American Style

In a city increasingly dominated by New Nordic tasting menus and artisan food halls, American Style exists as a cheerful reminder that sometimes all you want is a burger, a basket of fries, and a soft drink with unlimited refills. This Reykjavik chain has been serving exactly that for years, and it shows no sign of changing course.

What to Expect

The Tryggvagata location occupies a prominent spot near the Old Harbour, within easy walking distance of Reykjavik's main tourist corridor. Inside, the decor commits fully to the American diner theme: booth seating, neon accents, and a menu heavy on stars and stripes imagery. It is not subtle, but it is consistent, and there is something disarming about an Icelandic interpretation of an American roadside diner.

The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. Children are genuinely welcome here -- not just tolerated -- with a kids' menu, high chairs, and the kind of noise level where a toddler tantrum will not turn heads. During peak hours, the place buzzes with a mix of local families, teenagers, and the occasional tourist who has reached their limit of smoked fish and fermented shark.

The Menu

Burgers are the foundation of the menu, and they are done in the American style: thick patties, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all the expected toppings. They are not going to win awards for innovation, but they are satisfying in exactly the way a diner burger should be. The ribs are another popular option -- slow-cooked and sauced generously.

Chicken wings, onion rings, loaded fries, and milkshakes complete the picture. Vegetarian options exist but are clearly an afterthought; this is a restaurant that wears its meat-and-potatoes identity proudly.

The free soft drink refills deserve special mention. In Iceland, where a single Coca-Cola in a restaurant can cost ISK 500 or more, unlimited refills represent genuine value. It is a small detail, but one that has earned American Style considerable loyalty among local families.

Practical Tips

The Tryggvagata branch is the most convenient for visitors staying downtown. It is a short walk from Harpa concert hall and the Old Harbour, making it a practical option for lunch or an early dinner before exploring the waterfront.

No reservations are needed. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis and turns tables efficiently. Weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter, while weekend evenings and Friday nights attract larger crowds.

American Style will not feature in any "best of Reykjavik" food guides, and it does not pretend to. What it offers is predictable, affordable, family-friendly food in a central location -- and in a city where finding all of those qualities together is harder than you might think, that makes it more valuable than it might first appear.