Iceland review - 2016, Qupperneq 124

122 ICELAND REVIEW
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Yes, the clue’s in the name. This is a bar devoted to the 1998 cult movie, The Big Lebowski.
Strange to base a bar on a box office disappointment, you might say—but that would be miss
ing the point. Like the movie, the Lebowski bar has found a place in people’s hearts and become
a true cult classic.
Maybe it’s the American diner-like décor with all the clever attention to detail. Maybe it’s
that there’s plenty of space (a bit of a rarity in Reykjavík bars). Perhaps it’s the real bowling
alley. Or the regular events, including karaoke, open mic, quiz and more. It’s most likely all
of the above.
You don’t need to have seen the movie to appreciate a very cool establishment with an
extensive, good value and tasty menu and an inexhaustible selection of milkshakes, cocktails
and white Russian variants. But if you do happen to love the movie, you’ll love the Lebowski
Bar even more. Located at Laugavegur 20a. 552-2300. lebowski.is
Kol is a new restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Reykjavík, combining sizzling styl-
ing with a refreshingly down-to-earth and welcoming atmosphere. In typical Reykjavík
style, the restaurant, which owners describe as “casual fine dining,” is also a trendy cocktail
bar with, we might add, at least two cocktails on tap! The name Kol is a direct tribute to
the kitchen centerpiece: a charcoal oven which gives food an aromatic smoky flavor. The
oven is used for steaks and luxury burgers, while Kol also specializes in fish dishes and a
wide variety of other innovative cuisine. The owners have previously worked in some of
the top eateries in London, and you can really taste it. At the same time, the place itself—
with its distinctive wooden floor and huge falcon mural—is very much Icelandic in feel.
Kol can be found at Skólavörðustígur 40. 517-7474. kolrestaurant.is
K O L
L E B O W S K I B A R
Step back in time and enjoy modern Icelandic and international cuisine in a setting rich with
history. Rauða Húsið (‘The Red House’) is countryside fine dining at its best. Located in a his-
torical house in the 19th century trading hub of Eyrarbakki on the south coast, it’s a stop not to
be missed on your tour of the Golden Circle or south coast. We specialize in seafood delivered
directly from the fishermen, including the finest langoustine in Iceland, although our varied
menu also includes Icelandic lamb, other meat and vegetarian dishes, sumptuous desserts and
coffee drinks. Top off your lunch or dinner with a stroll down the seaside path just across the
street from the restaurant. 483-3330. raudahusid.is
R A U Ð A H Ú S I Ð
Eat Meat & Fish