Words by

The Reykjavík Grapevine and Jóhannes Bjarkason

Photo by

Art Bicnick/The Reykjavík Grapevine

To those searching for their next favourite watering hole, date spot, wine bar, or cocktail dispensary, look no further — it’s the Best Of Drinking & Nightlife. Unlike those other bars you frequent, these ones are cool places filled with cool people. You want to be cool, don’t you?

Our panel of expert drinkers conducted a rigorous analysis of this town’s licenced institutions before assembling to give their opinions on the Best bars in Reykjavík. This group of extremely outgoing partygoers, booze drinkers and people in the know left no stone unturned, appraising layout, interior design, selection, customer satisfaction and even the bathrooms. 

Suffice to say, they were very thorough. So, crack open a cold one and pour one out for 2024, ‘cause it’s the Best Of Drinking & Nightlife in 2025, baby!

Best Goddamn Bar

Röntgen 

Hverfisgata 12

“Röntgen is a solid bar all around,” explained one panellist. Röntgen is unrivalled in terms of mood and entertainment value, being a prime spot for laid back weekday drinks or a full-on weekend party. Röntgen can be a victim of its own success, as the queue gets longer as the night drags on. The key is just to show up and stay there. Welcome back to the winner’s circle.  

Runner-Up:

Bingó 

Skólavörðustígur 8 

Photo by Art Bicnick

Bingó is a force to be reckoned with in the Reykjavík bar scene. “Bingó is fucking sweet. You could have a nice chat or a straight up party,” said one panellist. “It feels like you’re in your grandma’s living room,” said another, referencing the space’s heavy use of vintage furniture. Brought to you by the same people behind Jungle Cocktail bar, Bingó is not short on innovation.