Black Sparrow
- Telephone 0141 221 5530
- Opening times Mon–Sun noon–midnight
- Bar open Mon–-Thu noon–midnight; Fri/Sat noon–1am; Sun 12.30pm–midnight.
- Food served Mon–-Sat noon–-9pm; Sun 12.30-–9pm.
- Average price £15 (lunch); £15 (evening meal)
- Pre-theatre price 2-for-1 burgers Sun–Fri 5pm; 3 tapas £9.95 Mon–Fri til 5pm
- Website theblacksparrow.co.uk
Jump to articles or comments (7)
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 Black Sparrow attracts sophisticated patrons to its ornate and über cool abode. It has an old-fashioned bourbon bar look, with smoochy jazz/ambient beats mellowing the airwaves. It’s actually quite romantic. Dark burgundy leather studded booths, equestrian art, exposed brickwork and a grand bar stocked to the architectural rafters with exotic rums, gins, vodkas, malts and bourbons. There’s a mezzanine space for larger groups, private hire basement venue and seasonal beer garden out back for trapping any sun. The regularly 2-for-1 Gourmet Sparrow burgers (beef, chicken or veggie) are naughty-but-nice affairs, oozing a variety of delectable toppings such as blue cheese, caramelized onions and bacon all packed into a sourdough bun. Sample tapas deal of smoked mackerel pâté, vegetarian haggis fritters and blue cheese gratin mushrooms is a generous trio artistically presented atop a wooden bat. A must try are the cocktails – so refreshing and sublime you may want several.
- High point: Intelligent food and drink in chatty surroundings
- Low point: Tapas a tad over-seasoned
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 11
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Live music, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Jazz, ambient house beats, blues
- Capacity: 70
- Largest group: 35 (mezzanine)
- Open since: 2008
- House wine: £16.70 per bottle
Reviews & features
Bar Crawls: Glasgow - The Sauchiehall Street Saunter
18 Nov 2011
Making the most of Glasgow city centre drinking
Both ‘pub crawl’ and ‘Sauchiehall Street’ can evoke images of large groups of revellers staggering from one ropey watering hole to the next, the night hurtling towards a climax of kebab sauce and lost cloakroom tickets. Well this route aims to redress…
Comments & ratings
Post a comment- 7. double k – 17 Jun 2012, 11:28am Report
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Had been coming to this site since it was the Ritz Bar in the 70's, and dropped in here occasionally for quick (expensive) snack or an (expensive) drink when in the city centre.
Stopped by recently around 5 pm to an almost empty pub with the intention of ordering food before a night out. Stood at the bar ignored for 5 mins, while the 2 Hipsters on duty took an age to make coffee and cocktails for the other two occupied tables. Eventually, Hipster 1 returned and stood in front of me silently. I said good evening and got no response.
I gave her half my drinks order to the back of her head as she walked away before I was finished. She began to pour what she imagined was the other half of my order, wrongly, and when I corrected her she retorted "Don't be rude".
Not being prepared to take this, we got our coats and prepared to leave. Hipster 2 appeared behind the bar and said accusingly "What's the problem?". I briefly explained, got a dull stare and no response. I said "Is that it then, that's how you deal with a complaint?". He shrugged and walked off.
Won't be back. Shame on the owners. Get better staff.
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6.
Megatron – 24 Jul 2011, 10:34am
Black Sparrow
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I took a group of eight here for a Saturday lunch. Hadn't been before but had heard good reports. Starters were generally good. Sadly we were a bit disappointed with our main meals. Burgers were dry, had little flavour, accompanying salad was just a few leaves, no tomato etc. Pizza had miserly toppings. Conversely the hand-cut chips were very good, if a little pricey as a side dish (£3.50 from memory). Deserts were mostly good - brownie was tasty and moist, peanut butter cheesecake was quite good but the base wasn't crunchy enough. Service was pleasant. Their 2 for 1 burgers offer wasn't available because it was a Saturday so we mostly had 2 courses for £9.95. This would have been good value if the mains had been better, but on balance was just OK.
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5.
WFB – 16 Jan 2011, 9:02pm
Black Sparrow
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Very slow lunch service even although the place was quiet. Food was poor. Will not return as there is much better in Glasgow.
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4.
amber1 – 22 Nov 2009, 6:22pm
Black Sparrow
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I'v been a black sparrow regular for months now...the standard of food is great, especially the weekend brunch menu and the roast on a sunday...
as for the food not being as good as chinaski's, that is not true!!!!
The sparrow is the place for any day and occasion!!! This will continue to be one of the best bars in glasgow
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3.
Wilber – 27 Jul 2009, 5:51pm
Black Sparrow
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Great looking bar, attentive staff, huge array of drinks, food - AWFUL! Its hard to believe that this place is owned by the same folk as Chinaski's. The food next door is pretty decent so we thought the food in Black Sparrow would be at the same level - big mistake. There was no effort made in the dishes. I had fish and chips - the fish was ok, the chips were undercooked and hard in the middle, and the mushy peas tasted of vinegar. I felt sorry for the staff as they really made an effort but we didn't leave a tip because the food was substandard at best. I won't be eating here again
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2.
Wavy – 8 May 2009, 6:59pm
Black Sparrow
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Nice, but not as good as it's sister bar Chinaskis next door.
Average rating /5 from 5 reviews of Black Sparrow.
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