Discover Reykjavik’s Best Craft Beer Bars
Reykjavik has quietly become one of Europe’s more interesting stops for craft beer, with a mix of snug microbars, brewery taprooms, and outdoor beer gardens all pouring a solid range of Icelandic brews. Whether you’re a local looking for somewhere new or a visitor wanting to see the capital from the bottom of a well-made pint glass, there’s plenty worth knowing.
The scene has grown fast. Breweries, taprooms, and neighbourhood pubs have spread across the city, and the quality has kept pace with the quantity. Hazy IPAs, clean lagers, small-batch seasonals — the range is broader than most people expect from a city this size.
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As you set out to explore these bars, it’s worth knowing that most are clustered in the 101 district, which makes putting together your own informal beer tour straightforward enough to do on a whim.
Those utilizing Guide to Iceland can also take advantage of the VIP Club for exclusive deals at select bars and restaurants nationwide. Consider joining a food and drink tour or find a cozy accommodation nearby to enhance your evening out.
The Top 10 Craft Beer Bars in Reykjavik
Below are the ten best craft beer bars in Reykjavik — local favourites, a few hidden finds, and partner venues well worth your time.
Key Takeaways
- Compact Craft Beer Scene: Reykjavik’s craft beer bars are primarily situated in the 101 district, encouraging easy exploration in just one evening.
- Focus on Local Brews: Many venues emphasize Icelandic craft beer, rotating taps, and seasonal small-batch offerings.
- Diverse Atmospheres: The city’s bars range from charming microbars to energetic brewpubs featuring food and live music.
- Happy Hour Deals: The most budget-friendly times to visit are usually during the late afternoon and early evening.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a beer and food tour for a deeper understanding of Iceland’s brewing culture in a relaxed setting.
10. Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar
On Vegamotastigur, a short walk from Ingolfstorg Square, Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar has the feel of a proper neighbourhood pub — unhurried, no blaring music, and the kind of place where you can actually hold a conversation. It draws a loyal mix of locals and tourists who want exactly that.
The focus is firmly on Icelandic brews: lagers, ales, and whatever seasonal option has come in recently. Staff are happy to steer you toward something you’ll like.
Practical Info
- Location: Vegamotastigur 4, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: A leisurely walk from Ingolfstorg Square.
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, typically afternoon till late.
- Happy Hour: Varies by day.
- Accessibility: Limited due to interior layout.
- Reservation: Not required.
9. RVK Brewing Company
RVK Brewing Co. brews everything on-site, which already puts it in a different category. It’s a short walk from the city centre — about 15 to 20 minutes on foot, or a quick bus or taxi ride — and once you’re there, the communal tables, board games, and occasional live music make it easy to settle in for a while.
The tap list covers a range of styles: lagers, pale ales, sours. The people behind the bar clearly enjoy what they’re doing, and that tends to come across.
Practical Info
- Location: Skipholt 33, 105 Reykjavik
- Getting There: A 15 to 20-minute walk from downtown, or reachable by bus or taxi.
- Hours: Open Thursday through Saturday evenings.
- Happy Hour: No fixed happy hour.
- Accessibility: Ground-level entry.
- Reservation: Not required.
8. Einstok Bar Reykjavik
Right on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping and nightlife strip, Einstok Bar is a natural stop after a day of walking the city. The interior is modern with a rustic edge — it works equally well for a solo beer or a group catch-up.
The menu leans into the Einstok brewery’s best-known offerings: Arctic Pale Ale and Toasted Porter feature prominently, and there are light snacks if you need something to eat.
Practical Info
- Address: Laugavegur 10, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: Easily walkable from Harpa and central hotels.
- Hours: Daily, from noon until late evening.
- Happy Hour: Generally 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
- Accessibility: Street-level entrance.
- Reservation: Not required.
7. Reykjavik Beer Garden (Bjorgardurinn)
Inside Fosshotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik Beer Garden is one of those spots that works well both for hotel guests and for anyone willing to walk the 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. Around 20 taps cover local craft and European imports, and the food menu is substantial enough to make it a full evening.
The wood-heavy interior is warm and unhurried — good for winding down after a long day out.
Practical Info
- Location: Thorunnartun 1, 105 Reykjavik
- Getting There: A 10 to 15-minute walk from downtown or accessible by bus.
- Hours: Open daily from the afternoon until late evening.
- Happy Hour: Often in the early evening.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible from the hotel lobby.
- Reservation: Not required but advisable for dinner.
6. MicroBar
MicroBar is one of the originals — it was championing craft beer in Reykjavik before the scene took off, and it’s still one of the best places to spend an evening on Laugavegur. Around ten rotating taps cover Icelandic and international options, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that you’ll find yourself talking to strangers about what’s on.
It fills up, but it’s worth it.
Practical Info
- Location: Laugavegur 86, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: Situated on Laugavegur; easily accessible from bus stops.
- Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am; Thursday to Saturday from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am.
