Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Place To End 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 End The Night

Prikið

Bankastræti 12

Prikið is the bar version of that “I’m going to bed early tonight vs. me at 3 a.m.” meme. Show up at 10pm and it’s Rancho Relaxo. Get there at 2am, and it’s House Party. “It has a very specific atmosphere,” said one panellist referring to its young, raucous, hip-hop-centric vibes. “Weeknights can be more chill and sometimes weird in a really good way.” It’s also just great to hit the outdoor smoking dock and buddy up. Fun fresh music, crazy dance floor, good basic drinks, cute fun people, lovely staff, and never a dull moment. There will be a line-up.

Runner-Up:

Húrra

Tryggvagata 22

It was a real close one picking this winner, since Húrra is a well-known end-of-the-night magnet. “It’s had its ups and downs but it’s interesting and diverse and open to everyone, like a proper dance spot should be.” Another panellist simply said, “it always works.” Sold.

Runner-Up:

Gaukurinn

Tryggvagata 22

Just upstairs is the big brother bar that has dominated this corner for ages, albeit under a few different names and styles, like an angsty mall-goth teen. That emo kid has grown up into that cool elder punk who looks hard but is a lovable and loving softie. And it’s the home of the drag scene! Yas gawd!

Previous Winners

2017: Kaffibarinn

2016: Húrra

2015: Paloma Basement

2014: Paloma

2013: Harlem (RIP)

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.