Crack Open A Cold One: Your Guide To Reykjavík Beer Places

Legend has it that a new era of lager has begun. Here’s the ultimate Reykjavík beer guide to help you celebrate.

BrewDog
Frakkastígur 8
A Scottish import, Brewdog have become one of the larger players in the craft beer world. While they can’t quite hold claim to their moralistic credentials of their early days, they still make decent beer, decent food and really decent bars. Serving up an ever-changing range of both their own and others’ indie brews, BrewDog is a great place to hang out and get a taste of what is up-and-coming. They also do great wings.

Skúli Craft Bar
Aðalstræti 9
If it’s sunny and you’re looking for some brews, grab a table outside at Skúli and people-watch while you explore an intricate, eclectic IPA. Their happy hour is notoriously steller, with beers at 900 ISK from 12:00 to 19:00. The bar is, admittedly, a bit ritzier than other options on the list, but hey, who said beer couldn’t be fancy?

Session Craft Bar
Bankastræti 14
Session serves up what is probably the best view for a beer-bar in the city—one that looks out directly onto the bustle of Bankastræti. On draft, they’ve got 16 brews to try, from tried and tested faves like Mikkeller & Friends to eclectic Icelandic micro-brews, exotic oddities like a piña colada beer, and their signature Session range.

Bryggjan Brugghús
Grandagarður 8
Bryggan Brugghús was one of the first independent microbreweries in Iceland and still brews on site at their Grandi HQ. Located next to the old harbour, the bar is dimly-lit in a cosy, enticing way, allowing customers to cosy up into a corner with a delicious pint. Bryggjan is also notable for their brewery tours and live events, including regular jazz performances on Sundays.

MicroBar
Vesturgata 2
For those who want to remain incognito as they appreciate their hops, MicroBar is the go-to. The cosy, hidden cellar—full of mismatched chairs and rickety tables—is off the beaten path, which is sometimes exactly what you need when you want to drink expensive beers that you know you shouldn’t be drinking in the first place. But don’t worry—their bartenders always look like they can keep a secret.

Beljandi Bar
Mathöll Höfða
The arrival of this lauded East Iceland craft brewery to Reykjavík was a cause for celebration among grog-lovers everywhere, heralding a new age of ale in the city. The bar is located in 110, which is, admittedly, a trek away from the downtown scene, but with a spread of the entire range of Beljandi’s sought-after beers, it’s a trek worth taking.

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