reykjavik nightlife guide - september 2013

NIGHTLIFEG U I D E

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This guide will help you find your way through the nightlife jungle that Reykjavik has become. It will also show you that in the downtown area of Reykjavik, as we refer to as "The 101", there are many places to choose from within a very small walkable area. Hopefully this guide will help you get the most out of your stay here.

Publisher infoThis guide is published by the Reykjavik Nightlife Friend, an exclusive VIP nightlife service that helps you find your way around the Reykjavik nightlife, gets you VIP entrance to clubs and helps you „break the ice“ with the locals. Contact us if you need extra help.

We do not participate in any illegal services.

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REYKJAVIK NIGHTLIFE

• Nothing really starts until after midnight on weekends. The high price of alcohol keeps us home finishing off a few drinks before we head out. Then between midnight and one o’clock lines start to form outside the clubs.

• Did you know that a few years ago every place closed at 3 in the morning on weekends and that created a Carnival atmosphere in the streets. The authorities changed to flexible openings to prevent all that outdoor partying.

• From 1915 till March 1st. 1989 beer was not sold in Iceland. It was not until some bars started to sell non alcohol Pilsner mixed with Vodka that the authorities gave in.

• There are over 50 bars and clubs and around a 100 restaurants in the small downtown area of Reykjavik. The line of streets, Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Austurstræti with the parallel streets of Hafnarstræti and Hverfisgata, we often call The Runtur. The Runtur, which means "the round", originally refers to the practice of young Icelanders driving around in circles at night before they reach drinking age. Today it also refers to going out pub crawling/bar hopping.

• Clothing for a night out may vary. Most clubs have a clothing policy. Basically dress "smart". Jeans are IN now but only as a part of the “smart” outfit. Sneakers/trainers are generally not allowed. But there are many bars and some clubs that will allow nearly any kind of attire. Use common sense. You will see that many locals love to wear black in the clubs, often for practical reasons.

• Many places have long lines outside. There are VIP lines but don’t expect to get in through them. Plan and arrive early.

• Drinks generally cost the same in bars and clubs. The difference could be 200-300 kr. Many places have "Happy Hours", mostly between 5 and 7 PM, but some longer.

• Icelanders are not used to tipping because service is always included but in the last few years it has become more common to see that tipping gets you that extra, extra service in bars and clubs. Maybe not a positive development but just the way of the world.

• We Icelanders push and shove. Don’t be offended but the places are usually so crowded that to get where we want to go we have to use initiative.

• Smoking has been prohibited in public places like restaurants, bars and nightclubs since 2007. Many places offer smokers an airy place to smoke.

• Most places don’t have an entrance fee unless there is a special occasion or a popular band playing. The fee is usually from 1.000 - 2.500 kr.

• Closing times on weekends vary. Licences are either till 03:00 or 05:00. That does not necessary mean the actual closing time though. But places usually don’t stay open longer than 6 in the morning on weekends. Sunday to Thursday everything closes at 01.00.

• During weekday nights there is not much dancing going on. We usually go to bars and cafés and hang out over coffee, beer or a glass of wine. Thursdays are good but everything closes at 1.00. But you never know. Maybe something innocent might turn into a big party.

• We always go for a snack before we go home after a long night partying. Traditionally we buy a hot dog with everything “Ein með öllu”, but nowadays you can get a lot of other things to eat. See the map. Back at your hotel, it is ok to drink the tab water. That's what we do. We think it's the best in the world.

• Getting a taxi in the morning on weekends might take a while. There is a waiting line for taxis by Lækjargata (see map). Taxis use the other taxi stops earlier in the night. A lot of people try to walk in different directions to pick up taxis on their way to the center but the safest bet is waiting in the taxi line. In the line you can always pick up some good conversations or some local sing-a-longs.

DOS, DONT'S AND DID YOU KNOWS

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DOS, DONT'S AND DID YOU KNOWS

101 Hotel Lounge 31 30+Hverfisgata 10 580 0101 1919 Lounge 15 30+Pósthússtræti 1 599 1050

Kaffi Amsterdam 6 25+Hafnarstræti 5 551 3800

Austur 10 25+Austurstræti 7 568 1907

B5 28 25+Bankastræti 5 552 9600 Bar 11 38 25+Hverfisgata 18 511 1310 Bjarni Fel Sports Bar 24 25+Austurstræti 20 561 2240

