Hresso
A Reykjavik institution since 1985 — restaurant by day, live music venue by night, with one of the best outdoor terraces in the city.
Hresso has been a fixture on Austurstraeti since 1985, which in Reykjavik's ever-changing hospitality scene makes it practically ancient. By day, it operates as a casual restaurant serving solid European-influenced fare. By night, it shifts into one of the city's most reliable live music venues and late-night bars.
The Restaurant
The daytime menu is straightforward — burgers, fish, salads, and daily specials that cover the basics without overreaching. The food is not the primary draw, but it is decent and reasonably priced. The outdoor terrace is the real attraction during the day — positioned on Austurstraeti with excellent people-watching potential, it is one of the most sought-after outdoor spots in the city on sunny days.
The Night
After dark, Hresso comes into its own. Live music is a regular feature, the bar gets busy, and the atmosphere shifts from casual dining to lively nightlife. On weekend nights, it stays open until 04:30 and draws a crowd that knows it as one of Reykjavik's most established evening spots.
Practical Tips
Come for the terrace in summer, the live music on weekends, or a casual lunch any time. Walk-ins only. Check their social media for the live music schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hresso?
- Hresso is a long-running Reykjavik restaurant and bar on Austurstraeti. By day it is a casual restaurant; by night it transforms into a live music venue and late-night bar.
- Does Hresso have live music?
- Yes. Hresso hosts live music regularly, particularly on weekend nights. It is one of the city's established live music venues.
- How much does a meal cost?
- Main dishes ISK 2,500-4,500 (approximately €17-31). Standard casual dining prices.
- What are the hours?
- Open daily from 11:00. Closes at 01:00 most nights, 04:30 on Friday and Saturday.
- Does Hresso have outdoor seating?
- Yes. The outdoor terrace on Austurstraeti is one of the most popular in Reykjavik for people-watching, especially on summer evenings.
- Where is Hresso?
- At Austurstraeti 20, on one of the most central streets in Reykjavik.
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