10 Best Happy Hour Places in Reykjavík

We have come a long way since 1989, the year that beer was made legal in Iceland. Gone are the days of secret handshakes at grocery stores, signaling the cashier that you wanted some of the good stuff behind the counter, then pretending the six-pack of beer you were carrying was, in fact, a case of chocolate. Today beer is not only readily available at wine stores and at every bar, it’s also locally brewed. Oh, how the times have changed.

Very few things in life taste better than a good beer, except for maybe a good discounted beer.

Let’s take a figurative stroll through town and check out some of the best happy hours around.

Founded by an entrepreneur, businessman, and avid art collector Hotel Holt is located right downtown in a section of town often referred to as Þingholtin. The historic site houses one of the largest private art collections in Iceland, including numerous pieces by the Icelandic artist Kjarval, making it extra delightful to sit down for a drink. Almost like stepping back in time, you’ll get a good sense of the times passed. // Happy hour runs every day of the week from 4-7 pm.

Now to something entirely different. A sports bar located in Austurstræti, no-frills here what you see is what you get. Stop by and watch a game of football, or do what I do, order some chicken wings and a beer and watch the people. // Happy hour runs every day from 4-7 pm.

Located in Austurstræti, right before it becomes Laugavegur, the bar at Loft Hostel is so much more than just a bar, regularly hosting events like Sunday yoga, live music events, drag shows, karaoke nights, clothes swapping and bar quiz nights, this is definitely the place to be. On sunny summer days (or nights) you can sit outside on their balcony and enjoy the beautiful view. // Happy hour runs every day excluding Saturday, from 4-7 pm.

If you are having trouble finding something to talk about, you don’t have to look far for inspiration, veður means weather in Icelandic, something we talk about constantly, all the time and is also considered an acceptable conversation starter. // Happy hour runs from noon until 7.35pm // Cocktail hour from 7-9 pm // Thursdays are devoted to bubbles.

Across the street from Veður, and one of the most popular bars in Iceland. If you are single and ready to mingle, this is the place for you. Try out their different selections of Kaldi beer on draft. // Happy hour runs from 4-7 pm.

Located at Austurstræti 16 in the heart of downtown, the building housing Apótek Restaurant has quite a history. Designed by one of Iceland’s most famous architects Guðjón Samúelsson, who can also be credited for buildings such as the National Theater, The University of Iceland and the University Hospital to name a few. The building was one of Iceland’s first large concert venues and housed the city's main pharmacy for roughly 70 years, this is in fact where the restaurant’s name comes from, Apótekið meaning The Pharmacy. Come here for drinks, food, or desserts. // Happy hour runs from 3-6 pm every day, during which time cocktails are half price.

A brewery in the heart of downtown. Located just beyond the old harbor, at Grandagarður 8, here you have a selection of beers delivered straight from the brewery. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. // Happy hour runs from 4-7 pm.

Located in an up-and-coming part of downtown, this hostel is getting more popular by the minute. Hlemmur Square is located right by the old central terminal for Reykjavik’s public transportation, currently being converted into a food market. In the neighborhood, are the police headquarters, nice hotels, Klambratún public park and The Icelandic Phallological Museum. Stop by and check out their impressive selection of beers on draft. // Happy hour runs from 4-8 pm.

BrewDog is a popular craft beer bar and restaurant, located in the heart of Reykjavik. BrewDog is a franchise of bars all around the world and one of them can be found here, in Reykjavik. It's a great place for those who love craft beer and delicious food. The bar was also named "The Best Craft Bar" by Reykjavik's Grapevine magazine. // Happy hour runs from 2-5 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays.

This excellent bar offers a selection of 14 craft beers on tap, and the majority of them are purely Icelandic! If you need more room for choice, there are a variety of 130 brands of bottled beers. // Happy hour is from 4-7 pm.

The perfect way to finish a day of adventures is to try some Icelandic brews and stroll through the city.

Be a good friend and share this with your drinking buddies.