From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík Drinking 2020: Best Sports Bar

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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 Sports Bar

American Bar

Austurstræti 8

With screens as far as the eye can see, a long bar that goes on for days, all the burgers and snacks of your junk food dreams, a dedicated big-screen viewing room in the back, and a “sun” terrace to smoke on at half time, American Bar is the perfect place to watch the big game. Whether it’s boxing, NFL or Premier League, they always have a wide range of screenings. Grab yourself a brewski and prepare to shout at the screen in some kind of vicarious catharsis of random victory or loss.

Runner-Up:

Lebowski Bar

Laugavegur 20a

Honour “The Dude” at this laid-back and unpretentious locale that is the best of both worlds during sports games. Some people will get rowdy; others will stay chill, so you’re certain to find your crowd as you munch on some of the best burgers in Reykjavík. PS: If you’re feeling fancy, pick up a White Russian.

Runner-Up:

English Pub

Austurstræti 12

If it’s football you’re hankering for, go to those that know it best: the English. This pub serves up a dark wooden Anglo-kitsch interior, a long bar with plenty of staff, and loads of comfortable seating, and, best of all, a plethora of screens. Make sure to yell loudly and berate Gylfi Sigurðsson when he misses his penalty—you wanted an authentic pub experience, right?