Top Bars in Reykjavik – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled in downtown Reykjavík at Austurstræti 9, The Laundromat Café marries comfort, convenience, and character in a way that’s uniquely Icelandic. Originally launched in Copenhagen in 2004, the Reykjavík branch opened in 2011 and has since become a local institution. The upstairs café is a retro-loving dream: warm lighting, red leather booths, herringbone floors, and shelves overflowing with multi-colored books create a welcoming backdrop for meals, coffees, or playfully indulgent brunches. Menu highlights like the decadent “Dirty Brunch” plate or the juicy “Queen of Denmark” burger are crowd-pleasers, alongside vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious alternatives. But don't ignore the downstairs—there you’ll find a fully functional laundromat. Buy tokens and detergent at the bar, then pull up a seat while your laundry hums. The downstairs space also includes family seating and a dedicated kids' corner stocked with toys and puzzles, making it a go-to spot for families and travelers alike. Practicalities are covered, with free Wi-Fi, flexible ordering via QR code or bar, and generous portions—making it as smart as it is cozy. It’s opened nearly daily across extended hours, perfectly timed for brunchers, lunch-goers, and casual dinner plans. This café is more than a meal stop—it’s a charming, multi-functional space where community meets convenience in the heart of Reykjavik.

Founded in 1993, Kaffibarinn stands as one of Reykjavík’s most iconic and long-standing bars. Housed in a distinctly red corrugated building marked by a London Underground-style logo, it’s instantly recognisable and steeped in cultural lore. During the day, Kaffibarinn dons a relaxed café vibe—dim lighting, eclectic décor, and cozy nooks make it ideal for sipping coffee or a cold brew while chatting or watching the world go by. But as evening falls—particularly on weekends—it morphs into a vibrant nightlife hub. Tables and chairs are pushed aside to create dance space, local DJs spin an electric mix of indie, electronic, and classic rock, and the energy is genuinely infectious—a house-party atmosphere elevated to legendary status. Its mystique is augmented by high-profile connections. The bar features in the cult film 101 Reykjavík by Baltasar Kormákur—who at the time owned it—and Damon Albarn of Blur is also rumored to have held shares. These associations add layers of artistic and musical storytelling to its legacy. Kaffibarinn’s allure lies in its fluid identity: a creative, welcoming café by day; Reykjavík’s beating nightlife heart by night. Whether you're a local university student, an expat, or a curious traveler, it honors Reykjavík’s vibrant social and cultural fabric with authenticity and charisma.

Lebowski Bar in downtown Reykjavík is a full-on tribute to the cult classic film The Big Lebowski. Located at Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, the venue opened in 2012 and has since become a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for themed fun, hearty burgers, and cocktails delivered with style. From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in film-inspired décor: retro American-diner booths, a southern porch area, a 50’s style diner section and a lounge upstairs inspired by the “Treehorn” sequence. The bowling motif is present even though there’s no actual bowling alley—the vibe is playful, cinematic and high energy. Food is well-executed for the theme: burgers named after characters from the movie, hearty milk-shakes, and snack-style fare in a vibrant setting. One standout feature is the White Russian menu, offering more than 20 creative variations of the drink most associated with “The Dude”. Options include “Cocoa Puffcasian”, “Banana Russian”, “Pink Russian”, each priced around 2,950 ISK. Opening early for lunch (11:00 AM) and offering a daily happy hour (4-7 PM), Lebowski Bar shifts gear later in the evening: from around 9 PM a DJ starts, the ground floor transforms into a dance-floor and the mood becomes more party-oriented. Sports screens also feature for early-night drinks. While the theme is strong, the bar doesn’t feel overly gimmicky—reviews mention that even if you haven’t seen the film you’ll enjoy the setting, the music, the burgers and the inventive drinks. On busy nights it gets loud, so it’s ideal for groups, nights out and fans of quirky bar experiences. In summary: If you’re in Reykjavík and want a bar that blends cinema-nostalgia, American-style comfort fare and cocktail creativity in a lively downtown spot, Lebowski Bar hits all the marks.

The English Pub stands right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík—just off Austurstræti (often numbered at 12 or 12a in the 101 postal zone) and facing the lively square of Austurvöllur. From the moment you step in you’ll find a warm, wood-paneled interior reminiscent of a London-style pub, reimagined in the crisp Icelandic capital setting. There are dartboards, a “wheel of fortune” game (where regulars have reportedly won a metre of beer), large HD screens showing football/rugby/Champions League, and live music most nights—making The English Pub an all-round social hub. Beer lovers and whisky fans take note: this venue has long boasted upwards of 35-50 beers (including Icelandic craft and international favourites) and multiple dozens of whiskies/malts. In the afternoon/evening you’ll likely find a mix of locals and tourists—the terrace is handy when the sun peeks out, and the crowd gets livelier into the late hours (especially Fri/Sat, when they stay open until ~4 :00 AM). What to expect: Many beer taps plus bottles, with local Icelandic brews alongside Guinness, Hoegaarden etc. Active sport-bar vibe: big screens for Premier League, Champions League, national teams. Live music and a fun, interactive atmosphere (games, wheel spin, darts). Daily happy hour (4pm-7pm) offering drink deals. Open from midday (12-13:00) Sunday to Thursday until around 01:00 or later on weekends. If your goal is spending a relaxed evening where the drinks are varied, the crowd is friendly and the energy ranges from mellow to lively, The English Pub offers a strong value and genuinely local pub experience in Reykjavík.