Velvet Elvis

Lentil soup was nice.
Decent burgers, both chicken and beef had a nice char on them, perhaps just a tiny bit dry but I don’t mind that.
Chips were not the best, to thick and ‘potatoey’ for me… if that makes sense!
Service was fine, friendly and not in your face.
Would go back no problem, but wouldn’t go out of my way to do so.
3 stars would be harsh, 4 is perhaps a little generous.

Just had the most amazing lunch at this small but delightful restaurant in Dumbarton road. Salmon on bed of green pea risotto. Delicious

I used to live around the corner from Velvet Elvis and it was pretty much mine and Vicky A.‘s local for a time, so when my mum suggested popping in for a light lunch and some drinks (read: me getting my Addlestone’s cider fix) I was game for seeing if much had changed since the glory days…
It was busy but we managed to grab a table pretty quickly. I went to the bar and got drinks and again, was served quickly. After this though, the service faltered a little. Admittedly this is probably the fault of the person who planned the rota; there were only 2 people on front of house for a pretty busy Saturday afternoon which isn’t too smart. However the 2 servers did well to split their time between serving from the kitchen and the bar but it did mean a considerable wait time for ordering food/​drinks to table and picking up bills etc.
Moving on to the good stuff: the food. Velvet Elvis pride themselves on sourcing great local produce and it is evident from even the most basic ingredients. For example my mum and I shared an antipasti platter (for 2 — £5.95), something that doesn’t require much prep, but all the ingredients were fresh, the bread was homemade and the cured meats were salty and full of flavour.
As I mentioned, it was a light lunch so my mum opted for a delicious pastrami, pickle and beetroot sandwich (she said the peppery pastrami was a delight and the pickle and beetroot cut through the pepper taste to prevent it being too overpowering.) and I chose a starter portion of their mussels in garlic, cream and white wine sauce. The mussels were fresh and cooked well; only 1 bum mussel out of the pot which is pretty good going. Taste-​wise, it tasted like mussels in a creamy sauce does in most places, it’s lovely but it’s not hard to do, but I left full and contented.
Great food as always, just need to have a look at that rota! :P

I’m in here ALL the time. I was even in here tonight, alone (more on that later). The fact I’ve not written a review yet is criminal…
Velvet Elvis is a stand out pub in this area, because it’s pretty much the only one that succumbed to the Glasgow gentrification (Glantrification?) between Heisenberg’s and St Louis (the bar, not actual St Louis. Obviously). More to the point, it’s been like this a few years now, setting the bar on a street that, at this end, is otherwise littered with chemists and the odd charity shop.
It’s not like it’s best of a blah bunch or anything — it’s good in its own right. It’s nicely lit, with décor which strikes a chord with an eclectic taste. They host pub quizzes and open mic nights, which cater to the hipsters/​students/​musicians among us. It’s not so hip it hurts, though, and the clientele is varied. The food menus are written on the back of records, which seemed to excite my aunt. The food itself is delicious — well made, well presented and the menu evolves every few months, keeping it fresh for the regulars. The bar snacks are a particular favourite.
I come in here to read my book sometimes, and the only thing I would say negatively about this place is the bar staff have eyed me up strangely for wanting to dine alone! This could be my own paranoia talking here, but I am honestly not bothered about this «Table for One» nonsense — I actually quite like chowing down and not having to make conversation at the same time. Nevertheless, I think I’ve freaked the waitresses out a few times when I’ve asked to sit in the dining area, whipped out my book and replied, «No, I’m not waiting on anyone… and I just want a cup of tea, nae beer, cheers». They might not have believed I have friends/​a boyfriend, but if and when one of the above appears I’m pretty sure they breathe a sigh of relief, and quietly applaud the situation. Dining alone is the best, everyone should Bucket List that shit.
All that social framework aside, it’s a really nice pub. It’s snug, so be prepared to wait for a table at weekends — sometimes it’s best to phone in if you’re wanting a meal. But overall, pleasant. They do want to «Keep Partick Weird», as their tile graffiti suggests, but the wave of gentrification creeps ever closer, and it’s only a matter of time before the area turns into Portland.