Borgin 19 30+Pósthússtræti 11 578 2008

Boston 52 25+Laugavegur 28b 517 7816

Bunk 52 25+Laugavegur 28 578 3700

Bravó 49 25+Laugavegur 22

Celtic Cross - Irish Pub 41 25+Hverfisgata 26 511 3240

Den Danske Kro 34 Danish Bar 25+Ingólfsstræti 3 551 9660

Dillon 53 25+Laugavegur 30 511 2400

Dolly 7 25+Hafnarstræti 4

Dubliner - Irish Pub 5 30+Hafnarstræti 3 511 3232

The English Pub 11 25+Austurstræti 12 578 7900

Esja 17 Closed 20+Austurstræti 16 575 7900

Faktorý 42 25+Smiðjustígur 6 551 5522

Gamli Gaukurinn 4 22+Tryggvagata 22 848 4924

Glaumbar 3 20+Tryggvagata 20 552 6868

Harlem 4 20+Tryggvagata 22

Hemmi og Valdi 65 25+Laugavegur 21 552 3939

Home 10 22+Austurstræti 12a 562 3270

Hressingarskálinn 24 20+Austurstræti 20 561 2240

Kaffibarinn 43 25+Bergsstaðarstræti 1 551 1588

Kaldi 49 25+Laugavegur 20b 553 8101

Kíki Queer Bar 49 25+Laugavegur 22

Kjallarinn 60 25+Laugavegur 73 533 6223

Kex Hostel Bar 88 22+Skúlagata 26 561 6060

The pub that you are looking for.

B A R S A N D C L U B S

Kofinn 37 20+Laugavegur 2 551 1855

The Laundromat 11 25+Austurstræti 9

Lebovski Bar 48 20+Laugavegur 20a 552 2300

The Live Bar - Sports 56 Kareoke 25+Frakkastígur 8

Loftið 11 30+Austurstræti 9 551 9400

Mánabar 39 20+Hverfisgata 20 779 8151

Monaco Casino Bar 61 30+Laugavegur 78 511 2277

Monte Carlo Casino Bar 54 30+Laugavegur 34a 511 2277 Micro bar 61 25+Austurstræti 6

Nora Magasín 18 25+Pósthússtræti 9 578 2020

Næsti Bar 32 30+Ingólfsstræti 1a 551 7776

Obla Di, Obla Da 55 25+Frakkastígur 8 561 6662

Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar 45 30+Vegamótastígur 4 552 4687

Ölstofan 22 25+Lækjargata 10 511 3245

Kaffi Paris - Paris Lounge 14 25+Austurstræti 14 551 1020

Prikið 33 20+Bankastræti 12 551 2866

Reykjavik Beats 51 25+Hverfisgata 46 561 0700

Kaffi Rósenberg 50 30+Klapparstígur 27 551 2442

Sky bar 52 25+Ingólfsstræti 1 595 8500 Slipp bar/café 1 30+Mýrargata 2 560 8000

Kaffi Sólon 30 25+Bankastræti 7a 562 3232

Strawberries 23 30+Lækjargata 6a 517 7744

Thorvaldsen 8 30+Austurstræti 8 511 1413

Tiu Dropar Wine Bar 74 30+Laugavegur 27 551 9380

Vegamót 44 23+Vegamótastígur 4 511 3040

Víkingakráin - Viking Tavern 5 20+Hafnarstræti 3 861 7712

Vínbarinn 20 30+Kirkjutorg 4 552 4120

Volta 4 25+Tryggvagata 22

The Wine Taster 60 25+Laugavegur 73 693 6526

Kaffi Zimsen 25 22+Hafnarstræti 18 517 4988

The pub that you are looking for.11

25+ Average age # Location on map Dance Floor

Food Service Live Music

Sports Bar Bottle Table Service

TjörninThe Pond

HARPANational Concert and

Conference Center

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City Hall

Prime Minister’sOffice

Arnarhóll

Central Bank

NationalTheatreThe

Opera

Iðnó

Tjarnarbíó

WeekendFlea Market

National Gallery

ReykjavikArt Museum

AlþingiParlament

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MAP OF DOWNTOWN REYKJAVIK

5. September ThursdayB5 - Troubadours Hreimur, Jogvan and Benni.Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Reggae ngith with DJ Cyppie.Hressingarskálinn - Dj Katla and co. Lebovski - The House band.Prikið - Young Ones, TonMO & Moonboots.Rosenberg - Unnur Sara and band. Jazz

6. September FridayAustur - Dj Danni Deluxe. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

B5 - Dj Árni 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Basic House Effect.Harlem - BARCODE. Djs Asli, Rix & Óli Ofur.Harpa - Dúndurfréttir - Dark Side of the Moon. Pink Floyd Tribute Concert.Hressingarskálinn - Víking Lightale concert. Dj Solid.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Emmsjé Gauti and Southern ComfortRosenberg - Marel Blues band blues

7. September SaturdayAustur - Dj Maggi. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

B5 - Dj Gunni. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Basic House Effect.Hressingarskálinn - Dixon band. Dj Solid.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Dj KocoonRosenberg - Cirkus Flakk and guests.

