Chinaski's

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Even if Charles Bukowski – whose biographical alter-ego Chinaski’s is named after – mostly lived off a liquid diet, this dark, discreet hipster haunt just off the main drag of Sauchiehall Street is as much about its food as it is its drink. A huge portrait of Buk, girl in arm, peers down glumly from one wall among other assorted paraphernalia relating to the cult American writer and barfly, while across the room colourful fish circle in a large tank. Starters of pitta bread with dips or crispy veg, and chicken or king prawn tempura with sweet chilli and soy sauces come in portions that aren’t to be underestimated. Mains range from lamb hotpot, fish and chips and oven-roasted chicken supreme to burgers and pizzas. A standout is the bacon and chunky potato fish-cakes, served in cream spinach with a soft poached egg. Bourbon is the house drink of choice – some 80-odd varieties are stocked, next to 25 types of rum and a raft of continental lagers. Owner Fergus MacVicar – who launched and has since sold Black Sparrow next door – is due to open a new sister venue to Chinaski’s by summer 2011, in the shape of a late night bar-club in the Berkeley Suite, an old underground 1940s ballroom situated nearby.

• High point: Great little beer garden out back
• Low point: Tricky to get a table at peak times