The Best Bars for Craft Beer in Reykjavik

This is in part because in the early 20th century, Icelanders perceived the act of drinking beer to be unpatriotic—beer was the national drink of Denmark, from whom Iceland was trying to gain independence. In fact, beer was once considered so unpatriotic that it was banned in the country until 1989. 

Nowadays, however, beer drinking is a staple part of the country's nightlife, and you can find a fine selection of craft beers in nearly every bar in downtown Reykjavik. Many specialize in this up-and-coming phenomenon, and we have thus compiled a list of the nine craft bars most worth a visit.

All of these locations are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to tipsily make your way from one hot spot to the next. 

• See also: Beer Day in Iceland

Skúli Craft Bar

Skúli Craft Bar is the best spot to dip into the craft beer scene for the first time. It's also arguably the best place to start your afternoon/evening in downtown Reykjavík as the bar offers happy hour prices from between 12 PM and 7 PM.

When you go to Skúli, you will find an excellent variety of up to 14 beers on tap. The bar has a strong focus on the award-winning recipes from the Borg brewery and boasts a warm and relaxed atmosphere; the interior is complemented by a bright wooden bar and sophisticated artwork, making it the most elegant and refined choice of our preferred spots.

You can choose from some of the best in Iceland, served by knowledgeable and friendly staff. If you want to try different brews, they also offer beer flights, a major bonus for your wallet.

Staple drinks at Skúli include the award-winning Bríó (Pilsner), Garún (Imperial Stout), and Úlfur (Indian Pale Ale), all descendants of the Borg Brewery. If you would like to try something more experimental, then you should ask for Leifur, named after the famous Icelander Leifur Eiríksson (or Leifur the Lucky), who came to America 500 years before its perceived 'discoverer,' Christopher Columbus. 

Considered a Nordic saison (or pale ale), Leifur is brewed with an arctic thyme native to Iceland. It offers a fresh taste and is perfect to drink during a bright Icelandic summer night—or to lift you up during the long, dark winter.

Recently, the bar has opted for "tap takeovers," where other breweries from Scandinavia (and other parts of the world) can come and surprise guests with their own national brews.

If the current mixture of beers on tap does not suit your taste, bear in mind that there is a massive selection of premium bottled craft brews from all over the world available too. Just ask your friendly bartender. 

• Address: Aðalstræti 9, 101 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 12 PM - 11 PM, Thu: 12 PM - 12 AM, Fri-Sat: 12 PM - 1 AM

• Happy Hour: 12 PM - 7 PM

• Price: 1,200 ISK and up

• Guide to Iceland VIP Club offer: 10% off beer flights

MicroBar

Right around the corner from Skúli, you'll find MicroBar, one of the oldest craft beer bars in Iceland. Its ambiance and interior has more of a modern and pragmatic approach than its counterpart's, somewhat contrasting with what one would normally associate with the craft beer culture.

Regardless, the beers are top-notch and you can choose from up to ten on tap, plus a large variety of bottled craft beers. 

The bar used to be located in Austurstræti - in the bowels of the City Center Hotel - but due to its high popularity, the owners decided to cross the street and expand their premises. Having done so, they now operate one of the trendiest craft beer bars in the whole of Iceland. 

If decision-making is not your forte, you can order a beer tasting tray for a special price. With your purchase made, you will be enticed by a plethora of choice, straight out of Gæðingur brewery - What Borg beer is to Skúli, Gæðingur beer is to MicroBar!

Gæðingur is a small brewery in North Iceland, owned and operated by the same people as MicroBar itself. No wonder then that special effort has been made to ensure that the brewery's best products find their way to the MicroBar's taps.

Switching over from the quirky and experimental brews so prevalent in Skúli, we recommend you try one of the stronger, darker choices here. If you happen to appreciate the rich and strong taste of chocolate or coffee, the Stout from Gæðingur will be your new best friend—or your worst enemy the morning after.

If you and your friends are not overly enthused by fancy craft beers, you can also enjoy a traditional pilsner from Kaldi brewery, namely the Czech Budweiser. Other great choices are Sur Citra, an IPA style brew concocted with skins of citrus fruits, and the Hverfisgata Spontan, a Reykjavik exclusive that has an unusual but very moreish flavour.  

• Address: Laugavegur 86, 101 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 3 PM - 12 AM, Thur-Sat: 3 PM - 1 AM

• Happy Hour: None

• Price: 1,100 ISK and up

Ægir 101 Taproom

Ægir 101 is a bar and taproom located on Laugavegur Street, offering a selection of quality beers brewed at Ægir Brewery in the Grandi District by the harbor.

They have 10 beers on tap, and some of their classics include Mango Pale Ale, Rán Lite, and Loki Session IPA. In addition to their craft beers, Ægir 101 provides a variety of Icelandic products, ranging from sodas to strong liquors, and is open daily.

Its sister bar, Ægir 220, is located in the town of Hafnarfjordur on the edge of the Capital Region, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Reykjavik.