- Happy Hour: None.
- Accessibility: Entrance has a small step; space can be tight.
- Reservation: Not required.
5. Ægir 220 Taproom
Just south of the city in Hafnarfjordur, Ægir Taproom 220 is a 15 to 20-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Reykjavik — a small effort that pays off. The Ægir brewery’s range is well represented on the taps, the food menu is proper rather than perfunctory, and it’s popular with families as well as the after-work crowd.
If you’re already heading out toward the Reykjanes Peninsula, this fits neatly into the day.
Practical Info
- Location: Strandgata 90, 220 Hafnarfjordur
- Getting There: About a 15 to 20-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Reykjavik.
- Hours: Open daily from late afternoon.
- Happy Hour: Yes — details available in the bar.
- Accessibility: Step-free access.
- Reservation: Not required.
4. Bastard Brew & Food
Bastard Brew & Food sits just off Laugavegur and pitches itself squarely at a good night out. The decor is loud, the atmosphere is louder, and the house-brewed beers are actually very good. Burgers and tacos anchor the food side, so it handles dinner and drinks without any awkward handoff between the two.
Five minutes on foot from most of the main downtown sights.
Practical Info
- Location: Vegamotastigur 4, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: Just a five-minute walk from major downtown attractions.
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 11:45 am to 1:00 am; Saturday and Sunday from noon to 1:00 am.
- Happy Hour: Daily deals on beer and select cocktails.
- Accessibility: Step-free entrance.
- Reservation: Recommended for dinner hours or larger groups.
3. Lemmy
Named after the legendary vocalist of Motörhead, Lemmy leans into its heavy metal identity without being a novelty act. The beer selection is genuinely well-considered — rotating lines from local breweries, staff who know what’s on — and the crowd tends to be a broad mix of people who just want somewhere with character.
It’s on Austurstraeti, a short walk from Austurvollur Square, and it’s open daily from the afternoon through to late night.
Practical Info
- Location: Austurstraeti 20, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: Centrally located, just a short walk from Austurvollur Square.
- Hours: Open daily from the afternoon until late night.
- Happy Hour: Check in-bar or online for daily deals.
- Accessibility: Street-level entrance, may be dimly lit inside.
- Reservation: Not required.
2. Ægir Taproom 101
Right in the heart of the city on Laugavegur, Ægir Taproom 101 draws on Scandinavian brewing traditions and brings a solid mix of Norwegian and Icelandic beers together in one cozy room. The food menu — burgers and other filling options — means you can make an evening of it rather than just stopping in.
A five-minute walk from Harpa and the central hotels, so it’s easy to fold into any evening itinerary.
Practical Info
- Location: Laugavegur 2, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: A brief five-minute walk from Harpa and central hotels.
- Hours: Open daily from early afternoon until late evening.
- Happy Hour: Check with staff for current deals.
- Accessibility: Step-free entrance.
- Reservation: Not required but does accept reservations for groups.
1. Skuli Craft Bar
Skuli Craft Bar is the place most people end up mentioning when asked where to drink craft beer in Reykjavik, and it deserves the reputation. It’s just off Austurvollur Square on Adalstraeti, the selection spans local and international craft options, and the staff are the kind who will hand you a sample before you commit to a pint.
Whether you’ve been thinking about beer all week or you’ve simply wandered in off the street, it’s a genuinely welcoming place.
Practical Info
- Location: Adalstraeti 9, 101 Reykjavik
- Getting There: Just a two-minute walk from Austurvollur Square or Reykjavik Cathedral.
- Hours: Open daily from mid-afternoon until late.
- Happy Hour: Typically early evening.
- Accessibility: Street-level entrance with limited indoor seating.
- Reservation: Not required.
Exploring Beyond the Bars
If you want to go further than bar-hopping, guided tours are a solid way to get under the surface of Icelandic beer culture. Here are three worth considering:
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Reykjavik Beer & Schnapps Guided Walking Tour: An evening stroll through three bars featuring tastings of Icelandic craft beer and schnapps, complete with engaging stories about local drinking culture.
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Appetizing 3-Hour Food and Beer Walk Tour: An immersive small-group tour that combines culinary delights with craft beer tastings, offering insights into Reykjavik’s history along the way.
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Authentic Icelandic Food & Beer Tasting Tour: A guided walk that pairs traditional Icelandic fare with locally brewed beer in central Reykjavik, showcasing the rich culinary and brewing heritage.
Your Craft Beer Journey Awaits
Most of Reykjavik’s best craft beer bars sit within easy walking distance of each other, which makes it genuinely simple to put together a good evening without much planning. The 101 district alone gives you enough options to fill several nights.
Timing visits around happy hours helps keep costs down, and if Beer Day in Iceland falls during your trip, it’s worth knowing about — the country takes it seriously. For a more structured experience, a guided brewery visit will give you context that’s hard to pick up just from sitting at a bar, even a very good one.
