Best Of Reykjavík 2019: Best Place For Live Music

There is one thing abundantly clear from our very scientific drinking research: craft beers and gastropubs have arrived in force. You can’t throw a stone without hitting someone washing down a dry-aged chilli burger with a local IPA. After a few stable years, Reykjavík’s bar scene seems to be shifting in general, with more wine, cocktails and fancy beers available than ever before. Some facts of life, however, remain the same: alcohol is expensive, but that doesn’t stop us from partying. Bottoms up, babe.

Best Place For Live Music

IÐNÓ

Vonarstræti 3

This beautiful, classic concert hall has been rejuvenated into the new heart of the 101 music scene. From release concerts to collaborative gigs to one-day festivals and all-out parties, the kool kids of Reykjavík are putting their concerts on here; the creative, buzzing atmosphere and varied events have made it into a thrilling creative hub for the city. “People who chase music are going to IÐNÓ,” said the panel. “There’s room to move, and it’s labyrinthine inside. It’s having a real moment. It’s been a slow transition, but IÐNÓ is just where the music scene is right now.”

Runner-Up:

Gaukurinn

Tryggvagata 22

Gaukurinn has become the thriving centre of the city’s alt-music scene, including heavy music, goth shit, noise and drag. “It’s a huge place for the punk, goth and metal scenes,” said the panel. “The geeks you knew in high school are now handsome bad boys in leather jackets.”

Runner-Up:

MENGI

Óðinsgata 2

Although you can get a drink, MENGI isn’t exactly a bar—it’s a white cube venue that’s like Gaukurinn’s cool grown-up auntie. “You get an ASMR feeling,” said the panel. “You go just for music. They have something going on most days, and it’s always on time. For their consistently brilliant programming, MENGI deserves recognition.”

Previous Winners

2017-8: Húrra
2015: Café Rosenberg (RIP)

Other Drinking Categories

Best Bar To Start The Night

Best Bar To End The Night

Best Craft Bar

Best Wine Bar

Best Place For Cocktails

Best Sports Bar

Best Place For Live Music

Best Smoking Area

Best Happy Hour

Best Newcomer Bar

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2019 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.