Waxy O'Connor's

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Waxy's offers more than your average chain pub does, both in terms of décor and food, which is maybe why it's a stalwart of Glasgow's pub scene. The cavernous wooden interior, with its maze-like levels and multiple bars, and the Irish paraphernalia throughout lend the pub plenty of traditional character. There is, of course, plenty of the black stuff on tap, but for more substantial sustenance an extensive menu is available, ranging from pub favourites – sausage and mash, for example – to more upmarket offerings such as oysters. There is an Irish flavour to some of the dishes – the rich and creamy seafood chowder with a smattering of mussels and smoked fish comes with traditional stone-baked soda bread – while Scottish favourites such as haggis, neeps and tatties, smothered in whisky gravy, also appear. A rib-eye steak burger, served on a rustic wooden block with pickle and fresh coleslaw, contains a veritable mound of tender beef on a soft, floury bun, while a special Caledonian beer batter is used for a quality portion of fish and chips. Weekly acoustic sessions are held every Thursday and Sunday.

• High point: Well-presented, tasty food
• Low point: Only two desserts available