HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri

It had been 3 years since I’ve visited but had a much better experience this time! I clearly stated what flavor profiles I was looking for in cocktails and the bartenders were awesome in steering me. I ordered their elderflower and softis cocktails. Both were exceptional. The softis was more alcohol forward whereas the elderflower was balanced. Alessandro, Luca and Nicola the Italians took great care of me. This place is a can’t miss when visiting Oslo.

Incredible service and some of the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever had. Perfectly balanced and so creative. The team behind the bar are a joy to watch and truly so welcoming. I loved the atmosphere and feel I could easily enjoy having a cocktail alone there with a book in hand or enjoy a night out with friends. Highly recommend.

10/10 must visit if you’re in Oslo. Himkok is rated #13 by “The World’s 50 Best Bars,” and it’s clear why. Their service is impeccable. You’re not rushed to order or leave. Finding it can be a bit tricky as it’s not labeled on the outside and just has a blue light over the door (currently, construction signs point you right there). You may find yourself with a bit of a wait for the cocktail bar on the 1st floor but it’s worth it. The cocktails are “design-led” this year and the menu is pretty and each page tells a story about what is in the cocktail. I went for the Softis which was definitely one of the most unique cocktails I’ve ever had. I’m generally more of an Old Fashioned or scotch on the rocks type of gal but switched it up. The Softis has LINIE Aquavit and Diplom-Is ice cream with Disaronno, White Dutch Cacao, and Fino Sherry. It’s a very pretty cocktail and is finished with sprinkles. My spouse got the cardamom and strawberry cocktail. It consists of Tanqueray No. Ten gin, dry vermouth, strawberry and cardamom cordial, Peychaud's bitter, lemon juice, and egg white. He’d rate it an 8.5/10. Again, definitely worth a visit if you’re in Oslo and the cocktails are priced well; they’re around 180kr → ~$18 USD (compared to New York City and Philadelphia where > $25 USD per cocktail is standard, especially in speakeasies.)

What an incredible experience. We sat at the bar with Luca serving us. Cocktails were amazing - my favourite was the Plum from the Classic section. We can't wait to go back.

This bar was a trip! We went on recommendation of a friend and did not regret it. We sat inside on a weekday afternoon so didn't have to wait and drinks came quickly. The theme of matching drinks to Norwegian artists is so cool and every drink we had was so intriguing. Get the martini (I forget the name) - the drink is great, but the cheese is next level and earns the former title of best in the world.

The cocktail didn’t impress me enough, but overall it was nice. They are professional. There is a “waiting bar” outside before you enter this bar, so you can pre-drink a little bit (and if you don’t finish they let you bring your drinks in, too)

Everything about Himkok is 5 stars. The ambiance, music, drinks, bartenders, and service are all top notch. Could not recommend enough. Weather youre a tourist or a local. Stop on for a story and a drink. It won't disappoint.

We had a great night at himkok, our bartender Nicola was absolutely incredible, he served the most amazing drinks after understanding each of our individual palates, and preferences. Lots of love Jazmin and oline

I'm giving this place 5 stars as it was a very interesting bar with excellent bartenders. Must be the best bar in Oslo. Cocktails are creative and tasty. I must say that I came here because of the high ranking in a story I read about the to 50 bars in the world. It is good. Is it top ten in the world? Hmm. You be the judge. If you want a great speakeasy feeling bar and you are in Oslo--then go check it out.

Love the vibe and the drinks the service amazing. Love the country vibes Baby all vibes

The staff was very friendly to make conversation around creating drinks and food in general. Excellent balanced drinks. I had trouble deciding and you probably cannot go wrong with any. I prefer nuance and tasted more subtly in the Pear (with caraway undertone) than with the Bun that was reminiscent of an Old Fashioned. All the mixed drinks are $178 kroner.

Of all the cocktail spots we tried in Scandinavia, this was personally my favorite. We had heard it was ranked one of the best bars in the world. First off, it is hidden in a building that looks like an abandoned wear house from the front street. Inside you find several floors of bars. We had drinks on the bottom level. Our drinks were fascinating. Unique ingredients that are not frequently used in the states. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Himkok is Norwegian for 'Moonshine.' This speakeasy/distillery has been named by multiple publications as one of the world's best bars. Everything about this place was outstanding. The lack of signage out front. The design. The decor. The menu. The service. The drinks. It was absolute perfection. If I were to ever own a bar, I would want it to be exactly like this one. Do not miss this spot when visiting Oslo.

