The Best Coffee Shops in Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow Coffee Shops Map

Want to see all of the best Glasgow coffee shops displayed visually? Here is a map of these top coffee shops in Glasgow. That way, you can see which coffee shops are closest to where you'll be. You can also save this map to your Google account and reference it anytime you're wandering around the city.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: City Centre

I've organized this blog post about the best coffee shops in Glasgow by area or neighborhood. Let's start with the top cafes in the city centre.

The Devil's Roast

The Devil's Roast specializes in coffee, tea, matcha, cocktails, lunch, pastries and cakes. They also do an afternoon tea!

There are quite a few reasons to visit The Devil's Roast, whether it's for the vibes or the eats, though I'm always on the search for a seriously good cup of coffee. This also happens to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in Glasgow.

The coffee is delicious and there's also a rather nice collection of cake slices and baked goods (including vegan ones!). They source their pastries from various local bakeries.

Fern Coffee Bar

Another great cafe in Glasgow city centre, Fern Coffee is the place to be for caffeinated beverages, sandwiches, soup and cake. I love that you can swap out your milk for oat milk at no extra charge.

Enjoy a light lunch with a delicious coffee or tea. Their soup of the day is always made in-house, and it's vegan and gluten-free. They also have an assortment of cakes and treats, including vegan cheesecake.

Gordon Street Coffee

Gordon Street Coffee is an award winning coffee roaster in the heart of Glasgow, right next to Glasgow Central Station. They also have a location in Edinburgh should your travels take you there, too.

This Glasgow coffee shop serves their own unique single origins and expert blends straight from their own roastery. Try an espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, cortado, or mocha.

Fancy something else? They also serve specialty tea, hot chocolate, and chai. I was also delighted to see so many vegan cakes and bars available, like chocolate and orange truffle bars, blueberry bakewell, carrot cake, and cinnamon buns.

They're always rotating their blends and single origin offerings, so you can try all of their coffee after several visits. Once you've decided on your favourite ones, you can purchase their coffee beans on-site to brew at home.

While Gordon St Coffee only has limited seating at their Glasgow location (it's more of a grab-and-go takeaway spot from the train station), you can sip and savour your coffee before you venture back out again. It's a popular spot that you'll love.

Fun fact: we bought a bunch of their "Edinburgh Roast" and gave out little bags of their coffee beans as our wedding favors! Justin and I got married in Edinburgh.

Grain and Grind

Grain and Grind is a local Glaswegian chain of coffee shops, with four locations in Glasgow and one in Inverness.

They originated in Southside in 2018 with a bright and laidback spot to enjoy delicious brewed beverages and seasonal dishes. Since then, they've expanded to five locations, carefully roasting over 20 coffee blends in Inverness.

They work with farm cooperatives worldwide (from 15 countries!), emphasizing ethical, organic, and sustainable production methods. Many of their coffees are named for the farms and estates where the beans are grown and harvested.

Hinba Specialty Coffee

Hinba Specialty Coffee is a small coffee shop in Glasgow's city centre, offering coffee brewed from their own roasted beans (Hinba Coffee Roasters). They are a small coffee roaster, roasting their beans on the Isle of Seil near Oban.

They have one coffee shop in Glasgow city centre, two coffee shops in Glasgow's Westend (as well as an additional bakery and a restaurant, four establishments in total), and one cafe in Oban.

Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee is a cozy coffee shop and vibrant community space in Merchant City. They proclaim that their coffee shop offers "old-school charm with a modern twist, featuring packed with nostalgia and a menu crafted to delight every palate".

Try a hot coffee or espresso beverage. Or perhaps you'd like to try a cold coffee, like a frappe? Swap out for any milk alternatives for no additional charge. If you're looking for a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere that feels like home, check out Isle of Coffee.

Laboratorio Espresso

Laboratorio Espresso has a lot of accolades to its name. It's been called one of Britain's 30 best coffee shops, and one of the 50 best coffee shops in the world.

After trying lots and lots of coffee on my travels, the coffee I sampled at Laboratorio Espresso lives up to the hype. They certainly elevate the coffee culture in Glasgow, which is already at a very high standard.

