Strathduie - Glasgow

I knew I 'd like this place from three doors down so much so that I took a picture. I just liked the name and the look of it. When our local Glasgow friend brought us inside, he warned that the violins may seem a bit twee oh but I 'm from Los Angeles and I found the violins and flute and other instruments to be lovely. This was a group of musicians seated in the pub along with the rest of us, playing at just the right volume. Inside, we were lucky enough to find great seats early Saturday evening. The walls are white and the pub is very convivial. Our friend bought me a half and half half pint of ale plus a lovely whisky. I mean really lovely. Isle of Jura. Must get more. One would be really lucky to have this as their local.

The falafel burger was perfect with chips and a touch of greens. This is a comfortable place for good food and a cold Guinness.

A simple pub that seems to be visited frequently by locals, but I was attracted here for dinner by the funny name. The atmosphere inside is homely but quiet, and there is an outdoor space where people can gather for a drink. A single waiter zipped around taking care of everyone but he was very attentive to everything. I ordered the featured ale (Fyne Ales Jarl) and a plate of their haggis with neeps and tatties. Everything was delicious and the service was great. If you are looking for a quiet place for a pint and dinner, this would be a great choice!

Ever since the beginning of time (or when I first discovered this pub I thought it was actually Babbity Bowser and it was only when I looked at the sign on Saturday night that I discovered the extra t in there. I 'll still call it Bowser though! I 'd visited for afternoon drinks a while back, and we headed her for an after dinner drink on Saturday night. While it was heaving with people at 9pm, it wasn 't hard to get a seat or a drink which was good! This is a simple pub classy, nicely decorated and a comfortable place for a chat over a pint. There wasn 't any music on but it was pleasantly filled with the rumble of Saturday night chat from other patrons. Prime seating options are along the wall, whereas the tables in the middle mean you 'll be perching on a small stool. I didn 't have anything to drink (I was driving! and was too full to even look at the food options, but I 'll definitely be back for visit 3 when I 'm in the area again.

Over in Merchant City on Blackfriars Street the Babbity Bowster has the feeling of a friendly neighbourhood bar in the city. They have regular traditional music sessions including and especially on Sundays when its pretty packed out and standing room only. As much as I love the music I prefer the quieter times when it's not so busy and I can while away a few hours over a few beers or a few drams of whisky. Drinks prices are on the higher side when compared with some nearby drinking spots but the presence of some great food on the menu more than makes up for it. Vegetarians are well looked after with specials changing through the week and some regular staples such as veggie haggis or veggie moussaka. Check out their website for menus and gig listings. Dogs welcome outside in the patio seating area.