Back in March 1989, the ban of beer in Iceland finally came to an end after 74 years. Ever since the strict drinking laws ended, Reykjavík’s drinking culture and alcohol industry grew tremendously. Happy hours in this little town could last from 2 to 10 hours of the day! This article features some of Reykjavík’s best local craft beers, as well as the most affordable wine and cocktails available all night long. (Skip to the chase and check out the 5th to 8th listings, for a pub crawl night along the streets of Laugavegur!)
Slippbarinn (Best Cocktails)
Happy Hour: 15:00 – 18:00 and 22:00 – 23:30
This cosy and casual restaurant serves up all meals of the day and has two happy hour sessions! Located at the hotel lobby of Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, this bar is a chill and no-frills place for a tipple.
Beers from 500 ISK (US$4), wines from 750 ISK (US$5.50)
Opening hours: 06:30 – Midnight (Sunday – Thursday), 06:30 – 01:00 (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Myrargrata 2, Reykjavik, Iceland
Skúli Craft Bar (Best Craft Beer)
Happy Hour: 12:00 – 19:00
Located minutes away from one of Reykjavik’s top restaurants—Fiskmarkaourinn—is a local bar with an impressive selection of craft beer and grub. Skúli is a crowd favourite when it comes to the best pint of local beer in terms of value and overall quality. If you are undecided with your choice of beer, ask the bartender for a recommendation, and they will let you sample one or two of the favourites. Excellent service right there!
Beers and wines from 900 ISK (US$6.50)
Opening hours: 12:00 – 23:00 Daily
Location: Aðalstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Dubliner (Best Irish Pub)
Happy Hour: 12:00 – 22:00
Loud and merry customers polish off a mighty glass of stout while watching live sports streamed on the screens. The Dubliner has undoubtedly the most extended happy hours in the whole of Reykjavik. Enjoy happy hour promotions starting from 750 ISK, with a wide selection of local beer. You can’t leave an Irish Pub without ordering a pint of the creamy goodness, Guinness Stout!
Beers from 750 ISK (US$5.50)
Opening hours: 12:00 – 04:30
Location: Hafnarstræti 1-3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Gaukurinn (Best live music and concerts)
Happy Hour: 14:00 – 21:00
This bar hosts tons of events such as live concerts and stand-up comedy for its crowds of new and returning customers that walk through the doors every day. Other than good music and great drinks at affordable prices, Gaukurinn serves up fantastic vegan grub too!
Opening hours: 14:00 – 01:00 (Sunday – Thursday), 14:00 – 03:00 (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Bravó (Best for live DJ sets)
Happy Hour: 18:30 – 21:30
Contrary to its mellow lighting and interior, Bravó is a light-hearted and hippy bohemian bar with great music, karaoke and concerts from time to time. Order the Viking White Ale while you are here!
Beers from 700 ISK (US$5), wines from 900 ISK (US$6.50)
Opening hours: 11:00 – 01:00 (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 – 04:30 (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Lebowski Bar (Best White Russians)
Happy Hour: 16:00 – 19:00
As the name goes, this bar themed to a popular movie from the 90s, The Big Lebowski. White Russian lovers have got to hit this place up for their unique versions of the classic cocktail. Fancy having alcohol in your breakfast, order the Cocoa Puffcasian (US$16), a famous White Russian which features cocoa puffs in the cocktail. Drop by on Thursdays for quiz nights and order a serving of the delicious ‘The Other Lebowski’ burger (US$16) paired with a thick and frothy glass of milkshake.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00 Daily
Location: Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kiki Queer Bar (Best Gay Bar)
Happy Hour: 21:00 – 23:00
For a night of fun and dance, let loose at Kiki Queer Bar, a prominent rainbow-coloured building erected along the streets of Laugavegur. A place that supports the gay community and embraces you for who you are, there is no judgement or stereotyping here. Start the night with pop classics and hip-hop music and end it with drag performances and pure shenanigans! Although drinks average at 2000 ISK (US$15), the experience here is priceless.
Pro-tip: Head on over to Kiki, located just across the street once Lebowski Bar closes for the night!
Beers from 900 ISK (US$6.50)
Opening hours: 21:00 – 01:00 (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday), 21:00 – 04:30 (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Dillon Whiskey Bar (Best Whiskey Bar)
Happy Hour: 15:00 – 19:00
Claimed to own the most extensive and best whiskey selection in town, this rustic bar has whiskeys starting from 600 ISK (US$4.50) a glass. Dillon is a place for all - the seasoned whiskey drinkers and the newbies wanting to try it all. There is a chart to help you with your order. Otherwise, ask the friendly and knowledgeable server for their recommendation. The three-storey building houses a restaurant on the first floor, bar on the second and live music sessions on the third, a place you can hang out from the wee hours of the evening till late.
Opening hours: 14:00 – 01:00 (Monday – Wednesday)
Location: Laugavegur 30, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Pro-tip: Download the Appy Hour app on your phone that provides information such as the latest happy hour timings, prices of drinks and reviews of the bars in Reykjavík. A handy app for your pub crawl day!
