Bragginn Bar & Bistro

Some of Reykjavik's best drinking spots are hiding in the last places you would think to look. Bragginn Bar & Bistro is a case in point: a converted wartime barracks perched on the edge of Nautholsvik beach, well south of the usual tourist circuit, serving cold beers and honest food in a setting that feels utterly removed from the rest of the city.

What to Expect

The building itself sets the tone. Originally constructed in the 1940s as part of the Allied military presence in Iceland, the barracks have been converted into a rough-edged, atmospheric bar that leans into its industrial heritage rather than trying to disguise it. Exposed concrete, metal fixtures, and a general air of cheerful defiance give the place a character that most downtown bars spend a fortune trying to manufacture.

Inside, the vibe is casual to its core. This is a place where sandy feet from the beach next door are entirely acceptable, where dogs are welcome, and where nobody cares if you spend three hours nursing a single beer while watching the ocean. In summer, the outdoor terrace is the main draw -- sun-soaked, wind-sheltered, and genuinely one of the nicest spots in Reykjavik to sit with a drink.

The Menu

Do not come here expecting culinary fireworks. Bragginn trades in comfort food, and it does it well. Burgers are thick and satisfying, the tacos are loaded and flavourful, and the chicken wings hit the spot after a cold swim. Nachos, fries, and other shareable plates round out a menu that is clearly designed to pair with beer rather than impress a food critic.

The drink selection is solid, with Icelandic craft beers on tap alongside the usual international suspects. Cocktails are straightforward but well-made, and on a sunny afternoon there is nothing more satisfying than a cold pilsner on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic.

Practical Tips

Getting to Bragginn requires a little effort if you are based in downtown Reykjavik. It is about a 20-minute walk along the coastal path from the city centre, or a short drive with parking available nearby. The best approach is to combine it with a visit to Nautholsvik geothermal beach -- swim first, eat and drink second.

The beach at Nautholsvik is one of Reykjavik's hidden gems: a small cove with imported golden sand and geothermally heated seawater. After a dip, Bragginn is the obvious next stop.

During summer weekends, arrive early for a terrace seat. The place fills up quickly when the sun is out, and for good reason. In winter, the indoor space is cosy enough, though the magic of the location is admittedly diminished without the beach factor.

Bragginn is not a destination restaurant. It is a destination bar in a destination location, and that combination is more than enough.