Ellý Bar is one of those spots that seem to fit every mood; a cozy corner for after-work drinks, a pre-dinner cocktail, or a stop on a night out. It’s a staple among the best bars in Reykjavik.
Tucked in a prime location along Laugavegur Street, Ellý has quickly become one of my favorite bars in Reykjavik. More than once, I’ve found myself here for relaxed catch-ups over drinks, and this day was no different.
It was a Thursday evening, that calm space between midweek quiet and weekend buzz. After a few long workdays, my friend and I decided we deserved a night out, nothing too wild, just enough fun to remind ourselves we still had a life outside the office.
Our plan was simple: start with cocktails at Ellý, then head to 22 Bar before ending the night upstairs at Kiki Club for karaoke, an ambitious goal for two people who’d never voluntarily sung in public. Still, we figured a couple of drinks might change that.
Ellý Overview
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Address: Laugavegur 12, 101 Reykjavik
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Open hours: Sunday to Thursday 12 PM - 1 AM, Friday and Saturday: 12 PM - 2 AM
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Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, and relaxed
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Drinks: Well-made classics, house cocktails, and all the usual favorites
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Food: Delicious tacos, nachos, and burritos
Shaken, Stirred, and Ready for the Night
When we arrived around 7 PM, the atmosphere was just what we needed to drop our shoulders and let go of the day. Soft jazz in the background, the low hum of conversation, and that warm amber glow that instantly makes you relax.
The bartender greeted us with a friendly ease that instantly set the tone. When we asked what people usually order, she smiled and said, “Mostly beer” and pointed to a solid selection of Icelandic beers. Our mutual grimace earned a laugh before she quickly pivoted to recommending a few of her favorite cocktails instead.
My friend started with a Coco Spritz, one of the mocktails on the menu, while I went for a Paloma. Bright, balanced, and just the right amount of tart. If you, like me, love something crisp and tangy, this one will hit all the right notes.
After a few sips, we were in complete agreement that Ellý definitely is one of the best places for cocktails in Reykjavik.
Stepping Into the Living Room of Ellý
There’s something about Ellý’s atmosphere that makes time slow down. The bar feels lived-in and personal. Warm lighting, vintage posters, an old clock on the wall, and a mix of textures make it feel like someone’s stylish Reykjavik living room.
As we settled in, my friend looked around and wondered if the name might be connected to Ellý Vilhjálms, one of the most iconic Icelandic singers from the 60s and 70s. Neither of us knew for sure, but it felt like a fitting theory.
Every corner of the bar has something to look at. Faded film posters line the walls, and near our table hung a few small frames displaying old Icelandic kronur bills, worn and colorful against the wood.
It’s almost like the walls were talking, handing out conversation starters. Quite possibly a lifesaver on an awkward date, I imagine.
Outside, Laugavegur carried on as usual, a steady stream of locals and travelers passing by. From inside, it was the perfect spot to sit back and watch the city go about its evening.
Tacos Worth Sticking Around For
Not long after we arrived, hunger struck. The bartender suggested trying their tacos, which come from La Poblana, the Mexican restaurant upstairs. It’s one of those setups that sounds too convenient to be great, but these tacos were love at first bite.
We ordered one of each from Ellý's menu: the Taco Campechano, Taco de Pollo, and Vegan Taco. Each arrived neatly plated, with soft tortillas and generous fillings that looked as good as they tasted.
The chicken was smoky and full of chipotle heat, and the vegan taco had a rich chorizo-style flavor with a bright kick from the pineapple salsa. The campechano, packed with beef and pork chorizo, onions, and spicy salsa rojo, was, according to my friend, just as delicious!
The combination of spice, texture, and warmth paired perfectly with our drinks.
La Poblana has a growing reputation for bringing authentic Mexican flavors to Reykjavik, and based on what we tasted this evening, and a whole lot of other evenings, it’s well deserved. The tacos alone are reason enough to linger longer than planned.
A Reykjavik Sing-Along to Remember
As we chatted over our last bites, a small sign near the bar caught our eye: Sing-along karaoke tonight at 10 PM.
We didn’t plan to stay that late, but of course, we did. Following a visit to 22 Bar and a stopover at Kiki, we returned. The crowd had doubled, the jazz swapped for sing-along classics, and the whole place was buzzing with energy.
Nights like this are what make Reykjavik’s live music venues so special. It's a wild mix of talent, spontaneity, and that unmistakable Icelandic warmth.
We managed to squeeze into a standing spot just as the two performers, Bjóhann (Bjarni and Jóhann), launched into Rocket Man by Elton John.
By the time they hit Wannabe by the Spice Girls, the crowd was singing loud enough to rival them. Their mix of piano, guitar, and pure charisma turned the whole room into one big chorus.
It was spontaneous, a little chaotic, and completely contagious; the kind of Reykjavik moment that makes you feel part of something small but special.
Final Thoughts
By the time we left Ellý, the bar had gone from quiet conversation to cheerful chaos. Between the great service, the delicious tacos, and an extra round of karaoke that no one saw coming, our visit to Ellý became so much more than a simple first stop.
Turns out, Ellý is one of those rare spots where an ordinary Thursday night can turn into a small story actually worth remembering. So, if you're looking for a cozy bar for drinks in Reykjavik or an upbeat location to end the evening, we recommend checking out Ellý tonight.
