MicroBar

Iceland legalised beer in 1989 -- a fact that still astonishes visitors. Before that, strong beer was banned while wine and spirits were freely available, which tells you everything you need to know about the peculiarities of Icelandic prohibition history. The craft beer scene that has flourished since then is one of the country's more delightful stories, and MicroBar has been part of it from near the beginning.

The Beer

MicroBar takes its taps seriously. Around ten are available at any given time, and they rotate with a frequency that rewards repeat visits. The selection typically includes several Icelandic craft beers -- from established breweries like Borg, Steðji, and the bar's own Gæðingur Brugghús -- alongside international options that the owners find interesting.

The range of styles is impressive for a bar of this size. On a given evening you might find an Icelandic IPA alongside a Belgian Trappist, a local stout next to a German wheat beer, and something experimental tucked in between. Beer flights are available and strongly recommended -- they let you taste the breadth of the selection without committing to full pints.

The Staff

What elevates MicroBar above a generic craft beer bar is the knowledge of the people behind the counter. The staff know their beer. They can tell you about the brewery, the brewing process, the flavour profile, and -- crucially -- which beers will suit your taste even if you struggle to articulate what that taste is. This combination of expertise and enthusiasm creates an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.

The Space

MicroBar is small, which is part of its charm. The room holds perhaps thirty people comfortably, and on a busy evening it fills up completely. The interior is unpretentious: wooden bar, a few tables, some stools, and the taps. No television screens, no loud music, no distractions from the main business of drinking good beer and talking about it.

Who Should Visit

Anyone interested in Icelandic craft beer should visit MicroBar. It is the ideal starting point for understanding what Icelandic brewers are producing, and the flight format makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in a single session. Even if you think you know what you like in beer, the staff here may introduce you to something unexpected.

Practical Notes

Laugavegur 86 is towards the eastern, less touristy end of the street. The bar opens at 15:00 daily. No reservations -- just arrive and hope for a seat. On busy evenings, arriving on the earlier side is advisable. Prices are standard for Reykjavik bars, and happy hour discounts may apply.