Kaldi Bar

When the Kaldi Brewery opened in 2006 in the fishing town of Árskógssandur in North Iceland, it was one of the first microbreweries in a country that had only legalised beer in 1989. The brewery's Reykjavik outpost, Kaldi Bar, has since become one of the most beloved drinking spots in the capital -- a place where the beer is consistently excellent, the atmosphere is genuinely warm, and the happy hour is one of the best deals in an expensive city.

The Beer

Kaldi's core range is always on tap: the crisp blonde lager, the richer dark beer, the robust stout, and whatever seasonal or limited-edition brew the brewery has most recently produced. All are well-crafted, clean, and flavourful in a way that reflects the quality of Iceland's water and the skill of the brewers.

Guest taps rotate frequently, featuring other Icelandic microbreweries and occasional international selections. If you are interested in Icelandic craft beer beyond the Kaldi range, this is an excellent place to explore.

The happy hour, running daily from 16:00 to 19:00, drops beer and wine prices significantly. In a city where a single pint can cost ISK 1,500 or more, happy hour at Kaldi is one of the smartest moves a thirsty visitor can make.

The Space

Kaldi Bar is smaller and cosier than you might expect. The room is warm-toned, with wooden furniture, soft lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that encourages you to settle in for longer than you planned. Seats fill up quickly during happy hour and on weekend evenings, so arriving slightly before the rush is advisable.

The entrance can be tricky to find. The address is Laugavegur 20b, but the door is actually on Klapparstígur, the side street. Look for the Kaldi branding.

The Crowd

Kaldi Bar attracts a good mix. Locals use it as an after-work gathering spot, tourists discover it through word of mouth, and the atmosphere on a busy evening is convivial without being raucous. It is a drinking bar rather than a nightclub, and the clientele reflects that -- people come here to enjoy good beer and good conversation, not to dance on tables.

Practical Notes

No food to speak of -- eat before you arrive. The bar opens at noon daily, which makes it technically possible to start your Reykjavik beer education at lunchtime, though the atmosphere really picks up in the late afternoon. On Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 03:00, keeping pace with Reykjavik's notoriously late nightlife. Cards accepted everywhere.