Austur Club
Downtown Reykjavik's premier late-night dance club on Austurstræti, drawing crowds with top DJs, cocktails, and bottle service until the early hours.
Reykjavik's nightlife is legendary, and Austur Club sits at the centre of it. Located on Austurstræti -- the street that functions as ground zero for the city's weekend bar crawl -- this nightclub has been a fixture of the scene for years, drawing a mix of locals and visitors who want to experience the Icelandic runtur at its most energetic.
The Experience
Let us be clear from the outset: Austur Club is a nightclub, not a restaurant. You come here to dance, drink, and stay out until the sky starts brightening -- which in summer means not at all. The venue occupies a prime location on one of Reykjavik's busiest streets, and on weekend nights the queue outside is part of the spectacle.
Inside, the space is dark, loud, and pulsing with energy. DJs spin a mix of house, pop, and electronic music that keeps the dance floor full. The sound system is good, the lighting is better, and the overall production values are a step above most Reykjavik bars. This is a proper club, not a bar with a DJ wedged into the corner.
Drinks
Cocktails are the main currency here. The bar staff are efficient, which matters when three hundred people are trying to order simultaneously. Prices are steep -- ISK 2,500 or more for a cocktail is standard -- but this is Reykjavik, and alcohol is expensive everywhere. Bottle service is available for those who want a table and the VIP treatment.
The Crowd
Austur draws a predominantly young crowd in their twenties and thirties, though on busier nights you will find a wider mix. The atmosphere is inclusive and welcoming, with none of the attitude that plagues nightclubs in larger cities. Icelanders are friendly people, and that extends to the dance floor.
Practical Tips
Timing is everything. Icelanders pre-drink at home before heading out -- bars and clubs do not fill up until 23:00 at the earliest, with peak hours between midnight and 03:00. Arriving at 21:00 will mean drinking in a near-empty room. Arrive at 23:30 and you will walk into the party at full throttle.
The Thursday night opening is more relaxed and can be a good option for those who want the Austur experience without the full weekend intensity. Dress smart-casual and bring your stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of venue is Austur Club?
- Austur Club is primarily a nightclub and dance venue rather than a restaurant. It offers DJs, cocktails, and a dance floor. Some light bar snacks are available but it is not a dining destination.
- What are the opening hours at Austur Club?
- Austur Club is open Thursday from 20:00 to 01:00, and Friday and Saturday from 20:00 to 04:30. It is closed Sunday through Wednesday.
- Is there a dress code at Austur Club?
- There is a smart-casual dress code. Trainers and sportswear may be refused entry, particularly on weekend nights. Dress well and you will have no trouble getting in.
- Does Austur Club have a cover charge?
- Cover charges vary depending on the night and the event. Some Thursday nights have free entry, while Friday and Saturday nights may charge ISK 2,000-3,000 at the door, especially for special events.
- Where is Austur Club located?
- Austur Club is on Austurstræti 7 in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, on one of the city's main nightlife streets. It is within walking distance of most central hotels.
- What is the best time to arrive at Austur Club?
- Like most Reykjavik nightlife, things do not get going until late. Arrive before 23:00 to avoid the worst of the queue, but expect the peak atmosphere between midnight and 03:00.
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