You'll love this Glasgow City Centre coffee shop as soon as you set foot in its architecturally designed space. They feature coffee from around the world, featuring the top cooperatives and roasters from across the UK and internationally.

Their single origins and blends are unlike any that you'll find across Scotland and the United Kingdom. It's not too far from Queen Street Station, so you'll likely walk right past it on your trip.

Off the Rails Coffee

Does Off the Rails Coffee have the best coffee in Glasgow? Well, you'll have to be the judge of that. They proudly proclaim that they do, using their locally roasted artisan beans that are a blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans.

Their food menu consists of sandwiches (including make your own), bowls, breakfast items (including a vegan bacon roll), as well as cakes and pastries.

Riverhill Coffee Bar

Riverhill Coffee Bar is the first coffee shop in Glasgow that I ever visited, fresh off the airplane and feeling jetlagged. Thankfully, their freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats perked me right up, and I was eager to continue exploring Glasgow afterwards.

It has a prime location so I'm sure you'll walk past it more than a couple of times when you visit the city.

Riverhill Coffee Bar strives to produce flavourful coffee and delicious food in a stylish setting. Their coffee suppliers are local roasters, Dear Green.

They have a large assortment of plant-based milks, like oat, soy, almond, and coconut. You can pair your coffee with breakfast rolls, toast, bagels, breakfast pots, and cakes.

They had a fantastic selection of vegan cakes, desserts, and even sausage rolls when I visited. The barista also told me she was vegan, and she showed off all of the plant-based offerings.

I was very pleased to visit Riverhill Coffee Bar as the food and drink tasted great, and the service was impeccable.

Smile Cafe

Smile Cafe is another Glasgow coffee shop where you'll find one of the best cups of coffee in the city. As an Italian cafe, they serve superb coffee and authentic Italian light bites and pastries.

On the drinks menu, order one of your favourite espresso beverages (oat milk and soy milk are their plant-based milks), Italian hot chocolate or specialty teas.

This Italian coffee shop serves cold sandwiches and hot sandwiches in addition to their selection of caffeinated beverages. They also offer breakfast, croissants and toasties in the morning.

Also consider trying the soup of the day, pasta of the day, or pizza of the day.

Spitfire Espresso

Spitfire Espresso describes themselves as a friendly, laidback, independent coffee shop in Glasgow. They serve coffee, sandwiches, cakes, an all-day breakfast, and craft beer. It sounds like a great combination to me!

The menu is super vegan-friendly, with offerings like a vegan burrito, vegan full Scottish breakfast, vegan rolls, vegan pastrami sandwich, and espresso beverages with oat or soy milk.

Tinderbox Espresso

Tinderbox Espresso is a great place to unwind and take a break with a delicious coffee in your hand. The original Tinderbox coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans from Colombia and Brazil, and they haven't wavered from the same blend since 1998.

It's roasted in Glasgow exclusively for Tinderbox - you won't find it anywhere else.

Their espresso bars are stylish and offer great music and evening entertainment in some cases. The original Tinderbox started in 1998 in Glasgow's West End.

They've since expanded to five locations in the West End and City Centre, including one on the popular Byres Road.

Honourary Mention: Tantrum Doughnuts

Tantrum Doughnuts is the best donut shop in Glasgow where you'll find an assortment of doughnuts, vegan doughnuts and great coffee.

They use Papercup Coffee Company beans (locally roasted in Glasgow). Coffee and donuts go so well together, so why not pick up a sweet treat to go with your morning cup of joe?

They serve brewed coffee and espresso beverages like flavoured lattes. I think that a regular cup of coffee or Americano goes great with a doughnut and helps offset the sweetness of the baked good. Go for a stroll around the city with a donut and cup of coffee in hand.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: West End

Next, I'll show you all the best places to drink coffee in Glasgow's West End. There are quite a few excellent cafes here, so you can go hopping from one to the next!

1841

1841 is such an awesome West End coffee shop that they've opened a second location. Now, you have two great finds to choose from, depending on where you're spending time.

This beloved local cafe typically serves two different kinds of espresso: their house blend and a rotating single origin. So, you can visit multiple times and try different brews each time you visit. They also offer plant-based milk at no extra charge.

Black Pine Coffee Company

Black Pine Coffee Company is a cozy specialty coffee shop in Glasgow's West End. They serve all of the classic espresso beverages, and you can get everything made with oat milk.

