Top Bars in Reykjavik – Most Viewed (2025)
Experience Reykjavik's unique bar scene with cozy cocktail bars in colorful houses, rooftop venues with northern lights views, and lively speakeasies in the city center. Discover craft beer bars in the modern districts, sophisticated lounges in boutique hotels, and traditional Icelandic bars in the old town. From classic Icelandic hospitality to innovative mixology, Reykjavik offers a unique blend of geothermal pools, creative spirit, and vibrant nightlife in Iceland's capital.
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.