It was an accident that I turned up at Velvet Elvis last night. After 2 failed attempts to find a great burger place in Glasgow (both were shut), I found myself on their doorstep, pleading and hungry like a character from a Dickens novel.
What awaited me inside was far beyond what I expected. The menus (delivered in the sleeves of vinyl records) seemed a bit overreaching at first; but a burger I wanted, and a burger I did have.
Cooked to perfection (not too dry), with a toasted bun, cheese melted everywhere; it was absolutely what I had been looking for.
The wait staff were particularly helpful and chatty, making us all feel instantly at home. We asked if they had any Frank’s Hot Sauce (a long shot, but doesn’t hurt to ask), and we were provided with a bottle from our server’s own stash. Awwww!
The onion rings have now taken the top spot in my heart as the best I’ve found in Glasgow.
Staff were attentive, but not bothersome, however, the drawback being that we were forgotten about at the end of our meal. But relaxed atmosphere, beautiful burgers, outstanding rings… yeah, I’m a fan.

I’d been wanting to come in here for a while after seeing all the reviews on Unilocal about it being great and having passed it on the bus a good few times. It looked like the kind of kitschy place I want to go.
So Mr LG and I stopped by on our way home last Thursday evening. First of all, it isn’t all that kitschy inside, it’s more… gritty but in a good way because this used to be a butcher’s!
Anyway, so I had the butterflied chicken burger which was pretty good, if a tad salty. The salad on my burger was great too and a little mayonnaise just set it off. The brioche bun was a good little addition too.
Mr LG said his burger was better than the one he had in ketchup a few weeks previously. And the burgers actually had chips with them unlike ketchup where you had to pay extra for the chips.
I liked the ambiance of Velvet Elvis too. Trendy and intimate because of all the candles.
I also like that the menus came in record sleeves and when you took the record out of it’s sleeve, it was something really cheesy. For example, Mr LG’s record sleeve was Black Sabbath but his actual record was the Sound of Music soundtrack. Mines was Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, which I actually loved as a child.
I’ll be back, in the words of Schwarzenegger.

Shabby sheek interior design.
Hit and miss.
An old butchers shop converted with little care or expense.
Poor seating.
Shabby, rude service.
Pomposity and incompetence are strange bedfellows.
Food and drink were slightly above standard but the prices were utterly extortionate.
Would not be somewhere I would ever choose to return.

What a magic wee place!
Been in here a couple of times and only ever for a drink so last night it was time to venture onto the menu and sample their delights.
If your on a health kick its probably not the place for you though. I had a notion for a big healthy salad but to no avail. In the main its burgers, steak, pasta, duck, chunky chips etc so I opted for the Kedgeree and friend went for the steak, both were absolutely delicious, a real treat!
Friendly staff, great service, great atmosphere.
Portions are generous, so you certainly won’t go hungry here.

Had an excellent burger with a pint of German stuff (after I eventually found the bar, my friend having told me it was ‘just past Tesco’s), some points lost for unwarned usage of mayonnaise on the burger bun but points then regained for relish — I do like relish. Also my friend had pink risotto — pink! Amazing!

If you like to spend a night with friends in a Berlin style bar, spill some beers and have some food, this might be your place. The Velvet Elvis was a former butcher and some of the original look was kept, as well as reflected on a very meaty menu. So, vegans or vegetarians, you can avoid most of the food. The food itself is of good quality. Quite pricey, compared to similar locations, but no greasy stuff.
We had some crab soup and chose two burgers as we were in the mood for them. ItÄs ridiculous to rate burgers but I’ll add some notes: The chicken burger comes with fried meat, what is unnecessary, as it is spicy enough and the coating wasn’t announced on the menu. Also, some salad as side would be fine. But that#s it. Beef burger was great too. No complaints about the service.

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID! Greasy food; overpriced across the board; shocking customer service; self-​important staff; Terrible!

