Gaukurinn

Ok you guys, we are tourists and after reading some recent sketchy reviews, did not want to come here. BUT we were wrong. The other reviews are wrong. We are a group of 4 people in our 20’s and 30’s (men and women) and felt safe and comfortable here in this bar. We had beer and cocktails and sang karaoke for about 3 hours! We stumbled upon this bar after walking around town and I’m so happy we found it! We did go on a Thursday night, I’m not sure if the weekend is any different. Everyone inside the bar was nice and accommodating including the DJ running karaoke and the bartender. I have no complaints!

Used to be a lovely bar but it's really fallen off after completely changing its signature vibe. Bathrooms are always nasty and half of the menu isn't in stock. If you want to have an awful time, this is the place to be!

An absolute treasure in Reykjavik!! My husband and I went to karaoke here twice in the same week because we enjoyed it so much the first time that we couldn’t wait to go back again. James is such a wonderful karaoke host and all-around awesome person. I highly, highly recommend—a definite highlight of our trip!!

The karaoke here was so much fun!! Even though we came a bit late, I still had time to sing two songs and it was so fun and amazing! The dj who hosts the karaoke is also amazing!

Great club, nice smoking deck that is enclosed and offers good seating. Staff takes good care of their patrons, even checking on us while outside on the deck. Commonly offers live shows under better circumstances, crowd is extremely welcoming, inclusive, and accepting. Strong drinks and eclectic artistic flair round out the package, and I would absolutely suggest it as a great place to patronize and spend a night out at!

I may be biased in thinking that Gaukurinn is the best venue in Reykjavík, but it’s not without reason. Gaukurinn stands out not just as a bar or a live music venue, but as a cultural cornerstone, representing the diversity and vibrancy of Reykjavík's alternative and queer communities. It’s a place where you can experience a metal concert one night, a drag show the next, followed by a chilled Lo-Fi Monday or a queer open mic. It’s the kind of venue that embraces variety, celebrating alternative culture while providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone, especially for queer individuals. What makes Gaukurinn truly special is that it's not just a gay bar. It’s a pioneering space that has been one of the first to blend queer culture with the broader live music and nightlife scenes in Iceland. Whether it’s hosting the only goth night in town or creating a platform for queer voices. Beyond its eclectic events, Gaukurinn fosters an atmosphere that feels warm and inclusive, no matter how busy or laid-back the night might be. It's a space where people of all backgrounds can come together, making it a vital hub for the city’s queer and alternative communities. In my opinion, Gaukurinn isn’t just a venue, it’s a statement about what inclusivity and culture can look like when they intersect in the most authentic way possible. but as I mentions before, I might be biased,l if you don't like diversity and representations, there's other options other outher :)

In the centre of Reykjavik this bar and music venue is superb. Many fine musicians have played here, the sound is excellent, no horrid smoke machine and the lighting is fine. The bar is well stocked and service is quick, prices are similar to nearby venues . Clean loos where everything worked is a plus.

Gaukirin is a proper rock bar. Affordable beer and drinks, frequently filled with the colorful audience who show up for the live concerts. Grab a snack and/or a tasty meal and enjoy.