Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Qupperneq 23

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Best Place for Cocktails
Jungle Cocktail Bar
Austurstræti 9
Although they don’t have the smash hit “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n’ Roses
on repeat, Jungle makes up for it with their complex, innovative and all-around
great-tasting cocktails — the best in town, according to the panel. “There’s
nothing that competes with Jungle. They’re constantly innovating, and they employ
award-winning bartenders. What they’re doing, no one else is doing in Iceland,” said
one panellist. Along with the work they put into their drinks, they also put a lot of
effort into their names. Menu monikers like “Michael Scotch” and “Chamomile High
Club” are sure to please your taste buds as well as your humour.
Runners-up
Kokteilbarinn
Klapparstígur 28
When walking into Monkeys on Klap-
parstígur, you are given two choices.
Either continue in to the restaurant,
business as usual, or turn into Kok-
teilabarinn and have a seat in their
train — destination: cocktail town. “At
Monkeys, there’s a side bar. When you
walk into it, suddenly you’re sitting in a
train, drinking tasty cocktails,” reported
one panellist. Serving award-winning
cocktails by award-winning bartend-
ers, Kokteilbarinn offers a serious
experience for the initiated and the
newbies alike.
Uppi
Aðalstræti 12
This grandiose restaurant/bar on
Aðalstræti has shown it’s a force to be
reckoned with. Focusing on wine and
lavish dining within its carefully curated
interior, Uppi has also demonstrated
its quality cocktails. Uppi also hosts all
manner of events, from wine presen-
tations to bingo nights. When you’re
looking for that feeling of luxury, it’s a
bar you must check out.
Previous Winners
2022: Jungle Cocktail Bar & Veður
2021: Jungle Cocktail Bar
2020: Miami (RIP)
Best Bar for Live Music
KEX
Skúlagata 28
A biscuit factory-cum-hostel, KEX Hostel
(colloquially known as just KEX) has
been an important presence for the
live music scene in Reykjavík. With the
ever-changing landscape of Reykjavík
venues, KEX has ventured further than
other live clubs in their ambition.
Regularly hosting smaller shows, KEX
also put on the annual Kexport festival
which sees both underground and
more known acts hitting the stage. In
addition to their festival, KEX is diligent
in their concert scheduling. It’s a place
both for emerging acts can start out as
well as established artists. Don’t forget
to order a pizza while you’re there.
Runners-up
Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22
A true legend of a place that has
stood the test of time, Gaukurinn has
a jam-packed schedule every month.
Concerts, stand-ups, drag shows and
karaoke nights all have their place at
Gaukurinn. It’s shown they’re open to
almost anything and their policy of
inclusivity deserves a mention. The
bar has long since implemented gen-
der-neutral bathrooms, delivering a “No
Bullshit” policy towards bigots, and is
known for its willingness to accommo-
date everyone.
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
Having claimed their spot as the
best bar to start the night, the panel
couldn’t get away without giving 12
Tónar a nod towards their efforts to
support the live music scene. Owners
Lárus and Einar have a knack for
booking exciting bands and DJs at their
store. Although the space isn’t built for
live music, the collaborations 12 Tónar
undertakes with musicians makes it
feel like an extraordinary venue.
Previous Winners
2022: Gaukurinn
2021: Gaukurinn
2020: Gaukurinn
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2023
Drinking
Pro-tip: Try the drinks!