22 Best Bars in Reykjavík, Iceland

Created by Akureyri-based brewery Einstök, interiors here are cozy and moody—large groups mingle with solo drinkers enjoying pints of Arctic Pale Ale and other seasonal brews. The outdoor seating is the best on Laugavegur and provides the ultimate people-watching perch.

One of the city's most famous cafés and nightspots—thanks to its associations with local and international celebs, like Damon Albarn from Blur—Kaffibarinn is a relaxed café during the day but it gets hopping come nightfall, when DJs show up and play all night.

Iceland's best gay bar, Kíkí Queer Bar is a spirited mix of locals and travelers on any given night. Located in the heart of Reykjavík's nightlife hub, you can dance until the early morning here.

The line of people waiting to get in to this bar stretches around the block on weekends. And it's totally worth the wait: inside, you'll find some of the city's best DJs, as well as a ton of locals relaxing and mingling. Prikið is open during the day, too, when the crowds are much smaller and it's a mix of people drinking coffee rather than beer.

You can't go wrong with any of the craft beers on tap here. This bar popularized the craft bar movement in Reykjavík, maintaining its chalkboard menu of all the wild and wonderful brews of the moment. Enjoy a pint or a flight inside or at an outdoor table.

This loud bar's open-floor plan can accommodate groups easily. The best seats are the pillow-topped benches along the window—they were practically made for people-watching. All of the cocktails are great here, but the classics are treated with special care; you can't go wrong with an Old Fashioned.

Right below the Hard Rock Cafe, you'll find this lively nightclub making the most of its near-windowless basement location. This is a place to party the night away with the assistance of a roster of local and visiting international DJs and electronic musicians.

For a night of reckless glamour among a crowd of well-dressed and heavily perfumed party people, head to b5, a classy (at least before midnight) yet comfortable nightspot illuminated throughout with backlit rose-color panels.

A rugged but relaxed bar, Bird has great service, good food, and an exciting live music and events schedule.

Lovingly called \"The Dub\" by regulars, this place has been slinging Guinness since 1995 and has become popular with those seeking out the Irish bar experience in the heart of Reykjavík. With more TVs than any one person can watch and a happy hour that stretches on for nine hours, this is the place to catch the match of the day or to get over the outcome of yesterday's match.

This venue has hosted live music for as long as most locals can remember, welcoming those who wish to dance into the very late hours of the night.

Longtime book store Mál og Menning made a sharp turn a few years ago, turning its flagship location into a bar and live music venue—don't worry, secondhand books are still on display. It's a fun place to sit and sip a beer, surrounded by that old book smell.

With lush greenery, velvet booths, and a curated playlist, Jungle offers an escape from urban life. The award-winning bartenders craft innovative cocktails that blend Icelandic spirits with fresh, herbaceous, and fruity flavors. Whether you're seeking a laid-back midweek drink or a lively weekend vibe, Jungle delivers exceptional cocktails in a vibrant setting.

Admittedly a tourist attraction, this bar and restaurant is themed after—you guessed it—the Coen Brothers' cult classic The Big Lebowski, and has an entire menu dedicated to White Russians. The decor is full of references: the bar is lined with rugs, the bar stools look like bowling shoes, and \"the Dude\" himself can be found on the cocktail napkins. The neon sign out front provides quite the photo op.

This vibrant rock-theme bar and music venue is in one of the city's oldest buildings, with a self-service beer garden featuring a wide range of Icelandic craft beers on tap. Inside, patrons can enjoy a variety of comfort foods, from hearty waffles to savory bratwursts, complemented by a selection of brews, cocktails, and milkshakes. Lemmy also runs an ambitious live music schedule, so there is something going on most nights of the week.

The best time to visit Micro Bar is between the hours of 3 and 7 pm, when the bar has two beers on special for happy hour. You'll find a solid selection of Icelandic beers and an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for making new local friends.

Technically a nightclub, Pablo Discobar also serves food and some notable cocktails. Since the bar is open until 5 am on Friday and Saturday, you'll often find people making this their last stop after a night on the town.

If you don't feel like heading to the top of Hallgrímskirkja to take in 360-degree views of Reykjavík, check out Petersen Svítan. This rooftop lounge is on the third floor of the historic Gamla Bíó cinema. In a previous life, the bar was the cinema owner's apartment; today, it's an open-air bar with a bi-level terrace.

A pioneer of the Reykjavík cocktail scene, Slippbarinn has been mixing innovative cocktails crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients since 2012. They have a happy hour and a late happy hour to inspire you to extend your weeknight outing a little longer.

This small but stylish cocktail bar pours creative drinks in an inviting atmosphere. The bar offers a menu featuring craft cocktails, classic mixed drinks, and bubbles, with a focus on quality and innovation.

Reykjavík’s go-to natural wine bar offers a collection of bottles from small European producers. Its cozy, cellar-like ambience and inventive tapas make it a favorite for wine enthusiasts seeking quality and character.