Best Bars in Reykjavík Right Now - 5 Trending Spots Locals Actually Love

Best Bars in Reykjavík Right Now - 5 Trending Spots Locals Actually Love

Reykjavík might be compact, but its nightlife punches far above its size. Between long winter nights, a tight knit creative community, and a serious love of music and cocktails, the bar scene is always evolving.

Below are 5 bars that are getting the most buzz right now. Expect a mix of brand new openings, rising wine bars, and iconic spots that still feel fresh.

Why it is trending: Reykjavik is a very new bar with a perfect rating so far and a clear word of mouth effect. With only one public review and a sky high growth score, it is the kind of place locals are quietly passing around before it blows up.

This spot leans into the city’s minimalist aesthetic: low lighting, clean lines, and a focus on well made drinks over gimmicks. Think classic cocktails with Icelandic ingredients, plus a tight list of local beers.

It is ideal if you want:

• A quieter first stop before the louder late night bars
• Space to actually talk without shouting
• A chance to experience a bar before it hits every guidebook

Tip: Go early in the evening. New Reykjavík bars can fill up quickly once the weekend crowd catches on.

GILLIGOGG - Playful drinks and neighborhood energy

Why it is trending: GILLIGOGG is a newer arrival with strong early reviews and a solid rating that has held steady. It is not flooded with new reviews every week, which makes it feel a bit like a local secret that visitors are just starting to discover.

Expect a playful, slightly offbeat vibe. The bar team leans into inventive drinks, colorful presentation, and a soundtrack that moves from indie to electronic as the night goes on. It feels like a creative studio that happens to serve cocktails.

Go for:

• Signature cocktails with fun garnishes and Icelandic twists
• A relaxed crowd that skews local and creative
• Pre game drinks before heading deeper into downtown Reykjavík

If you like places that feel personal and not overly polished, GILLIGOGG is a great pick.

Terroir Reykjavík - Natural wine and Nordic snacks

Why it is trending: Terroir Reykjavík is one of the city’s most talked about new wave wine bars. With a flawless rating and a growing base of fans, it is part of the global natural wine trend, filtered through a distinctly Icelandic lens.

The focus is on low intervention wines by the glass, spanning funky orange bottles to crisp Nordic friendly whites. Staff are happy to guide you if you are new to natural wine, and the mood is closer to a living room than a formal wine bar.

What to expect:

• Rotating list of natural and organic wines
• Small plates that highlight local ingredients
• A crowd of wine curious locals, food industry folks, and visitors who research their spots

Terroir Reykjavík is especially good for early evening drinking, date nights, and anyone who wants a slower, more conversational bar experience.

Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar - Local flavors and big atmosphere

Why it is trending: Íslenski Barinn is not new, but it is surging again thanks to steady recent reviews and a reputation as the definitive Icelandic bar experience. With thousands of ratings and consistently high scores, it is a classic that still feels current.

Inside, it is warm, wood heavy, and packed with Icelandic references. The menu leans into local beers, Icelandic spirits, and tasting flights, plus traditional bar snacks that let you sample local flavors without committing to a full heavy meal.

Reasons to go:

• Try Icelandic beer and schnapps in one place
• Soak up a lively, mixed crowd of locals and travelers
• Start your night somewhere that feels unmistakably Icelandic

It can get busy, especially on weekends, but that is part of the charm. If you want a one stop introduction to Icelandic drinking culture, this is it.

Lebowski Bar - Cult film theme and late night fun

Why it is trending: Lebowski Bar has been a Reykjavík nightlife institution for years, and it is still climbing thanks to ongoing review momentum and a steady stream of visitors. It is loud, fun, and unashamedly themed around the cult film.

The big draw is the white Russian menu, with a long list of playful variations, alongside solid beers and classic cocktails. The decor is pure movie fan service, and the crowd is a mix of tourists, students, and locals who just want a guaranteed fun night.

You will like Lebowski Bar if you want:

• A bar that turns into a party by late evening
• Themed drinks and easygoing bartenders
• A place to dance, sing along, and not take nightlife too seriously

It is a great late night stop after quieter cocktail bars or a dinner in the city center.

Planning your Reykjavík bar night

• Start early, finish late: Many locals begin with wine or cocktails around 8 to 9 pm, then move to louder bars closer to midnight.
• Walkable core: Most of these spots are within walking distance in central Reykjavík, so you can easily build your own mini bar crawl.
• Reservations: For Terroir Reykjavík and very new places like Reykjavik, check if they take bookings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Prices: Iceland is not cheap for drinking. Budget for a few quality drinks rather than a full night of rounds.

Reykjavík’s bar scene rewards curiosity. Use MapsBuddy to track what is trending before the crowds catch on, then build a night that mixes hidden newcomers with the city’s modern classics.