Reykjavík Grapevine - Aug 2019, Page 26

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
26
Best Place For Live Music
IÐNÓ
Vonarstræti 3
This beautiful, classic concert hall has been rejuvenated into the new
heart of the 101 music scene. From release concerts to collaborative
gigs to one-day festivals and all-out parties, the kool kids of Reykjavík
are putting their concerts on here; the creative, buzzing atmosphere
and varied events have made it into a thrilling creative hub for the
city. “People who chase music are going to IÐNÓ,” said the panel.
“There’s room to move, and it’s labyrinthine inside. It’s having a real
moment. It’s been a slow transition, but IÐNÓ is just where the music
scene is right now.”
Runners Up
Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22
Gaukurinn has become the thriving
centre of of the city’s alt-music scene,
including heavy music, goth shit, noise
and drag. “It’s a huge place for the
punk, goth and metal scenes,” said
the panel. “The geeks you knew in high
school are now handsome bad boys in
leather jackets.”
MENGI
Óðinsgata 2
Although you can get a drink, MENGI isn’t
exactly a bar—it’s a white cube venue
that’s like Gaukurinn’s cool grown-up
auntie. “You get an ASMR feeling,” said
the panel. “You go just for music. They
have something going on most days,
and it’s always on time. For their con-
sistently brilliant programming, MENGI
deserves recognition.”
Previous Winners:
2017-8: Húrra 2015: Café Rosenberg (RIP)
Best Drinking Terrace
Loft Hostel
Bankastræti 7a
Loft stands many heads and shoulders
above most of the al fresco drinking
spots in Reykjavík, not least because
it’s on the roof the Loft hostel, and has
a balcony that looks over downtown.
They have friendly staff, a good beer
selection and, of course, a happy hour.
There’s also evening-time entertain-
ment, from live music to drawing and
writing nights, bring ‘n’ buy markets,
and drag shows. But before that begins,
it’s the perfect place to catch some
late afternoon sun. Be warned, it’s a
very popular choice for an after-work
drink, so arrive early to get a table.
Runners Up
IÐNÓ
Vonarstræti 3
With a massive, south-facing drinking
deck that looks out over the Tjörnin
pond, IÐNÓ can be a blissful summer
drinking place. There's a nice little bar
inside, and a lively, creative feeling
buzzing through the building; also, the
"secret" EFRI bar might be open, so your
night might snowball unexpectedly.
Café Paris
Austurstræti 14
Café Paris recently underwent a large-
scale renovation that put it back on
our radar. They now offer all-day brunch
options, table service, a good drinks
menu, and a large outdoor seating area
that catches the sun into the early
evening. If the tables are all taken, you
could also try Nóra Magasin, just across
the street.
Previous Winners
2018: Boston
2017: Hressó
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Drinking
Why have just one happy hour
when you can have nine?
Best Happy Hour
Kaffibrennslan
Laugavegur 21
The former Hemmi og Valdi is still a firm
favourite for those who like a bargain
beer. At 550 ISK a pop for beers and
750 ISK for wines from 16:00-20:00, in a
beautiful, comfortable wooden house,
you can’t really argue. “It’s such a nice
house,” said one panellist. “I had my first
snog there. It’s cheap and easy, with a
really good vibe.” The panel also praised
the “location, location, location. It has a
perfect outdoor area for summer, and
you can sit upstairs in the rafters in
winter. Cheap beer and a nice place to
sit, what more could you want?”
Runners Up
Slippbarinn
Mýrargata 2
A hotel bar famous for making cocktails
in Reykjavík before they were cool, to-
day’s Slippbarinn has a kick-ass happy
hour. “You can get a beer for 500 ISK,
and 1200 ISK cocktails,” said the panel.
“It’s a huge hallway with weird nooks,
crannies and lounges to hide in. And
there’s a fireplace!”
MIAMI
Hverfisgata 33
Although nonplussed by the late night
crowd, our panel love the good prices
and plush interior of the MIAMI design
bar. “They have all the fancy beers on
happy hour, with table service,” they
said. “It’s great before all the yuppies
get there. The interior is just crazy, and
a must-see in itself.”
Previous Winners
2018: Kaffibrennslan
2015-6: Húrra
2014: Café Rosenberg (RIP)
“Your first and last stop”