I generally don't review cocktails, but these were crafty enough that I'll go for it. The cocktails at HIMKOK are off-the-charts expensive. I think I paid like $17 each. That's completely insane, so understand what you're in for before you go. That said, these are excellent cocktails. The Oats and Raspberries aquavit cocktail was smooth as velvet. It tasted like a creamsicle, but with more intense and unique flavors. As you sip, the smoothness of the egg fizz glides down your palate. Then comes a fruity and oaty blend of fresh flavors. Finally the drink leaves the palate with the cleansing tartness of fresh raspberries. A light crunch of toasted oats floats atop this silken masterpiece. The Gin and Soda wasn't as good, but it was still excellent. This is closer to a classic gin and tonic. The difference is that the piney notes are more forward and more complex (as there is actual pine in the drink). I was impressed with the execution of this drink, but I wish I had gone for something less familiar to my palate.

Of course I read about it online because it's one of the best bars in the world. I'm not often in a city that has one of these bars so I needed to check out Himkok. I feel like we came relatively early and therefore right on time because as we were leaving, a line had formed and they roped off the entrance. People were waiting to get in. When we arrived, the two of us were seated immediately. It's tight inside the bar, but it's more cozy than inconvenient. The menu is straightforward and explains each drink in English and Norwegian. I tried the Raspberry and Pine, and I honestly wasn't expecting these drinks to be so good. The quality of the drinks informed my rating and my opinion that Himkok may not be overrated, even if it's famous. Is Himkok a speakeasy? I didn't realize it but when we arrived at the address, I was almost unsure because the door was unassuming and there was a low-key H next to it.

Great ambience, amazing drinks, reasonable price and the staff was super friendly and attentive, peep their "coffee" labeled cocktail it's amazing!

A MUST!! If you love a good cocktail, make every effort to visit this place. Upon walking in, I was greeted by very friendly staffs. Although I was by myself, the staff led me to sit at the booth (big enough for 4) as all the seats by the bar were taken. I was then handed a very thick menu. I had to admit, it was a bit daunting at first. But turns out, it was just one drink per page with description of the drink and the region of Norway that it represented. All in, there was probably about 10 drinks to choose from. Since I was in Norway, I wanted to try something with aquavit so I ended up choosing the oats & raspberries. The description was "refreshing, fruity, and dereal". I had to ask the bartender Carl on what dereal meant as I thought it was some kind of millennial slang, turns out, it was just a typo..it meant to say cereal. (LOL) Drink itself was very pretty and I enjoyed every bit of it. You can even taste the oat pieces in the drink (not overpowering). I really wanted a second one but I reminded myself that I have an early start tomorrow. Make sure you get here early. It got really busy around 9:45-10pm and many of them had to go to the 2nd floor bar. Check out my photo for the entrance. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to the bar again the next day and sat by the bar this time. I was told by the bartenders to try the following: Aronia, Gateau, and the classic drink with carrot juice and horseradish. All of them were delicious and very creative. Alex also poured me some aquavit to try. Don't miss this bar, there is a reason why they are ranked as one of the top 50 best bars in the world!

It's a hidden gem in Oslo. Yes, the entrance looks like it belongs to a run down building & appears to be closed... just go in and surprise yourself! Local gin & brews to try, highly recommend!

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but crossing the threshold you enter a magical place with gracious staff who know how to make the cocktails of your dreams using spirits distilled on site. Well deserving of its 50 Best Bars of the world designation.

Wow. Talk about being the best of the best! Believe all the publications about Himkok and don't miss the chance to stop in when in Oslo. Carl, one of the very friendly and skilled drink masters, was absolutely fantastic. A great spot for a stop in alone, for a date or with friends. The drinks are meticulously crafted, down to the hand stamped ice cubes, and they have their own homemade spirits as well. I would highly recommend sitting at the bar to watch the drinks being put together -- truly like having a front row seat at a show. Pro tip: The emergency exit looks like a regular door and patrons sometimes exit it unknowingly, which sets off a subtle alarm every time. The emergency exit sign is rather small and easy to miss. Make sure you exit out of the proper door.

