Reykjavík Grapevine - 20.05.2011, Page 46

Places We Like
Sægreifinn
Down by the Reykjavík harbour, Sægreifinn
fish shop and restaurant is a pretty unique
establishment. The menu features various
fish dishes (including most of the “crazy
Icelandic food” you’ll want to tell your
friends you had) and a rich portion of
some pretty good lobster soup. Good food
and welcoming service make this place a
must-try.
Geirsgötu 8
1
Barbara
At Laugavegur 22, above Trúnó, Barbara
serves up a lively atmosphere for Reykjavík’s
gay community and anybody else who just
wants to dance and have a good time. The
first level is made for dancing and is often
packed with sweaty bodies, while the second
level of the bar offers a place to sit, drink and
chat with another and in which to smoke.
Laugavegur 22
3
Kornið
How about filling your face with cakes at the
delightful Kornið. They taste so good, you
would gladly push your own mother over
for even the slightest of sniffs. Not a sweet
tooth? Well, try their delectable sandwiches
then, I recommend the egg and bacon
ciabatta! At only 590 ISK plus all the Pítu
Sósa you could dream of, what more could
you ask for on your lunch break?
Lækjargata 4
6
Ban Thai
Even though the service at Ban Thai may get
a little flaky, the food is always to die for and
the place also offers a very pleasant dining
atmosphere that puts you right in a comfort-
able Thai sorta mood. It’s really Reykjavík’s
only “fancy” Thai restaurant. Ban Thai has
remained a true Reykjavík treasure for the
longest time, and is truly one that should be
celebrated.
Laugavegur 130
7
Tíu Dropar
If you’re sick of all the arty cafés, filled
with Sigur Rós wannabes and their Macs,
browsing Facebook, go to Tíu Dropar. It’s
a back-to-basics Icelandic café that hasn’t
changed their interior since the 60s. Really
proves the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix
it.’ Plus, the coffee’s great. SKK
Laugavegur 27
5
Glætan - Bókakaffi
Glætan - Bókakaffi is a great café with
a domestic feel. It’s somehow always a
convenient choice for whatever you’re doing
when you come across it. I am always happy
to step into this comfort zone and simmer
down with an excellent cup of espresso and
one of the books in their selection. Glætan,
roughly translated, means "a tiny ray of light,"
something this nice little café definitely is.
Note: It’s Christian café.
Laugavegur 19
4
Bakkus
Bakkus serves up reasonably priced beer, a
really impressive selection of international
vodkas and an atmosphere unlike any other
in town. An eclectic mix of patrons, regular
live music and movie nights keep this place
interesting and always inviting. Expect
dancing on tables and to-the-death foosball
battles.
Tryggvagata 22
9 English Pub
True to its name, the English Pub offers a
wide variety of lager on tap and a whiff of
that genuine UK feel. You may also try their
famous "wheel of fortune" with the chance
of winning up to a metre of beer with a
single spin. Cheers!
Austurstræti 12
10
Habibi
This small restaurant offers up a concise
menu of delicious Arabic cuisine, from
shawarma to kebabs and falafels. The
staff is really friendly and accommodating
of requests to kick up the spiciness or
tone it down if the customer so desires.
Habibi seriously hits the spot after hours
of partying (or any other time of day) so it’s
convenient that the place is open until 6 a.m.
Friday and Saturday.
Hafnarstræti 18
16Mai Thai
Located across from Hlemmur Bus Station,
Mai Thai imports and sells all sorts of
products from South East Asia, particularly
Thailand and the Philippines. Depending on
the day, you might find fresh coriander, mint,
chilies, bean sprouts, exotic fruits such as
Durian, Carambola or Coconut, as well as
year round products such as frozen spring
rolls, various kinds of rice sold in bulk bags,
sauces and spices galore, egg and rice
noodles, Asian snacks, clothes and other
knick-knacks. In short, a wide array of what
are still considered rare and exotic treats in
Reykjavík.
Laugavegur 118
14 Babalú
Located on the second-floor of a quirky little
building on Skólavörðustígur, Babalú is an
inviting, quaint and cosy café serving up a
selection of tea, coffee and hot chocolate
along with delicious baked goods and
light meals. Food and drink aside, Babalú
boasts colourfully decorated and super-
comfortable surroundings and a genuinely
friendly and likeable staff.
Skólavörðustígur 22
15
Kisan
This store is incredibly cool. It’s stocked with
really unique and quirky clothes, outerwear,
accessories and handbags, plus they have
an adorable section of kids clothes, kitschy
vintage toys and books and even interior
design items. Wicked place; definitely worth
a visit. CF
Laugavegur 7
8
Boston
Like an older sibling to the fabled (now de-
ceased) Sirkús, Boston is a warm and mellow
second-floor bar on Laugavegur that plays
host to the arty party crowd. The baroque
wall dressings and deep, rich coloured décor
make this bar feel pretty swank, but Boston
also serves up some reasonably priced food
earlier in the evening, so it’s not too swank.
Laugavegur 28
2
MAP
BANKASTRÆTI
AUSTURSTRÆTI
HAFNARSTRÆTI
TRYGGVAGATA
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MÝRARGATANÝLENDUGATA
VESTURGATA
RÁNARGATA
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BERGÞÓRUGATA
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SÆBRAUT
SÆBRAUT
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SKIPHOLT
The
Old
Harbour
Th
e F
ish
pa
cki
ng
Di
str
ict FAXAFLÓI
Down
Town
West
Side
Up
Town
“Financial
District”
East
Side
Skyline
Central
Reykjavík
BSÍ
Coach
Terminal
Nordic House
Culture Center
University
of Iceland
University
of Iceland
Park
Austur
völlur
Park
Icelandic
Parliament
Reykjavík
Domestic
Airport
Hlemmur
Bus
Terminal
Sundhöllin
Swimming
Pool
Laugardals
Swimming
Pool
The
Tower
City
Hall
National
Gallery
of Iceland
The Einar
Jónsson
Museum
Hallgríms
kirkja
Church
National
Theatre
The
Culture
House
Lauga
vegur
Main
Tourist
Info
Reykjavík
Art
Museum
Maritime
Museum
Laugavegur
Reykjavík’s main shopping
and culture street, featuring
a wide range of bars, bistros,
cafes and restaurants.
Old
Harbour
Area
Old Harbour
Depart for whale and puffin
watching tours from the old
harbour, a lively area, offering
an assortment of restaurants
and activity centres
Future
Concert
Hall
City
Pond
Miklatún
Park
Kjarvalsstaðir
National
Museum
Hljómskáli
Park
Vesturbæjar
Swimming
Pool∆
Taxi
Taxi
Taxi
Kringlan
Shopping
Center
A
1 2 3 4 5 6
B
D
E
F
G
H
I
1
4
2
13
5
16
9
12
17
18
19
3 8
11
6
10
15 14
Coffee made with passion,
cakes made with love,
toasts made with
a toaster...
týsgata 8 - 101 rvk
Now offering
catering service!
Laugavegur 2 101 Reykjavík tel: 552 4444