Bar Bola

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

Gibson Street and the northern, leafy fringes of Kelvingrove Park are on the doorstep of Bar Bola, a quirky venue that straddles the divide between student hangout and local style bar. Despite its idiosyncrasy, this ever-popular destination is often packed with happy customers enjoying the daily drink promotions, two-for-one meal offers and endless loop of MTV videos that play on giant monitors. Diners can mix and match from the menu, perhaps sitting at the bar with a pint and some sweet cherry tomato crostini, or opting for a cosy booth and more substantial fare. The timeless choices of burgers and pasta are supported by old favourites such as mince and tatties as well as spicier Mexican dishes and salads. The chicken enchiladas, smothered in sour cream, chunky guacamole and melted cheese, are filling, while the crunchy Greek salad with crumbled feta offers a lighter alternative. Desserts of chocolate fudge cake and caramel shortcake go well with a frothy cappuccino. There's something cheerfully philosophical about the proceedings. Even when the kitchen gets swamped, the chatty staff banter with customers and all remains well.

• High point: Great deals on pasta and burgers
• Low point: Food lacks that home-made touch