The world of specialty coffee can be a somewhat mystifying one to the uninitiated. 

What differentiates a long black from an Americano? A Chemex from a V60? And why does no one write a horrendous approximation of your name on the cups? 

Never fear dear reader, for we have compiled a (by no means exhaustive) list of where in Glasgow your confusion can be alleviated with some friendly advice and a shot or two of some very cool beans. 

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Avenue Coffee 

With a light and airy establishment on Byres Road, and a combination cafe/roastery on Great Western Road, Avenue Coffee are a major presence in Glasgow's west end. Boasting some of the city's best-trained baristas as well as one of the UK's top roasters in the engine room, make time for a cuppa here. 

Glasgow Times:

Papercup - Great Western Road interior pictured 

Proving that great things can come in little packages, Papercup are famed for top quality products from their small batch roaster.

A triple threat thanks to a presence on High Street, Royal Exchange Square and Great Western Road, they also have a top notch food offering. Plus terrible dad jokes on sandwich boards. 

Artisan Roast 

What kind of cafe do you picture when thinking of bohemian students supping specialty brews, possibly while arguing about Nietzsche or socialism? Well that cliche is pretty much Artisan Roast.

The lauded Edinburgh roaster's west of Scotland outpost can be found on Gibson Street and features not just an array of award-winning coffees but plenty of organic, vegan and gluten food options in a very welcoming setting.  

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Laboratorio Espresso 

This city centre espresso bar doesn't just hit all the right notes when it comes to coffee, but has been recognised for being an achingly trendy space to be in.

They source a large range of coffee choices from London and European roasters, as well as an excellent grub provided by Glasgow's own Eusebi Deli.

Fun fact: Some of the interior materials were salvaged from Glasgow School of Art. 

Glasgow Times:

Pena - where coffee is a science 

Tucked away in Eton Lane, Pena's easy to miss but hard to pass up. With coffee sourced from Avenue, this tiny cafe's brews are quality whatever you opt for. They also provide an excellent value, if limited, food menu.

If you're lucky the owner, a man so enthusiastic about his product you can't help but be charmed, will be behind the bar and will more than happily answer any questions you have on the subject.