Unmissable Cuban spots in Glasgow

Step through the doors of Revolution de Cuba, and you’ll instantly find yourself transported to a tropical paradise. Cuban art and vintage memorabilia adorns the walls, in the Glasgow outpost of this popular chain bar. Naturally, there’s an extensive rum collection, which means you’ll find everything from the perfect piña colada to inventive twists on classics like the Cuba Libre on the menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a night of dancing and celebration or a relaxed evening of good food and great company, Revolution de Cuba Bar is the place to be.

Occupying the former home of Ad Lib, Bizarron is a new addition to Glasgow’s drinking and dining scene. Its name stems from an old Cuban folk tale, in which El Bizarron, a servant, managed to outwit the devil. You’ll find recipes from across Latin America on the menu, but it’s the Cuban theme that reigns.

By day, a huge skylight allows the sunshine to stream in on diners, while after dark, DJs are on the decks, providing a clubby soundscape as punters sip on micheladas, pisco sours, palomas and the house cocktail, El Bizarron (espresso, Vida de Muertos mezcal, Kahlua, cinnamon and cardamom). Dishes include ceviche, stews, superfood salads, steaks and marinated meats. The interior has a distinctly Havanese feel, with palms, dark wood cafe-style furniture and studded leather banquettes. 

Like Bizarron, this is a new launch for 2023, incorporating a hidden margarita speakeasy, El Santito. It offers laidback luxury with a curated soundtrack and a vintage feel. The food is designed for sharing, with items like ceviche, tacos (served on wooden Bizarron stands branded with the house motif), meats and fish cooked on the BBQ charcoal grill which generates some divine aromas.

Indeed, this is a multisensory experience, with effervescent molecular culinary techniques in the mix, whether you come by during the day or at night. The venue hosts frequent noches de musica (ideal if you love to be serenaded) with everything from strings to woodwind on the programme.

Are you looking for a fiesta? Sauchiehall Street is the place for affordable late-night partying in the city centre and it’s here you’ll find Mango, full of tropical vibes. It brings together all things Latin American and Caribbean, with dance floors and bars set across three levels. Listen to reggae music, ska, Latin and salsa beats as you boogie and sip on the kinds of sweet cocktails that’ll transport you to another continent.

It’s an immersive experience, with the flavours augmented by bright, sunny and vibrant decor and a collage of colourful posters and maps. So much so, that it’s easy to forget you’re in Glasgow and imagine you’ve been transported the 4,450 miles from the Scottish city to the Cuban capital of Havana. And you can party on until 3 am (just be sure to squeeze in a siesta before you head out).

Cuban cuisine evolved as a fusion of Spanish food, with influences from Africa and parts of the Caribbean. It has many crossovers with Brazilian and Mexican gastronomy, so you’ll often find its flavours under the banner of Latin American eateries. One such venue in Glasgow is Las Iguanas, which offers tastes from across these regions.

Here you can order from the main menu, book for a bottomless brunch, or bring the kids and let them choose from their own selection. You don’t have to eat either, it’s fine just to stop by for some tropical cocktails, like the  Iguanabana Punch, made using Huana, Beefeater Gin, elderflower, pineapple, mango and lime, muddled with sugar.