Reykjavík Grapevine - sept 2020, Qupperneq 28

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
28
Best Kept Secret
RVK Brewing Company
Skipholt 31
Yes, there is a bar on Skipholt, and yes, it is one that you need to
check out. The RVK Brewing Company has slid under the radar since
it opened, but now, we’re here to bring it out of the shadows. The
brewery and beer hall offers a varied list of brews, most of which
they make themselves locally. “It’s one of those places that you have
to know that it’s there because it’s so out of the way,” one panelist
explains. “But it’s excellent.”
Runner Up
Konsúlat Bar
Hafnarstræti 17-19
For after work drinks, the upscale
Konsúlat Bar is an unparalleled expe-
rience. “They have a great Happy Hour
between 16:00 and 18:00 with free su-
shi,” one panel member raves. They also
praised the decor—a cosy and fancy
mix perfect for sipping cocktails on.
Newcomer
12 Tónar Bar
Skólavörðustígur 15
Wait, we hear you ask, 12 Tónar—one
of Reykjavík’s most beloved record
stores—has a bar? Yes, it does, and it’s
a true hidden gem. C’mon, in what other
place can you dig through records
while sipping a beer?
Previous Winners
New Category!
Best Date Place
Hlemmur Mathöll
Laugavegur 107
Iceland’s first food hall is great for a
casual night out with your significant
other. There are plenty of people buzz-
ing around, giving it a relaxed, social
feeling, and there are plenty of op-
tions—grab some wine at Kröst, pizza
at Flatey, or a cocktail at SKÁL. Yes you’re
in public, but the buzz of the hall gives
you a certain privacy. Plus, if things get
steamy, you’re right next to the bus for
an easy ride home. Halló.
Runners-Up
Spánski Bar
Ingólfsstræti 8
So you’ve got a Tinder date and you’re
looking for a quiet locale where you
won’t run into your ex, best friend, or
baby daddy. Check out basement wine
bar Spánski—it’s dark, cosy and full of
delicious Spanish vino and tapas. Just
remember: No politics. No religion. No
weird childhood trauma stories.
Luna Flórens
Grandagarður 25
Part flower-child, part spiritual and with
a whole lot of whimsy thrown into the
mix, this cosy and hand-crafted bar is
so intimate it makes you wanna spend
the day musing about geodes and
tarot card readings. If you’re looking
to properly get to know a flame—one
you’re astrologically compatible with,
of course—grab a house cocktail, a
slice of vegan cake, and explore your
lunar cycle.
Previous Winners
New Category!
Best Outdoor Drinking
Petersen svítan
Ingólfsstræti 2a
The unanimous winner of the Best
Outdoor Drinking category, it took the
panel only 10 seconds to proclaim
Petersen svítan the top balcony in the
city. Located atop the cavernous Gamla
Bíó theatre, the upscale, ritzy spot
could rival the best rooftops of New
York and London. There, you’ll find loads
of seating with soft furniture to luxu-
riate on, an unparalleled view across
the harbour, cocktails, and all the sun
could you could wish for. “You just
simply can’t beat Petersen svítan,” one
panellist said simply. “In the summer,
there is no better place to be.”
Runners-Up
Fjallkonan
Hafnarstræti 1-3
During those lazy sunny summer days,
grab a table outside Fjallkonan. Then,
order a cocktail—we’d recommend the
Candy Floss Boss—sit back, and soak in
that Ingolfstórg sun. Ain’t that the life?
Loft
Bankastræti 7
Loft stands many heads and shoulders
above most of the al fresco drinking
spots in Reykjavík, not least because it’s
on the roof. Their balcony, which looks
out over Bankastræti and downtown
Reykjavík, is legendary and for good
reason—it’s a delightful locale for a late
afternoon brew or coffee. Be warned,
it’s a very popular after-work choice, so
arrive early to get a table.
Previous Winners
New Category!
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2020
Drinking
Pro-tip: Try the drinks!