The Golden Circle
Simple cafe with a nice outdoor terrace, serving good coffee plus hot-spring-baked rye bread with smoked trout or brie. Soup, waffles, cookies and muffins…
Must-see nightlife in Iceland
Reykjavík
Tuck into meaty and creative pub food while quaffing a litre of the local ale at this three-storey feature of Reykjavík's gastropub scene. Happy hour is…
Reykjavík
Distillery producing Flóki, an Icelandic single malt whisky. Distillery visits are by appointment only.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
On sunny days locals pack the roof terrace at this lively patio bar at the hostel of the same name. Happy hour (4pm to 7pm) also draws a crowd.
Reykjavík
This unusual cafe (dishes 990kr to 3700kr) caters to cyclists, with coffee, beer, wine, a shower, laundry and a workshop for DIY repairs.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
In dimly lit Boston fairy lights glint off mirrored pillars, and a pool table, sunny patio and occasional live music keep things cool.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Cosily cool Veður has a beautifully lit bar, welcoming vibe, acclaimed cocktails and a long happy hour (noon to 7.30pm).
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Sip Tempranillo and Rioja by the glass (from 1200kr) and tuck into tapas (from 800kr) at this Spanish-themed wine bar.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
'The Danish bar' has good cocktails, a boozy atmosphere and a buzzy front deck but the beer is firmly centre stage.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
A popular hole-in-the-wall for a quick cuppa on the run, with a couple of outdoor tables, too.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
A tropical-themed bar that's a good bet for warming up for a night out.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
This mellow cafe feels like the den of one of your eccentric friends. Books and board games abound and terraces and comfy couches are the main draw. Food…
East Iceland
You can’t miss the oversized coffee cup announcing this place, primarily a restaurant-bar (kitchen closes at 9.30pm) and pub hang-out for locals. There’s…
Reykjavík
Up until around 10pm you get a diverse menu at this large, central cafe-bar. After that it looses its civilised veneer and concentrates on drinks and…
The Golden Circle
The only drinking option in the area is at Skjól Campsite, where the friendly on-site bar serves beer and wine. Also a small pizza menu, snacks like…
Akureyri
An easy-breezy stop for an evening drink, convivial R5 has a mixed bag of decor (tiles, carpeted banquettes, timber tables) and an array of Euro brews,…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Named after the eponymous ‘Dude’ of moviedom, the grungy Lebowski Bar is smack in the middle of the action, with Americana smothering the walls and loads…
Akureyri
Café Amour lures Akureyri’s bright young things with its lengthy cocktail list and New World wines. The small club upstairs is pretty garish but draws the…
The South
One of the few drinking options in town, this simple bar and cafe has booths and TV screens for watching sporting events. It also serves simple breakfasts…
Reykjavík
A mellow hang-out with good views onto bustling Lækjargata and local brews including Einstök Arctic Ale on tap. The house beer is always 700kr (in…
Reykjanes Peninsula
A hole-in-the-wall that can get raucous at weekends and has occasional live music. Some sports are shown during big tournaments.
The South
In the basement of the Suður-Vík Restaurant, this cosy watering hole pours local beers on tap and limited wines.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Top 40 and bottle service pack this joint with a partying blinged-out crowd.