Iceland’s cultural heritage is reflected in Ægir 101’s ambiance and drink and food selection, as they ensure a substantial selection of Icelandic products. The taproom's warm and welcoming atmosphere pairs perfectly with its unique menu items, such as fermented shark—a daring Icelandic dish that adventurous visitors can sample with the famous Icelandic Brennivin schnapps.

Every other Tuesday, Ægir 101 offers live performances, where a collective of Icelandic and international artists come and play traditional folk music from their respective countries.

Ægir 101 also hosts a traditional dance show on the second Saturday of each month, where Þjóðdansafélag Reykjavíkur dance group performs Icelandic folk dances. Make sure to stay tuned on their social media for more information on the next event!

Whether you're there for a cold beer, a hearty bowl of meat soup, or an evening of song and dance, Ægir 101 invites you to embrace the spirit of Iceland with every visit.

• Address: Laugavegur 2, 101 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 12 PM - 11 PM, Thur: 12 PM - 12 AM, Sat-Sun: 12 PM - 1 AM

• Happy Hour: Beer of the day for 1,200 ISK

• Price: 1,700 ISK and up

Ægir 220 Taproom

Ægir 220 is a bar and event hall located in the heart of Hafnarfjordur's old harbor district, just outside Reykjavik. The venue is housed in a restored stockfish building, reflecting the coastal town's rich maritime heritage, and as mentioned above, it's the sister bar of Ægir 101 on Laugavegur Street.

Operated by Ægir Brugghús, Ægir 220 extends the brewery's commitment to quality beer and community gatherings in Hafnarfjordur. The taproom offers a range of Ægir's expertly crafted beers, which you can sample with beer flights.

From the refreshing Fenrir pilsner to the flavor-packed Fantur Coffee IPA, there's something to suit every palate. Additionally, the bar showcases a selection of Icelandic spirits and non-alcoholic options, ensuring a welcoming space for all.

Ægir 220 is also an event venue

Ægir 220 Taproom’s blend of historical charm and diverse Icelandic beverage options make it a must-try for any beer enthusiast interested in Iceland’s unique brewing culture. Be sure to confirm opening times on their social media, as the venue is sometimes closed for private events.

Just steps away from the harbor, Ægir 220 offers a taste of Iceland's past and present with every visit. Whether enjoying live music or simply soaking in the atmosphere with a beer in hand, this taproom embodies the brewery's motto: "Et, drekk og ver glaðr!"—Eat, drink, and be merry!

• Address: Strandgata 90, 220 Hafnarfjordur

• Opening Hours: Thur: 5 PM - 10 PM, Sat: 5 PM - 12 AM

• Happy Hour: 1,200 ISK for beer/wine between 5 PM and 8 PM

• Price: 1,200 ISK and up

Lemmy

Lemmy is a rock-inspired bar in downtown Reykjavik. Though not a brewery, Lemmy has 50 beers on tap, making it the best place to go if you want to sample some of Iceland’s many craft beers. The venue is also the only real beer garden in Reykjavik!

Lemmy has a large courtyard where you can get comfortable with a blanket to keep you warm while you sip on an icy cold beer. At night, the bar turns into one of the most popular venues in Reykjavik, where you are guaranteed a good time.

The menu at Lemmy offers a collection of delicious comfort food, such as a variety of both sweet and savory waffles, bratwursts, sandwiches, and milkshakes. They also feature flavorful vegan options on their menu. Traveling with children? Lemmy offers the convenient option of turning any meal on the menu into a children’s-sized one for 50% off the original price.

The massive self-service collection of craft beers on tap at Lemmy represents Iceland’s wide variety of breweries, a haven for any beer enthusiast. Try some of Iceland’s crisp brews like Úlfrún Session IPA by Borg Brewery and thirst-quenching favorites such as Ægir Brugghús’ White Ale.

If you’d like something more standard, you can’t go wrong with the classic gluten-free lager Gull Lite, a popular local choice!

Lemmy’s unique atmosphere is reflected in their dedication to rock music. They play classic tunes such as The Doors, Pink Floyd, and Janis Joplin, but also host their own concerts with free entry.

This makes Lemmy one of the best places to go in Reykjavik for live music, especially if you are into rock, metal, and punk. Make sure to stay posted on their social media for the next live event!

• Address: Austurstræti 20, 101 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 11:45 AM - 11 PM, Thur: 11:45 AM - 1 AM, Sat-Sun: 11:45 AM - 2 AM

• Happy Hour: None

• Price: 1,490 ISK and up

• Guide to Iceland’s VIP Club offer: 45% off food and drinks

Brewdog

Brewdog is one of the few bars on this list that is not Icelandic; it is part of a now global chain, established in 2007, by two Scots with a passion for craft beer and a desire to revolutionise drinking culture. Considering its venues were opening in cities around the world, it was only a matter of time before one appeared in the beer-passionate capital of the north.

