Best Of Reykjavík 2026: Best Goddamn Bar

Words by

Photo by

Art Bicnick

The Norse god Óðinn obtained the mead of the poetry from the giants and shared it with those seeking divine connection. Sounds familiar, right? We’ve all had those kinds of nights here in Reykjavík. Now, you can too. Whether it’s cocktails, a wine bar, a date spot, or a happy hour beer, we have filtered the seemingly unlimited options here to give you the best chances of building that time-honoured experience that fermentation allows.

Our extremely mortal panel of drinkers has inspected the local bars and watering holes and given their honest, exuberant opinions on the best bars in Reykjavik. All factors were considered, from atmosphere and interior design to bathroom availability and customer satisfaction.

If you’re seeking wisdom, camaraderie, or just want to get your drink on, these are the establishments our panel recommends.

Best Goddamn Bar

Röntgen

Hverfisgata 12

Photo by Art Bicnick

Unanimous choice for best goddamn bar. Again. “Röntgen is a no brainer,” is the simplest explanation, as a panellist stated, “You can do everything there. They’ve got pub quizzes, good DJs, karaoke, great selection of drinks, nice vibe, ample seating, you can have a date there. I am still captivated by Röntgen.” This bar is consistently on our best-of list, so expect queues as the night drags on.

Runner Up:

Kaffibarinn

Bergstaðastræti 1

Almost synonymous with going out, Kaffibarinn’s inclusion in this, and other best-of lists for the drinking category, was inevitable. With outstanding DJs, vibes for miles, and scenesters on tap, this bar defines 101 Reykjavík, for better or worse. One panellist provided the following revealing quote, “This is the place where you go to ruin yourself. It’s a proper bar for a proper night out.”

Runner Up:

Prikið

Bankastræti 12

Dead-centre for a Laugavegur walk, Prikið boasts that rare Reykjavík product – regulars. They have them for a reason. The bar has been in operation since 1951, and you can feel the history, as, other than partitioning off the upstairs, there has been no significant removal since its founding. In recent times, Reykjavík’s hip hop scene developed here. It also hosts one of the best happy hours in town.