Wherever we are in the world, we seek out craft beer. We love learning the stories behind the breweries and tasting the unique flavors.
On our Trip to Reykjavik, we were intent on sampling locally produced beer from Iceland, regardless of how much it cost! In our endeavor, we discovered the best bars serving Icelandic craft beer in Reykjavik.
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Finding Craft Beer in Reykjavik
As is the case in most countries around the world, craft brew is on the rise here as well. Breweries in Iceland are producing everything from tried and tired lagers to unusual experimental beers.
While visiting an actual brewery was high on our list, we were short on time and settled for imbibing at Reykjavik pubs.
Evolution of Craft Beer in Iceland
Icelandic beer has an interesting history. Most notably, the country had a long-standing prohibition law that was in effect until the 1980s. For 74 years, beer was actually banned!
Brewing and consuming only became legal on March 1, 1989. That date is now celebrated annually as Iceland Beer Day!
It still took some time after the ban was lifted for craft breweries in Iceland to start up. Now, there are more than 25 as well as several Reykjavik craft beer bars.
Icelandic Beer Prices
Before we jump into our list of Reykjavik bars serving craft beer, we need to take a moment to discuss prices. There is no way to sugarcoat it: the cost of beer in Reykjavik is outrageous.
In order to keep our budget in check, we consciously limited our drinking in Iceland and looked for happy hours. Even so, finding any cheap beer in Iceland is practically impossible.
8 Best Places to Drink Craft Beer in Reykjavik
In our search for bars in Reykjavik serving innovative Icelandic beer, we discovered some right in the heart of the city.
We have also created a helpful map of Reykjavik craft beer bar locations, which is at the end of the article.
#1 Skuli Craft Bar
Skuli has craft brew and happy hour, so obviously it is one of the best places to drink local beer in Reykjavik!
With a friendly bar staff and equally friendly patrons, it’s a fun place to kick back and relax after a day of touring Iceland.
We ordered the two happy hour options: Brio (Pilsner) and Myrkvi (Porter). Although I don’t usually indulge in porters, it paired brilliantly with the dark weather occurring outside the window!
Both beers are produced by Borg, a microbrewery born from Olgerdin, Iceland’s oldest brewery.
Although it was suggested by the bartender, we passed on a shot of Brennivin. This is the Iceland drink of choice when consuming the country’s (in)famous fermented shark.
#2 Microbar Reykjavik
The atmosphere at MicroBar is cozy and the staff are quick to tell stories and aid in selection. They feature local Iceland craft beer on tap and a happy hour.
You can also opt tasting boards, where you get to choose either 5 or 10 beers to sample. Since we just missed happy hour, we opted a Olgjorvi Pale Ale and Tumi IPA.
Both beers are crafted by Gaedingur Brewing, which was established in 2011. MicroBar also carries a large selection of bottles – which makes it one of the best pubs in Reykjavik for craft beer.
#3 Icelandic Session Craft Bar
Earning rave reviews from beer fans, this spot offers tasty suds from more than 15 Icelandic breweries. They also feature different happy hours throughout the week and events (like comedy acts and karaoke) in their basement.
#4 Bjorgardurinn
With 30 beers on tap and a happy hour, Bjorgardurinn gets high ratings from fellow beer enthusiasts.
The daily happy hour is from 3pm until 6pm and offers discounts on selected large draft beers. They also serve pub food if you’re feeling peckish, of which the fish and chips gets the highest marks.
#5 Bastard Brew Pub
Not a truly dedicated craft beer bar, but with a nice selection on tap, Bastard collaborates with local brewers Egirsgard and Malbygg.
They also have a solid happy hour and an international kitchen. Taco Tuesday gets great reviews!
#6 RVK Brewing Company
Proclaimed to be a gem of a find by those who discover it, RVK produces a range of beers on-site. Additionally, they have a few guest taps for other Iceland breweries and tasting flights.
#7 Olstofa Beer Bar
Olstofa offers a selection of local and worldwide craft brew – and a happy hour! Dubbed a Neighborhood Pub, the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is chill.
#8 Einstok Bar
Open since 2021, this place features beers from Einstok Brewing – including award-winning favorites like Icelandic Toasted Porter, Arctic Pale Ale and Wee Heavy (a unique Scotch ale with smoked Icelandic barley).
Stylishly decorated, the hip venue also offers happy hour and a nice patio out front for those coveted warm and sunny days!
Craft Beer in Reykjavik Map
Use this Google Map to find bars serving the best Reykjavik craft beer!
Tips for Planning a Vacation to Iceland
There’s a lot more to planning an Iceland trip that finding out where to sample craft brew – and we have tips that can help! We wrap up the top things to do in our packed 3-Day Iceland Itinerary.
Highlights include a tour of the Golden Circle, a full day excursion to the South Coast and Vik as well as chasing the Northern Lights! We share top tips on the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik, too.
You can also read our Guide to Planning a European Vacation. We provide need-to-know details and tons of honest advice for free!
As you make your plans, staying organized is key! Download our Printable Travel Planner to get it all sorted out!
Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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