Off-beat hangouts in Reykjavik
Mengi is a tiny venue with a fantastic programme of art, music and other happenings. Photo:Mbl.is
Looking for a place which is not overcrowded with tourists and is a bit more underground or hip with locals than the obvious choices? Look no further, here's a list of our quirky favourites in a very eclectic and random order.
1. Mengi
A beautiful tiny venue for concerts, lectures, art shows and anything that's slightly more underground or experimental. Has a small bar upfront and a really interesting programme of events. Check out the programme HERE.
Drink: Beer
Clientele: Lovers of experimental music and art.
Where: Óðinsgata 7, 101 Reykjavik.
2. Bar Ananas
This cheerful former restaurant turned bar offers a beachy atmosphere with lots of tacky pineapple themed décor, an upstairs bar with ubiquitous house music but a downstairs section with mellow jazz playing in the background where you can actually sit down and have a chat with your friends.
Drink: Cocktails or white ale with a slice of orange.
Clientele: Mostly arty types aged 25- 50. Weekends are a bit noisier and more random.
Where: Klapparstígur 38, 101 Reykjavik
3. Bar 7
A tiny bar next to a tattoo shop on Frakkastígur. Plays heavy metal and serves really cheap beer (for Icelandic standards). Happy hour is from 4- 8. A hidden, sleazy gem.
Drink: Beer
Clientele: Drunks and hipsters looking for cheap beer.
Where: Frakkarstígur 7, 101 Reykjavik.
4. Obladi oblada
A completely surreal Beatle-themed place with regular live concerts. You might find yourself in a slow-dance to an Icelandic blues band or arguing with one of the regulars. A bit like walking into a David Lynch film.
Drink: Whiskey and coke
Clientele: Over 50 years old, and somewhat arty, and random risk-takers of all ages.
Where: Frakkastígur 8, 101 Reykjavik
5. Vitabar
A slightly sleazy quintessential pub in a quiet residential street downtown, frequented by locals. Their secret is their famous Gleymmér-ei blue cheese burger, a greasy wonderful hangover pick me up.
Drink: Beer and shots
Clientele: Locals, barflies, students and hipsters craving for the burger.
Where: Bergþórugata 21,101 Reykjavik
Bar Ananas is a cheerful bar frequented by creative types. Photo: Júlíus Sigurjónsson
The charm of Bar 7 is that it's not particularly charming. Photo: Júlíus Sigurjónsson
The enchanting surreality of Obladi Oblada. Mbl.is: Júlíus Sigurjónsson
Locals swear by the burgers at Vitabarinn. Photo;:Júlíus Sigurjónsson
