Reykjavík Grapevine - Nov 2019, Page 24

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
24
There is one thing abundantly clear from our very scientific drinking
research: craft beers and gastropubs have arrived in force. You can't
throw a stone without hitting someone washing down a dry-aged
chilli burger with a local IPA. After a few stable years, Reykjavík’s bar
scene seems to be shifting in general, with more wine, cocktails and
fancy beers available than ever before. Some facts of life, however,
remain the same: alcohol is expensive, but that doesn’t stop us from
partying. Bottoms up, babe.
Best Goddamn Bar
Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
“Kaffibarinn!” said the panel, in unison, when the category was an-
nounced. The mothership of Iceland’s nightlife has stood firm while the
competition rises and falls. A reliably great drinking hole, it has hap-
py hour prices by day, a diverse DJ lineup by night, and charming staff
to welcome you at all times. “Kaffibarinn has always been my favour-
ite bar,” said one panellist. “I’ve been going there forever. The staff are
amazing—they put up with your shit. Maybe the most fun part is the
randoms you meet. It’s the place where everybody knows your name.”
Runners Up
Bravó
Laugavegur 22
An unassuming pub-style hangout,
Bravó has been quietly carving out a
new identity in recent times, partially
due to some new owners at the helm.
“It caters to a lot of groups, and has
more going on that you’d think,” said the
panel, “It’s becoming like a Kaffibarinn
for the young crowd, and their concerts
have been packing the place out.”
Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22
For those who lie on the eccentric
fringes of culture, look no further
than Gaukurinn. With a rotating roster
of metal shows, drag extravaganzas,
retro gaming competitions, and their
legendary Tuesday karaoke nights, the
bar is a one stop shop for weirdos of all
varieties. Stop by during happy hour for
a burger at Veganæs, their convienently
located vegan diner.
Previous Winners
2018: Kaffibarinn
2017: Húrra
2016: Prikið
2015: KEX Hostel
2014: Boston (RIP)
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Drinking
Tipsy or wasted, the choice is yours
Best Place To Start The Night
VEÐUR
Klapparstígur 33
This charming, low key hole-in-the-wall
bar is a firm favourite: with comfy seat-
ing or bar stools where you can watch
the friendly bartenders get to work
mixing your cocktail of choice. “You can
watch the street life going by through
the big windows,” said the panel. “It’s in
a vibrant spot.” The great location and
happy hour mean it’s the perfect place
to begin a night out on the town. “You
can be dressed up or down there,” said
the panel, “and it’s right downtown, so
you can head anywhere afterwards.”
Runners Up
Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 52
A cinema bar might seem like an odd
choice here, but Bíó Paradís is a cinema
like no other. “There’s plenty of space,
nooks to hide in, and good prices,” said
the panel. “And the smell of popcorn
hanging in the air is intoxicating. If you
decide against partying, you can just
go and watch a movie.”
Miami
Hverfisgata 33
If your dream pre-game involves
cocktails, ping-pong, and sitting on art
deco poofs pretending you are Tony
Montana, head over to Hverfísgata's Mi-
ami to live your fantasy. While they are
a great place to hit up late in the night,
arriving early ensures you'll get a quiet
sitting area where you can properly
appreciate your delectable drinks.
Previous Winners
2018: Mat Bar
2016-7: KEX Hostel
2015: Loft Hostel
2014: Kaldi Bar
Best Place To End The Night
Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
This classic party place is still the
late-night hangout of choice in 101
Reykjavík. The raucous local crowd is
a mixture of Iceland’s fashion folks,
artists, hipsters and intelligentsia—as
seen in the KB “Barflies” photo book.
“It’s a perfect meeting point where
you can go for the dancefloor, space
out in the back, or chat all night in the
smoking area,” said the panel. “The staff
are always genuinely nice to you, even
if you’re pretty drunk. Everyone goes
there. It’s the only place I’d go after put-
ting a friend in drag and end up having
my numerology done by a stranger.”
Runners Up
Kiki Queer Bar
Laugavegur 22
If you’re going out dancing, Kiki can’t be
beat. With DJs playing pop classics and
an energetic, disinhibited crowd, the
panel enthused: “It’s so much fun! You
can dance, hug your friends, kiss your
spouse… you can let everything out and
dance your ass off in a safe, welcoming
environment.”
Ölstofan
Vegamótastígur
On the other end of the spectrum is
the no-frills drinking room of Ölstofan.
With low music, dim lighting, lots nooks
to converse in and a big central bar,
“It’s a no-bullshit place,” said the panel.
“There’s an interesting older crowd, it’s
always open late, and you can have a
pint and chat without anyone bothering
you.”
Previous Winners
2018: Prikið
2017: Kaffibarinn
2016: Húrra
2014-5: Paloma Basement (RIP)