Words by

The Reykjavík Grapevine

@rvkgrapevine

Let’s not beat around the bush: Icelanders love to drink. In fact, there is probably nothing Icelanders like to do more than drink, which could very well be why this country doesn’t have a space program. 2019 was a big year in the downtown drinking scene, with some old favourites closing and some strong newcomers opening. Some facts of life, however, remained the same: alcohol is still expensive, but that doesn’t stop us from partying. How else would we have sex?

Best Place To End The Night

Prikið

Bankastræti 12

Prikið is the bar version of the “I’m going to bed early tonight vs. me at 3 a.m.” meme. At 22:00 you’ll have a bunch of regulars relaxing at the bar sipping brews, but arrive at 3:00 and it’s Project X. “It’s a younger crowd, but it’s always a party on weekends and if there’s a concert going on, well, you won’t find a more intimate venue than the Prikið floor,” one panel member said. Their outdoor smoking area should be applauded too. Hang out long enough and you’ll be sure to buddy up and find an afterparty.

Runner-Up:

Kiki Queer Bar

Laugavegur 22

Kiki is a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but if you’re looking to dance to the greatest hits of the past 30 years, it won’t disappoint. “Look, if you want to dance to ‘Euphoria’ by Loreen, there’s only one bar that will play it three times a night,” one panel member laughed. “You always know what you’re going to get, and it’s fun.”

Runner-Up:

Kaffibarinn

Bergstaðastræti 1

© Nanna Dis 2014

“No matter where I go during the night, I always return home to Kaffibarinn,” one panel member explained. “You’ll eventually find me crying on the steps of the smoking area.” All jokes aside—there’s a reason this is the Best Goddamn Bar. Late at night, the crowd gets rowdy, the convos interesting, and the dance floor sweaty in the most addicting way.

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2020 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide.