The Social is a vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant located in Glasgow's Royal Exchange Square, a hub for shops, cafes, and nightlife. It offers a diverse menu ranging from brunch options to pizzas, soups, salads, and small plates, catering to various tastes. The venue is renowned for its innovative cocktails, featuring unique creations like the Solero, Rubber Duck, and Haribru, each crafted to provide a memorable experience. The establishment boasts one of the best outdoor terraces in the city, providing a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The Social hosts a range of events throughout the year, including live music performances and themed nights, ensuring there's always something happening. Whether you're looking for a relaxed brunch, an unforgettable dinner, or a night filled with entertainment, The Social offers a dynamic and engaging environment in the heart of Glasgow.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.2 3,054
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,308
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient City Center Location Located in Glasgow's Royal Exchange Square, The Social is easily accessible and a great spot to stop by while touring the city or meeting up with friends.
- Delicious and Well-Crafted Cocktails The Social is known for its diverse and tasty cocktail menu, with many reviewers praising the quality and presentation of the drinks. Some bartenders are particularly skilled and offer personalized recommendations.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Many reviewers raved about specific staff members, highlighting their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness in recommending drinks and ensuring a positive experience.
- Good Food Quality While some mention inconsistencies, many customers have found the food to be delicious and well-prepared, with tasty options available for brunch, lunch and dinner. Some mention great Pizza.
- Great Atmosphere and Lively Vibe The restaurant provides a buzzing and inviting atmosphere, suitable for various occasions such as brunch, lunch, dinner, or a night out with friends. The decor and music contribute to a fun and enjoyable experience.
Criticised
- Can be very busy Due to the popularity and location, the social can be very busy and it can take time to be served.
- Food Quality Inconsistencies A few reviewers reported issues with the food, such as dry burgers, greasy chips, or small portions of prawns.
- Inconsistent Menu Information The online menu sometimes doesn't match the paper menu, causing confusion when ordering, especially with the QR code system.
- Potential for Service Mix-ups There were reports of confusion regarding kitchen opening/closing times and some issues with initial seating arrangements. But problems are always resolved quickly.
- Price can be high relative to portion size Some reviewers felt that the prices were a bit expensive, especially considering the portion sizes of certain dishes.
The longer read
The Social in Glasgow receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly regarding its atmosphere, cocktails, and staff service. Many reviewers describe the atmosphere as lively, fun, and having great vibes, making it suitable for various occasions such as brunch, lunch, dinner, and nights out. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area being especially popular for enjoying the city vibe. The ambiance is often enhanced by music and decorations, especially around holidays like Christmas.
Cocktails are a standout feature, frequently described as delicious, amazing, and expertly crafted. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and quality of the cocktails, with specific mentions of the French Martini, Solero, and Pornstar Martini. Many reviewers also appreciate the bartenders' skills in creating both classic and custom drinks, and their willingness to provide recommendations. A few reviewers noted good deals on cocktails during certain times.
The staff at The Social consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness. Numerous reviewers mention specific staff members by name (Cara, Jess, Mayesha, Yuki, Abbie, Hannah, Romano, Fiona, Marc, Rita, Beth, Kayleigh, Ava, Callum, Emilie, Olivia, Ioanna, Ishita, Aiden, Owen, Ciara, Liam, Alex, Tracy, James, Sarah, Finn, Ollie, Pete) and commend their exceptional service. These staff members are often described as going above and beyond to ensure customers have a great experience, offering recommendations, sourcing special requests, and providing fast and efficient service even during busy periods. Some reviewers specifically highlight staff members who made their birthday celebrations or cocktail masterclasses extra special. A bouncer named Ali was also mentioned positively for helping a customer with their bags. Several reviewers highlight the staff's ability to create a welcoming and comfortable environment, making them feel valued and cared for.
The food quality receives generally positive feedback, with many reviewers describing the dishes as delicious and well-prepared. Brunch and small bites are popular choices, although a few reviewers find the portions to be a bit small for the price. Pizza is also frequently mentioned as being flavorful and satisfying. However, there are some mixed opinions regarding the food, with a few reviewers mentioning issues such as dry burgers or needing larger portions. The QR code ordering system receives mixed feedback; some find it convenient, while others note discrepancies between the online and paper menus.
While most experiences are positive, a few reviewers mention slow drink service at the bar, and some note that the restaurant can be a bit pricey compared to other options in Glasgow.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 222 2321
- Website
- thesocialglasgow.co.uk
| Mon | 11:00 - 1:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 1:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 1:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 3:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 3:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 1:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular dishes or drinks at The Social in Glasgow?
- How would you describe the vibe and atmosphere at The Social restaurant?
- Is The Social suitable for group gatherings or special occasions?
- Does The Social offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menu choices?
- Is it recommended to book a table in advance at The Social in Glasgow?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.