Black Sparrow

Black Sparrow
241 North St
Glasgow, G3 7DL
Phone: 0141 221 5531
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  • Food served: 12–9 Mon–Fri. 11–9 Sat/Sun
  • Bar open: Mon–Sun noon–midnight
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
  • Also offers: Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Live music
  • Music on stereo: Hipster indie and light electro
  • Capacity: 70
  • Largest group: 15
  • Open since: 2008
View larger map of G3 7DL
  • Average price 2 courses: £13.50
  • Pre-theatre price: Promised to send pre-theatre menu; has not yet materialised despite chasing
  • House wine: £13.95 per bottle
Nominate this restaurant for
The List Reader Award 2010
Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

As a city can never have too many Charles Bukowski theme bars, the people behind Chinaski’s have expanded next door. Their new venture, called after Bukowski’s own small publishing company, looks at first sight a little more like the sort of place Ernest Hemingway might have drunk in in old Havana. Huge pot plants stretch up to the high ceiling, chandeliers glitter, classy cocktails are served swiftly from behind a vast, glassy bar, and well-dressed guys and dolls chatterin the pleasingly curved leather booths. The menu has clearly been designed to differentiate it from the famous burgers at the sister operation next door: it’s aiming for gastropub status. The daily changing soups are thick and clearly homemade, starter portions of Thai-spiced mussels are well-sized. A duck breast with berry jus turns up pleasantly pink - a sign that this isn’t just your average pub grub kitchen - and while the vegetarian choices are limited and seem predictable, the tangy butternut squash and blue cheese risotto turns out to be one of the best things on the menu. It’s also testament to the chefs that they picked up a reputation as a great Sunday brunch destination within a couple of months of opening.

  • High point: The old school glamour of the main bar…
  • Low point: Mezzanine area not great for tall people

Comments for Black Sparrow (241 North St, Glasgow)

1. Andie M, Glasgow – 16 March 2009, 1:33pmReport

I went for a casual business lunch here and the food was great, splendid service and lovely surroundings, will be back.

2. Wavy – 8 May 2009, 6:59pm(3s)Report

Nice, but not as good as it's sister bar Chinaskis next door.

3. Wilber, West End – 27 July 2009, 5:51pm(2s)Report

Great looking bar, attentive staff, huge array of drinks, food - AWFUL! Its hard to believe that this place is owned by the same folk as Chinaski's. The food next door is pretty decent so we thought the food in Black Sparrow would be at the same level - big mistake. There was no effort made in the dishes. I had fish and chips - the fish was ok, the chips were undercooked and hard in the middle, and the mushy peas tasted of vinegar. I felt sorry for the staff as they really made an effort but we didn't leave a tip because the food was substandard at best. I won't be eating here again

4. amber1, merchant city – 22 November 2009, 6:22pm(4s)Report

I'v been a black sparrow regular for months now...the standard of food is great, especially the weekend brunch menu and the roast on a sunday...
as for the food not being as good as chinaski's, that is not true!!!!
The sparrow is the place for any day and occasion!!! This will continue to be one of the best bars in glasgow

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