They also have a vegan toasty option, as well as lots of vegan desserts in house. This is truly one of the best Glasgow coffee shops, and it's on the top of my list for when I return.

Grumpy Barista

Grumpy Barista doesn't have too much of an online presence, but that's likely because they're focused on what they do best, making coffee. Some reviewers have even gone as far to say that it's their favourite coffee in Glasgow.

They are unfortunately closed from Monday to Wednesday, but it can be a great spot to chat with friends or even work on your laptop from Thursday to Sunday (10am - 4pm). While they are open for only limited hours, you will need to seek this one out.

Kaf Coffee

Kaf is an independently owned specialty coffee shop in Glasgow with single origin coffee brews, freshly baked sourdough bread, and delectable pastries. They typically offer vegan sandwiches on the menu, including some seasonal specials.

They even have a second specialty food shop called Kaf Goods. You can brew their coffee at home, and also find lots of unique condiments, baked goods, and savoury treats.

Meadow Road Coffee

Meadow Road Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Glasgow, and they check off all the boxes for me: great coffee, plant-based milks, and vegan food.

They brew local Dear Green coffee and serve all kinds of espresso beverages with oat milk. I also love that they're a dog-friendly cafe in Glasgow.

Meadow Road Coffee might just have one of the best vegan breakfasts in Glasgow, and they even have vegan fried chicken and shortbread bars, too. Next time I'm in Glasgow, you'll find me hanging out at Meadow Road Coffee!

Offshore Coffee

Offshore Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Glasgow, and it's been a part of the West End coffee culture for over a decade.

It's right near Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow. They have a range of espresso beverages, vegan baked goods and lunch offerings.

I adored the relaxed atmosphere in this cozy cafe. There are many tables, plush chairs and couches where you can enjoy your coffee while working, savouring great conversation or reading a book.

It's one of those places where you're encouraged to spend time while sipping your favourite drinks. Offshore Coffee is one of the best coffee shops for freelancers and those who love working on their laptops in cafes.

Shoutout to the guy in the window who waved when I took this photo. Loved catching this when I edited the photo! You're on the internets forever now ;)

Ottoman Coffeehouse

Ottoman Coffeehouse is one of the first specialty Turkish coffee houses in the United Kingdom. Before opening their cafe in Glasgow, the founders (two siblings) traveled to Istanbul to study the best methods to roast, ground and brew coffee.

In 2015, Ottoman Coffeehouse was born and has been a staple in the Glasgow coffee shop scene ever since. On their coffee menu, choose from classic espresso favourites, specialty espresso drinks (red velvet mocha latte, pistachio latte, iced crushed caramel, to name a few), and both filtered and unfiltered coffee.

Ottoman Coffeehouse also has a full food menu for lunch. I'd love to try the vegan pakora, vegan shawarma salad, and their hummus. I love that the menu caters to vegans like myself.

Papercup Coffee Company

Papercup Coffee Co is located on the Great Western Road (the A82) just west of the River Kelvin before you reach the Glasgow Botanic Gardens.

It's one of the best cafes in Glasgow where you'll find great coffee, plain and simple. It's a small coffee shop, and well worth a visit.

I sipped a delicious Americano and I love that there's a colourful mural splashed across the wall. The coffee was rich and flavorful, and the service was excellent.

I noticed that they had some vegan treats, as well as plant-based milks. Pop by Papercup when you're walking towards the University of Glasgow or Ashton Lane.

Perch and Rest

Perch and Rest is a cafe for true coffee lovers. Their filter coffee and espresso menu is unmatched in the city with numerous offerings. You can even try an espresso flight here to sample some new ones.

Plus, their latte art is on point! There's an extensive collection of coffee beans for purchase so you can make your own at home. This minimalist cafe offers seating indoors or on their patio if it's a nice day.

SMUG Coffee Bar

SMUG Coffee Bar is an independently owned coffee shop in Glasgow's west end. It's open every day of the week and they stay open a little bit later than other coffee shops in Glasgow.

I'm not sure why so many Glasgow cafes close early, but I love drinking coffee in the evening, too! I'm happy that Smug stays open until at least 6pm or 6:30pm.

