Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Place To Start The Night

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 Place To Start The Night

Mat Bar

Hverfisgata 26

This tapas place and fancy-feeling drinking hole has been an instant hit. The decor has a shiny-and-new feeling, with black and white tiles and a solid marble bar—a sharp contrast to Reykjavík’s omnipresent and somewhat tired reclaimed wood, fur and bric-a-brac interior design trend. “The cocktails are excellent,” said the panel. “Try the basil gobernador—it’s like a health drink that also gets you wasted.” Whether you’re shaking off a rough day at work, snacking with a date, or starting a night out, the panel says “You’ll always walk out with a smile on your face.”

Runner-Up:

Bar Ananas

Klapparstígur 38

This cool tiki beach-themed bar in the middle of town is known for its sunset-lit, quirky, tropical atmosphere, chill environment and delicious cocktails. It never stays open past 3am, so it’s pretty much always a place to kick things off, and it gives the illusion of warmth that the Icelandic winter needs.

Runner-Up:

Kaffi Vínyl

Hverfisgata 76

A lovely vegan café and bar is located in the former site of the infamous never-open-shoe-store, Bónus Skór. “It’s really comfortable, and the music is great—you never know what you’re gonna get.” You can even choose the records, or pick up a Bónus Plötur 7” released on the cafés own micro-label.

Previous Winners

2017: KEX Hostel

2016: KEX Hostel

2015: Loft Hostel

2014: Kaldi Bar

2013: Slippbarinn

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.