Words by

The Reykjavík Grapevine and Jóhannes Bjarkason

Best Newcomer

Bingó Drinkery

Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavík (enter from Bergstaðastræti)

Photo by Art Bicnick

From the same folks who brought us the best cocktail bar, Jungle, is best newcomer Bingó. The bar scored a full bingo by the panel, as it demonstrates good potential for an established drinking hole. “It has great potential. They make their own drinks as well as host events. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops,” said a panellist. Located behind Skólavörðustígur, on Bergstaðastræti, its inconspicuous location makes it a good place for when you need to impress the most knowledgeable of pub crawlers. 

Runner-up:

Uppi

Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík

Photo by GitteVanderMeersch

Relatively new in the Reykjavík bar game, Uppi has eluded many a seasoned connoisseur. Offering a brand-new, high-end experience just above Fish Market on Aðalstræti (“uppi” translates to “upstairs”), Uppi is the place to visit when you seriously want to impress someone. It’s an intriguing bar, landing itself a spot as the runner-up for best newcomer — one we’ll keep our eyes peeled on in the future. 

Runner-up:

Aperó Vínbar

Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavík

Photo by Art Bicnick

This French-inspired wine bar has earned its claim to fame by bringing a mixture of new and old-world oenology — that’s fancy-speak for the study of wine — to the world’s northernmost capital. Located on the second floor overlooking Laugavegur and Klapparstígur, it’s nary a stone’s throw from the bustle of the rest of Reykjavík nightlife. Aperó prides itself in offering quality wine from smaller producers, adding more diversity to Reykjavík’s wine scene.  

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