Classy, chill, and cool. Just don't miss it. I heard about this hidden spot from a friend, and I was bound to find it. We had been at a couple other spots around town and decided it was time to find Himkok. It wasn't easy. We actually walked past it once, as it doesn't have much of a sign outside, just the number 33. We got a little lucky. As we walked by it the 2nd time, a couple of people that must have been there before, knocked on a door. We were wise to the situation, and followed them in. The place was full of people. Maybe sitting at the bar isn't popular locally, because 2 chairs were open. we slid in to those spots, lickity split. The bar keep was a classily dressed guy, with an old timey look. He gave us some time to look over the menu. We picked a couple classy mixed drinks and watched him do his thing. My glass was smoked and a whiskey based drink was made. My gal got a drink not too sweet, with aquavit as the base. They make there own vodka, gin and aquavit(a new beverage for us). The alcohols sit in barrels behind the bar. It added to the interesting and fun vibe of the place. It ended up a very fun night. I'm glad we put in the little extra effort to find Himkok.

Interesting cocktails and friendly staff. Atmosphere is quirky and fun. The noise level is perfect for conversation

International class cocktail bar with some genius mixers, served by super professional, attentive and friendly staff. My new favorite bar in Oslo.

Stellar bar, no doubt about it. Granted, I haven't been to any bars topping the world's best lists, as this one reportedly does, but this bar is pretty great. It's not as hidden as some other speakeasy bars can be, but there's only a subtle H painted to the side of the door. It definitely helps to have an idea of where you're going. We went early, just after opening, and the bar was quiet and not busy. We were promptly seated by the waitress (yes, a bar with table service!) and handed large drink menus. If you read the first page of the menu, it tells how the bar is trying to evoke different areas of Norway through its cocktails. They make their own vodka, gin and aquavit here and these are featured in many of their cocktails. The decor is dark, but warmly decorated and comfortable. New, but old at the same time. I could have stayed here for a couple hours, drinking and chatting away. The cocktails were delicious. Somewhat on the sweet side and didn't take super alcoholic. Dangerous in that sense, that I could have kept going and probably not noticed. Definitely worth a trip here. I'll for sure be back the next time I'm in Oslo.

Used to be great - now the drinks are premixed, sweet and boring. Previously a famous speakeasy, it has deteriorated into any cheap sellout.

Himkok was definitely the highlight of the end of my trip to Oslo. Such a cool find and a lucky recommendation from a friend. From the outside, you'd never know that you'd find such an amazing (and large) bar from this tiny little door. I don't know if it's their intention but it has an amazing speakeasy vibe, but with a modern twist; there is a bar along the wall wall with these cool fixtures behind it and behind the bar are round tables. A huge upstairs lounge area. Next room has another bad which has this open air vibe even though it's indoors. It's dimly lit, but lit just enough that you're not creeped out by it. No matter where you're seated, a waiter comes to you, no need to go to the bar. Our waiter was chatting with my friend who tends bar and brought us multiple samples of absinthe to try. They were outstanding! Strong, but outstanding. Even better that they were not charge. The tiny samples had a kick. Drinks run around $20ish USD which are standard Miami/ New York prices. The quality of the ingredients were outstanding. It's using real juices, not a concentrate mix. The honey drink I had was the perfect pick me up on my last night in town. Figuring honey would cure and potential sore throat I got by walking in the rain. My only regret is that I just had one drink, but I guess I'll just have to go back to Oslo to have another!

How has no one mentioned the blue cheese olives that Himkok serves in their martinis?! I am shocked! After touring the Arctic Circle for a week and a half my friend and I needed a good solid cocktail. A bar we had visited previously in Oslo recommended Himkok, which come to find out, is the 20th best bar in the world. So of course we had to go check it out. Upon arriving we ordered two dry vodka martinis with a blue cheese olive and let me tell you it was the best dry martini I have ever had, and best blue cheese olive will ever have in my life! The cheese in the olive is Kraftkar Blue Cheese which has won the award for best cheese in the WORLD several times. The best cheese of any cheese. Add this into the equation of the fact that the vodka is made right there on site at Himkok and you have a winner. If you are in Oslo this place is a must. Sitting at the bar and watching them mix drinks over their heads and pour like magicians all night is a thing in itself. Definitely go here and definitely order an extra dry martini with the blue cheese olive it will change your life.

