5 Top-Rated Cocktail Bars & Hidden Speakeasies in Reykjavík

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Iceland is full of waterfalls and volcanoes, but I had something else in mind when visiting Reykjavík.

I made it my mission to discover the best cocktail bars in Reykjavík, from hidden speakeasies to creative lounges tucked away on side streets.

If you want to experience the best of the Reykjavík cocktail scene, here are my top picks for the top-rated cocktail bars in Reykjavík.

5 Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in Reykjavík

Here’s my list of the best cocktail bars in Reykjavík, starting with one of the most unique spots in the city.

1. Jungle Cocktail Bar

This cocktail bar is tucked away up a flight of stairs, and once you step inside, it feels like you’ve entered a lush indoor garden.

Every inch of the decor is full-on jungle! From the ceiling vines to the cozy, earthy vibe that makes you want to stay for more than one round.

xterior of Jungle Cocktail Bar Reykjavík with black sign above door and red chair outside
Look for this doorway to find one of Reykjavík’s top-rated cocktail bars—just head up the stairs.

Jungle Cocktail Bar in Reykjavík has earned its spot as one of the most unique cocktail bars to explore in Reykjavík, and the drinks don’t disappoint.

We tried four cocktails, and each one brought something different to the table.

Cocktails at Jungle Cocktail Bar Reykjavík on wooden table, including Red Eye with tequila and elderflower
My first round at Jungle Cocktail Bar Reykjavík, including the Red Eye with tequila, lime, and strawberries.

Red Eye, a fruity tequila cocktail with strawberries, elderflower, lime, and foam. Sweet, sour, and photogenic, it hit all the right notes.

Hazed & Confused was a creamy espresso martini with banana and hazelnut, perfect if you want a dessert-style pick-me-up.

Two creative Reykjavík cocktails, including Block Rockin’ Beets and Hazed & Confused, at Jungle bar
Espresso martinis and beet cocktails are just part of the fun at this hidden speakeasy in Reykjavík.

Block Rockin’ Beets had Johnnie Walker Black, beet juice, and coffee beans—it sounds strange but tasted smooth and earthy in the best way. And my favorite?

If you’re planning a Reykjavík cocktail tour, this spot has to be your first stop. It’s stylish, fun, and home to some of the most creative drinks I found on the trip.

2. Kokteilbarinn

Kokteilbarinn is one of those spots you’d never find if you weren’t looking.

It’s a hidden speakeasy right next to Monkey’s, and you’d never guess what’s waiting behind the door.

Interior of Kokteilbarinn Reykjavík featuring the champagne train setup with vintage booths and golden light
Step inside one of the coolest hidden speakeasies in Reykjavík, complete with a vintage champagne train.

Inside, it feels like a throwback to old-school glamour with velvet booths, low lighting, and a champagne train running along the back wall that looks straight out of the 1920s.

It’s one of the most unique cocktail bars to explore in Reykjavík, just for the decor alone.

Yuzu Moscow Mule at Kokteilbarinn in Reykjavík served in a metal cup with dried fruit garnish on ice
The Monkeys Mule at Kokteilbarinn—refreshing, spicy, and one of my favorite Reykjavík cocktails.

I came here for one reason only, and that was to try the Monkey’s Mule, their version of a yuzu Moscow Mule. It was tall, cold, spicy, and bright with vodka, ginger, lime, yuzu, and just a touch of sugar.

Honestly, it was one of my favorite Reykjavík cocktails of the trip.

3.Pablo Discobar

Just steps from Ingólfstorg Square is Páblo Discobar, and if you’re walking by at night, you might hear music floating down from above.

This hidden Reykjavík speakeasy is located up a flight of stairs, and as you climb, the beat gets louder with every step.

Purple-lit stairway leading up to Pablo Discobar, a hidden cocktail lounge in Reykjavík
Follow the music upstairs to find one of the most fun hidden speakeasies in Reykjavík.

At the top, you find exactly what you’ve been looking for! Colorful lights, retro disco vibes, and one of the most fun cocktail menus in the city.

Disco ball and DJ booth inside Pablo Discobar in Reykjavík with glowing lights and party vibes
Lights, music, and a disco ball! Pablo Discobar is a full-on experience from top to bottom.

The cocktails might not be fancy like some other spots, but they’re all about fun.

Two vibrant cocktails under pink lighting at Pablo Discobar, a late night cocktail bar in Reykjavík
Cocktails at Pablo Discobar, one of the best places to enjoy Reykjavík nightlife in full color.

The drinks lean funky, with a lot of tequila, mezcal, and tropical flavors.

If you’re out exploring the best cocktail bars in Reykjavík, this one should definitely be on your list.

4. Kaldi Bar

We didn’t plan on coming to Kaldi Bar, but after dinner one night, we stumbled across it—and I’m so glad we did.

This spot is known for its gin, and that’s exactly what drew us in. What we didn’t expect was just how kind and welcoming the team would be.

Two gin and tonics with lemon and herbs on the bar at Kaldi Bar Reykjavík with taps and guests in the background
A perfect gin at Kaldi Bar, one of the most relaxed and affordable cocktail bars in Reykjavík.

They went above and beyond, letting us sample gins from all over the world. From New Zealand to Japan, and of course, a few local Icelandic gins too.

Out of all the cocktail bars in Reykjavík, this one felt the most relaxed. It was cozy, casual, and affordable, which made us love it even more.

We liked it so much, we came back again the next night. If you’re a gin lover do not skip this place!

5. GILLIGOGG

We stopped by GILLIGOGG for happy hour and ended up staying longer than we planned.

This place feels modern and playful, and the drink menu reflects that.

I already had one cocktail in mind, and that was their signature Pistachio.

Made with pineapple rum, Cointreau, lime, and actual pistachio ice cream. It was cold, creamy, sweet, and unlike anything I’ve ever had.

Pistachio cocktail at GILLIGOGG in Reykjavík with pineapple rum and pistachio ice cream served over ice in a short glass
GILLIGOGG’s Pistachio cocktail tastes like dessert in a glass and might be the most creative drink in Reykjavík.

It’s no surprise it was nominated for Best Signature Cocktail of Iceland.

We also enjoyed a glass of wine, which was a few dollars off during happy hour.

It was an easy place to relax after a day of exploring and definitely one of the more creative cocktail bars in Reykjavík.

Explore More of Iceland

Whether you’re after creamy espresso drinks, spicy mules, or something totally unexpected like pistachio ice cream in a glass, Reykjavík has a bar for every mood.

These were just five of my favorites, but there are so many more to discover.

Make sure to take my 11 Best Stops on a Reykjavik Food Tour-Self-Guided + Map.

You can also read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary – 41 Stops, Map & Tips (2025).

For hot springs, check out Best Hot Springs in Iceland: Complete Guide With Photos & Map.

I also recommend staying at Silica Hotel: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides!

2 responses

  1. ThingsHelenLoves Avatar
    ThingsHelenLoves

    Great post, off to browse some more of your Iceland content now! So refreshing to see all the different aspects of an Iceland trip being written about.

    1. Wine Wilderness Wanderlust Avatar

      Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it, cheers!

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