From Iceland — Grapevine's Best Of 2017: Best Barber

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Photo by

Timothée Lambrecq

While high prices mean Reykjavík isn’t really thought of as a shopper’s paradise, there are still plenty of great local products you can only get here. Whether you’re hunting for a piece of Icelandic design, searching for hard-to-find vinyl by an Icelandic artist, stocking the fridge of your Airbnb, or hunting down the perfect hand-knitted lópapeysa, this guide will get you on the right track. Most of the winners are located in downtown Reykjavík, but a few are scattered throughout the greater Reykjavík area, giving you a good excuse to get out of the city centre hubbub and do some exploring. Happy shopping!

Winner

Stjúri

Kormáks and Skjaldar, Laugavegur 59
A good barber knows that their customers like to have a nice experience as well as a sharp haircut. Stjúri—a tucked-away barber located in top men’s clothing store Kormáks and Skjaldar—knows this better than most. “He has a loyal following,” said one regular on the panel. “Be warned, you have to book three or four months in advance. I’m booked in there for the whole year now. He just does everything so well. You don’t just get the haircut, you can go into the back and have a cup of coffee.” Pick up a bow tie on the way out, now that you’re looking fancy.

Runners Up

	Rakarastofa Ragnars og Harðar Vesturgata 48 This family business is run by a father-and-son duo, giving the place a welcoming family atmosphere. “A lot of my friends go there,” said one panellist. “They’ve got an old school look. Harðar is the dad and Ragnar is the son. It’s very cosy. I like the look of it.”
	Barber Laugavegur 66 Previous winner Barber still makes the cut in 2017. Well located on Laugavegur, it’s known for being a place where you can browse records and have a drink while you get your coiff repaired. “It’s social,” said the panel. “And why not have a drink while you get your hair cut?”