I was looking for a nutritious lunch and I got it here! I went for the soup and sandwich deal which I think was £7.50. The soup was so good, butternut and coconut soup with a drizzling of olive oil through it.
I had the beetroot, spinach leaves and halloumi cheese, it was such a wonderful combination of sweet, salty and savoury on delicious thick cut bread. It also came with a side of chips or salad — so much food!
The menus are written on the back of single records which was a cute touch, mine was on the back of Madonna’s «Like A Prayer.»
Very quirky inside with lovely glass doors to let in the light. Highly recommended. Just check out the photos!

First time in and welcome surprises all round. Grabbed a booth through the back and settled in for a couple of pints and a great chargrilled burger. Staff were lovely, food was great and the pints seemed to go down particularly well in the laid back atmosphere. I’ll be back.

This place is just around the corner from me and serves a variety of uses. Their breakfasts are a lifesaver after a heavy night, their coffee and cake is just what you need to perk up in the early afternoon and they have some lovely beers which will keep you there till midnight. Now that I think of it this place would be ideal to spend a full day, but alas I haven’t tried that yet.
I really love the décor of this place but I can understand it’s not to everyone’s taste. It’s a converted butcher’s shop, still covered in white tiles and complete with meat hooks and a butcher’s bike hanging from the ceiling. The drinks menus are printed on old style butcher’s invoices which is a really nice touch.
I have spent some really great evenings in this place, they have board games and even a book case full of some odd little conversation pieces. I do remember beating my girlfriend at scrabble one night, but I’m sure she would claim I am remembering incorrectly.
The staff are always really friendly and welcoming, even if your nursing a coffee so you can steal some wi-​fi (which was my first experience of the place).
Even if you have no other reason to head this far down Dumbarton Road this is a place which is well worth a visit.

Holy Burger Fatman! I feel like I have a cow inside me, a nice cow, one which came to me on a plate, sandwiched between two bits o’ bread, with cheese and other nice, niceness… If you haven’t guessed so far, this is a positive review. In fact, it’s a four star bordering on five… four and a half says I.
Flung down on the outskirts of Partick, Velvet Elvis is quite the cool wee joint, with great food, cosy yet stylish décor and great service. Me and the female one popped in here the other day for a spot of nosh after reading various reviews of the joint. With the offer of ‘one of the best burgers in Glasgow’ I pretty much knew what I was going to order as soon as my wee ass hit the seat.
The burger. Did. Not. Disappoint. Amazing meat, cooked to perfection, let it moist, juicy and flipping well tasty. The female type-​one had the fish and chips, which was really rather splendid. Fish was fresh, succulent and the batter was light yet über von flavoursome.
Coffees and chocolate cake arrived post cow-​a-​thon (I swear i burped a moo later in the evening) and proceeded to fill up our wee bellies even more.
I wish stayed in this area. VE is a great wee place and I can imagine it ticking the boxes for a number of nights out: date… check. Night out with a mate… check. Coffee during the day? Aye probably.
Phew… that’s about. Wow, I totally managed to make it through this entire review without any Elvis punnage or mentions. ShocKing (ahem).

Oh Velvet Elvis, you’ve redeemed yourself… After a game of squash, Lumberjack and I popped in last minute, right before the kitchen closed for dinner. We were ravenous! Luckily the restaurant wasn’t completely booked, and they were able to accommodate us. Our waitress was lovely as we chatted away about festival season.
Now I kind of regret completely pigging out on a super tasty burger, which I’m sure totally negated my workout efforts. *le sigh*

