A Higher Standard: Inside Glasgow’s Latest Rooftop Bar, Sisi
Perched above Argyle Street with a view that makes even the drizzle look dramatic, Sisi is the city’s latest rooftop stunner. With velvet seating, cocktails that could double as art, and a terrace that turns every sunset into a soft-launch moment, this is not just another bar; this is chic, this is cute, and this is fun! Sisi is where Glasgow’s nightlife gets a little sassier, a little sleeker, and a whole lot more sky-high.
Swanning into Sisi feels like stepping into a chic European film, except the cast is cooler, and cocktails come with edible flowers. With its dusky lighting, plush terracotta seating, and a geometric carpet that feels more Milan Fashion Week than Merchant City, this place oozes curated cool! It gives a bit of Barcelona after dark, a hint of Soho, and even a flirt with Marrakech if you squint. The space is a masterclass in modern maximalism: all sculptural gold lighting and patterned floors. The ceiling alone deserves its own postcode— a riot of Mediterranean-inspired mural work, with ripe, whimsical birds and exotic foliage creating a dream, kaleidoscope canopy above the clinking glasses. It is bold, a bit bonkers, and completely brilliant.
Every corner feels intentional, from moody backlighting to the marble-detailed bar that practically demands a dramatic lean when ordering (it’s giving “Did you come here alone?”). There is a slick central bar area made for shoulder-brushing and eye-catching glassware, while booths along the edge are ideal for whispering juicy secrets (or loudly dissecting Hinge dates). It has got that sweet spot between high-end and high-energy and chic enough for a celebration or relaxed enough for a Tuesday triple.
Right, on to drinks because let’s be honest, no one is coming up here just to admire the ceiling! If you are climbing four flights of stairs (or hitting that lift), you deserve a juicy cocktail. Each concoction here is crafted like a main character moment, complete with edible flowers and sculpted ice – very chic, incredibly fun! The velvet mango is already gaining cult status. This is a silky blend that dances somewhere between fruity and floral, with the kind of tropical tang that makes your taste buds do a little dance. Garnished with a violet bloom and finished with a foamy top – crème de la crème, oui oui. I then opted for the Oro Blanco, which is minimalist in appearance and maximalist in flavour. Clear, crisp, and extremely smooth. It mixes white wine, gin, and citrus in a way that feels light and elegant, like it should be sipped with oversized sunglasses and flip-flops on!
Now, food-wise, Sisi isn’t out here trying to win a Michelin star, and that is exactly the point. It knows what it is: stylish, sociable, and here to keep you fed just enough to justify another round. The menu leans Mediterranean with a few nods to the Glaswegian palette with shareable snacks that are designed to complement whatever is in your glass. I opted for the guacamole and nachos, which were the perfect snack for some heavy drinking (don’t judge). If you are going full meal mode, there are mains such as chicharrones and pollo de landrillo, which looked equally as tasty!
So the verdict? Sisi isn’t just another rooftop bar trying to coast on good views and fancier-than-average cocktails. It has proper identity! Stylish without being stuck up, buzzy without being chaotic, and just the right amount of glam for a city that loves a night out. The drinks are playful, the food does what it needs to, and the vibe is spot on if you’re into people-watching, pretending like you are somewhere sunnier, or just fancy a setting that looks as good as you do on a Friday night. It might not change your life, but it certainly is a chic little spot to give a go!