McPhabbs

Since my last review of McPhabbs in Feb 2014, I’ve been back quite a few times. Never for a proper meal, always for drinks and maybe a small bite to eat. But it’s a pretty consistent place and as a pub, I really quite like it.
It’s recently been taken over by the folk who run Firebird, so the menu and offerings are all changing — so I’m going to go back for another visit ASAP and update accordingly!

To say goodbye to a friend of ours, we decided to head back to McPhabbs for their 50% off deal. Following the fiasco of the previous visit (see review), I decided to again follow Carolyn E’s recommendation of the chicken goujons.
They are delicious. Tender and crispy and fresh. I like the salad as well. My only issue are the «fries» but they are also alright.
McPhabbs, you have redeemed yourself!

Another update to my updated review, and my star rating goes up a star again. Maybe the service really just depends on the day.
My boyfriend and I were out and about enjoying the day and decided we would take a walk to McPhabb’s to partake in their 50% off menu. My friends and I really can’t get enough and wished they did the 50% off menu more often.
When we came in, we were instantly greeted by the same guy, who I mentioned last time, but this time, he was friendly and inviting. A drastic change from the previous time I was in with Sophie K. The boyfriend and I decided to take a seat in our usual section, somewhere near the front and we were handed menus and our drinks order was taken.
I decided to try the southern fried chicken goujons which came with chips and coleslaw, and the boyfriend went with the cajun chicken burger and cajun chips. We were both pleasantly surprised at the quality of our food. It was so tasty, I ate mine as slowly as possible, not wanting the meal to end. I appreciated the fact that I could tell the goujons were battered in house and not just out of a freezer pack. Fresh and juicy, definitely my favourite meal to date. The boyfriend really enjoyed his chicken burger, but quite liked the taste of my meal.
All in all, our visit here was fantastic, a drastic change to the last visit, and keeps us wanting more, that’s for sure.

I’m not a fan of pub-​grub — but this place is dangerous for the waistline. In all the right ways.
It’s also dangerous for the wallet. At least if you drop in 3 days over the same week.
Ok, so there were very valid reasons for this (starvation, out with friends, needed food after exercise — and yes, I call lawn bowls exercise).
But they also do have their 50% off food on at the moment. I don’t know what exactly they mean with «summer sale», as in how long it will last. Usually they do this early in the year. But I am all for it, any time of the year, please. Because it gives me perfect chance to sample through their menu without feeling like I’m going bankrupt.
I tend to just go for the one same thing when I eat out because I am boring that way. But you really can’t do that when the waitress recognises you two days in a row. Their Burrito’s are to die for, but still (i’ll go back to them when its full price!). Now that I am feeling like I’m getting a deal, I want to try as much different stuff as I can. Unfortunately everything is so good there. So I think I have to go back. Very soon. And the coleslaw is a mandatory side dish!
In all seriousness though, I like this pub.

This was my local when I very first moved to Glasgow so I’ll probably always look at it fondly, thankfully it’s still just as good as when I first arrived.
The décor is all wooden panels and low lighting, but not so dark as to be dive bar, more trendy bistro. There is a small beer garden out the front which needs a little attention as the tables are getting a little weathered and tatty, but in Glasgow I guess they don’t see all that much use. The rear beer garden is a lovely little deck which seems to catch the sun a lot more. So if there is any space free nab it quick.
The food is good, and the portion sizes can be huge. I’m a big fan of their burritos, especially the haggis which they sometimes have on special. If you’re coming down as a group, especially for lunch, I advise phoning your order in ahead of time so you’re not kept waiting too long.
My only real complaint is the bar selection could be better. They have limited draft and bottles, but they do stock all the usuals.

I’ve been drinking here on and off for a while, and made the recommendation for post-​work drinks & food on the first day of my new job, as it was close to the place we were doing training. I’d remembered something vaguely about a january half-​off deal on food, and I like the dark, candle-​y atmosphere.
I am so, so glad that I chose this place. I had a chicken linguine (linguine? I think linguine) — I was a bit concerned when it arrived that there wasn’t very much of it, but it was actually the perfect portion size. And absolutely delicious. Texture, creaminess, everything was brilliant.
Also: the function room downstairs has come a long way over the past few years, it’s a great little space.

