Reykjavík Grapevine - 11.12.2016, Qupperneq 36

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REYKJAVÍK NIGHTLIFE
From Meek Mill
To The Macarena
Words HANNAH JANE COHEN
Photo ART BICNICK
After a good glacier walk or soak
in some geothermal backwater,
it’s nice to settle down with a
cold beer or ten, and what bet-
ter place to do so than the small
walkable town of Reykjavík.
In terms of “Icelandic party-
ing customs,” it’s normal in Rey-
kjavík to get absolutely smashed
and stay out until closing (04:30
on weekends, 01:00 on week-
days). This is true regardless of
age, so to best blend in we’d rec-
ommend drinking as much as
possible—but only beer, mixed
drinks, or shots. Asking for
a mojito at Kaffibarinn might
make you a laughing stock.
“But Kaffibarinn,” I hear
you say. “What’s that? Where’s
that? And on that note, why is
there both an English Pub and
an American Bar? Aren’t we in
Iceland?” Well, yes, we are. And
while some questions will never
be answered, here’s a little mul-
tiple-choice guide to help you
figure out where you best fit in,
so you too can djamm í kvöld.
Where to go if...
You’re a tourist aged between 20-40 and you want
a normal good time: Lebowski
… and are quiet: Bravó
… and are wearing a new suit: Íslenski Barinn
You really like singing, and it’s close
to closing time: English Pub
… and are gay: Kiki
… and it’s 8pm: Kaldi
… and you’re a local journalist or politician and it’s too early
for singing but just time for a nice argument: Ölstofan
… and it’s the middle of the day and you are
at odds with society: Bar 7
You want a cocktail: Marbar
… and a pizza: Hverfisgata 12
… and a burger: Sæta Svínið
… and sushi: Sushi Samba
… with some birch and moss in it: Slippbarinn
… in the company of your fellow One-percenters: Apotek
You are “alternative”: Gaukurinn
… ok, only actually slightly “alternative”: Bar 11
… and like to argue with fellow Tom Waits fans: Dillon
You are “hipster”: Húrra
… and want an early drink or coffee: Stofan
… ok actually post-hipster and you like
tiki things: Bar Ananas
… and are over 30 and want to bump into
Airwaves legends: Boston
… and like house music and slightly
cultured tourists: Kaffibarinn
… I’M NOT A FUCKING HIPSTER, MAN: Hressó
If you have an opinion on Desiigner vs. Future: Prikið
… but Prikið is full: D10
… and are really drunk: American Bar
... and you want to talk to your fellow pandas: Tivolí
… and don’t understand this reference: B5
You want hot girls, top 40, and have money: Austur
… and are old: Loftið
… and want to join a "Gentlemans Club": Shooters
If you want to pretend you are in Berlin: Paloma
… and it’s after 4:30: The sidewalk in front of Paloma