Ad Lib

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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.

On entering Ad Lib, there’s no doubt where the influences lie; from the vast New York street scene on the bar wall to the excellent range of bourbons, the American accent is strong. The granddaddy of the Glasgow gourmet burger joints, Ad Lib specialises in all-American comfort food such as springy jalapeno cornbread with a hot blue cheese sauce, Cajun popcorn prawns, mighty char-grilled steaks and, of course, those burgers. With a choice of beef, lamb, chicken or veggie plus a decent range of toppings, there should be something for most tastes. The Southern fried chicken burger is particularly good; combining tender meat with a crunchy coating, it’s served with sweet chilli sauce, mayo, skinny chips and a generous salad. The menu also shows some pan-global influences with dishes such as five-spice duck and pistachio crusted chicken. Desserts, however, stay Stateside: homemade cheesecake (flavours change weekly), waffle ice-cream sundae and chocolate brownie with bourbon toffee sauce. Home-made pecan pie is rich with maple syrup but, sadly, is served cold.

• High point: Dependable modern American cooking
• Low point: Surprisingly basic cloakroom facilities