With outdoor dining being the destination du jour during sunny weather, we’re all in need of a spot to celebrate heading back into the warmer days once more by seeing our mates over a couple of pints or a meal. And to help us catch up, many of Glasgow’s food and drink establishments are making use of their outdoor spaces, whether it be terraces, beer gardens or al fresco dining on the rooftop, perfect for lounging in the sun when the weather allows. Check out our ultimate guide to outdoor dining spots to try in Glasgow during these warm temperatures.
1. Brel Bar
Belgian bar and restaurant Brel has a large beer garden great for outdoor and indoor meet-ups. Plus, this Ashton Lane go-to is perfect for all seasons and occasions from cocktails and beers in the garden, gooey cheese fondue in their conservatory and mezzanine or a warming hot chocolate by a roaring fire pit. Brel has recently launched some food and drink packages for both indoor and outdoor dining, starting from £10 per person.
Brel, Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ
2. Ox and Finch
One restaurant making the most of the limited outdoor space in Finnieston is Ox and Finch. They have previously collaborated with Ka Pao to create a pop-up fried chicken shop called Koxedo and now they’re back at their fine dining restaurant, with a few tables outdoors. What is more they have received a Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade once again for 2023 and has retained it for nine years now. So, be quick, these will be booked up ASAP!
Ox and Finch, 920 Sauchiehall Street, G3 7TF
3. Five March
Preparing their fabulous alfresco space for the season, Five March will be going all out with plenty of seating available on their terrace and tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Guests can enjoy seasonal and bright dishes alongside cocktails, fizz, or whatever tickles your taste buds. The outdoor area of Five March is also quite the suntrap and just a stone’s throw away from Kelvingrove Park.
Five March, 140 Elderslie Street, G3 7QF
4. Cottiers
A magical spot to visit all year round, Cottiers in Glasgow’s West End boasts a gorgeous outdoor garden, which was once a church yard. This summer you can enjoy lounging on their terrace, specially created for those warm days. Dine on beautifully presented meals and say cheers to freedom with refreshing cocktails and pints, but be quick as slots are selling out super fast. We also can’t wait for them to reopen their attic space found up their winding turret staircase, as well as bring back performances.
Cottiers Bar, Theatre and Restaurant, 93-95 Hyndland Street, G11 5PU
5. Drygate
The Glasgow brewery has helped get us through the past few lockdowns with their beer deliveries but nothing quite beats a refreshing pint of craft beer out in the sunshine. Drygate Brewery started pulling pints again, plus they’ll be serving some damn good dishes from grazing boards and burgers to high end eats like confit leg of duck or featherblade steak too.
Drygate Brewing Co. 85 Drygate, G4 0UT
6. Barras Art and Design Centre
Who’d have thought a museum could be transformed into an amazing outdoor dining venue? Barras Art and Design Centre (BAaD) has an outdoor dining venue which features their container yard and courtyard which are both buzzing in the summer time. Celebrating its centenary in 2021, the legendary Barras has risen to become an art and design hub that includes an oyster bar, an events space and a gin school inside. There’s plenty of food to choose from including seafood delights from A’Challtainn under the glass canopy, as well as MoOd restaurant and Scran n Swally.
Barras Art and Design, 54 Calton Entry, G40 2SB
7. Church On The Hill
This picturesque bar describes themselves as “a community bar, run by locals, for locals, intent on celebrating the Southside!” Church On The Hill offers views in every direction, from the old church building looming overhead and out onto the Battlefield monument and Queen’s Park behind it. The bar’s outdoor area out front is pretty impressive in size and dogs are welcome here. You never know, your pooch may make their doggy hall of fame!
Church On The Hill, 16 Algie Street, G41 3DJ
8. Ubiquitous Chip
This bar and restaurant is a must-visit if you find yourself on Ashton Lane. Serving incredible Scottish cuisine, Ubiquitous Chip is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists, but add a rooftop terrace to go with that venison haggis or pint and you’ve got quite the set up. As you sit out on their rooftop with flower-clad railings you can take a little peek out at the passers-by on the West End lane, plus it’s quite the suntrap.
Ubiquitous Chip, 12 Ashton Lane, G12 8SJ
9. Chinaski’s
Get yourself down to Charing Cross because the beer garden of Chinaski’s is the place to be for book lovers. This bar and restaurant inspired by Charles Bukowski’s literary alter ego serves up amazing food and an impressive cocktail menu. But after the past couple of years we’ve all had, we don’t blame you if you order a few of them to make up for lost time. Chinaski’s will also be serving up burgers, steaks and moreish sides if you’re in need of a bite to eat and to soak up their cocktails and beer.
Chinaski’s, 239 North Street, G3 7DL
10. Van Winkle
Hallelujah, this restaurant’s outdoor dining area is here for the summer! The barbecue restaurant, Van Winkle, has reopened their beer garden on Gallowgate where you can sip on a few beers or bourbons and munch on tasty barbecue dishes- which sounds like the perfect addition to a meet-up with your mates in the sun.
Van Winkle, 267 Gallowgate, G4 0TR
11. The Rum Shack
With more than 100 rums to choose from, including some Scottish made ones, The Rum Shack in Glasgow’s Southside is a must-visit. Enjoy delicious Caribbean food in their outdoor dining space, including salt fish, goat curry, jerk chicken, coconut king prawns. Plus, there’s one dish on the menu inspired by the city that we have our eye on and it’s spiced haggis bon bons.
The Rum Shack, 657 – 659 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2AB
12. Mackintosh at the Willow
Found atop of the historic institution designed by the well-known Glasgow architect, this rooftop area is sometimes overlooked when it comes to hunting down places in the city to soak up the sun. However, this particular terrace, happens to be one of only two south-facing roof terraces in the whole of Glasgow and is the perfect escapism despite being located on one of the city’s busiest streets.
Mackintosh at the Willow, 215-217 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3EX
13. Platform
Platform is known for serving up food and drink and hosting events under their signature railway arches on Argyle Street, but the lane behind has now been revamped to become a café on weekdays and an outdoor dining spot. Guests can enjoy a tipple of two as well as focaccia sandwiches and flatbreads in a little lane furnished with benches, stools, parasols, a pergola and adding a dose of magic with some fairy lights.
Platform, 253 Argyle Street, G2 8DL
14. Kong
Not only is Kong Roof Garden stunning, but it is also heated for those unreliable Scottish days and evenings. Boasting a view of the city’s rooftops, the spot also offers £4.95 cocktails, wine and fizz on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays! Visitors can also expect to find everything from bao buns to Buttermilk Fried Squid. Kong is famous for its Kong Fried Chicken (KFC) with spicy Korean glaze and toasted sesame seeds, with vegetarians can also able to enjoy the KFC Cauliflower.
23 Royal Exchange Square, G1 3AJ