From their Instagram, SMUG Coffee Bar is the perfect establishment for those who love intricate latte art. They also serve light bites and desserts to pair with your coffee.

Some of the food and drink are seasonal specialties, like peppermint hot chocolate and gingerbread lattes close to the holidays.

Space Specialty Coffee House

Space Specialty Coffee House is an adorable cafe in Glasgow's West End. You can't help but fall lin love with their bright pink walls, paper lanterns, framed art, patterned pillows and sprawling house plants.

They proudly serve a variety of specialty coffee beans, both as handcrafted beverages and beans for purchase. Their beetroot, turmeric and matcha lattes add a splash of colour to your plain old latte.

Willow Grove Coffee

Willow Grove Coffee is not your typical West End coffee shop, and it's definitely one of the best Glasgow coffee shops. The owner, Adele, has worked in both Glasgow and Melbourne's coffee scenes, and she opened Willow Grove over eight years ago.

They serve a variety of beans from local coffee roasters, as well as freshly baked bread and vegan pastries. Willow Grove Coffee has two locations in Glasgow, and they may very well brew the best cup of coffee in Glasgow.

BAM Glasgow

Here's one of the best Glasgow coffee shops that's truly set apart from the others. For those who love all things vintage and retro, BAM Glasgow is a coffee shop and a vintage retail shop.

They serve espresso prepared by guest roasters and a variety of handpicked vintage wares. Enjoy coffee and cake while you browse through intriguing gifts and homewares at their charming location. It's such a hidden gem with good food, drink, and retro finds.

Cafe Strange Brew

Cafe Strange Brew is a dog-friendly coffee shop in Glasgow serving up "the best brunch in the south and a damn fine cup of coffee".

Well, anyone who quotes Twin Peaks is amazing in my books! You'll need to try an artisan roast while you're there, and I'm certain you'll love this quirky coffee house.

In addition to their coffee, they've got pancakes, bagels, bowls, wraps, and plenty of vegan versions to go around. Cafe Strange Brew has ample seating, and it looks like the perfect place to cozy up for a lazy, weekend brunch with your pals.

The Good Coffee Cartel

The Good Coffee Cartel is a small batch coffee roaster in Glasgow, and your "friendly neighbourhood caffeine dealer". They are pioneers when it comes to sustainable packaging, and they aim to get as close to zero waste as possible.

They only partner with green bean coffee suppliers that can ensure ethical and sustainable practices in roasting and brewing their own beans.

In short, The Good Coffee Cartel wants only to do good in the coffee industry, and they're true innovators in that regard. Oh, and the coffee is delicious, too!

The GRIND House

Grindhouse Coffee Roasters is a fantastic little cafe in Glasgow's Southside with great tasting coffee and delicious food. The staff is friendly and the service is speedy.

In terms of the food, it's Scottish meets Mediterranean cuisine. You'll find a variety of espresso beverages, as well as breakfast and lunch menu items.

They have oat, soy and almond plant-based milks.

Short Long Black

Short Long Black Coffee is one of the top Glasgow coffee shops, serving coffee roasted by local Glasgow outfit, Thomson's.

The owner sources small quantities of green beans himself and they're roasted by Thomson's. They proudly serve an all day brunch and tempting baked goods at their cozy Southside cafe.

Toro Coffee Glasgow

Toro Coffee is a specialty coffee shop and bakery in Glasgow where you'll find delicious drinks, fluffy sourdough bread and amazing pastries.

There are vegan donuts and baked goods to pair with rich and flavourful brews. Their roasted beans and pastries are continually rotating, so you'll have to see what they have available when you visit.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: East End

Admittedly, I haven't spent too much time on the East End of Glasgow. Here's some information on coffee shops and cafes over on that end of the city. I'm sure there's more - I'll need to check them out for myself!

Zennor

Zennor is a highly rated, top coffee shop in Glasgow that's worth the trip out to the east end of town. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, and the coffee is second to none.

When it comes to the coffee beans, try their signature house blend or beans sourced from around the world (Kenya, Guatemala and Colombia).

For those who prefer plant-based milk, there's a wide selection to try for your coffee. There are also excellent vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for baked goods and treats.

This cafe has friendly staff, the location is dog-friendly, and there's so much to love.