This place is great but you have to be at the right spot. Downstairs is the mixology bar where they'll handcraft you a selection of cocktails. The upstairs is more for the crowds. If you order a drink there, it'll be premade and dispensed through a valve. So if you're after the chill experience, definitely stay downstairs ... and come a bit early as it does get busy. That said, you won't be disappointed by the craftsmanship.

We were in Oslo for only a few hours, but we found Himkok on the World's 50 best bars list. Luckily, they were already open at 3pm on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't too crowded when we got there, but it did fill up quickly, especially as it rained outside. It's situated in the oldest brick building in Oslo. The entrance is a bit hard to find on a side street, but there's a large 27 for the address above the entrance. Their cocktails featured Norwegian ingredients. - Multekrem: cloudberry and whey - well balanced, almost like a creamsicle - Rosslyng: with a hint of tea flavor, served in a Nick and Nora glass The bartender was also very generous in sharing some other drinks with us. It turns out they recently did a collaboration with Maaemo, which was where we had lunch prior to coming to Himkok, and I could certainly see how the drinks matched the menu. Other creations we tried: - House aquavit: a Nordic spirit, similar to gin but stronger on caraway - almost like an everything bagel - Honey mead: house made - Red vermouth: a beautiful color, not overly herbaceous / medicinal - Rhubarb and strawberry wine: fermented with champagne, 9% ABV - very refreshing It was a great place to hang out and learn more about the Norwegian beverage culture. It was very unpretentious yet very well refined, and they clearly know their stuff.

NB: This review is only for the "main" bar, not the secondary ones downstairs/upstairs. More on those at the bottom. This place is amazing. It's like an old-school speakeasy in downtown Oslo near Central Station. There is no sign in front, just "73" above the sketchy-looking door, but inside you'll find a very tasteful bar area with master bartenders and an attentive and knowledgeable server. This is a place where you can vaguely say you're in the mood for something "spicy" or "fruity" and the server/bartender will think for a few seconds and then "I have just the thing for you"! On the other hand, the crafted drinks on the menu (which change monthly) are not to be missed. Very inventive, e.g. "Kantarell" with their house-distilled aquavit and Chantrelle mushroom and my favorite "Tomato Tomat" with aquavit, vodka "infused with bread" and clarified tomato juice. The bartending is a little show in itself, and the server and bartenders have excellent recommendations for restaurants (notably, Arakataka, which was the best meal I had in Norway). If you're spending any time in Olso, this is definitely an experience you can't miss. Appendix: the other bar areas (outside of the main bar) are dicey at best. None of the crafted drinks, lines where the locals push you out of the way to get in front, and overall lack of service. If the main bar is full they will turn you away, but don't spill over into the secondary -- go somewhere else.

Good drinks, nice atmosphere, a little bit chaotic management of the cocktail bar. Service at the cocktail bar requires a table, and if it's a busy night (6pm on a Friday was crazy), you'll need to find the hostess and put your name down for a table. However, for those of us who are international and don't have a working phone, you're better off hanging around the perimeter or at the next door bar to make sure the hostess can find you. The chaos was probably the worst part of the experience, which could easily be solved with a sign that says, "please wait to be seated." Other than that, the drinks were cool and delicious. We got the sage, birch, and dulce de leche, of which the last was in the coolest cup and had the best taste. It was fun to watch the bartenders do their craft - they really knew what they were doing and were almost dancing with flourishes, there movements were that controlled. The other areas of the bar were nice, with good vibes and great places to hang out with a large group. No food in the entire place, so make sure you're satiated beforehand!

Wow! What a magnificent place. If you like cocktail bars and drinks this is definitely the place to go in Oslo. Fantastic staff and atmosphere. And the coctails are amazing. Himkok gets 5/5

This has quickly become my favorite cocktail place in Oslo. Their cocktails are incredible (try their sloe gin gimlet - I guarantee you won't be disappointed), the ambience is fantastic and the bartenders are always lovely. Cocktails are made with spirits from their in-house distillery (how amazing is that?!). They also have a variety of ciders on tap, as well as something as fun as taptails -- cocktails on tap! I tried the Cilantro (gin), and was very pleasantly surprised.

