For those who appreciate the taste of a well-brewed beer, there are few places in Reykjavik where you will feel more at home than at Skúli Craft Bar. Located in downtown Reykjavik, in a slightly secluded area between the historic squares of Ingolfstorg and Austurvollur, it's a perfect place for those who like a bar where the focus is on a relaxed atmosphere and quality beers.
The main attraction of Skúli Craft Bar is the ever-rotating selection of Icelandic craft beers from local breweries. With 14 beers on tap and an additional 130+ bottled varieties, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Whether you like the hoppy taste of a proper IPA, the satisfying nutty sweetness of a malt beer, or just a classic lager that goes down smoothly, you'll find it at this bar. If you'd prefer a cider, cocktail, or mocktail, they've got you covered as well.
The interior of the bar is warm and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs and brick walls. The music is kept at a low volume (or silent altogether), so you can easily converse with the person next to you or a friendly stranger at the bar.
If you prefer to enjoy your beer while engaging in other activities, you can play darts to your heart's content or try out the arcade machine, which has over 2000 classic games to play. There is also a small selection of board games if you'd prefer to sit at your table.
On a sunny day, it is also a great place to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day with a cold beverage in hand.
There is a small square just outside the bar, which has a long history. It was the location of the first church in Reykjavik, built around the year 1000, with a cemetery surrounding it. For the next 800 years, the inhabitants of Reykjavik were buried in this cemetery. In the year 2000, a stone memorial dedicated to the cemetery was erected on the square.
Image via Flickr by Félix Tungsteno
The name Skúli Craft Bar, comes from Skúli Magnússon, an important figure in the history of Reykjavík during the Age of Enlightenment, who oversaw finances in Iceland during the reign of Denmark in the 18th century.
His statue is located on the square in front of the bar, from which it takes its name.
The bar is open daily from 2 PM until 11 PM on Sundays through Thursdays, with extended hours until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Make sure to include in in your Reykjavik itinerary!
