Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Síða 27

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Best Outdoor Drinking (Summer)
Bodega
Týsgata 9
When thinking of a good place to drink outside in Iceland, the first thing that comes
to mind is the question: “Is that possible?” Move over rooftop bars and sheltered
yards that keep the North-Atlantic breeze away, Bodega on Óðinstorg is the place to
be. In the summer, Óðinstorg square is decked out with tables and chairs, perfect
for a sunny day of al fresco drinking. “If you’re going outdoor drinking, Bodega
takes it,” said a panellist. “The sun lasts very long at Óðinstorg and, if you want, you
can move over to the steps. It’s a nice spot for an international feel.”
Runners-up
Petersen Svítan
Ingólfsstræti 2a, 3rd floor, 101
Reykjavík
You can’t go drinking outdoors in
Reykjavík without mentioning Petersen
Svítan. Be prepared that like-minded
people will probably have the same
idea as you. Fortunately, there’s lots
of space, as Petersen has not one, but
two outdoor patios. The second one,
albeit a bit smaller, is located above
the main balcony. “You can even order
your drinks at the table and have them
served,” said a panellist.
Loft Hostel
Bankastræti 7, 101 Reykjavík
The second runner-up, Loft, has
been a wildly popular place for good
reason. Its outdoor area is one of the
best in town. “They’ve also installed
outdoor heaters,” raved one panellist.
“Game-changing.” The view up there is
also worth acknowledging, as you have
a good vantage point over downtown.
Use that powerful perch to spy on your
neighbours, or just enjoy the beautiful
cityscape while you drink a cold one.
Previous Winners
Renewed category
Best Date Place
Kaffibrennslan
Laugavegur 21, 101 Reykjavík
The panel decided that Kaffibrennslan
is the best place for a date. Being both
familiar to locals, and inviting enough
for newcomers, Kaffibrennslan makes
for a perfect neutral ground for a first
date. If you’re worried about running
into someone you know and want to
avoid potential awkwardness, the sec-
ond floor is a foolproof spot. “You can
start with coffee, and if you find things
going well, you can move over to beer
or wine and take it from there,” said a
panellist. “It’s an accessible date place,
especially if you don’t want to assume
your date is drinking,” said another.
Runners-up
Vínstúkan Tíu sopar
Laugavegur 27, 101 Reykjavík
Alternatively, as a date night with your
significant other, Vínstúkan hits the
sweet spot between intimate and fan-
cy. “It’s a slightly higher investment, but
a great spot if you want to treat your-
self and try something new,” said one
panellist who is clearly knowledgeable
on the dating scene. “It’s a solid backup
if you want to someplace slightly more
romantic,” said another.
Skor
Kolagata 1, 101 Reykjavík
For those who want to be doing some-
thing productive, instead of yammering
on about the past, present and future,
Skor has demonstrated its potential as
a date bar. While perfecting your darts
high score, you can impress your date
with your tireless practice. “If you want
an activity date, you can book a table at
Skor. You don’t have to just sit and chat,”
said a panellist.
Previous Winners
2022: Port 9
2021: Port 9
2020: Hlemmur Mathöll
Best Bar to End the Night
Kiki Queer Bar
Laugavegur 22
No need to debate this one. Kiki
received a unanimous vote on the best
bar to end the night. Being the go-to
queer club in Reykjavík, everyone is
welcome for a drink and a dance. The
only ask is that you’re respectful of
the space. Kiki has multiple levels for
when you need to dance the night away
or sit down for a soul bearing chat
with someone. “There’s nothing but
happiness at Kiki,” a panellist chimes in,
reminiscing about last Saturday night.
As another panellist added: “It’s hands
down the best place to end the night.
You dance the alcohol away!”

Runners-up
Ölstofan
Vegamótastígur
Ah, Ölstofan, the introvert’s drinking
hole. If you’re ever in town late at night
and aren’t in the mood for a full-on
dance extravaganza, Ölstofan is the
place to be. It’s the perfect place if
you want some time away from all the
ruckus and need a nice, long chat with
a good friend. “It’s the only place where
you can sit and talk until 5:00,” said a
panellist.

Paloma
Naustin
Known for its rave-style night outs,
Paloma has seen a resurgence of a new
generation of partygoers. A popular
place amongst the old-school rave
heads and people in general looking
for a good time — isn’t that what life’s
really about? — Paloma is sure to show
you what you’re looking for. There are
even strategically placed joists in the
rafters to place your drink there while
you dance your heart out.
Previous Winners
2022: Kaffibarinn
2021: Kiki Queer Bar
2020: Prikið
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2023
Drinking
All hail Bakkus!