8. September SundayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Lebovski - Dj Halli.

9. September MondayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Prikið - Dj Anna Brá.Rosenberg - Dúó Harpverk

10. September TuesdayDanske Kro - Live music with Gunni.English Pub - Live music. Lebovski - Dj Halli.Prikið - Dj Súr Berndsen.Rosenberg - Baars - Henneman. Sax and Violin

11. September WednesdayDanske Kro - Live music with Hreimur.English Pub - Live music.Kaff itár Cafe -Tango Milonga 20:30 - 23:00. Latin

Prikið - Elvar Rankin Dread from RVK Sound-system. Reggae/DancehallRosenberg - Fox Train Safari. Jazz

12. September ThursdayB5 - Troubadours Hreimur, Jogvan and Benni.Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Krazy Karaoke.Hressingarskálinn - Icelandic Band competitionLebovski - The House band.Prikið - The Barmageddon girls María Lilja and Sunna Ben. SoulRosenberg - Svavar Knútur Jazz

WHERE? W H A T ?W H E N ?

49

CALENDAR

Closing hoursClosing hours vary on Friday and Saturday.Other nights it is 01:00.

The information here is subject to change.No responsibility is taken for its accuracy.

Made in Sveitin, Páll Óskar, Erna Hrönnand Pálmi Sigurhjartarson, Helgi Björnsson, Fjallabræður, Hera Björk, Svenni Þór, Ína, Alma, Íris and Ingunn.

16. September MondayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Prikið - Relaxed night with Dj Hús.Rosenberg - Live music.

17. September TuesdayDanske Kro - Live music. English Pub - Live music with Roland.Lebovski - Dj Halli.Prikið - Ljósvakinn Okkar.Rosenberg - Silla and company. Jazz


Prikið - Dj Maggi Lego and electr. drums.Rosenberg - Thin Jim Jazz

19. September ThursdayBB5 - Troubadours Hreimur, Jogvan and Benni.Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Beer Bong with BS Tempo.Hressingarskálinn - Viking FestivalIðnó - 1860 Album Release. Folk Indie Pop

Lebovski - The House band.Prikið - Dj KGB.Rosenberg - Alma Rut and band. Jazz

Hip/Hop R/B Funk Rock Disco Tecno Pop Electr Blues Reggae Soul Indie House Latin Jazz 80's

Continued....

Univ. Iceland lawn - Big Tent Octoberfest.


B5 - Dj Jónas. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Back to School with Basic House Effect.Hressingarskálinn - Retrobot. VJ Fúsi. Alt.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - The Ari Bragi band and Dj Gay LatinoRosenberg - Tónelskir Læknar. Musical DoctorsUniv. Iceland lawn - Big Tent Octoberfest.


B5 - Dj Árni. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Back to School with Dj Cyppie.Hressingarskálinn - 7-9-13 band. VJ Fúsi.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Dj Benni B RuffRosenberg - KK band. Folk Jazz

Univ. Iceland lawn - Big Tent Octoberfest.

15. September SundayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Lebovski - Dj Halli. Harpa - You Can! Support Concert. Högni of Hjaltalín, Rúnar Eff, Kaleo, Súma, Gissur Páll, Kristján Jóhannsson, Ný Dönsk, Ari Eldjárn, Hinsegin Kórinn, Regína Ósk, Hreimur og

15 on map

Hip/Hop R/B Funk Rock Disco Tecno Pop ElectrBlues Reggae Soul Indie House Latin Jazz 80's


B5 - Dj Gunni 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Bjarki's Birthday Bash with Basic House Effect.Harpa - The Michael Jackson Experience. Pop

Hressingarskálinn - Viking Festival. Dj Elli.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Dj Jay-O.Rosenberg - Síðasti Bærinn í Dalnum. Folk


B5 - Dj Árni. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Gamli Gaukurinn - Cult of Luna (SE) PostMetalGlaumbar - Dj Seth Sharp.Harpa - The Michael Jackson Experience. Pop

Harpa - Nýdönsk in Concert. Rock Pop

Hressingarskálinn - Viking Festival. Dj Elli.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Dj Kocoon.Rosenberg - Live music. Jazz


23. September MondayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Prikið - Drink and Draw with Dj Árni.Rosenberg - Valur Gunnarsson album rel. Jazz

24. September TuesdayDanske Kro - Live music with Gunni.English Pub - Live music. Lebovski - Dj Halli.Prikið - Dj Súr Berndsen. Rosenberg - Arnar Dór and guests. Jazz


Prikið - Dungeon Massive.

Rosenberg - The Funn band.