In spite of being Scotish in its roots, the Reykjavík Brewdog boasts a sleek Icelandic design with a range of national craft beers, alongside the brewery’s own products, on 20 taps. This bar, therefore, is perfect for those who want to know that they can enjoy internationally renowned drinks, such as the Brewdog’s famous Punk IPA, while trying out a few local flavours.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by GioNakked. No edits made.

The staff at Brewdog are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help you find a drink that suits your palette; furthermore, on one of the walls is a ‘Periodic Table of Beer Styles’ to help guide you towards your perfect beverage.

The atmosphere here is open and cheery, lacking the aloofness of many other craft bars; part of this is due to the wings and burger menu, which provides something greasy and delicious to soak up your drinks with. The Brewdog is also one of the few craft bars in Iceland where parents can bring their kids, as the venue is children-friendly until 10pm.

• Address: Frakkastígur 8, 101 Reykjavík

• Opening Hours: Wed-Thu: 11:30 AM - 12 AM, Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM - 1 AM, Sun: 11:30 AM - 12 AM

• Happy Hour: 3 PM - 6 PM and 10 PM - 12 AM

• 990 ISK and up

Bjorgardurinn

Bjórgarðurinn, or the Reykjavík Beer Garden, has a lot working in its favor when considering the best bars for craft beer in Iceland. It boasts up to thirty Icelandic beers on tap, from a range of breweries around the country; many more bottled beers from all around the world; a fantastic location on the ground floor of one of the city’s most popular hotels; and a food menu tailored to perfectly complement the drinks.

The staff at the Beer Garden are experts in ale and will help you pair your meal with its perfect liquid partner. For example, if you select something barbecued, you may be recommended the smooth, lemony All Day IPA as a palatable match. On that note, the menu is very diverse, with everything from vegan plates to a sausage bar to street food.

Though a short walk from the downtown area, the Reykjavík Beer Garden is close to many large hotels (notably being on the ground floor of Fósshotel Reykjavík). Due to the fact you can get a filling meal here, as well as its generous happy hour, the venue makes the perfect starting place for an exploration of the craft bars in the city.

• Address:  Þórunnartún 1, 105 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 12 PM - 11 PM, Fri-Sat 12 PM - 1 AM

• Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3 PM - 6 PM

• Price: 1,000 ISK and up

Bastard Brew & Food

Lively, unique and modern, Bastard Brew and Food is a fantastic place to enjoy Icelandic craft beer, classy cocktails and delicious food made with local ingredients. With its rustic interior and the rock, soul and disco classics playing in the background, it has an inviting warmth in the cold winter days, while its large outdoor areas also make it a great hang-out spot in summer.

The Hazy Bastard and Amber Bastard are highly recommended craft beers to enjoy here, with the former being a New England IPA and the latter being an amber ale. Craft beers from around the world are available from bottles, and the bar also boasts extensive gin, wine and cocktail menus.

Bastard Brew and Food has a wide range of food options, including tacos, flatbreads, burgers, fish, chicken dishes, and vegan plates. If you're looking for a delicious bottomless brunch in Reykjavik, head to Bastard Brew and Bar on the weekends between noon and 4 PM!

• Address: Vegamótastígur 4, 101 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:45 AM - 1 AM, Sat-Sun: 12 PM - 1 AM

• Happy Hour: 3 PM - 6 PM

• Price: 1,000 ISK up

• Guide to Iceland VIP Club offer: 20% off food menu

RVK Brewing Company

Though not a craft bar in the conventional sense, the Reykjavík Brewing Company is central to the production of many of the incredible craft beers in Iceland. The brewery can be explored by booking an appointment, allowing you to see firsthand how beers in Iceland are made, whereas the taproom can be visited without an appointment so you can enjoy a pint straight at the source.

Eleven of the brewery’s best beers are on tap, changing occasionally due to availability. In the summer, it is highly recommended to seek out the refreshing Barfluga lager, whereas, in winter, the coffee-roasted Co & Co & Kokos stout is the perfect warmer.

The Reykjavík Brewing Company is located about 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) from Reykjavik city center. Because of its early closing hours, it can be a convenient option as the first stop on a bar crawl. Their brewery tours offer a great way to learn more about the story of craft beer in Iceland.

• Address: Skipholt 31, 105 Reykjavik

• Opening Hours: Sun-Mon: 1 PM - 8 PM, Tue-Thu: 1 PM - 10 PM, Fri-Sat: 1 PM - 11 PM

• Happy Hour: 1 PM - 6 PM

• Price: 1000 ISK

Reykjavik’s craft beer scene is thriving, offering a diverse selection of unique brews and welcoming atmospheres for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you're exploring the bold flavors at Skúli Craft Bar, the lively setting of Session Craft Bar, or the authentic Icelandic experience at Ægir 101, each spot provides a taste of Iceland’s brewing creativity. No matter your preference, Reykjavík’s craft beer bars ensure a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts looking to discover something new.

Which of these locations would you most like to visit? Have you tried Icelandic beer before? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!