Frederiksen Ale House
A family-run craft beer bar on Hafnarstraeti with one of Reykjavik's largest selections of draft and bottled beer, plus honest pub food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Reykjavik has no shortage of bars, but Frederiksen Ale House stands out for a simple reason: it takes beer seriously. This family-run establishment on Hafnarstraeti has assembled one of the city's most impressive selections of craft beer, both Icelandic and international, and serves it in a space that feels more like a friend's well-appointed living room than a commercial drinking establishment.
The Beer
The tap list is extensive and well-curated. Icelandic craft breweries are well represented -- Borg, Malbygg, and others rotate through the draft lines -- alongside a selection of international options that shows genuine knowledge and taste. The bottled list goes deeper still, with Belgian ales, German lagers, and American IPAs available for those who want to explore beyond the taps.
The staff know their beers and are happy to guide you through the selection. This is not the kind of bar where you point at a tap and hope for the best. Ask for a recommendation, and you will get one worth following.
The Food
The menu is pub food done properly. Burgers are thick, well-seasoned, and served with good chips. The fish and chips uses fresh Icelandic cod. Nachos are loaded generously. None of it will win culinary awards, but all of it is well-executed and designed to accompany beer rather than compete with it. This is exactly as it should be.
The Setting
Frederiksen occupies a comfortable space on one of central Reykjavik's main streets. The interior is warm and inviting, with the kind of lived-in character that comes from being a genuinely popular local spot rather than a tourist-oriented operation. The family ownership shows in the small details: the personal touches in the decor, the warmth of the welcome, and the sense that someone actually cares about whether you are having a good time.
Practical Tips
Drop in for a beer and let the staff guide your choices. If you are interested in Icelandic craft brewing, this is one of the best places in Reykjavik to explore the scene. The food menu makes it easy to extend a quick drink into a full evening. The location on Hafnarstraeti puts you within staggering distance of the rest of Reykjavik's nightlife, should you choose to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many beers does Frederiksen have?
- One of the largest selections in Reykjavik, with numerous draft taps and an extensive bottled beer list. The focus is on Icelandic and international craft beers.
- What food does Frederiksen serve?
- Old-fashioned pub food: burgers, fish and chips, nachos, and comfort food designed to pair with beer. Solid, unpretentious, and satisfying.
- Is Frederiksen family-run?
- Yes. It is a family-operated establishment, which gives it a warmth and personality that chain bars lack.
- Do I need a reservation?
- Not usually. Walk-ins are standard, though it can get busy on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Where is Frederiksen Ale House?
- At Hafnarstraeti 5, one of the main streets in central Reykjavik, close to the harbour and Austurstraeti.
- Does Frederiksen have happy hour?
- Check the current happy hour schedule at the bar. Reykjavik's beer bars frequently adjust their offers.
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