University Cafe Glasgow
Fry-ups, ice cream & fish'n'chips
If you're in the West End, feeling delicate from the night before's indulgence (a familiar story!) and you need the no-nonsense fried food and mug of tea to soak up the headache and shakes, pop into the University Cafe on Byres Road. It's the original and best in the west!
In an area full of lovely cafes, slick bars and sophisticated restaurants this is a step back in time to a proper 'greasy spoon' diner. It's one of those dying breeds of Italian style coffeehouse/fish 'n chip shop and ice cream parlours. The decor inside is this original Art Deco style and it's been run by the same family since 1918, the Verrecchias, who are now in their fourth generation here. The University Cafe sells all your fried breakfasts, omelettes, toasties and sandwiches all washed down with lashings of strong tea, milkshakes and steam frothed coffees. Follow that with a tall colourful Knickerbocker Glory or an ice cream wafer, oyster or cone.
The homemade ice cream has won many awards over the years and matches the quality of the three more expensive ice cream establishments on the same street!
Right next door is the 'Chippy' for newspaper wrapped chips and battered fish, sausage haggis and black pudding suppers. I once saw an American TV travel programme with its presenter in this very Chippy claiming it was the home of the deep fried Mars Bar.
Due to the rise in rent prices University Cafe is under threat, so more punters needed!
About this spot
Byres Road 87
- Mon - Thu 08:00 - 22:00, Fri 09:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun 09:00 - 22:00
Breakfast:
£
6
1413395217
Find your way with 147 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Glasgow
Glasgow Wake Park
Wakeboarding in the canals
"Glasgow Wake Park" is the first Scottish wake park. It's in one of my favorite areas in Glasgow and a must-visit for anyone who wants to try something new
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Glasgow Film Theatre
Best cinema in town!
Glasgow Film Theatre is the city's original independent cinema. I like it for the quality films, its film festival and freebies on special days!
by
Gill
Davies
Park Lane Market
Southside pop-up market
"Park Lane Market" is situated in the Southside of Glasgow. It's the perfect spot to meet the locals & discover some cool art and support local businesses.
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Ca' D'Oro
19th-century building
The "Ca' D'oro" is a really cool piece of 19th-century architecture. It was designed by the Glaswegian architect John Honeyman. Notice the reflections...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Te Seba
Delicious pasta and Prosecco
"Te Seba" in Glasgow is my favourite place for when I'm craving some delicious, fresh pasta like Nonna makes it...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
People’s Palace
Social history
"People’s Palace and Winter Gardens" in Glasgow is one of my favorite museums and the glasshouse is a great warm oasis on a rainy or wintery day...
by
Ηelene
Αudureau
Pollok Park
Running spot in the Southside
"Pollok Park" is one of my favourite running spots in Glasgow. My favorite thing is coming on a sunny day and going Highland Cow spotting!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Cuningar Loop
Outdoor bouldering
"Cuningar Loop" in Glasgow is a woodland park surrounded by the River Clyde and a hotspot for bouldering enthusiasts of all levels!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Rafa's Diner
Best Tacos in town
I have only tried their veggie options but the meat options look delicious and my non-veggie friends are obsessed with their Pollo Asado and Barbacoa.
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Brewhaus
Beer gardens and dogs
"Brewhaus" in Glasgow is a West End pub (used to be a church) best known as the venue for the infamous glass over the balcony scene in Trainspotting...
by
Scott
Walker
Relics
A vintage gem in Ruthven Lane
If you are taking a walk to the West End of Glasgow, make sure to visit Ruthven Lane, where you'll find my favorite vintage treasure store "Relics"...
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Rawnchy
Quirky cake heaven
"Rawnchy" in Glasgow is heaven for raw cakes and coffee lovers! Their cakes are from another planet. Super tasty & healthy - they even have a lunch menu!
by
Caterina
Carpenzano
Heading to Glasgow?
147 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 147 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Glasgow
Get to know our other Spotters from Glasgow
As featured on:
