Looking for the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik? This guide covers the top spots for creative drinks, the best happy hours, and where to find the city’s talented mixologists. Whether you want a relaxed evening or a lively night out, discover where to sip the craftiest cocktails in Iceland’s capital.
Reykjavik has changed a lot in recent years. Once best known for its beer culture, the city has now fully embraced the era of craft cocktails, with plenty of food and drink tours in Reykjavik showcasing the best spots to taste them.
Thanks to the wide variety of Reykjavik hotels and accommodation, it’s easy to find yourself steps away from a stylish bar serving up world-class drinks. Many travelers also visit the capital as part of vacation packages in Iceland, and quickly discover that Reykjavik’s nightlife is as memorable as its natural wonders.
In the early days, cocktail menus mostly stuck to classics like Mojitos and Cosmopolitans, with the occasional Mai Tai or Sex on the Beach. But those days are long gone. Today, the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik craft inventive drinks that rival the top cocktail scenes around the world.
To make the most of the night, customers of Guide to Iceland also get access to the exclusive VIP Club, offering savings at some of Reykjavik’s best bars and restaurants.
Let's dive into the best places to grab a cocktail in Reykjavik!
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Discover the Best Happy Hours in Reykjavik
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Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Top Bars in Reykjavik
Key Takeaways
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Reykjavik nightlife is lively and compact. Most of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik are located downtown.
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Many bars combine global trends with local spirits like Reyka vodka, Himbrimi gin, and Brennivin for unique drinks.
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Happy hours are common, making it easy to enjoy top-quality cocktails at great prices.
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Many bars are connected to excellent restaurants, letting you pair your drinks with fine dining.
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Guided food and drink tours in Reykjavik are a great way to explore the city’s nightlife, including cocktail culture.
Map of the Best Cocktail Bars in Reykjavik
Use this map of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik to easily find your way around the city’s nightlife. Most spots are within walking distance in the downtown Reykjavik area, perfect for planning your own bar crawl!
7. Pablo Discobar
Besides being one of the top nightclubs in Reykjavik, Pablo Discobar also delivers some of the city’s most playful and creative cocktails. The vibe is quirky, colorful, and funky, yet still laid-back enough to make it a spot where you can truly relax and enjoy yourself.
The cocktail menu leans heavily on South American influences, with tequila and mezcal as the stars. One of the most popular choices is the “Big A$$ Margarita,” which comes in flavors like raspberry, strawberry, pineapple, or classic. You can choose it with either tequila or mezcal, depending on your taste.
For something unique, try their signature “Puff the Magic Dragon,” a blend of blanco rum, cream, coffee, and licorice topped with Cocoa Puffs. It’s as much a visual treat as it is a drink. Gin and rum-based cocktails also round out the menu, ensuring plenty of variety.
And if you’re hungry, head downstairs to Burro, Pablo’s sister restaurant, for Latin fusion dining before or after your cocktails. It’s no wonder Pablo Discobar is considered one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik for a fun night on the town.
Pablo Discobar Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Pablo Discobar Address
Pablo Discobar Opening Hours
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Thursday: 5:00 PM-1:00 AM
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Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM-3:00 AM
Pablo Discobar Happy Hour
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Daily: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Late happy hour on Mondays and Tuesdays: 11:00 PM to 01:00 AM
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6. Geiri Smart
If you’re after a more refined experience, Geiri Smart is the place to be. Part restaurant, part hotel lounge bar, it’s known for its elegant setting and beautifully presented cocktails, easily ranking among the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik.
Instead of a bustling party crowd, you’ll find a sophisticated space with leather sofas, contemporary artwork, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The drinks themselves are just as stylish. One standout is the “Pink Cadillac,” a mix of Pisco El Gobernador, Cherry Heering, lime juice, maple syrup, egg white, Creole Bitters, and Tiki Bitters.
Many of Geiri Smart’s cocktails showcase Icelandic liquors and spirits, such as Reyka vodka and Himbrimi gin. For something truly unique, try “Here Comes the Sun,” which combines Brennivin, rosemary olive oil–infused Katla vodka, lime juice, pear and thyme syrup, and lavender bitters.
On the dining side, Geiri Smart is also praised for its fine dining menu, with highlights like lamb sirloin. For the full experience, you can book a room at the Canopy Hotel and have this stylish bar and restaurant right downstairs.
Geiri Smart Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Geiri Smart Address
Geiri Smart Opening Hours
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Daily: 12:00 PM-11:00 PM
Geiri Smart Happy Hour
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Daily: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Late happy hour daily: 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
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Discover the Best Hotels in Downtown Reykjavik
5. Jungle Cocktail Bar
Jungle Cocktail Bar is one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik and a favorite within the Icelandic bartending community. Known for its award-winning service and inventive drinks, it has become a go-to for both locals and visitors.
True to its name, the bar features a jungle-inspired interior, mixing greenery with sleek, modern furniture to create a stylish yet inviting atmosphere. But the real highlight is the cocktail menu. Drinks here are as creative as they are unique, often made with authentic Icelandic ingredients.
Standout options include “Piblet Comes Home,” crafted with Brennivin, basil, green apple, and lime. Meanwhile, “Broghurt” features a playful mix of rum, strawberries, orange, whisky liqueur, and AB-milk (a sort of Icelandic-style yogurt).
During the week, Jungle keeps a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxed evenings, while weekends bring a more upbeat energy. With its innovative cocktails and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Jungle is considered one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik.
Jungle Cocktail Bar Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Jungle Cocktail Bar Address
Jungle Cocktail Bar Opening Hours
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Sunday to Thursday: 4:00 PM-1:00 AM
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Friday and Saturday: 4:00 PM-2:00 AM
Jungle Cocktail Bar Happy Hour
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Daily: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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Read more: What is Brennivín and How is it Made?
4. Uppi Bar
Uppi Bar, which means “up” or “upstairs” in Icelandic, is a chic wine and cocktail bar located above one of the top seafood restaurants in Reykjavik, The Fish Market. With one of Iceland’s largest wine selections and an impressive cocktail menu, it’s an ideal spot for a stylish night out in Reykjavik.
The menu at Uppi leans into Japanese-inspired cuisine, often featuring experimental dishes from the restaurant’s test kitchen, while also giving guests the option to order select favorites from The Fish Market downstairs. This makes it a perfect place to pair creative cocktails with innovative flavors.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with private booths for intimate evenings and open spaces for larger groups. Whether you’re after fine wine or inventive drinks, Uppi Bar stands out as one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik for an elevated night out.
Since it’s located right above The Fish Market, you can easily combine the two experiences, starting with dinner downstairs and finishing the evening with cocktails at Uppi. You can read our review of The Fish Market for more details about the restaurant.
Uppi Bar Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Uppi Bar Address
Uppi Bar Opening Hours
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Daily: 4:00 PM-1:00 AM
Uppi Bar Happy Hour
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Daily: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
3. Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Apotek Kitchen & Bar is one of Reykjavik’s most established spots for both dining and drinks. Housed in a former pharmacy, it blends old-world charm with award-winning food and cocktails, making it a must-visit in the city center.
The cocktail menu is cleverly themed, with creations grouped under categories like “Painkillers,” “Stimulants,” and “Placebo” (for non-alcoholic options). We highly recommend the Dillagin, made with dill-infused gin, mango, lime, and sugar, as well as the surprisingly smooth avocado cocktail.
If you’re planning to dine, Apotek is equally impressive for food. Signature dishes range from Icelandic rack of lamb and tiger shrimp salad to perfectly dry-aged steaks. For something extra, you can join a cocktail workshop paired with food to learn the art of mixology firsthand.
Apotek isn’t just a bar and restaurant; it’s also home to Apotek Hotel, a boutique stay in the heart of Reykjavik. If you’d like the convenience of having one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik right downstairs, you can book a room at Apotek Hotel.
Apotek Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Apotek Address
Apotek Opening Hours
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Daily: 11:30 AM-10:00 PM
Apotek Happy Hour
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Daily: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
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2. Kokteilbarinn
Kokteilbarinn, which quite simply translates to “The Cocktail Bar,” is one of the most fun and best cocktail bars in Reykjavik. Tucked inside the Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Monkeys Food & Drink, it offers a stylish yet playful setting for a night out.
The interior is trendy and quirky, with creative decor that matches the inventive cocktails. It’s a great choice whether you’re out with friends or celebrating something special.
The highlight is the Champagne Train, a unique space designed like a vintage train carriage. It’s not only a fantastic spot for drinks but also one of the most Instagram-worthy experiences in Reykjavik’s nightlife scene.
Of course, the cocktails are the real stars here. The menu is packed with excellent choices, but a standout is the “Robot Chicken,” an adventurous mix of gin, Aperol, pineapple, coconut vinegar, synthetic lime, and a playful dash of “electricity.”
Despite being a newcomer to the city’s nightlife, Kokteilbarinn has already earned a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik. We recommend pairing your visit with the Nikkei cuisine at Monkeys, then finishing the evening with an expertly crafted drink from the bar. For more about the restaurant itself, check out our review of Monkeys.
Kokteilbarinn Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Kokteilbarinn Address
Kokteilbarinn Opening Hours
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Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM-11:30 PM
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Thursday: 4:00 PM-1:00 AM
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Friday: 4:00 PM-2:00 AM
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Saturday: 2:00 PM-2:00 AM
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Sunday: 2:00 PM-11:30 AM
Kokteilbarinn Happy Hour
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Daily: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
1. Elly Bar
Elly is one of the newest spots on Laugavegur Street, right in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. With its playful decor and lively atmosphere, this stylish bar blends good food, great drinks, and entertainment under one roof.
Drinks are a highlight here, from classics like Negronis and Moscow Mules to the house favorite, “Gin & Tonic a la Elly,” mixed with rosemary, mint, and orange for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
The menu keeps things simple but satisfying, with Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and nachos, all available with vegan options. A must-try is the Campechano taco, filled with marinated chorizo, cilantro, homemade salsa rojo, and cheese.
Since Elly opens at noon, it’s a convenient choice for lunch, an afternoon bite, or dinner before heading into Reykjavik’s nightlife.
Entertainment is another reason Elly Bar is considered one of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik. Live music, karaoke nights, and sing-along piano sessions give the bar its unique charm, making it a go-to place for a great night out in Reykjavik.
Elly Bar Ratings
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Google ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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TripAdvisor ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Elly Bar Address
Elly Bar Opening Hours
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Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM-1:00 AM
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Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM-2:00 AM
Elly Bar Happy Hour
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Daily: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Check out our Ultimate Guide to Downtown Reykjavik
Why Reykjavik is Perfect for Cocktail Lovers
Reykjavik may be small, but its nightlife is famous. Beyond the late-night clubs and live music venues, the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik have become a major part of the city’s social scene.
Here, you can sip expertly crafted drinks in stylish lounges, quirky themed bars, or cozy hideaways that reflect the city’s creative spirit.
The cocktail culture in Reykjavik has grown quickly over the past decade. Local mixologists take inspiration from international trends while also highlighting Icelandic ingredients such as Reyka vodka, Himbrimi gin, or even Brennivin. This blend of global techniques and local flavors means you’ll find drinks that are both familiar and unique.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to experience the nightlife in Reykjavik or a local searching for new favorites, the city’s bars offer something for everyone. And if you’re planning more than just an evening in the city, you can also explore with flexible self-drive tours in Iceland or book from the best selection of tours in Reykjavik to round out your trip.
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Experience Reykjavik Nightlife on Guided Tours
If you want more than just a night out, guided food and drink tours in Reykjavik are a fantastic way to experience the city’s nightlife. These tours offer curated tastings, behind-the-scenes access, and the chance to explore Icelandic flavors with expert guides.
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Nightlife Experience & Bar Crawl Tour in Reykjavik with Drinks Included: Join a lively guided bar crawl that takes you through some of Reykjavik’s top nightlife spots. Drinks are included, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the cocktails, atmosphere, and great company.
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Reykjavik Beer & Schnapps Guided Walking Tour: Explore the city on foot while sampling Icelandic craft beers and traditional schnapps. Along the way, your guide will share fun stories and insights into local drinking culture.
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1-Hour Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tastings of Icelandic Whiskey, Gin & Brennivin: Go behind the scenes at Eimverk Distillery, where you’ll learn how Iceland’s most famous spirits are made. Tastings of whiskey, gin, and Brennivin give you a true flavor of Iceland’s unique distilling traditions.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Cocktail Bars in Reykjavik
Exploring the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik is about more than just great drinks. It’s about knowing when to go, what to try, and how to make the most of the city’s energetic nightlife.
Here are some practical tips to help you plan the perfect evening out in Reykjavik:
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Check happy hour times. Many cocktail bars in Reykjavik offer excellent deals in the late afternoon or early evening, making it the perfect time to sample signature drinks without breaking the bank.
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Try local spirits. Look out for cocktails made with Icelandic favorites like Reyka vodka, Himbrimi gin, or Brennivin for a true taste of Iceland.
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Reserve ahead for popular spots. Some of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik, especially hotel lounges and award-winning venues, can get crowded on weekends and peak seasons. Booking a table ensures you don’t miss out.
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Dress smart casual. While Reykjavik nightlife is generally relaxed, many upscale bars have a stylish vibe that’s worth matching.
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Plan your route. Reykjavik’s bar scene is compact, so you can easily hop between bars, lounges, and live music venues in one evening.
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Mix it up with food and drinks. Several cocktail bars are attached to excellent restaurants. Pairing your drinks with a meal is a great way to experience more of Reykjavik’s culinary scene.
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Take advantage of Guide to Iceland’s VIP Club. Customers of Guide to Iceland get access to the exclusive VIP Club, which offers savings at some of Reykjavik’s best bars and restaurants.
Plan Your Night Out in Reykjavik
Reykjavik’s cocktail scene has grown into one of the city’s highlights, offering stylish hotel lounges, lively disco-inspired venues, and intimate bars that showcase the creativity of Icelandic mixologists.
Exploring the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik gives you the chance to enjoy inventive drinks, meet talented bartenders, and soak up the energy of downtown after dark. It’s the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing tours and experience a side of Iceland you won’t find anywhere else.
If you want the freedom to see more of Iceland by day, you can rent a car in Reykjavik and return in time to enjoy the city’s nightlife. That way, you get the best of both worlds: scenic road trips in the daylight and cocktails in the capital after sunset!
What’s your favorite place to grab a cocktail in Reykjavik? Do you have a go-to drink or a must-try recommendation? Share your tips and favorites in the comments below. We’d love to hear your take on the best cocktail bars in Reykjavik!
