Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.07.2018, Page 24

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2018
24
There is one thing abundantly clear from our very scientific drink-
ing research, Hverfisgata is one hot little street right now. After get-
ting 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 Goddamn Bar
Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
KB is the hands-down winner here. Many bars come and go and redec-
orate and rename and put on bells and whistles, but Kaffibarinn has
stayed the course for the better part of two decades—because it’s just
a really good, reliable place. “They have great drink selection, you can
dance or sit and talk if you want, and the DJs are always on point,” said
one panellist. The finest point of the place is perhaps the incredible co-
lourful staff, who always seem like a little family. Whether having a qui-
et happy hour beer or doing “Russian cocaine” shots at 3am, Kaffibarinn
is fucking awesome.
Runners Up
Prikið
Bankastræti 12
Prikið is a downtown staple. It’s a really
cool place in many senses, and has its
own unique vibe unlike anywhere else
in town. On top of being a great bar, it’s
a pretty awesome diner too with a kick-
ass burger-and-beer happy hour. So you
can go there the morning after too.
Húrra
Tryggvagata 22
This one’s also pretty much a no-brain-
er, given that it’s the kind of place that
everyone can (and will) go to. There’s
plenty of space to chill, plenty of space
to dance, a great concert programme,
and it’s totally mad on weekend nights.
It’s still young, but it’s definitely a cool
kid.
Previous Winners
2017: Húrra
2016: Prikið
2015: KEX Hostel
2014: Boston
2013: Dolly (RIP)
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2018
Drinking
Tipsy or wasted, the choice is yours.
Best Place To Start The
Night
Mat Bar
Hverfisgata 26
This tapas place and fancy-feeling
drinking hole has been an instant
hit. The decor has a shiny-and-new
feeling, with black and white tiles and
a solid marble bar—a sharp con-
trast to Reykjavík’s omnipresent and
somewhat tired reclaimed wood, fur
and bric-a-brac interior design trend.
“The cocktails are excellent,” said the
panel. “Try the basil gobernador—it’s
like a health drink that also gets you
wasted.” Whether you’re shaking off
a rough day at work, snacking with a
date, or starting a night out, the panel
says “You’ll always walk out with a smile
on your face.”
Runners Up
Bar Ananas
Klapparstígur 38
This cool tiki beach-themed bar in the
middle of town is known for its sun-
set-lit, quirky, tropical atmosphere, chill
environment and delicious cocktails. It
never stays open past 3am, so it’s pret-
ty much always a place to kick things
off, and it gives the illusion of warmth
that the Icelandic winter needs.
Kaffi Vínyl
Hverfisgata 76
A lovely vegan café and bar is located in
the former site of the infamous never-
open-shoe-store, Bónus Skór. “It’s really
comfortable, and the music is great—
you never know what you’re gonna get.”
You can even choose the records, or
pick up a Bónus Plötur 7” released on
the cafés own micro-label.
Previous Winners
2017: KEX Hostel
2016: KEX Hostel
2015: Loft Hostel
2014: Kaldi Bar
2013: Slippbarinn
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 refer-
ring 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.
Runners 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.
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)