organic wines in a laid-back atmosphere. Visit Five March's website to view the menu.
Van Winkle
If you’re in the mood for a Kentucky BBQ inspired menu, head to Van Winkle in Gallowgate. Sip on a few beers or bourbons alongside their tasty dishes in their spacious beer garden. You can even book a private outdoor booth for up to 6 people. Find out more at vanwinkle.co.uk.
Celentanos
With a Michelin Bib 2023 award, you know the food is going to be top quality at Celentanos. The boutique hotel and Italian inspired restaurant is set beside Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis - making for a stunning spot for their outdoor space. Explore the menu at celentanosglasgow.com.
Craft breweries
West on the Green
Boasting a huge beer garden overlooking Glasgow Green, West on the Green is the ideal spot for a sunny day. Located in the iconic Templeton Carpet Factory building, this brewery, restaurant and pub offers a taste of Germany in Glasgow. Find out more at westbeer.com.
Drygate
Located just off Duke Street, Drygate is Glasgow’s first experiential craft brewery. Whether you opt for the yard or the terrace, freshly poured, quality pints are guaranteed. And the beer's not all they're good at, if the sunshine makes you hungry, check out their excellent food menu. Visit drygate.com for more info.
Article last updated: April 2024
