Grapevine’s Best Of 2016: Best Place For Cocktails

Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Place For Cocktails

Winner: Apótek
Austurstræti 16
Apótek is a beautifully decorated restaurant in the heart of downtown. It’s actually styled as a pharmacy, hence the name Apótek. They refer to their bartenders as pharmacists and offer a great selection of cocktails, or as they call them painkillers, stimulants and tranquilizers. The restaurant is famous for its exquisite menu, wide selection of wine and beautifully crafted desserts. However, their cocktails are also otherworldly.

Runner up: Slippbarinn
Mýrargata 2
Slippbarinn has for quite a while been the go-to-place for drinking cocktails. The panel said, “Slippbarinn has crazy good cocktails. They’re not cheap but they are talked-about good.” The restaurant is stylish and offers a weekly jazz concert as well as regular DJs. The panel continued, “They have the classics, something new and something with a twist.”

Runner up: Hverfisgata 12
Hverfisgata 12
Hverfisgata 12 is known for its amazing selection of unique and delicious pizzas. However, their cocktails are also quite something. With their signature blumosa (blueberry syrup and bubbles) they were quick to snag a place as runners-up in this category.

Previous Winners:
2015: Apótek
2014: Slippbarinn
2013: Borg, Hotel Borg
2012: Kolabrautin

Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.