No Way Back

Not a fan of being served food in styrofoam with plastic cutlery
Food was over spiced and seasoned, cooked in a microwave and really wasn’t what I had hoped
Wasn’t even great service, boy sat in the back talking with the other guy the whole time I was there, when the order was taken he stood behind the till asking out what we wanted rather than come stand by the table.

Currently off on annual leave, I’ve been trying to make my way through my list of bookmarked cafes & restaurants (much to the delight of my belly, and the dismay of my bank balance!!!).
Today, at a loose end, and with no plans I decided to venture to the south side and try out No Way Back. I’d heard good things about it, and I’m always on the pursuit of good, hearty street food type lunches.
The place is really tiny, but had a few folk sitting in. The guy serving is typically Glaswegian and has all the chat. Having looked through the menu & supped a delicious Dear Green latte, I decided on the ODB. A take on the American Reuben served on a bagel, the very description had me salivating. However they had none on that day :(my second choice was The Porkonator. Described as a sandwich containing pineapple and paprika infused pulled pork, melted cheese, fresh spinach leaves, avocado spread and Too Far Gone hot sauce.
I didn’t sit in as I’d parked in an extremely tight space and didn’t want to block anyone in, so I took the sandwich and my coffee out to indulge in the car.
When I opened the box, I was immediately disappointed. The sandwich didn’t have much of a generous filling and looked a bit limp and lifeless. I tucked in — sure that the taste would outweigh the poor looks. Sadly my expectations weren’t met. The pork seemed to be quite watery which in turn made the bread really soggy. The wateriness washed away any of the delicious pineappley, paprika flavours advertised. The whole thing became a mush in my mouth and there was no hint of spice from the No Way Back sauce (which I’d heard such good things about!)
Maybe I picked the wrong thing or the wrong day to go, but I was sorely disappointed by my lunch; which I’d actually travelled to the South Side for specifically.
I’m only awarding 2 stars — not just for the food but for other factors on the day. A customer behind me ordered 3 separate items only to be told they didn’t have them that day. I know it’s a small independent place but on a Thursday before lunchtime surely there should be plenty of the advertised dishes? Also a customer who was sitting in ordered a piece of delicious looking cake from the counter. Minutes later I heard the customer return said piece of cake stating it was mouldy! To be fair he wasn’t charged, and the whole cake was promptly binned but it just doesn’t scream good quality food.
I absolutely hate giving a low star review, and hate even more having so many complaints about a place I’d been so looking forward to! I wouldn’t go out my way to return but if I’m in the area I might revisit; in the hopes of being able to experience what others rave about.

Menu is eclectic and fantastic, specials board is always worth a look. Major recommendations for the Banh Mi, Dugs, Pernil Taco and the African peanut soup. Tables could sometimes do with a wee wipe, but that is a minor gripe when the food is so good and service is always friendly. Glasgow could do with less effing «Tony Mac» and more branches of NWB!

I did not mean to leave it a year & half between visits but Glasgow just has too many good places to eat!
I popped in on Monday for lunch with Sammi M and feasted my eyes over their menu. They’ve changed a lot since my first visit and the menu sounds amazing. Breakfast options are pretty simple — morning rolls, porridge, smoothies and there’s also the option to have scrambled eggs in a taco which sounds pretty amazing. Lunch has a lot more «handheld» options as well as lunch pots and hot dogs. I went for a ODB (old dirty bastard) bagel — pastrami, Dutch cheese, sauerkraut, gherkin and mustard. And only £4.50 — what?!
The bagel was presented nicely wrapped up for takeaway even though we were eating in. It was jam packed with fillings and totally delicious. I would say that perhaps the flavour of the cheese was a little lost but apart from that, no complaints. The guy working was nice and friendly, the place was moderately busy and it was a good place to catch up for lunch. It reminds me of West End places like Devil’s Deli and Roast and I love that they have tried to be a bit adventurous with their menu.

Food was amazing, very tasty and very flavoursome. Will definitely be back

Went for lunch today and had the porkolater — pineapple pulled pork with avocado and lemon mash and it was completely and utterly delicious! An additional splash of the chipotle sauce really brought it to life! The place has cool décor, quick, laid-​back service and good music! I liked the lights made from a drum kit! It is a bargain for the quality as well. Two rolls, two coffees (dear green), two cans of san pellegrino and two donuts for £16! I definitely want to go back and work my way through the rest of the menu!

This little neighbourhood hangout is a great addition to the southside. Its been open nearly a year and i’m a regular customer but with time on my hands i thought I’d do a review.
The café is independent and its good to support your local businesses so always make a point of going. Its nice and bright and you always get a friendly welcome. The menu is one of the most forward thinking in Glasgow, offering street food from around the world, they don’t copy competitors and you won’t find a boring sandwich in here :)
On my visit today I wanted something quick to take away (you can also phone in your order which is handy) so ordered currywurst which was only £3.50 and honestly better than the ones I’ve had in Berlin. I really love the african chicken and peanut soup, its so flavourful and sticks to your ribs, I’d never had anything like it till I came to No Way Back. My favourite sandwich is the deep Italian, beef brisket on fresh bread with sundries tomatoes among other things. The menu is small and concise, with daily specials and changes with the seasons. It’s open most days till 4pm but have started opening till 8pm on Thursdays and its BYOB with no corkage charge. Magic! They sometimes do night sessions with guest chefs and day sessions with djs.
Coffee is dear green roasters, another great local business in Glasgow and soft drinks come from around the world too with some exclusive lines from Germany and Turkey.
Theres cool artwork, lights made out of drum kits and good tunes constantly. Plus its dog friendly… whats not to like? Looking forward to it becoming a southside institution. Do yourself a favour and get to No Way Back… Your tastebuds will thank you for it.

DISCLAIMER — I know the people who run the place!
A great idea executed well– simple menu with the emphasis on international tastes and doing a limited range really well rather than a larger range poorly. Food is always super-​fresh but comes out nice and quick so its great if you are on the move and need a quick bite that isn’t a bloody pesto chicken pannini!
The vibe is the place is friendly and relaxed with some cool art and nice music played at a background level — lot’s of nice wee touches like their own brand hot sauce on each table and little salt and pepper robots too.
It’s the sort of place you visit regularly and the menu changes just often enough to keep it all interesting — definitely check it out.

Popped in for an early lunch on the way to the cinema. Have been desperate to try this place every since it has been filling up my face book page with tempting photos of their daily specials. I had the Cha Siu Bao (Pork Buns) that were on the daily specials and my wee girl had an Atomic Dog (minus the Atomic Jalapeños). The food was served reasonably quickly. We had a couple of robot salt and pepper reaches while we waited. The buns were exceptionally soft and fresh. I would have preferred some more pork filling in them, but they were delicious dipped in soy and the No Way Back chipotle hot sauce. I will go back and buy a bottle of the sauce — it was delicious. The Atomic Dog was a winner. The beef frank was very tasty and it came in a freshly baked crusty baguette — I would definitely recommend. Looking forward to coming back to try the rest of the menu.