26. September ThursdayB5 - Troubadours Hreimur, Jogvan and Benni.Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Krazy Karaoke.Hressingarskálinn - Icelandic Bands Competi-tion.Lebovski - The House band.Prikið - Dj Danni Deluxe.Rosenberg - Jana María and band. Jazz


B5 - Dj Gunni. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Diabolic Kid.Hressingarskálinn - Kongo band. Dj Solid.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Dj Moonshine.Rosenberg - Singin jam. Classical singers.

28. September SaturdayAustur - Dj Milla. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

B5 - Dj Jónas. 80's Hip/Hop Pop Funk

Danske Kro - Live music with Magni.English Pub - Live music. Glaumbar - Basic House Effect.Hressingarskálinn - Rock Quarted Gunni Óla. VJ Fúzi.Lebovski - Dj AB.Prikið - Djs Logi Pedro and Benni B Ruff.Rosenberg - KK and Maggi. Folk Jazz


30. September MondayDanske Kro - Live music with Hjálmar and Dagur.English Pub - Live music. Prikið - The Yo Monday Club.Rosenberg - Live music.

CALENDAR

Courtesy of www.superman.isP I C TURES

18.08.13 HáskólabíóTickets at www.midi.is 51 on map

We Icelanders have been brought up from childhood to enjoy the Opal and Tópas breath freshening sweets. Some of these salty liquorice tasting pastilles have quite a strong menthol taste.

Recently the Ölgerðin brewing company made an alcoholic version of the Opal and Tópas sweets which are now the most popular shots in Iceland. But if you are not from here, you are either going to love them or hate them. Film director Quentin Tarantino was quoted on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show that if he could imagine what poison tasted like, it would be like Opal.

So it is up to you to take the plunge and enjoy them like we do or join Quentin in his views. Then afterwards you can also try the pastilles, because they are good in hiding the breath of alcohol.

FRESH BREATH OR POISON?

Iceland’s signature alcoholic beverage, Brennivín, is a schnapps made from fermented potato pulp and flavoured with caraway seeds (sometimes mistaken for the taste of cumin seeds). The word brennivín literally translates into English as "burning wine". Brennivín is also commonly called Black Death. During prohibition (from 1915 to 1922), the Icelandic government placed a skull and crossbones logo on all liquor bottles. The black label was designed to discourage people from drinking the beverage. Soon, drinkers grew accustomed to requesting Black Death "Svarti Dauði" at the counter of their local liquor store. Brennivín is best served ice cold. Alcohol content 37.5% ABV. It is common to drink Brennivín with "hákarl", which is putrefied shark meat (a local "deli-cacy"), to mask the shark's taste. It is similar to the Scandinavian Aquavit.

Several years ago an Icelandic bar owner in Luxembourg marketed a version of Brennivin as Black Death Vodka, with a skull in a top hat on a black label and sold the bottles in wooden coffins made by Luxembourgian prison inmates. The factory burned down some years ago but a new beer is made in Iceland under that label.

In Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill 2, you can see the character Budd drink a bottle of Brennivín. It is difficult to find outside Iceland so buy one before you leave. It's a great gift.

BRENNIVÍN

10

FRESH BREATH OR POISON?

BRENNIVÍN

Courtesy of www.superman.isP I C TURES

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Alcoholic Beverages

EldurÍs Tinda Reyka Ísafold Opal Topas Fjallagrasa Eden Brennivín Rubarb Blue- Crow Birkir Björk Vodka Vodka Vodka Gin Cetraria Apple berry berry berry

Egils Kaldi Skjálfti Móri Lava Freyja Gull Lite Boli Pilsner Regular Dark Lite Stinnings- Norðan- Sumar- Stout

Borg Gæðingur Jökull Einstök Viking Bjartur Úlfur Oktober Sumarliði Snorri Lager Stout Pale Ale Regular Skrið- -Hlaup Pils Org. Stout

Steðji Black Bríó Thule Gullfoss El Einstök Lager Korona Strong Death Grillo Toasted Pale Ale Dbl Bock White Ale

BEER

S

Sumaröl Toasted Lager Polar Viking Egils Pale Ale Beer Classic Strong Lite Strong Malt Beer

BEER

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MADE IN ICELAND

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EldurÍs Tinda Reyka Ísafold Opal Topas Fjallagrasa Eden Brennivín Rubarb Blue- Crow Birkir Björk Vodka Vodka Vodka Gin Cetraria Apple berry berry berry

Steðji Black Bríó Thule Gullfoss El Einstök Lager Korona Strong Death Grillo Toasted Pale Ale Dbl Bock White Ale

Sumaröl Toasted Lager Polar Viking Egils Pale Ale Beer Classic Strong Lite Strong Malt Beer

Laugavegi 20a., 101 reykjavik, 48

48Laugavegi 20a., 101 reykjavik,

reykjavik nightlife guide - september 2013

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