Best bars in Glasgow with live music
When you head to a stand-up show on an empty stomach, even world-class one-liners won’t land. The drinks and nibbles combo is hard to beat, but if you’re sick of low-light bars with hard-to-hear muzak, keep our recommendations in mind.
Some of the best bars in Glasgow are just as good at spotting talent as they are cooking grub. If you’re someone who enjoys a jam before the main event (a night out at Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club), add our top 7 live music bars to your must-visit list.
1. MacSorleys Music Bar
If you want the quintessential Glasgow pub experience, MacSorley’s is a great city centre location.
Pouring pints since 1892, this local favourite is dripping in heritage. It has that long-running local-favourite energy, serving fine Scottish food with a premium range of draught, bottles, spirits, wines, and whiskies.
Plus, it’s practical if you’re looking for the easiest possible journey – sitting smack bang in the city centre, just a two-minute stroll from Glasgow Central Station. It’s the ideal place to meet up with friends for a quick pre-show pint and bite.
2. Waxy O'Connor's
Waxy O’Connor’s is an all-rounder if you’re after another lively, city-centre option that puts good tunes first.
The bar promotes free live music in the Church Bar 7 days a week, showcasing everything from traditional tunes to crowd-pleasing cover bands.
Waxy’s reliable schedule will take your pre-show planning woes away – it’s just a 13-minute walk from our purpose-built comedy club.
So why not swing by? You can sample nachos, Irish chowder, strawberry shortcake stacks, washed down with a pint and quality entertainment.
3. The Scotia Bar
When you want an undeniably Glaswegian night, the city's oldest pub should be near the top of your list. Founded in 1792, this beautiful spot has a story-soaked atmosphere that newer bars can’t match.
You’ll find live music running every night from Thursday to Sunday, with a mix that could include rock and the blues. But the best part? They keep instruments behind the bar that patrons are welcome to borrow.
So, if after a couple of hours spent socialising and eating good grub, you want to provide the music yourself, The Scotia Bar gives you the stage. Just be sure to finish your set in time for our comedy show.
4. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
When you’re serious about live music in Glasgow, King Tut’s is a rite of passage.
Tucked away on St Vincent Street, this legendary 300-capacity venue has been launching careers since 1990, with names like Oasis, Radiohead and Biffy Clyro cutting their teeth on its stage before making it big.
It’s just the right balance of gig venue and laid-back bar. Downstairs, in this split-level space, you’ll find a basement bar area where you can settle in with some proper comfort food (Beef Hot Pot or Chilli Bowl, anyone?)
Upstairs is a standing-only live room where you can watch the very best of the Scottish live music scene in action.
Then, when you’re ready for a different kind of energy, switch gears with a show at Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club.
5. Bloc+
Bloc+ is an independent Bath Street staple that does things differently. They’re not for everyone, and they know it, describing the Bloc+ method of enjoying food and fun as relaxed and unpretentious.
Add this bar as a stop on your way to Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club, and you can expect live bands and DJs seven nights a week (all completely free entry) with a no-rules approach to genre.
But what about when your belly’s rumbling? The Bloc+ menu also takes an experimental approach: classic Mac and Cheese with an Irn-Bru pulled pork, crispy seasoned pickles (AKA ‘Frickles’) and Haggis poutine.
Swing by for something lively and a little unexpected: it’s the best way to set up for a night of comedy.
6. Nice N Sleazy
It’s a bar, club and venue, all wrapped into one.
Nice N Sleazy opened its doors in 1991 and, since then, they’ve become a Glasgow institution known for delivering seriously good live music. Split across two levels on Sauchiehall Street, Sleazy’s feels worn in (in the best way).
Downstairs, it’s about the music: a compact gig space where you’ll find up-and-coming indie bands, punk, electronic, and left-field acts.
Upstairs is more relaxed. There’s a bar and seating area where you can grab a drink and order from the bar’s simple but solid food menu.
The venue offers a selection of ‘Hash Bangaz’ (hash browns made with various veggies and smoked seasonings), plus mouthwatering burgers and fries.
7. Òran Mór
Ending things in style, we’ve got Òran Mór. Set in an enchanting converted church in the West End, this is one of the city’s most historic buildings.
Òran Mór is a multi-use cultural venue with plenty of spaces to explore: you’ll find a lively main bar pouring over 150 whiskies, as well as more intimate corners where acoustic sets bring the place to life.
When it’s time to chow down, sample staples like Venison Sausage with Mashed Potato and Kale, then tuck into a Sticky Date Pudding for dessert.
If you’re into a more laid-back soundtrack, their piano and wine bar (Fonn Mór) is great for easing into the night before things ramp up at Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club.
Ready for a night of non-stop comedy?
The best bars in Glasgow will fill your stomach and soul. Each of these seven venues has something for everyone, but, as the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome (Stuart Mitchell’s Comedy Club).
The end goal is a seat in our purpose-built 130-seat room at Blackfriars of Bell Street, where you’ll be treated to 1 hour and 40 minutes of comedians cracking jokes. But don’t worry: if you find yourself gasping for a drink, there’s a 20-minute interval.
Head upstairs to the food and drink section and sample a wine or beer from our fine selection. Ready to book your place? Check out what’s on, and start planning your night.
