There is one thing abundantly clear from our very scientific drinking research, Hverfisgata is one hot little street right now. After getting massive internal road surgery a couple of years ago, it has come out thriving with a great bunch of watering holes from the casual to the swanky. Reykjavík’s bar scene seems to be shifting towards the latter in general, and the formerly beloved dive-bar trend looks like it’s taking a disco nap. Some facts of life remain the same: alcohol is expensive and that doesn’t stop us from partying. Bottoms up, babe.
Best Happy Hour
Kaffibrennslan
Laugavegur 21
As the day wanes and the caffeine jitters kick in, this cool coffee house does the job of transitioning you into beer-land with their very nice happy hour deals. “I always find myself going there because it’s just comfortable and nice,” one panellist said. Located right smack in the centre of town so you can easily pop in for a quick one on your way, or stay and drink the evening away, it’s just a cool, casual calm place with friendly staff, good beers and tasty snacks. There’s also a great patio for when the weather is nice.
Runner-Up:
Bravó
Laugavegur 22
It’s pretty hard to be unhappy when happy hour literally lasts all day long! From opening at 11am until 8pm you can get beers and wine at discount prices and sip them in warm cosy comfort whilst people-watching the downtown riff-raff passing by the windows. Bravo, Bravó!
Runner-Up:
Bryggjan Brugghús
Grandagarður 8
This massive bistro and microbrewery boasts a gorgeous selection of beers that you can watch being brewed on location, and serve up their own IPA for just 500 ISK during happy hour. It’s right on the gateway to Grandi—a rapidly booming hot spot in town—so it’s the perfect place to start before catching some culture.
Previous Winners
2017: Bravó
2015: Foréttabarinn
Other Drinking Categories
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