Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Page 20

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2023
20
Best Goddamn Bar
Röntgen
Hverfisgata 12
For the third year in a row, Röntgen claims the prize of the Grapevine’s Best
Goddamn Bar. A unanimous choice by the panel, there’s simply nothing else that
competes with Röntgen’s comprehensive atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a
relaxing weekday drink or a full-on weekend party, Röntgen has it all. “There’s some
kind of a magnet that draws me to it,” one panellist said. “They also attract a good
mixture of locals and tourists, which makes for an interesting atmosphere,” said
another panellist. Röntgen’s all-encompassing glory continues to dominate the
Reykjavík bar scene.
Runners-Up
Lemmy
Austurstræti 20
Ian Kilmister, in memoriam. This
irreverent theme bar, known for its
DJ/drummer combo nights earned a
special nod from the panel. “I love this
bar because they are so accommodat-
ing and ambitious,” said a panellist. “In
the summertime, there’s a backyard
stage, Freddi Arcade has moved in there
and they even have an aquarium. It’s a
no-pressure environment,” said another.
“They always have something going on.
There’s a real consistency.”
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
Record store-gone-café, 12 Tónar’s
owners Einar and Lárus will make you
feel like a regular, even if it’s only your
first time. “It’s absolutely my favourite
place in town,” chimed one panellist.
With a good selection of beer on tap,
they also host regular DJ nights and a
summer concert series. “The outdoor
patio is fantastic when the sun’s up,”
chimed one panellist.
Previous Winners
2022: Röntgen
2021: Kaffibarinn
2020: Kaffibarinn
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2023
Drinking
Some people drink to forget, we drink to
remember. Remember what? We forget
The crème de la crème. The cherry on top. It’s the best of drinking
and nightlife. Carefully imbibe every word you read on these pages
as the gospel itself. Bask in its glory. Please do not send unsolicited
criticism to grapevine@grapevine.is. We beg you.
Having sat down with a panel of expert beer drinkers, wine con-
noisseurs and all-around people in the know, we’ve compiled the
absolute greats of contemporary Reykjavík watering holes. Do the
Grapevine special and try them all in one night, only to wake up with
a hangover that’ll last you until next season’s Best Of.
Best Wine Bar
Vínstúkan Tíu
sopar
Laugavegur 27
Tucked away in the cellar of Laugavegur
27 is Vínstúkan 10 Sopar. Vínstúkan has a
wide selection of natural wines, as well
as lavish French vintages. Offering not
only great wine but greater customer
service, Vínstúkan 10 Sopar claims
the prize again as the best wine bar. If
you’re not sure what you like, go ahead
and ask the owner and head bartender
Steinar for a recommendation. “I feel
like I’m in safe hands whenever I’m
there,” confessed a panellist. You can
even snag a great deal on a full bottle,
as Vínstúkan imports their own.
Runners-up:
Aperó Vínbar
Laugavegur 20b
A Grapevine favourite, Aperó is a
French-inspired wine bar, utilising the
latest in wine technology to offer its
patrons an exquisite experience. “It’s
so cool what they do there. Each wine
is stored in a specific closet, with a
specific temperature,” one panellist
reports. If you’re hungry, they also offer
food that pairs well with your drink of
choice. If you’re missing that continen-
tal European feel, go to Aperó.
Bódega
Týsgata 9
Claiming the spot as the best bar for
outdoor drinking, Bodega is tucked
away from the hustle and bustle of
Laugavegur partying. “It’s a serious
wine place,” a panellist said. And serious
it is. Serving wine from all over the
globe, Bodega is also a fantastic place
for outdoor drinking, as per the panel’s
deliberation. Don’t forget to have a
little snack with your drink while you’re
there.
Previous Winners
2022: Vínstúkan Tíu sopar
2021: Vínstúkan Tíu sopar
2020: Port 9
Best Craft Bar
Session Craft Bar
Bankastræti 14
Catering to seasoned craft beer vet-
erans as well as lightweights who only
want a Coors Light, Session is the place
to be. “Session is an accessible place
to visit as a group. If I’m in the mood, I
can treat myself to a nice craft beer. But
they also have good lagers,” said one
panellist. Its colourful selection of beers
offers a good overview of the breweries
around Reykjavík, as well as the Danish
brewery Mikkeller. “It’s good for beer
nerds, but also people who just want to
take it easy and play board games,” said
another panellist.
Runners-up
Microbar
Nýbýlavegur 8 (Kópavogur)
The panel didn’t confine itself to
the drinking scene in downtown
Reykjavík — Microbar is also located
in Kópavogur. “Microbar has very nice
vibes. Comfortable lighting and a great
range of beers,” a panellist said. The
first craft bar in Reykjavík, Microbar
offers beers from all over the world,
with a special focus on the owner’s
brewery, Gæðingur. If you want a mix of
both international and local craft beers,
Microbar’s got you covered.
Skúli Craft Bar
Aðalstræti 9
Near Alþingi, on Fógetatorg — sheriff’s
square –— is Skúli, with its entrance
tucked quietly away in a small alley.
Named after the OG Icelandic entrepre-
neur, Skúli fógeti, whose centre of oper-
ations was on Aðalstræti, it’s a fantastic
spot for craft beers. Having been one
of the vanguards of the Icelandic craft
beer culture, Skúli serves both local
and international brews. It’s certainly
a spot you mustn’t miss on your craft
beer quest.
Previous Winners
2022: Session Craft Bar
2021: Session Craft Bar
2020: BrewDog
TASTE THE LEGACY
Sandholt is a homegrown family bakery built upon decades of
tradition and priding four generations of innovative, artisan bakers.
Come by our time-honoured bakery for intensely delicious baked
goods, a savory brunch or one of our homemade sodas or craft beers.
Find us on Laugavegur 36, every morning from seven-thirty AM.
www.sandholt.is