30 Best Glasgow Coffee Shops: Coolest Glasgow Cafes

There are so many amazing Glasgow coffee shops to visit, whether you’re looking for a latte or simply a flavourful cup of coffee. On this list, you’ll find the 30 best coffee shops in Glasgow. For the locals in the crowd, maybe you’ll have the chance to eventually try them all. For the travelers, many of these independent coffee shops are near popular attractions and spots for sightseeing.

When I first visited Glasgow for a couple of days, I had the opportunity to try a few local cafes. Then, when I returned to Glasgow, I made sure to try even more of the best Glasgow coffee shops. I’ve since visited Glasgow on several occasions, making sure to pop into new cafes every time I visit. I suggest getting your caffeine fix in between activities, tours, and simply as you’re wandering around the city.

To help you plan your trip, here are all of the best things to do in Glasgow. Discovering the beautiful street art and murals on the Glasgow Mural Trail is one of my favourite activities to do in Glasgow. You can always walk around town with a cup of coffee in your hand from one of these awesome Glasgow coffee shops. Experiencing the Glasgow coffee scene is on the top of my list, and hopefully yours, too.

1Call Coffee (City Centre)

1Call Coffee opened its doors in 2022 and quickly became one of the best Glasgow coffee shops. With staff exceeding 30+ years in the hospitality field, they provide amazing customer service with their delicious cups of coffee.

Their coffee beans are sourced from around the world from cooperatives and roasters both in the UK and internationally. You’ll find a great cup of coffee or your favourite espresso beverage here. They also serve breakfast rolls in the morning and baguettes in the afternoon if you’re hungry.

Caffe Calla (City Centre)

Caffe Calla is a family owned and operated Glasgow coffee shop in the city centre. They serve coffee made from freshly roasted local coffee beans from local roaster, Italian Aroma.

In addition to coffee, they have cooked meals as well for breakfast and lunch. The vegan options include a vegetable burger, sweet potato pakora and falafel bites.

Gordon Street Coffee (City Centre)

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. They serve their own unique single origins and expert blends straight from their own roastery.

Try an espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, cortado, or mocha. Feel free to add a flavour shot or plant-based milk (options are oat milk and coconut milk). 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.

Grain and Grind (Several Locations)

Grain and Grind is a local Glaswegian chain of coffee shops, with five 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 six 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.

Laboratorio Espresso (City Centre)

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.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: Riverhill Coffee Bar (City Centre)

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 happened to be 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 (City Centre)

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.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: Spitfire Espresso (City Centre)

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 (Several Locations)

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.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: Ushi’s Coffee Corner (City Centre)

Ushi’s Coffee Corner is a queer-run coffee shop featuring hot and cold coffee beverages and a full vegan dining menu. There’s local art splashed across the walls and this location often runs vegan popup events for other small businesses. Order your coffee with oat milk or vanilla pea milk.

For coffee, they offer drip/filter coffee, pour over coffee, cold brew (14 hour steep) and espresso beverages. Try the beetroot latte, matcha latte, a mocha, or Ushi’s spicy vanilla hot chocolate. There are also several kinds of tea, including Earl Grey, Indian Chai, Passionfruit & Rose and others. I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk and it was fantastic.

Us V Them – Engineering Coffee (City Centre & East End)

Us V Them is a workshop and coffee bar where the owners are engineers who are passionate about the equipment behind a great cup of coffee. The espresso bar aims to support local businesses by offering new coffee beans for their house espresso every quarter, which will come from Glasgow, Scotland, and places around the world. As engineers, you can be sure they have impressive roasting machinery.

The engineers behind Us V Them service and repair much of the equipment at cafes and coffee roasters in Scotland. They are also setting up workshops to help young people learn how to repair coffee equipment, providing them with real world qualifications and training for jobs. It’s certainly one of the most unique coffee shops in Scotland.

Black Pine Coffee Company (West End)

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.

Best Glasgow Coffee Shops: Kaf Coffee (West End)

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.

Lost World Coffee Co (West End)

Lost World Coffee Co is a Glasgow coffee shop and bagel shop in the west end of town. Taste one of their rich cups of coffee or espresso drinks, and pair it with a bagel!

As for the bagels, their menu features a wide variety of unique offerings, like the Kelvin Club or Mighty Meze. Many of the bagels can be prepared vegan or vegetarian. If you are looking for something a little lighter, opt for one of the smears like butter, cream cheese, biscoff, nutella, peanut butter or others.

Meadow Road Coffee (West End)

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.

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!

Glasgow Coffee Shops: Offshore Coffee (West End)

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.

Ottoman Coffeehouse (West End)

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 (West End)

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.

Glasgow Coffee Shops: SMUG Coffee Bar (West End)

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 (West End)

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 (West End)

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.

Top Glasgow Coffee Shops: BAM Glasgow (Southside)

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 (Southside)

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. And don’t forget your pooch, as it’s a dog-friendly cafe.

The Good Coffee Cartel (Southside)

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 (Southside)

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 (Southside)

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 (Southside)

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: Zennor (East End)

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.

Honourary Mentions: Best Coffee in Glasgow

While these establishments aren’t purely cafes, they still are worthy of a place on the list of the best Glasgow coffee shops. You can find great coffee at these local restaurants and snack shops.

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.

The Glasvegan (Glasgow Restaurant with Great Coffee)

While The Glasvegan isn’t a Glasgow coffee shop, they do serve delicious coffee there for dine-in and takeaway. You can visit The Glasvegan for breakfast and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, too.

If you happen to be walking by The Glasvegan and want to skip the chain coffee joints, I suggest stopping by for a delicious brew…and perhaps a vegan Scottish traditional breakfast while you’re at it. It is one of the best vegan restaurants in Glasgow, after all!

Bonus: Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop

Okay, okay…Tim Hortons does NOT have the best coffee in Glasgow. Let me be clear about that. But, as a Canadian, I felt obligated to include Tim Hortons on the list. This is the first Tim Hortons location in the United Kingdom. So, if you’re Canadian and feeling a little homesick, you can get your Timmies fix right here.

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.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

First things first, if you’re traveling to Glasgow, you might be looking for the best place to call home. We suggest the Grasshoppers Hotel, right in the city centre next to Glasgow Central Station. Not only does the hotel have an amazing location, but many of its rooms overlook the train station’s beautiful glazed roof.

The rooms at the Grasshoppers Hotel have a soothing and warm atmosphere that make you feel immediately feel at home. Hotel guests can enjoy modern amenities, like complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a Samsung flatscreen TV, and a Sky Box with premium channels and additional sports stations.

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