Ad Lib

33 Ingram Street, Glasgow, G1 1HA

Telephone 0141 552 5736
Bar open Sun–Wed noon–11pm; Thu–Sat noon–midnight.
Food served Mon–Sun noon–10pm.
Average price £16 (lunch); £16 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.adlibglasgow.com

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The former fire station that is home to the Merchant City branch of this enduringly popular American restaurant is much larger than its ‘big’ brother on Hope Street, but doesn't quite live up to its siblings achievements. The bulk of the menu is the same, but with a heavier focus on deals with lunchtime and early evening offers luring in office workers and couples – including a range of pastas, which doesn't fully fit the American model. The specials are more considered, with Scottish food from sea and field. With flames occasionally leaping from the open kitchen, the burgers are an easy sell, and there’s no doubting the quality, while various toppings allow for customisation with numerous meats, cheeses and sauces. Portions are generous but, whether you think you've got room or not, a side of jalapeño cheese cornbread is a must. Concentrating soley on the core cuisine would perhaps help better distinguish Ad Lib from the many bars, bistros and Italians on its doorstep.

High point: Mouthwatering jalapeño cheese cornbread
Low point: Hope St brethren is slicker

Number of wines sold by the glass: 7
Delivery: £2.50/3
Provides: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Live music, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: Indie rock
Capacity: 70
Largest group: 70
Open since: 2006, closed 2010; again 2012
House wine: £14.50 per bottle

Comments & ratings

1. Maurine Duffy – 17 Oct 2009, 3:11pm Report

VERY POOR EXPERIENCE!!

I met friends in Ad Lib on Sun 27 Sept 09 for a spot of lunch. It was the weekend of the Merchant City Festival so we expected it to be very busy but it was dead, lifeless with no atmosphere.
I was looking forward to trying one of their 'Gourmet Burgers' which were advertised outside.
When my £12 burger arrived it was anything but Gourmet. I was told it was 6oz but i can assure you i'd have got more meat in a McDonalds Big mac than this over cooked, dry ball of meat.
I sent an email to them to pass on the details of my experience and 1 week later i had a phone call saying that they were looking into this and would get back to me.......... 2 weeks later, NOTHING. This perhaps shows their commitment to customer service both inside and out of their eatery.
It is easy to do so much better but Ad lib don't seem to want to try.

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Ad Lib

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