American Bar
Reykjavik's go-to sports bar and late-night hangout on Austurstræti, serving burgers and bar food alongside craft beer and big-screen action.
There comes a point on every trip to Iceland when you want something familiar. A cold beer, a burger, and a football match on a big screen. American Bar on Austurstræti delivers exactly that, without apology and without pretending to be anything it is not.
The Vibe
Located on one of Reykjavik's busiest streets, American Bar occupies a prime spot in the heart of downtown. The interior is what you would expect from a sports bar -- multiple screens, booth seating, a long bar, and enough memorabilia on the walls to remind you where the name comes from. It is loud, it is lively, and on match days it is packed.
During the daytime and early evening, the atmosphere is relaxed enough for families and casual diners. After 22:00 on weekends, it shifts gear entirely, becoming one of the livelier spots on the Reykjavik bar crawl circuit. The transition is seamless and well managed.
The Food
Nobody comes to American Bar for a gastronomic revelation, and that is perfectly fine. The burgers are thick, juicy, and properly seasoned. The wings are crispy and come in a range of sauces. The nachos arrive in portions large enough to share -- or not, depending on your appetite. It is comfort food done well, and at prices that are not outrageous by Reykjavik standards.
If you are looking for Icelandic cuisine, you are in the wrong place. If you want a reliable burger and a beer before heading out for the evening, you are in exactly the right one.
Drinks
The beer selection is solid, with both Icelandic craft options and international standards on tap. Cocktails are competently mixed, and the happy hour deals between 15:00 and 18:00 offer some of the better value drinking in central Reykjavik. Given the eye-watering cost of alcohol in Iceland, happy hour here is practically a public service.
When to Go
Lunchtime and early evening for food. Late Friday and Saturday nights for the full nightlife experience. Match days for the atmosphere. American Bar works at all hours, which is precisely why it has endured while trendier spots have come and gone. It knows what it is, and it does it well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does American Bar show live sports?
- Yes. American Bar is one of the best spots in Reykjavik for watching live sports, with multiple large screens showing football, basketball, and other major sporting events. It gets lively during big matches.
- What are the opening hours at American Bar?
- The bar is open daily from 11:30. On weeknights it closes at 01:00, while on Friday and Saturday it stays open until 04:30, making it one of the later-closing venues in downtown Reykjavik.
- Does American Bar have a happy hour?
- Yes. Happy hour typically runs from 15:00 to 18:00 daily, with discounted prices on draft beer and selected cocktails. Check with the bar for current happy hour times and deals.
- What food does American Bar serve?
- The menu centres on burgers, wings, nachos, and other classic bar food. Portions are generous and prices are mid-range by Reykjavik standards. It is solid comfort food rather than gourmet fare.
- Where is American Bar located?
- American Bar is on Austurstræti 8-10, one of the main streets in downtown Reykjavik. It is centrally located within easy walking distance of most hotels and the main shopping area on Laugavegur.
- Is American Bar good for nightlife?
- Yes, particularly on weekends. The bar transitions from a casual dining spot during the day to a lively nightlife venue after 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, often with DJ sets or live music.
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