Reykjavik’s Best Bars: A Drunk’s Guide to Epic Nights

Welcome to the Reykjavik Bar‑Hopping Bible

Grab a glass, pour yourself a shot of whatever you pretend to like, and settle in. You’re about to read the most unapologetically honest, meme‑infused guide to the best bars Reykjavik has to offer. If you think you’ve seen the city’s nightlife on a blurry Instagram story, think again – we’re diving deeper than a bartender’s secret stash of bitters. This isn't your grandma's travel brochure; it's the kind of content you’d see on a Reddit thread that simultaneously makes you laugh, cringe, and book a flight.

Why Reykjavik? (Besides the Midnight Sun and Cheap Vodka)

First, a quick reality check: Reykjavik isn't exactly Las Vegas, but it has a vibe that makes you feel like you're the main character in a Netflix crime‑drama where the villains are boring cocktails and the heroes are craft brews that taste like they were brewed by vikings. The city’s compact size means you can hop from a dive bar to a high‑end lounge without needing a GPS, a Uber, or a personal trainer. Plus, the locals are so chill they’ll let you sip a Skyr‑infused cocktail without judging your life choices.

How We Picked These Bars (Spoiler: It Involved a Lot of Drinking)

Our methodology is simple: drink until you can no longer form coherent sentences, then write down the places that didn't make you regret your existence. In practice, we consulted the following sources:

• Local brewers who know which taps are actually brew‑tastic and which are just hype.
• Tourist reviews that are either over‑the‑top positive or hilariously negative (we love both).
• Our own personal hangovers – the ultimate quality control.

We also threw in a couple of SEO keywords like “best bars Reykjavik”, “Reykjavik nightlife” and “craft beer Reykjavik” to make Google love us as much as we love a good IPA.

Top 10 Bars in Reykjavik (Ordered by How Likely They Are to Make You Forget Your Ex)

1. Kex Hostel Bar – The ultimate budget‑friendly haunt where you can snag a cheap Reykjavik Red and pretend you're a backpacker with a purpose. The vibe is half‑hipster, half‑college‑dorm, and 100% unforgettable. Pro tip: the rooftop deck is perfect for sunrise selfies that will make your Instagram followers think you're a professional photographer.
2. Laugardalslaug Bar – Nestled next to the iconic geothermal pool, this spot serves up a hot toddy that actually feels like a hug from a Viking. The poolside bar is ideal for those who like their drinks with a side of steam.
3. MicroBar – If you think you know craft beer, think again. MicroBar rotates its taps weekly, so you’ll never get bored. Their Hoppy Viking is a hop‑bomb that will have you shouting “Skál!” louder than a Norse saga narrator.
4. Kaldi Bar – A hidden gem in the downtown alleyways, Kaldi is famous for its Geyser Gin – a gin infused with Icelandic volcanic ash (don't worry, it's food‑grade). The ambiance is dim, the music is indie‑rock, and the bartenders are so friendly they’ll remember your name after the third round.
5. The English Pub – Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but the fish‑and‑chips paired with a pint of Molson is an experience that transcends cliché. The live karaoke nights are perfect for those who want to sound like a drunken Elvis.
6. Bar Ananas – Known for its pineapple‑infused cocktails, Bar Ananas is the place to go when you want to feel tropical in the Arctic. Their signature Polar Pineapple Punch is basically a vacation in a glass.
7. Skúli Craft Bar – A sleek, modern space that looks like a tech startup’s break room. The beer list reads like a PhD thesis on fermentation, and the bartenders will explain the difference between a Saison and a Kölsch with the patience of a monk.
8. Meðferð – Translating to “treatment”, this bar treats you to a curated selection of Icelandic spirits. Their Arctic Aquavit is so smooth you’ll think you just swallowed a glacier.
9. Bar Loki – Named after the trickster god, this place lives up to its name with mischievous cocktail presentations (think smoke, dry ice, and a tiny hammer garnish). The vibe is eclectic, the crowd is artsy, and the drinks are Instagram‑gold.
10. Lebowski Bar – A homage to the Dude, this bar serves up White Russians that would make Jeff Bridges nod in approval. The décor is a mash‑up of 90s grunge and Icelandic minimalism – perfect for anyone who wants to feel both nostalgic and avant‑garde.

Insider Tips: How to Navigate Reykjavik’s Nightlife Like a Pro (Without Getting Lost)

Even if you’ve never set foot in Iceland, these hacks will keep you from looking like a clueless tourist:

• Start Early, End Late: Reykjavik’s bar scene kicks off around 6 PM and doesn’t really wind down until 3 AM. If you show up at midnight, you’ll be fighting for a seat at the “late‑night” bar that’s already half‑empty.
• Cash is King (but Cards Work Too): Most places accept credit cards, but a few tiny dive bars still prefer cash. Keep a few Icelandic Krona on hand to avoid the embarrassment of pulling out a $100 bill for a $5 cocktail.
• Dress Code = Whatever You Want: The locals dress like they’re heading to a yoga class – comfy, layered, and slightly mysterious. If you’re wearing a tuxedo, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb (and probably get a free drink for the entertainment value).
• Know Your Lingo: “Skál!” means “cheers”. Saying it loudly enough to startle the bartender earns you extra respect points.
• Don’t Forget the “Bar Crawl” App: There are several Icelandic apps that map out bar routes, but the best one is the one you create yourself by asking locals for their favorite hidden spots.