Velvet Elvis, owned by the same people as next door neighbours Pinxto, sits at the Thornwood end of Dumbarton Road. With a few more eateries, including Mexican restaurant Bibi’s across the road, popping up an area previously inhabited by odds and ends shop and spit and sawdust pubs, this could be one of the most up and coming patches of the West End.
Velvet Elvis itself is a classy but understated bar without a blue suede shoe in sight. Formerly a butcher, the tiles and wall hooks contribute to its rustic feel. The restaurant, located behind the bar, serves a variety of bistro dishes often with a Scottish theme such as the black pudding and poached egg salad. I ordered the sweet potato and feta salad with pine nuts as a main, a dish so delicious I looked up its recipe online as soon as I got home. For dessert I shared the day’s special, chocolate brownie with cream, with my boyfriend. So yummy it was I wished I had kept it all to myself.
The bar is a great place to relax with a G&T but it gets busy so you may be standing for a bit until you can get a table. The drinks are pretty expensive, same as most pubs in the West End, and the jukebox has a good if limited selection of rock songs. When I visited with a group of friends a few months ago we each picked three songs to play which resulted in some repetitions.
However, I would not hesitate to recommend Velvet Elvis for a meal or just a few drinks. The fact that it provides an escape from the crowds of Byres Road and Ashton Lane is just a bonus.

Paying homage to a golden age in music, Velvet Elvis’ menus come in old LP covers while a grand vinyl jukebox sits proudly beside the bar with 100 or so seminal records, mostly from the 60s and 70s, to choose from. But this is no faux-​American diner.
Velvet Elvis is truly a unique bar/​grill with its eclectic décor rivalled only be the eclectic menu, featuring the sort of fresh produce and variety owner Alan Mawn, who also owns the place’s only competition in the area, next door neighbour Pintxo, has become renowned for.
Part-​bar and part-​restaurant, what makes Velvet Elvis unique is that it’s also part butcher’s shop, with many of the original fittings remaining from its previous 1910 incarnation. Modern décor contrasts nicely with butcher hooks hanging on the wall, while Edwardian tiles are both pleasing on the eye and atmospheric.
Even the original shop front signage remains, with a glowing red and white Velvet Elvis postage stamp slapped in the middle of the typical Partick butcher shop sign. It’s a nice microcosm for the place as a whole; old and new working together to create a pretty special ambience which just, well, works.
Indeed it’s hard not to be sucked in by the atmosphere which exudes from the place, particularly when the French doors are open, given its situation in among deserted carpet shops and washing machine repair centres.
It’s a little bit of Paris in Dumbarton Road and while the drinks aren’t the cheapest, the food represents great value for money. Its burgers in particular would no doubt have been good enough to tempt the great man to swap Graceland for Thornwood himself.

when we called to book a table for the following night we were told they were booked out for the next 6 days. we took this as a good sign and booked for the first available night (wednesday). we arrived 10 mins early and were told there was no reservation made. once my friend had snatched the book from the staff member, she found our reservation for the next night. apologies were made and we were told they would find us a table. the barman had real problems understanding my drink order (half vodka, half coca cola, no ice. how hard is that?) and then under charged us (which we thought was fair coz even after screwing up the reservation and making us wait, we weren’t offered a free drink) then chased us outside to ask for the extra pound or so. the décor was rank. looked like it hadn’t been cleaned since it was a butchers shop, and the tables and chairs outside were all wobbly. the first chair i sat on was broken and collapsed underneath me. when i told the waiter, he just moved it to another table. it was at this point we left. the menu looked boring and very overpriced. as low as your expectations might be, i garauntee you’ll be disappointed.

One of the only bars out by Thornwood, Velvet Elvis combines a love of music with a passion for food.
A converted butcher’s — the old signage is scribbled over, as if by felt tip — the décor errs on the side of caution. A number of ceramic tiles remain, perhaps giving off a colder impression than many other places of its ilk.
Diners are situated towards the back. If you’re booking ahead, then here’s a tip: ask for one of the booths, so you avoid the claustrophobic tables in the middle.
Dishes range from goats cheese risotto (thumbs up), to spicy bean burgers (thumbs down). There’s also Thai green curry, and pan roasted duck.
Prices vary from the reasonable (£6.95 for macaroni) to the fairly outlandish (£4.50 for bruschetta).
I want to like this place, but I’m really struggling to. On my last visit, for example, I was made to wait the best part of ten minutes, when all I wanted to do was order a pint of Peroni and a glass of Coke.
The fantastic jukebox — boasting the likes of Nils Lofgren and The Waterboys — does go some way to redeeming the situation.