The best Glasgow bars and restaurants near TRNSMT 2024 festival site

Gillian Loney & Gary Armstrong

5 July 2024 at 7:20 am·8-min read

The Dam bar Glasgow — -Credit: (Image: Instagram @thedamglasgow)

The countdown is on until Scotland's biggest music festival opens its gates - and we're in full TRNSMT planning mode.

If you're heading to Glasgow Green on Friday (July 12) to see Liam Gallagher headline then you'll no doubt have your tickets sorted - although there are still some available, for anyone with last-minute FOMO.

The fest runs Friday to Sunday (July 12-14) and a top line-up includes Gerry Cinnamon, Calvin Harris, Garbage, Chase & Status, Courteeners, Rick Astley, Sugababes ... the list goes on.

Of course, it's not always about the music - and with Big Feed offering up street food galore in the arena, you're spoiled for choice at Glasgow Green.

But we all know that the party starts on the way there (if you're doing it right, that is) so here's our list of the best bars and restaurants near the park, for anyone meeting up with friends pre-TRNSMT.

Saint Lukes & The Winged Ox

Saint Lukes Glasgow — Inside the legendary Saint Lukes -Credit:Daily Record

A dead-cert on our list, Saint Lukes & The Winged Ox is a real favourite in the east end of the city centre.

The music and arts venue offers everything you could ever want to munch on before you head to a music festival - there's not much they don't have on the drinks list, while the menu is filled with potential hangover curers such as burgers, sandwiches and boat loads of fries, including cajun and sour cream flavour and pulled brisket, bbq and mozzarella.

There's also a couple of cracking outdoor areas where you can enjoy your drinks too.

West on the Green

WEST Glasgow — The famous WEST beer garden -Credit:Facebook

It doesn't come much closer to the TRNSMT site than this.

West on the Green regularly features in our summer food and drink guides thanks to its fantastically fresh beers, excellent food selection and the beautiful beer garden out front.

The venue may of course be a little busy during the TRNSMT Festival, and it would be wise to expect somewhat of a queue if you don't have a booking. However, it might be worth it by the time you get to the front for a currywurst and a pint of West or St Mungo, before you hop across to the festival.

Whistler on the Green

An underrated food and drink spot - 'serving traditional, simple, and wholesome cuisine on the doorsteps of the Green' - may not be on everyone's radar but it really should be.

Situated on Greendyke Street, looking onto Glasgow Green and occupying the former Whistlin' Kirk bar, the bar serves breakfast, lunch and evening bites along with traditional pints and not-so-traditional cocktails - all with the feel of an old school city boozer.

Drygate

A little further out from the TRNSMT Festival site, but nonetheless one of the best spots in Glasgow bask in the sun - if it's shining - on the fantastic outdoor terrace.

The menu includes Drygate's take on classics such as beef burgers and fish and chips, while some of the side dishes - we're looking at the mac and cheese and poutines - are understandably pretty popular.

As you would expect at any brewery venue, there's an extensive beer menu to compliment your food.

226 Gallowgate

Next door neighbour to the famous Barrowlands music venue, you'll find an uber cool 'local pub' that attracts people from all over Glasgow.

A classic bar benefiting from a fresh, modern style, there's a wide range of food and drink to explore and sample, including beer battered fish and chips and steak pie.

Ahead of the festival they've announced they're serving 'proper pints at proper prices' in both their indoor and outdoor areas.

The Amsterdam

If you're wandering through the Merchant City on the way to the Green, it might be worth a stop off at The Amsterdam.

The dive bar describes itself as 'a no-frills, all fun kind of affair; a place you can party the night away or drown your sorrows', and is well liked for cocktails and perfect serves, while the food menu features a bunch of belly-busting burgers, chicken wings and loaded fries, filling you up before you go and sing your heart out at TRNSMT.

The Gate

For those looking for something a little more laidback and sophisticated ahead of the madness of the festival, The Gate is your place.

This beautiful Gallowgate bar is one of our favourites, the perfect spot to hide away and enjoy exquisite cocktails and one of the city's best whisky selections with excellent service from the brilliant bar staff.

Alongside bar snacks, they also serve up delicious toasties too, meaning you can enjoy a quick bite before heading out.

BAaD

BAaD includes an indoor bar, two external bars, BBQ and grill, beer garden, gourmet food trucks ... the list goes on.

On weekends, you'll usually find DJs on the decks too, getting you right in the mood for the upcoming sounds at TRNSMT - and of course there's the Barras on your doorstep, providing lots of local colour, maybe the odd pre-festival shopping opportunity.

MONO

This ever-popular vegan cafe spills out onto King's Court where in summer you can dine outside and make the most of the warmer weather.

Their meat-free menu highlights include souvlaki, shawarma, mac and cheese and pizzas, while the bar stocks a whole host of local craft beers.

Maggies Rock n Rodeo

Maggies to her friends/Glaswegians in the know, this Merchant City mainstay will undoubtedly be on the list for many festival-goers.

The burgers, dogs and rib-sticking menu classics are exactly what you need to get you through a big weekend, and there’s live music on offer across both floors throughout TRNSMT (12pm-3am) so you can hit the dance floor before or after Glasgow Green. And then there are free bull rides for all TRNSMT ticket holders…your move, Glasgow.

Buck's Bar

Buck’s Bar has become something of a Glasgow institution - and rightly so. Have you seen those epic chicken burgers? Fried chicken is the star of the show here, although drinks and cocktails in particular are well worth a visit to the Trongate.

Perhaps the ideal way to fuel up before TRNSMT, and we’d guess almost exactly halfway between Glasgow’s major train stations and the festival site, if you’re walking from Queen Street or Central - thank us later. And maybe save us a wing.

Van Winkle

Another spot not far from the festival, this Bourbon bar and BBQ joint sits directly opposite the Barrowlands, and is ideal for grabbing both refreshing cocktails, beers and bourbons and a selection of cracking scran from their menu that's packed with Kentucky flavours and comfort food.

The Clutha

If you're looking for a bar with real character then the Clutha, which is found close by on the Clydeside, is a Glasgow fave that everyone needs to experience.

The Stockwell Street institution has hosted everyone from Billy Connolly to Frank Zappa and offers a cracking menu of pub favourites (including their famous pizzas) that really is one of the best value options around.

Take in the colourful murals that surround the pub as you tuck into some classic scran.

Ho Lee Fook

The cleverly named Ho Lee Fook - read all about their name here - is one of the best reasons to visit the area around the Barras (as well as the market itself).

The husband and wife behind the eatery are so popular you'll have to be prepared to wait (there are always queues), but thankfully not for too long, with the team working hard to get all the orders out.

Check out their Tonkatsu Sando, you won't regret it.

Monster Munchies

The epic 'hangover killing' scran on offer from this hugely popular trader in the Barras is definitely not be missed especially if it's the morning after the TRNSMT Day before.

Colin Jenkinson, the man behind Monster Munchies, fires out some crazy creations – Irn Bru chilli chicken bao buns anyone? – and is the friendliest man about to boot.

Definitely where we'll be heading on Saturday after enjoying a Friday of massive bands at Glasgow Green.

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