Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.12.2016, Blaðsíða 32

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
B
est of R
eykjavík 20
16
32
ICELAND´S MOST POPULAR SKATE SHOP
HAS A SECRET 300 SQ.M. BASEMENT
WHICH IS FULL TO THE “ BRIM ” OF BOARD FASHION HEAVEN.
LAUGAVEGUR 71
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TO CHE
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LAUGAVEGUR 71
Best bookshop
Eymundsson
Austurstræti Branch - Austurstræti 18
Eymundsson Austurstræti has the
best selection of Icelandic and world
literature in not only English, but also
German, French and Danish. You can
pick up a copy of the Icelandic Sagas or
the newest novel from Icelandic author
Sjón. With a comfortable coffee shop
on the third floor and free gift wrap-
ping, this bookstore has everything for
the local, the tourist or the last minute
gift buyer. It’s also interesting for North
American travellers who want to get a
copy of their favourite book, but with the
European cover. Make sure to check out
the back window sill for what’s on sale.
Runners Up
Bókin
Klapparstígur 25-27
Bókin is the kind of place you’d imagine
an eccentric genius spends his after-
noons, which is why it was frequented
by the famous chess player Bobby
Fischer. They have a great selection
of used books and rare Icelandic
publications.
Sjónarlind
Bergstaðastræti 7
Sjónarlind offers a lovely and well-cu-
rated selection of primarily non-fiction
books, almost exclusively in English.
You’ll find a range of subject matters,
from biography to gastronomy to fash-
ion to photography. Sjónarlind is the
only independent bookstore in town
that curates new and unusual titles.
Previous Winners:
2015: Sjónarlind
2014: Nexus
2013: Eymundsson, Bankastræti
2012: Mál og Menning
2011: Eymundsson, Austurstræti
Best secondhand shop
Kolaportið
Tryggvagata 19
Kolaportið is a huge indoor flea market
that takes place on weekends. It’s
filled with stalls selling bric-a-brac,
second-hand clothes, unusual foods,
antique postcards, lópapeysur, smoking
accessories, and the occasional reli-
gious booth filled with literature and
pamphlets. You could end up leaving
this place with some sour whale blubber
under one arm of your newly purchased
fur coat, while limping in your slightly-
too-big knock-off Timberlands. It’s a
deal-scavenger’s heaven, and a germo-
phobe’s worst nightmare.
Runners Up
Spúútnik
Laugavegur 28
Spúútnik is a vintage clothing store,
so don’t expect normal used clothing
prices. It’s the equivalent of raiding your
grandparents’ closet or attempting to
make awkward photos of yourself as a
1990s teenager. It’s a dream come true
for downtown’s waiflike normcore kids.
Nytjamarkaðurinn ABC
Víkurhvarf 2
Nytjamarkaðurinn ABC is a large
second-hand market in the suburb of
Kópavogur. The store has a wide selec-
tion of used clothes, shoes, household
equipment and furniture, all for a very
cheap price. All sales profit goes to
the ABC children’s aid, which makes
shopping there a great alternative to
buying new.
Previous Winners:
2015: Hertex
2014: Spúútnik
2013: Spúútnik
2012: Fatamarkaðurinn
Best record store
Reykjavík
Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Reykjavík Record Shop is capitalising on
the current boom in vinyl sales. With a
focus on new releases, indie-rock and
alternative music, it’s frequented by
hipsters and old-timers with an eye on
up-and-coming acts. You can spend an
hour thumbing through the catalogue
or just pop in to grab something for
an upcoming party. It’s amazing, given
the state of the music industry, that
these places are still making a go of it.
So if you love vinyl, get out there and
support your local indie store!
Runners Up
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
Lucky Records is a previous winner
in this category, and for good reason.
With a wide selection that includes a lot
of funk and soul, it’s one of those stores
that regulars will defend to the hilt. It also
hosts the occasional live show, making it
kind of like a Rough Trade Reykjavík.
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
12 Tónar is an iconic Reykjavík record
store, specialising in Icelandic music,
old and new. It’s also a record label
that releases some of the best bands
on the Icelandic scene. If you swing
by, the staff will sound out your taste,
then sit you down with a coffee, some
headphones, and a listening pile. You
won’t leave empty handed.
Previous Winners:
2015: Reykjavík Record Shop
2014: Lucky Records
2013: Lucky Records
Best place to shop organic
Frú Lauga
Laugalækur 6
Frú Lauga is one of the only places in
Reykjavík where you can shop local and
organic. It is located in Laugardalur, a
little bit outside of downtown, with a
greenhouse for growing fresh produce
right on the spot. You can find a wide
variety of enticing and delicious organic
products, such as tomatoes, salad
greens, garlic, milk, cream, meat, and
olives. It doesn’t get more green-
house-to-table than this.
Heilsuhúsið - Lágmúli 9 and more
Heilsuhúsið sells a variety of health
products, cosmetics, toiletries, natural
foods and vitamins. The store’s goal is
to nurture the body and soul by helping
you maintain a healthy, eco-friendly life-
style. The store has grown and is now
located in five different locations, all of
which have a juice bar. We recommend
trying a shot of ginger or wheatgrass
while you shop.
Previous Winners:
2015: Frú Lauga
2014: Frú Lauga
2013: Frú Lauga
2012: Frú Lauga
2011: Frú Lauga
Best barber
Barber
Laugavegur 66
Barber is the best barber. This isn’t a
tautology, for all you philosophy buffs
out there. It’s a great shop nestled
inside the Alda hotel. You can grab a
cocktail or a coffee and laugh through
your entire appointment with the hilar-
ious antics of the barbers. It’s THE spot
for getting your haircut, and there are
walk-ins available after 15:00. Just don’t
have too much fun, or you might come
stumbling out with the impromptu tram-
lines that seemed like such a great idea.
Runners Up
Stjúri - Laugavegur 59
Stjúri is a one man hair-cutting machine.
Wherever he is, great haircuts follow.
He’s a local hero, saving relationships,
and self-confidence, one snip at a time.
If you get the chance, get your hair cut
and be a part of Reykjavík history.
Barbarella - Suðurgata 7
This is a fun hair salon with awesome
products and great service. It’s located
next to a cemetery, so depending on
your mood you can get your hair done
and then take an existential stroll. It’s
not true that your hair keeps growing
after you die.
Previous Winners:
2015: Barber