Oh what a night. We had the private function room for a birthday party. Elegant and comfortable. Service was impeccable. And the food… some of the best food I have ever had. There is something to be said for good service matched with delicious food. Then you throw in a room full of friends and you have the most enjoyable evening. I highly recommend.

Looking for a quick place to have lunch before heading to the west end for a little shopping (antiques) I came here as I’ve had this bar on my list for what seems ages.
This is a real nice bar to head to if you want drinks especially the weekends, reminds me a little of chinaskis bar just around the corner.
I had ordered a selection of breads & oil with vinegar followed by the special haggis boritto, the bread was that nasty cheap stuff and I’m sure that the oil tasted more like chip oil, and believe me I’ve smelt enough of it in my time, in the end the bread on its own was nice enough.
The special was definitely not thought out by the chef and looked more like slops that should be in the staff canteen bin this was served Luke warm, and could only manage to eat 25% if the dish.
Maybe l ordered the wrong thing on the menu as some of the food that l did see sure did look good.
Good bar for drinks but not for food.

I used to come to local neighbourhood type joint McPhabbs all the time when my office was just a stones throw away, but its been several years since I’ve been and I heard they had a wee make-​over so I thought I would give it a shot with a group of pals I was meeting.
Situated on Sauchiehall Street just beyond Charing X, it has an appealing beer garden amongst the tree lined street. It was a glorious day so we decided to sit outside. The picnic tables were a bit dirty and the one we had (the only one left) was broken and lop-​sided, not good for balancing your beer on.
On the subject of beer I was stunned when I was charged 4 smackers for an ale. They only had one ale on and the rest were just your bog standard beers (for roughly the same prices). The round was pretty hefty — not what I was expecting. I would say its a sign of the times, but there are several other bars nearby selling real ale at closer to £3.
After a few beers we all started to get a little bit peckish and decided to move inside for food. This is the start of angry Rocco phase, I shall explain…
As there were about 8 of us we decided to put two tables together before ordering. The waiter was having none of it and suggested that we all squeeze round one table as they were ‘too busy” and needed the tables. I had a look around and spotted about 3 or 4 free tables, so I ignored him. We put the tables together anyway, and the waiter came back and made some snide comments along the lines of ‘just make yourselves at home’ or something.
This enraged me for several reasons. 1. we had been buying plenty of drinks and were now about to order food, therefore good, valued custom. 2 they were not THAT busy that they couldn’t spare an extra table and 3. how the hell were we meant to fit 8 people round one small table???
Thankfully some of the staff behind the bar seemed to notice this little episode from the waiter and they immediately put someone else on our table — fair play!
Having not eaten in McPhabbs for years I decided to go for the burger. A good benchmark I thought. I don’t know if it was the rage within that clouded my judgement but I though the patty was very dry and I wasn’t a fan of the seasoning (cumin or something?). Also some of the chips I got were undercooked. Its hard work nowadays keeping up with all the amazing burger bars so I would say McPhabbs probably need to step up their game in this department.
On a plus note, it is a great place to watch the footy and the majority of staff were nice chaps. I hope my next visit will be much more pleasurable affair.

Well, I have taken a shine to this place over the last year or so. Been in a good dozen times now at least.
Hit McPhabbs up today to make the most of their amazing 50% off promo which inspired hearty laughs when the bill came. Exceptional value. Almost felt guilty, so pledged to go back next week, cancelling previous dinner plans.
The service was outstanding, and the food was hearty and delicious. I had three courses, including a big sunday roast for £9. Aye.
Top staff and vibe overall, with lots of families today with dogs. Very chilled out and welcoming.
Bar is amazing, with modest prices for the most part.
Easily in my top 10 local gaffs thesedays, which is more elite than it might sound.

Popped into McPhabbs for a late lunch on Saturday afternoon.
Friendly staff and the barman enjoyed a natter as he took our order. The menu is simple and unpretentious much like the pub itself. It was simple pub food but very tasty and arrived quickly. I had the burger with extra toppings of cheese and mushrooms.
After the tasty burger I had to try dessert — sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce with ice cream and a latte. Epic!
And made all the better with a 50% discount on food until the end of March.
An awesome wee pub. I’m still trying to remember why I don’t come here more often!

