Step inside, and the atmosphere perfectly matches what the windows promise. This historic building has served many purposes, including being the home to the local Christian youth organizations (YMCA and YWCA), and today, it offers a unique blend of history, music, and great beer.
It has become a locally favored spot for rock music enthusiasts and those looking for a unique, gritty atmosphere.
Lemmy is known for its dedication to rock and metal music, with a playlist that heavily features classic rock, metal, and punk. The interior is adorned with memorabilia from many different time periods and has become a time capsule of sorts for all things nostalgia. If something catches your eye, know that select items are available for purchase.
Fitting the theme, Lemmy is home to the only classic arcade game collection in Iceland that guests can actually play. If you're looking for something fun between drinks, don’t miss out on these machines. They’re a rare find in the country and a perfect throwback experience.
Speaking of beer, Lemmy offers an impressive selection of 50 tap beers alongside Icelandic brews from across the country, so you can be sure to find something to suit your preferences. In fact, it's where you'll find the largest beer collection in Iceland, owned by Lemmy.
If you're craving something other than beer, you don't have to miss out, as the menu includes whiskies and fun cocktails that complement its rock-themed vibe.
For something more filling, Lemmy's food menu features items like sweet and savory waffles, sausages, steaks, and fish and chips.
For a nostalgic treat, try a milkshake or choose from a wide selection of classic breakfast cereals. They're perfectly suited to soothe any sugary cravings, and they even include refills.
Outside Lemmy, you’ll find the largest privately-owned garden in the downtown area, which doubles as the only true beer garden in downtown Reykjavik. The garden has a self-service beer setup, the only one of its kind in Iceland, and there are 50 tap beers available, making it a great spot for beer enthusiasts.
This spot has a long history, as it was originally built in 1805. It was then part of the historic Hressingarskálinn (Hressó) restaurant, where it was a go-to place for drinks and a meal when the weather was nice. As a social hub for decades, the garden has remained a beloved spot, and today, it belongs to Lemmy. With a partially covered area, this Reykjavik beer garden is now a year-round destination where guests can enjoy great drinks outdoors, no matter the weather.
The garden of Austurstraeti 20 in the early 20th century.
Lemmy is one of Reykjavik’s few live music venues and a hub for rock music lovers. The bar regularly hosts live performances from bands, DJs, and other performers, and you don't want to miss out on the drummer and DJ combo on the weekends. Its dedication to rock, metal, and punk music has made it a key part of the city's music scene and a go-to spot for music lovers.
Whether enjoying the beer garden, listening to live music, trying out the arcade machines, or just craving a great selection of beer and breakfast cereals, Lemmy offers something for everyone. Check out this historic spot in downtown Reykjavik for a unique and memorable night out.
