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Great to see another good bar open in this part of town. Enjoyed the food and there was a great selection of quality beers too. Left well fed!
Paul Egan - dined in restaurant 14/12/2021
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Having been to the Barrowlands on several occasions, I must have walked past this establishment without realising what a hidden gem it was. We were looking for a pre-gig bite to eat (this time we were going to St Lukes) and not only did this place tick all the boxes, the music was well thought-out as well, with something for everyone. I had the burger, which was amazing, and my partner had mac n cheese and loaded fries, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The service was friendly and fast as well. The ideal pre-gig venue!
Andy Young - dined in restaurant 01/11/2019
Launched at the tail end of 2017, Van Winkle is an American-style bar on the Gallowgate in Glasgow’s Calton neighbourhood. Bourbon, BBQ and burgers are the mainstays of the menus and, as you might expect, the decor also takes its cue from the US of A.
Artfully stressed corrugated tin, stripped wood tables and brick walls all give the feeling that you might just have stepped into a honky tonk in the Kentucky backwoods. A big screen shows the major sporting events while Americana bands provide the entertainment on Thursday evenings. The small beer garden comes into its own during the warmer months.
Made from locally sourced ingredients, BBQ meats, burgers and buttermilk fried chicken play the major roles on the menu. From the baby-back ribs to the bourbon brisket, the BBQ is smoked in-house over bourbon wood chips before being finished on the grill.
While meat is the focus, there are a number of veggie dishes from beer-battered cauliflower bites to Cajun-spiced halloumi burgers. Desserts include Buffalo Trace fudge brownies and cheesecake. More than 80 varieties of bourbon – some of them much sought after – are among the liquid reasons for visiting.
Van Winkle is on Gallowgate in Glasgow’s East End. The famous Barrowland concert venue is just across the road. Other attractions include the Barras market and the Barrowland Art and Design centre. The nearest train station is on the High Street. There is restricted on-street parking. The transport hubs of Queen Street and Central stations are a brisk fifteen minute walk.