Went here for lunch on Friday with the workies and i certainly wasn’t disappointed. Staff are great with an extensive, delicious menu. Not only is the menu great but it’s 50% off food for the month of February. I think this is amazing considering the quality of the food. I had a haggis burrito which was delicious, friends had the burger and southern fried chicken. Clean plates all round from us. Always been a fan of McPhabbs, great friendly bar with delicious grub.

The new look menu at McPhabbs is greatly reduced from last summer which I think is a good thing, it means they can focus on getting those dishes done well and in a speedy manner. Given that I tried so many things from their new menu last week I decided to give the bangers and mash a try, this is served with a rich red wine onion gravy and I also ordered a side order of salt and chilli chips.
Since my visit last summer clearly some work has been done to speed up the service because within 10 minutes the food appeared. It was a massive portion of creamy soft mash topped with 3 big chunky butchers style sausages drowning in a sea of light onion gravy… delish! The sausages weren’t amazing artisan sausage but they were lovely and really what do you want for £6.95? The gravy was more onion based than heavy on the red wine which for me was perfect, there was also quite a bit of gravy which was great.
The salt & chilli chips were HOT! It was their standard (amazing) hand cut chips that I think might be double or triple fried which were well coated in chilli flakes. I could only manage a few but they were very morish.
McPhabbs only offers 3 desserts — Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Pie or Profiteroles… I was tempted by the Apple pie but after my treat glass of gorgeous Rose wine unfortunately I had to settle for a latte and stealing a profiterole which was lovely. The portion was MASSIVE! I think there were 6 cream filled roles on the plate. It was light and creamy and I would definitely recommend this dish.
Now here is the incredible part, because throughout the month of Feb (2014) they are running a 50% off food promotion we had…3 main courses, 1 small wine, 2 mineral waters, a dessert and 2 coffees, if I gave you all day you’d still never guess the bill — it was under £20. Yes! I know, less than TWENTY BRITISH POUNDS!
I am definitely glad that McPhabbs is getting their house in order as the staff are great, the prices and good, the menu is tempting and it is only a 2 minute walk from my flat… this has the potential to be a regular lunch time haunt for me. Keep up the great work guys!

Nipped in (well, actually took a taxi) to McPhabbs (run by my collegue Ryan W.‘s husband) for a bit of lunch today (7 Feb).
The menu has just had a bit of a revamp and so for the whole of February food is half price! Naturally then, the place had a healthy Friday lunch time crowd in.
The menu serves up most of the usual suspects; burger lasagne, mac n cheese… but also has some tidy wee surprises like the haggis burrito, which I have just scoffed (with salt n chilli fries on the side)! Plus, anywhere that offers bottles of Punk IPA is a place to keep in mind in my book. I spied Ryan’s Southern Fried Chicken Wings too but alas, I’ll have to wait til next time to try them.
The waiter (Al) was really attentive and was happy to accommodate with various requests over the course of the meal.
I reckon I’ll be back to visit for dinner (not far down the road from the King’s Theatre) and maybe even a boozy night out as it also has a large beer garden (roll on summer!) and I’m told a good big function suite downstairs.
Definitely worth popping in next time you are down that way.

I was in here yesterday for a few after work drink. A fair few drinks. Been here a couple of times before and the place is brilliant.
Staff are friendly, beer garden out front and space out the back. Nice décor and all that but we chose to sit outside and take in our day of summer.
It was quite quiet when we arrived at around 4pm but soon it started to get a little busier. £3 for a pint of your finest Tennets which wasn’t too bad. Think Staropramen was £4.50, mind is a little fuzzy.
Football was on the TV, a nice venue to kick back with a brew and watch the games.
Regards to the food we never had any, because that is cheating. Next time though I will have to sample some of that but I think they had some deals on with the food. The dishes did look nice when passing us.
I would watch the hand dryer in the men’s room. It is a little intense. Certainly gave me a fright.

