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 Wine Place
Port 9
Veghúsastígur 9
A tucked away basement bar with a discrete and secretive vibe, Port 9 has low lighting and lots of dim corners suitable for drinks, dates or general conspiring. It’s also the only self-proclaimed out-and-out wine bar in Reykjavík. “They have a short list of basic, affordable options that are available by the glass,” said the panel. “But if you ask, there’s a more extensive book-length wine list, sold by the bottle. And then if you ask again, out comes a gold-leaf, handwritten book of their fine wines. It doesn’t have prices. So maybe don’t order from the ‘special book’ if you’ve already had a few.”
Runner-Up:
Kröst
Hlemmur
Every joint in Hlemmur has a speciality, and alongside burgers and bar snacks, Kröst prides itself on the wine list. “They have at least six at any given time, and the selection changes constantly,” said the panel. “So whenever you go back, there’ll be something new to try.”
Runner-Up:
Geiri Smart
Hverfisgata 30
This fancy drinking hole is connected to the Hilton Canopy hotel complex and has an unusual wine list focussing on cold-climate wines. There’s a long bar with plenty of space, and it has a swanky kind of feeling, so sip your drink and people-watch whilst role-playing some kind of American Psycho lifestyle. If you want. You weirdo.
Previous Winners
2017: Microbar
2016: Mikkeller & Friends
2015: Skúli Craft Bar
2014: Micro Bar
2013: Micro Bar
Other Drinking Categories
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