Its iconic front door, framed by vintage 1950s advertisements and topped with its historic name, makes it instantly recognizable and rich with character. Open since 1951, it’s the oldest coffee house in Reykjavik and has grown into a place where Iceland’s café culture, music scene, and nightlife all come together under one roof.
We dropped by around lunchtime on a breezy Reykjavik weekday, drawn in by the promise of legendary milkshakes and delicious brunch plates. A promise that was more than fulfilled!
Cozy Days and Wild Nights
Prikið is such a cozy place for a nice cup of coffee!
Prikið is like a curated collage of Reykjavik’s creative side. It’s a snug café with worn-in booths, wood-paneled walls, and a constant stream of people who look like they either play in a band or are writing about one.
While most visitors were sipping coffee and chatting quietly, it’s impossible to miss the venue’s alter ego. By night, Prikið transforms into one of Reykjavik’s most popular party spots, drawing in DJs, bands, and anyone looking for a wild night out.
Prikið is a go-to place for a night out, and a home base for Reykjavik's underground music scene.
Photographs of iconic Icelandic musicians line the walls, a nod to the café’s deep ties to the local music scene. Over the years, Prikið has hosted countless live performances, supported emerging talent, and even launched its own record label, Sticky Records.
Many iconic artists have performed at Prikið, and are part of the Prikið record label, Sticky Records.
The shift from relaxed café to full-blown party venue is a big part of Prikið's charm. You can dance the night away, catch a few hours of sleep, and be back in time for a solid brunch and strong coffee to cure your hangover.
For us, though, it was all about the brunch. We came in hungry, looking for something hearty with a side of caffeine, and Prikið delivered.
Snoop Dogg, Trucks, and Foam Selfies
The Truck brunch platter and the Snoop Dogg burger were so worth it.
We ordered two dishes: the Vörubíllinn brunch platter (which translates to “the truck”) and the playfully named Snoop Dogg burger. To round things out, we went for coffee and the classic Adlon Shake, a menu mainstay since the café first opened its doors.
My friend went with the Snoop Dogg burger, which took us by surprise in the best way. More steak sandwich than traditional burger, it featured cuts of beef generously smothered in béarnaise sauce. As my friend noted joyfully, “There’s a lot of sauce, man!” It was indulgent, the bun held up well, and it had just enough attitude to match the name.
We sat in a cozy booth by the window, perfect for people watching!
For me, the brunch platter was the star of the show. The Greek yogurt with honey struck a perfect balance of being sweet but not overwhelming, while the rest of the plate, from the eggs and bacon to the pancakes and potato wedges, hit all the right comforting brunch notes. It was satisfying without being overly heavy, and the coffee made an ideal companion.
We completed the visit with the Adlon Shake, which was light, fresh, and creamy with a gentle hit of chocolate. It’s nostalgic and simple, the perfect end to our brunch feast!
A shot of the Prikið logo on my cup of coffee, couldn't be more Instagram worthy!
The unexpected highlight, though, was Prikið’s drink printer. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a machine that prints images onto your drink’s foam. Our coffee had the iconic Prikið logo on top, which looked almost too good to drink.
The process and results! Our selfie on a Guinness! In my opinion, an artwork worthy of the Louvre.
While the Prikið logo is the standard, you can also upload your own image, and apparently, Guinness works just as well for printing as coffee!
In the name of research (and shenanigans), we ordered a Guinness and had our selfie printed on top. It worked shockingly well. Who would have thought Guinness foam would be so portrait-friendly?
Closing Notes
Prikið is truly an iconic part of downtown Reykjavik.
As we wrapped up, there was no doubt we’d made the right choice. Prikið delivered across the board: great food, a laid-back atmosphere, and a generous dose of Reykjavik character.
It doesn’t try to impress, and that’s exactly why it does. For more than 70 years, it has served good coffee, solid meals, and a space that channels the city’s creative heartbeat. Part café, part music venue, part late-night hangout, Prikið shifts with the day but never loses its identity.
Whether you come for food or return for the party, Prikið offers a taste of the city’s energy and culture: relaxed, a little chaotic, and entirely one of a kind.
Conclusion: Prikið is a must-visit in Reykjavik. The food is solid, the service warm, and the atmosphere truly unique. If you get the chance, we highly recommend experiencing both sides of it — stop by for lunch or a laid-back afternoon, then come back after dark to see the party begin. It’s one of the best ways to tap into the city’s creative energy!