Great fun, two beer gardens & friendly staff. Free wifi for customers & big games on the TV. Plus a private function suite with its own bar for events.
Recently refurbished & new management McPhabbs is not one to miss! Especially with 2 for 1 burgers & burritos :)

If it wasn’t such a bad pun, I’d say McPhabbs was fab.
Oh well, too late now.. .
Plonked just off a quiet stretch of Sauchiehall Street (yes, you read that correctly), this homely bar ticks all the boxes.
So, where to begin? Well, how about 2−4−1 meals EVERY MONDAY-​THURSDAY. Excuse the capital letters, but that’s what burgers and burritos bring out in me.
With a fantastic beer garden at the front — perfect for Wimbledon during the Summer, or a chilly Winter snuggle — Maccy P’s (I better get a funny vote) also has vibrant interior.
A number of booths take up the left-​hand side, each with their own television screen, while smaller tables are dotted elsewhere. There’s a projector for big sporting events, but several barstools mean you can always look away if Scotland are being beaten. A rare occurrence, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Alcohol-​wise, there are regular promotions on offer. Mon-​Thurs throughout March, Sambuca and Tequila are an eye-​watering (or should that be glazing) £2.50. Draught Amstel is equally affordable, and provides nostalgic memories of my trip to Ayia Napa. I have to be honest here: while the barman who served me was a indeed fine young specimen, he fell short of a tanktop-​wearing Lithuanian goddess. Still, since I’m a good guy, I’ve decided against deducting a star.
Poker nights also make an appearance, along with the usual quizzes. Wunderbar.

Under new management as of a few months ago, the place has been subtly cleaned up at not inconsiderable cost. It’s initially hard to tell why it’s better but it just is (for example the lovely new lamps at the bar). Good tunes, OK selection of beer/​lager (perhaps not one for the ale fans though), good range of spirits, good atmosphere too.

This is one of those pubs I seem to have walked past numerous times, always saying I’ll make a point of going in next time I’m down that way. I’d been saying that for a long, long time — even before I moved to Glasgow.
I was walking past one night after a mini pub crawl — The Dolphin, Three Judges, Brew Dog, Firebird — and was on the way to Bön Accord, when my friend and I decided we should remedy the fact we’d never been to McPhabbs.
It was a Thursday evening, and the place was quite busy — there seemed to be a good mix of ages, and I got the impression there were several regulars too.
We stayed for a few pints before hitting Bön Accord. Beer wise, it’s selection is pretty standard, as is the pricing. But there’s something really nice about McPhabbs — something intangible, but it just has something about it that I like.
Since that fateful Thursday evening I have been back three times — it’s a good place for a quiet afternoon pint and a read of the paper as well as being a lively nightspot with an eclectic crowd.
So I’d say McPhabbs is a cool bar, and it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s now been added to my docket of pubs on my West End — City Centre pub crawl route.
Lovely

You know there’s one of those places where you’ve just never been, but kinda thought you must have been, but, in actual fact, you were in right to think you’d never been there because, well, you’ve actually never been to? With me? Whaaa?
Yes, well that was the case with me and this place. It’s not unsurprising that I’ve never hit this place, as it’s not exactly on the beaten path for me. But in saying that, I did live only about 10 mins away for a good number of years. Anyway, lets not continue down this path, as I’ma actually beginning to bore myself.
So, I stumbled in here with the Right Honorable Andrew C as we made a drunken lunge home after a night at the near (ish) Brew Dog. Quite why we made tracks for this place I do no know, perhaps I made a similar speech to the opening paragraph of this review and dear Andrew kicked me into the place to get me to shut up? We shall never know!
Anyhow, we appeared to stagger in during a poker night (did I just spot a hobbit? Yeah, i bloody well did! Look Andrew, it’s a hobbit) and promptly made our way to the beer garden at the back. OK, it’s not stunning, but it’s outside and not on a main road, a rarity in Glasgow beer gardens. Beer wise, it’s kinda tough to judge the place in comparison to the outstanding liquids on offer at BD (and indeed a number of bars in Glasgow now) but judge I must. Emmmmm, yeah, pretty standard really.
Vibe wise, it seemed to be a ‘regular’ crowd mixed with two drunken Unilocalers. But despite this ratio, it never felt unwelcoming. Décor wise, i like it. It looks and feels very much how i like my pubs to look and feel. Pretty much this: I decree that all pubs in Glasgow should have a time free aspect to them. If i walk in at 2pm, it should have the same feel as if I walked in at 8pm… just a little busier… I’m not saying it should make sense, I’m just saying.
I like it. I’ll be hitting it again.