Drinks can be expensive in Reykjavik, but bar culture is something to experience. And besides, there are plenty of happy hours in the city that make it worth going out and a little easier on the wallet. Despite Reykjavik’s relatively remote location, bartenders, brewers, and mixologists are crafting creative cocktails and beers that would rival those of any major city in the world.
And Iceland’s bar culture continues to grow – a decade ago, it would have been difficult to find a wine bar with more than a handful of options or a cocktail or liquor you’ve never heard of before (other than Brennivin, of course). Take a stroll down the street during happy hour today, usually between 3 PM and 7 PM, and you’ll find more bar options than you could visit in one day. Within hours, you could have an innovative Brennivin cocktail, a cereal-topped White Russian, and a glass of local Icelandic wine. Whether you’re looking for a late-90s hip-hop dance night or a white Russian straight out of “The Big Lebowski,” Reykjavik doesn’t disappoint.
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Best bar for beer nerds: Skúli Craft Bar
Direction
Aðalstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 519 6455
Web
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The first thing you should know about Skúli is that they have a happy hour every day from 3 pm to 7 pm, which is remarkable when you are looking to try some of the best (and most expensive) beers in the country. They have 14 beers on tap, most of which are made by Icelandic brewers. If draft beer isn’t necessarily your thing, you can choose to choose from the menu of over 100 different varieties of preserves.
02
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Best Gay Bar: Kiki Queer Bar
Direction
Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 571 0194
Web
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If you’re looking to dance until you can’t feel your feet while making some friends along the way, head over to the Kiki Queer Bar. Located on one of the busiest streets in downtown Reykjavik, its central location makes it perfect for an after-bar snack. Expect a steady stream of pop hits on any given night, which some throwback favorites for good measure.
03
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Best Bar for Cocktails: Snaps Bistro
Direction
Rsórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 511 6677
Web
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Gin and tonics are the go-to-order at Snaps, where an entire separate menu is dedicated to making this mixed drink right. If G & Ts aren’t what you would normally order, Snaps makes a classic cocktail (think: Tom Collins and Kir Royal).
04
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Best bar for meeting venues: Prikid
Direction
Bankastræti 12, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 517 1743
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If you are a fan of hip-hop, especially Icelandic hip-hop, Prikid is the place to be at night. During the day, you’ll see a bunch of regulars taking advantage of the cheap burger special, and at night you’ll find it packed with locals playing, and sometimes playing, their favorite lyrics. In addition, it is also one of the oldest bars in the city, which is reason enough to visit it alone.
05
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Best bar for live music: Húrra
Direction
101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 571 7101
Located in the oldest section of the city near the port, Húrra has the perfect ratio for live acts: a long, easily accessible bar and tons of space to dance on stage. You can see local and international acts in this place. This is one of those special chameleon-like places with an atmosphere that changes depending on the act of the night.
06
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Best Theme Bar: Lebowski Bar
Direction
Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 552 2300
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This is exactly what it sounds like: a bar based on the cult classic “The Big Lebowski .” The interior of the Lebowski Bar is decorated with a decoration that you would probably see in a bowling alley or in a restaurant. It all makes perfect sense, given that the bar is divided into four different themes: 1960s lounge, a porch straight out of the American South, a bowling alley, and a 1950s-style restaurant. Oh, and it has a full menu dedicated to the white Russians.
07
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Best bar for fun-loving bartenders: Kaffibarinn
Direction
101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Web
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During the day, you’d never expect the quiet, sandwich-selling cafeteria to turn into a late-night hangout filled with some of the friendliest bartenders you’ll ever meet. Kaffibarinn offers all the expected drinks (beer, mixed drinks, house wine) and is known as one of the best places in the city to catch a DJ set.
08
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Best bar to meet other travelers: Kex
Direction
Skúlagata 28, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 561 6060
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Kex is a harbor-side hostel with a bar that even some locals would call their favorite. Once a cookie factory, the hostel offers shared and private rooms, attracting travelers from all over the world. The bar serves fantastic food along with local beers and mixed drinks. The long wooden tables make it an easy place to meet a new friend or two.
09
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Best Bar for Fancy Happy Hour: Rok
Direction
Frakkastígur 26a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 544 4443
Web
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Rok is first and foremost a restaurant, and a very, very good one at that, but its champagne happy hour can’t be left off the list. For an unforgettable meal with a rare touch of champagne (served with licorice and melon), this is the place to visit. After spending a few minutes in the cozy restaurant and you won’t want to leave.
10
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Best wine bar: port 9
Direction
Veghúsarstígur 9, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 897 8212
Web
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If you’re looking for options, head to Port 9. While most bars and restaurants offer some house wine options, Port 9 covers everything from bubbles to Grenache. Request the full wine list to see their offerings, and if you’re celebrating something special, take a look at the fine wine list. It is presented in a handwritten brochure in gold leaf, which is a sight to see.
