- Best in the Commercial Center: With its long, horseshoe-shaped bar and central location, the Horse Shoe, 17 Drury St. between Renfield and W. Nile streets (tel. 0141/229-5711), is a throwback to the days of so-called Palace Pubs in Scotland.
- Best in the Merchant City: Unless you are looking for a "style" bar (of which there are plenty), the Babbity Bowster, 16 Blackfriars St. (tel. 0141/552-5055), is ideal for a drink and some conversation.
- Best in the West End: The competition is furious and the selection is vast, but I'll give the nod to Brel, 39-43 Ashton Lane (tel. 0141/342-4966), for its combination of good ambience, excellent location, and decent Belgian-inspired grub.
- Best for Whisky: With a selection of single malts that numbers easily into the hundreds, the Pot Still, 154 Hope St. (tel. 0141/333-0980), is the place to go for a wee dram.
- Best for Rock Music: It's between the near legendary King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, 272 St. Vincent St. (tel. 0141/221-5279), and Nice 'n' Sleazy, 421 Sauchiehall St. (tel. 0141/333-9637) - both draw the best in local indie band talent.