Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow is a pub in Merchant City, Glasgow. Rated 4.3 stars from 5645 Google reviews. Known for theatrical five-floor design and exceptional beer and cocktails. Best for groups and live music nights. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated April 2026
Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
Across 5,693 Google reviews, 84% gave four or five stars.
About Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
Waxy O'Connor's is a sprawling five-floor Gothic-inspired pub in Merchant City that feels like stepping into a Harry Potter fantasy—all quirky design, cosy nooks, and theatrical atmosphere. The venue excels across drinks: a serious beer selection anchored by Murphy's stout, cocktails that hold their own against Merchant City rivals, and a wine list that justifies its reputation. Live music and sports coverage draw regulars and visitors alike, while the kitchen delivers solid pub grub—fish and scampi, burgers, and filling comfort fare. Staff are consistently praised for politeness and efficiency. The venue welcomes groups, solo diners, LGBTQ+ patrons, and dogs, with full wheelchair accessibility. It's the kind of place where first-time visitors often become repeat customers, drawn back by the unbeatable combination of theatrical design, strong drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow is the neighbourhood spot done right — unhurried, unpretentious, with a wine list that gives it an edge over most of its category.
What Stands Out
Theatrical five-floor design
Multiple reviews highlight the Gothic church/Harry Potter aesthetic and 'quirky place' layout spread across five floors, with one reviewer calling it 'an unbelievable quirky place'.
Exceptional beer and cocktails
Highlights include great beer selection and great cocktails; one reviewer called Murphy's stout 'the best of the trip', and the venue ranks among top cocktail venues in Merchant City.
Live music and vibrant atmosphere
Live music and live performances are listed highlights; reviews consistently praise 'great atmosphere' and the venue's energy, with sports coverage adding to the draw.
What Customers Say
My favourite pub in Glasgow for a pint of Guinness. Very friendly and authentic staff & always made to feel very welcome! Éirinn go Brách 🇮🇪
Incredible atmosphere, so friendly, what a beautiful quirky place. My boyfriend and I really enjoyed it here
Wow. !!! Spent five days in Glasgow, this place was by far the best. Atmosphere - tick Design - tick (over five floors) Drinks - tick Food - tick Staff - tick Live music - tick An unbelievable quirky place. Like a Harry Potter or gothic church style interior. Best stout of the trip, Murphy's, best pub grub, terrific fish and scampi and the staff are polite and very efficient.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Great place, had food and drinks, really cool layout and general vibe.”
“Served cold soup and overpriced for meals and alcohol cheek add a service charge”
“3 plants with live music, typical irish menu and beers selection.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow?
Across 5,693 Google reviews, 84% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow among Merchant City's most reliably rated pubs.
Do you need to book Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for meals — Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow is a popular choice in Merchant City and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Does Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow have outdoor seating?
Yes — Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
Yes—it's listed as popular for solo dining. The casual, cosy atmosphere and friendly staff make it ideal for a solo drink or meal at the bar, whether you're catching live music or watching sports.
Yes, dogs are allowed. The venue is dog-friendly, making it a good choice for visitors exploring Merchant City with their pet.
Yes. The venue has a wheelchair accessible entrance, accessible restroom, and accessible seating throughout.
Yes, live music and live performances are regular features, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and making it a popular choice for nights out with friends or family.
Parking is usually difficult to find in Merchant City. Consider public transport or arriving early if driving.
The venue accepts reservations, which is recommended for groups, especially during busy times or when live music is scheduled.
Also in Merchant City
View all9 venues changed rank in Merchant City this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
How our monthly rankings work