Reykjavík Grapevine - Sep 2020, Page 24

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
24
Let’s not beat around the bush: Icelanders love to drink. In fact, there
is probably nothing Icelanders like to do more than drink, which
could very well be why this country doesn’t have a space program.
2019 was a big year in the downtown drinking scene, with some old
favourites closing and some strong newcomers opening. Some facts
of life, however, remained the same: alcohol is still expensive, but
that doesn’t stop us from partying. How else would we have sex?
Best Goddamn Bar
Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
Three times the charm! Yes, for the third year, the Reykjavík institution
of Kaffibarinn is Grapevine’s Best Goddamn Bar. Are you surprised?
How could you be? While many Reykjavík bars come and go and redec-
orate and rename and put on bells and whistles, Kaffibarinn has stayed
the course for almost three decades—because it’s just a really good, reli-
able place. It plays host to Reykjavík’s artistic intellectuals, creative tal-
ents, and, well, downtown characters and consistently puts on a show.
Basically, you’ll never have a boring night at KB. It’s no ordinary water-
ing hole.
Newcomer
Röntgen
Hverfisgata 12
A bar that’s been open but a few months
winning the runner-up spot in the Best
Goddamn Bar category? Quelle surprise!
Well, go to Röntgen on a weekend night
and you’ll understand why. It’s a party
bar in the purest sense, with a rowdy
dance floor, delicious cocktails and a
fanbase that’s just growing and grow-
ing. We stan.
Runner-Up
Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22
With dim lights, leather sofas, and gen-
der-neutral bathrooms, Gaukurinn is
the preferred hangout for the unorth-
odox Reykvíkingar, so if you’re looking
for like-minded peeps, here you go. The
venue hosts everything from metal to
underground rap to drag extravagan-
zas to stand-up comedy, so you never
really know what you’re gonna get on
any given night.
Previous Winners
2018-9: Kaffibarinn
2017: Húrra (RIP)
2016: Prikið
2015: KEX Hostel
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2020
Drinking
Tipsy or wasted, the choice is yours
Best Place To Start The Night
Veður
Klapparstígur 33
For the second time in a row, Veður has
snatched up the Best Place To Start The
Night gold medal. And for good reason.
This charming, low-key, hole-in-the-wall
serves up some great cocktails and a
dedicated crowd that grabbed each
member of the panel’s heart. “There’s
something casual about Veður in that
you feel fine relaxing and chatting but
it’s still a nice and sophisticated bar,”
one panellist explained. “But that said,
the first time I went they were playing a
new wave punk playlist, so it’s not your
average quiet cocktail bar.”
Runners-Up
Loft
Bankastræti 7
“Loft is perfectly situated between
the two areas of downtown and their
Happy Hour lasts until 21:00,” one panel
member raved. “Their service is also
great, and their balcony is fantastic in
the summer.” It’s no wonder the hostel’s
cosy bar has a cult following. Go there
on weeknights for a plethora of events
including karaoke, watercolouring, and
speed dating.
Miami
Hverfisgata 33
Miami has a lot going for it—an amaz-
ing interior, delicious cocktails, and a
relaxed atmosphere early in the night
that’s very conducive for chill convos
and bonding. “It’s a good vibe in the
early evening,” one panellist raved.
“Also, it’s a well-done novelty bar. I love
that.”
Previous Winners
2019: Veður
2018: Mat Bar
2016-7: KEX Hostel
2015: Loft Hostel
Best Place To End The Night
Prikið
Bankastræti 12
Prikið is the bar version of the “I’m
going to bed early tonight vs. me at
3 a.m.” meme. At 22:00 you’ll have a
bunch of regulars relaxing at the bar
sipping brews, but arrive at 3:00 and
it’s Project X. “It’s a younger crowd, but
it’s always a party on weekends and if
there’s a concert going on, well, you
won’t find a more intimate venue than
the Prikið floor,” one panel member said.
Their outdoor smoking area should be
applauded too. Hang out long enough
and you’ll be sure to buddy up and find
an afterparty.
Runners-Up
Kiki Queer Bar
Laugavegur 22
Kiki is a love-it-or-hate-it situation,
but if you’re looking to dance to the
greatest hits of the past 30 years, it
won’t disappoint. “Look, if you want to
dance to ‘Euphoria’ by Loreen, there’s
only one bar that will play it three times
a night,” one panel member laughed.
“You always know what you’re going to
get, and it’s fun.”
Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
“No matter where I go during the night, I
always return home to Kaffibarinn,” one
panel member explained. “You’ll even-
tually find me crying on the steps of the
smoking area.” All jokes aside—there’s
a reason this is the Best Goddamn Bar.
Late at night, the crowd gets rowdy, the
convos interesting, and the dance floor
sweaty in the most addicting way.
Previous Winners
2019: Kaffibarinn
2018: Prikið
2017: Kaffibarinn
2016: Húrra (RIP)
2015: Paloma Basement (RIP)