Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Goddamn Bar

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 Goddamn Bar

Kaffibarinn

Bergstaðastræti 1

KB is the hands-down winner here. Many Reykjavik bars come and go and redecorate and rename and put on bells and whistles, but Kaffibarinn has stayed the course for the better part of two decades—because it’s just a really good, reliable place. “They have great drink selection, you can dance or sit and talk if you want, and the DJs are always on point,” said one panellist. The finest point of the place is perhaps the incredible colourful staff, who always seem like a little family. Whether having a quiet happy hour beer or doing “Russian cocaine” shots at 3am, Kaffibarinn is fucking awesome.

Runner-Up:

Prikið

Bankastræti 12

Prikið is a downtown staple. It’s a really cool place in many senses, and has its own unique vibe unlike anywhere else in town. On top of being a great bar, it’s a pretty awesome diner too with a kick-ass burger-and-beer happy hour. So you can go there the morning after too.

Runner-Up:

Húrra

Tryggvagata 22

This one’s also pretty much a no-brainer, given that it’s the kind of place that everyone can (and will) go to. There’s plenty of space to chill, plenty of space to dance, a great concert programme, and it’s totally mad on weekend nights. It’s still young, but it’s definitely a cool kid.

Previous Winners

2017: Húrra

2016: Prikið

2015: KEX Hostel

2014: Boston

2013: Dolly (RIP)

Other Drinking Categories

Best Bar For Live Music

Best Wine Place

Best Newcomer Bar

Best Smoking Area

Best Happy Hour

Best Place For Cocktails

Best Beer Selection

Best Place To Watch Sports

Best Place To Start The Night

Best Goddamn Bar

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.