SEO for Bar Owners: Why You Should Care About This Guide (And How to Use It)

If you own a bar in Reykjavik, you probably skimmed this article for the free publicity. Good news: you can actually leverage the same tactics we used to rank this page.

• Keyword Placement: Sprinkle phrases like “best bars Reykjavik” and “Reykjavik nightlife” naturally in your <title>, <meta description>, and throughout your body copy. No keyword stuffing – just a subtle nod.
• Internal Linking: Connect your bar’s page to other relevant pages on your site. For example, if you also sell merchandise, link to your Custom Beer page. This boosts site authority and keeps visitors browsing longer.
• External Authority: Get a dofollow link from a reputable site. Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer is a perfect example – it signals to Google that you’re part of the larger beer ecosystem.
• Engage the Community: Host meme‑night events, collaborate with local influencers, and encourage user‑generated content. The more shareable your content, the higher your organic reach.

Need help with the nitty‑gritty of digital strategy? Visit our Home page for a free consultation, or drop us a line via our Contact form. We also love talking about how to Make Your Own Beer and turn that passion into profit.

Craft Beer vs. Imported Lager: What Reykjavik’s Bars Are Actually Serving

Contrary to popular belief, not every bar in Reykjavik serves the same bland, mass‑produced lager you get at a grocery store. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Category	Typical Flavors	Best Spots
Craft IPA	Hoppy, citrusy, piney	MicroBar, Skúli Craft Bar
Stout & Porter	Roasted coffee, chocolate, smoky	Kaldi Bar, Bar Loki
Traditional Icelandic Ale	Subtle malt, clean finish	Meðferð, Bar Ananas
Imported Lager	Light, crisp, easy‑drinking	The English Pub, Lebowski Bar

When you’re deciding what to order, think about your palate and the vibe you’re chasing. If you want to feel like a true Viking, go for a stout with a smoky finish. If you’re just looking to keep the night light, a crisp lager will do the trick.

Planning the Ultimate Reykjavik Bar Crawl (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Map Your Route: Start at Kex Hostel Bar (cheap drinks, good crowd), then head east to MicroBar for craft IPA, continue to Kaldi Bar for gin, and finish at Lebowski Bar for a nightcap.
2. Set a Budget: Reykjavik isn’t cheap, but you can keep costs down by alternating between pricey craft pours and budget-friendly local brews.
3. Stay Hydrated: The city’s climate is dry, and your liver will thank you for a water break every two drinks.
4. Pick a Meeting Spot: The Harpa Concert Hall lobby is central and easy to find if someone gets lost (or decides to take a nap on a bench).
5. Document the Night: Use a phone or a disposable camera for that authentic, grainy aesthetic. Bonus points if you caption each photo with a meme‑style caption like “When the bartender says ‘one more round’ and you’re already on your third.”

Pro tip: If you’re feeling ambitious, add a stop at a local Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer workshop. It’s not a bar, but the free beer samples will keep the momentum going.

What the Locals Say (Real Quotes, No Filter)

“I came here for the scenery, stayed for the Skyr‑tini. If you’re not drinking a Skyr‑tini, you’re missing out on the true Icelandic experience.” – Jón, 27, Reykjavik native.

“The best part of Reykjavik’s nightlife is that you never have to ask ‘what’s the dress code?’ because everyone’s basically wearing a sweater and a smile.” – Sigrún, 34, bartender at MicroBar.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back (Or Not)

If you’ve made it this far, you’re either a seasoned bar‑hopper or someone who enjoys reading long, sarcastic essays while sipping a virtual cocktail. Either way, Reykjavik’s bar scene delivers on three promises:

• Variety: From cheap hostel vibes to upscale craft sanctuaries, there’s a spot for every budget and personality.
• Authenticity: The locals aren’t putting on a show; they’re just being themselves, which translates into genuine hospitality.
• Memorable Experiences: Whether you end up with a hangover that feels like a volcanic eruption or a photo that gets 10k likes, you’ll have stories worth retelling.

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a spare pair of shoes), and dive into Reykjavik’s nightlife. And remember, if you ever need help turning your own bar idea into a digital empire, visit our Home page, or get in touch through Contact. We’ll help you Make Your Own Beer, design a Custom Beer brand, and maybe even get you listed on the Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer marketplace.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you’re still on the fence, consider this your final nudge: click the link below, sign up for our newsletter, and get a free PDF titled “The Unfiltered Guide to Reykjavik’s Nightlife”. It’s basically a cheat sheet, but with more sarcasm and fewer boring bullet points. Don’t be the person who reads this article and never goes out. Be the legend who shows up at Bar Loki, orders the trickster cocktail, and leaves with a story that’ll make your friends think you’re a secret agent on a covert mission. Cheers, and may your nights be as wild as an Icelandic geyser!