Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a vibrant hub not only for culture, music, and architecture but also for coffee. From specialty roasters to hidden neighborhood gems, Glasgow has cultivated a coffee culture that blends innovation with tradition. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the city streets, a good cup of coffee can elevate any day. This guide highlights some of the best coffee shops in Glasgow, offering essential details like addresses, average prices, signature drinks, operating hours, and booking options. Each café has its own personality, making it easy to craft a coffee-focused itinerary that complements sightseeing, shopping, or simply a relaxing day in the city.
Address: 12 Belmont Lane, Glasgow G12 8DU
Average Price: £2.70 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Single-origin pour-over coffee
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins only; no reservations required
Papercup Coffee Roasters is nestled in a charming cobbled lane and is renowned for its ethically sourced beans roasted in-house. Its minimalist interior and outdoor seating offer a relaxing atmosphere away from the city hustle. The single-origin pour-over is a must-try for those who appreciate nuanced flavor notes and a perfectly balanced cup. With baristas happy to discuss tasting profiles, visitors often leave with not just a cup of coffee but also a deeper understanding of bean origins and roasting techniques.
2. Dear Green Coffee Roasters
Address: 13-27 East Campbell Street, Glasgow G1 5DT
Average Price: £2.80 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Honduras Abeja – honey-processed organic coffee
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Reservations can be made via phone or in person
Established in 2011, Dear Green Coffee Roasters is a pioneer in Glasgow’s specialty coffee scene. Their Honduras Abeja is celebrated for its tropical fruit notes and subtle sweetness, making it a crowd favorite. The café emphasizes sustainability, sourcing local pastries and ingredients that align with its ethical philosophy. Inside, a mix of industrial and cozy elements—exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and plenty of natural light—creates a welcoming space for both coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors.
3. The Alchemy Experiment
Address: 157 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8TS
Average Price: £2.70 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Vegan cinnamon bun paired with a macchiato
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins only; no reservations required
The Alchemy Experiment is a creative hub that merges art, music, and specialty coffee. Visitors can enjoy local art exhibitions or live performances while sipping their coffee. Their vegan cinnamon bun paired with a macchiato is especially popular, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and bold flavors. Baristas are known for experimenting with seasonal beans, so each visit offers something new to discover. This café is perfect for anyone seeking an immersive coffee experience combined with Glasgow’s dynamic cultural scene.
4. Andina Coffee
Address: 527 Duke Street, Glasgow G31 1DL
Average Price: £2.80 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Colombian espresso
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Reservations can be made via phone or in person
Andina Coffee brings authentic Colombian flavors to Glasgow. Their coffee beans rotate regularly to highlight different regional profiles, and the café is decorated with traditional Colombian textiles. The Colombian espresso is bold, smooth, and perfectly balanced—a true representation of South American coffee craftsmanship. Guests often pair their coffee with freshly baked pastries inspired by Latin American cuisine, creating a delightful fusion of flavors that reflects both tradition and innovation.
5. 1841 Coffee
Address: 14 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow G12 8BG
Average Price: £2.80 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Nordic-style coffee
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins only; no reservations required
1841 Coffee offers a Nordic-inspired approach to coffee, focusing on precision brewing and minimalist aesthetics. The interior, with beech-wood stools and high ceilings, encourages calm and reflection. Their Nordic-style coffee is smooth, balanced, and ideal for those who appreciate understated yet flavorful coffee experiences. Many visitors enjoy pairing their coffee with seasonal cakes baked on-site, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
6. Artisan Roast
Address: 5 Royal Crescent, Glasgow G3 7SL
Average Price: £3.00 for a cappuccino
Signature Drink: Ethiopia Sidamo pour-over
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins preferred; reservations via phone
Artisan Roast is a contemporary café with a strong focus on sourcing high-quality beans and supporting sustainable coffee production. Their Ethiopia Sidamo pour-over is aromatic and complex, with citrus and floral notes that highlight the bean’s origin. The café’s modern design—soft lighting, clean lines, and cozy corners—makes it a favorite spot for freelancers, students, and travelers alike.
7. Flesh & Buns Coffee Spot
Address: 123 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 6LD
Average Price: £2.90 for a latte
Signature Drink: Matcha latte
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins only; no reservations required
Flesh & Buns Coffee Spot offers a playful twist on traditional coffee culture, incorporating Asian-inspired flavors like matcha and hojicha. Their matcha latte is rich, creamy, and lightly sweetened, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking something different. The café’s vibrant décor, complete with neon signs and Japanese-inspired elements, creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from conventional coffee shops.
8. Brew Lab Glasgow
Address: 45 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 1HW
Average Price: £3.00 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Experimental cold brew
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins preferred; reservations by phone
Brew Lab Glasgow is dedicated to exploring the science and art of coffee brewing. Their experimental cold brews, often infused with subtle spices or fruit essences, offer an exciting departure from standard coffee flavors. The lab-style setting with stainless steel counters and visible brewing equipment appeals to coffee geeks and casual visitors alike. It’s a space where curiosity and taste collide.
9. Papercup Espresso Bar (Second Location)
Address: 15 Otago Street, Glasgow G12 8AJ
Average Price: £2.70 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Seasonal espresso blend
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins only; no reservations required
This second Papercup location continues their commitment to high-quality coffee and sustainable sourcing. Seasonal espresso blends allow visitors to experience new flavors depending on the harvest. The intimate seating and quiet atmosphere make it a great spot for morning coffee before exploring nearby shops and galleries.
10. Kember & Jones
Address: 23 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3RA
Average Price: £3.00 for a flat white
Signature Drink: Mocha with locally sourced chocolate
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday Closed
Booking: Walk-ins preferred; reservations by phone
Kember & Jones combines specialty coffee with an artisanal approach to food and chocolate. Their mocha, made with locally sourced chocolate, is decadent without being overly sweet. The café’s exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, and friendly staff make it a cozy retreat in the heart of the city.
Glasgow’s coffee scene is diverse, dynamic, and full of surprises, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant creative spirit. Whether you prefer a perfectly pulled espresso, a velvety flat white, an experimental cold brew, or a meticulously crafted pour-over, Glasgow has something to satisfy every coffee lover’s taste. Beyond the drinks themselves, many cafés here pay equal attention to quality pastries, homemade cakes, and artisanal snacks, creating an experience that combines flavor, atmosphere, and craftsmanship. From cozy corners ideal for people-watching to modern, minimalist spaces designed for work or study, these cafés cater to a variety of moods and moments, making each visit unique.
A coffee-focused journey through Glasgow is about far more than just caffeine—it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s stories, creativity, and everyday life. Each café often reflects its neighborhood’s character, whether it’s a tucked-away gem in the West End, a bustling hub near Sauchiehall Street, or a contemporary spot in Merchant City. Patrons can soak in the ambiance, chat with baristas who are often passionate artisans themselves, or simply enjoy a quiet moment of reflection amid the city’s rhythm. Many establishments also source beans from ethical, small-batch roasters, emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship, which adds another layer to the experience.
No matter your itinerary, these ten cafés provide a solid foundation for exploring Glasgow’s coffee culture. Each location has its own identity, from hidden nooks perfect for escaping the crowds to lively spots where locals gather to socialize, work, or discover new flavors. Together, they showcase the creativity, passion, and diversity that make Glasgow a city worth savoring one cup at a time. Every coffee break here is an opportunity not just to drink, but to connect—with the city, the people, and the stories behind every carefully brewed cup.