Disclaimer: Visiting from the states so my preferences may be different. Service and atmosphere were excellent. The cocktails were far sweeter than what we expected (particularly for a bitter order, which tasted more fruity). That being said sweeter cocktails seemed to be the norm in Norway and for sweet cocktails they were good. Wasn't too loud or crowded, good for a date or smaller group.

Definitely one of my favorite cocktail bars in Oslo! There is only good vibes an drinks at Himkok. If you haven't been here before, it might be kind of difficult to find the entrance. It is literally just an anonymous plain entrance with the smallest ever Himkok logo to the right of the door, but that is just one of the things that make this place really cool! The downstairs bar is kind of dark, with a speakeasy feel to it, which I love. In the backyard there is a cider bar, and upstairs there is a barber that is open during the day. Himkok is definitely a unique and cool place to go, suitable both for a first date or catching up with friends! The menu is creative with a bunch of items made with Aquavit, a flavored spirit native to Scandinavia. The prices are definitely a little bit stiff, but hey, it is a cool bar and you are ordering drinks, most places in Oslo is expensive! Either way, I love this spot, and I definitely recommend stopping by!

If you only have time to go to one bar in Oslo, go to Himkok, it will not disappoint. We came early on a Saturday, and beat the crowd. There was about a 20 minute wait for the downstairs bar, which is where you definitely want to go for the unique local cocktails. But we easily passed the time getting a drink from the upstairs bar and wandering the premises. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil the experience for any travelers but let's just say this was a truly unique Norwegian speakeasy bar experience that is not replicated anywhere else.

Nice bar and environment. The cocktails are creative and have complex flavors. They are pretty expensive and although you can taste the alcohol is some I suspect it's a really low content. Im finding bars in Oslo have a lot of these sugary concoctions. I had 3 cocktails and it's like I drank water. The plus side are the peanuts covered in a hard sour cream shell.

One of the nicest bars I have been lately in Oslo. It has a nice outdoor seating in a backyard with modern wooden furniture and bar. The interior is quite dark even in day time, with one bar and a vitrine to the alcohol distillation machines. It is the first bar in norway that was allowed to make its own homemade alcohol. So quite special!!! There is table service something quite special for Oslo, which I really liked! The menu is quite short but both cocktails that I tasted were delicious. The alcohol amount is the same as everywhere according to the laws. I would suggest to get a shot in the side to make it a bit stronger. On a regular night the bar was semi full at 22:00 but maybe it's because it is holiday time. I really liked and will try to go back. Check my pic in order to see which door you need to go into!

First off, I was sorely unimpressed by the coldness I was greeted from Norwegians since landing in Oslo and the restaurants we went to prior to Himkok. However, that changed upon entering this hidden little gem. It's a "mad scientist meets speakeasy" vibe and the bartenders were amazing and well versed in their craft! Loved it! Cannot say enough great things about this speakeasy. Definitely a must

This amazing distillery and cocktail bar in Oslo makes their own Vodka, Gin, and Aquavit. They make their mind-blowingly delicious cocktails with traditional Norwegian flavors like brunost, seaweed, and cloudberry...and classy flare! If you are lucky enough to get a spot at the proper distillery bar itself, you'll be stuck by the decor - a cross between speakeasy and mad scientist lab. If not, the upstairs bar is also cute. Cocktails up there are sweet and goes down easy. I saw many groups stumbling down the stairs since they lost count of how many drinks they had!

Amazing bar. We waited until it opened (around 5pm) and was greeted with the sweetest, most knowledgeable and talented man who ran the bar. He did not show ANY fatigue running each and every customer through the same opening speech. He gave great recommendations and held great conversations. The drinks? Amazing. They have an artisanal quality to them that you can't exactly describe. The gin, vodka and aquavit are all distilled in house and are honestly too good for my palette. The Pine is renowned and is also one of the most refreshing things you'll take down. Great hip hop soundtrack flowing through the space. Great lighting. Great drinks. Great people. 100% a must visit place. Make a reservation or wait until it's open. So worth the visit.

This is a fine Bar and Destillery for different Spirits. Its not very easy to find, cause the entrance is not in the Front of the Building its on the righten side. The Design is very interesting, the Drinks are created and designed in three different Taste directions. Dont be afraid if there are no prices in the menu, its around 160 NOK. Service was very good. Drinks were really special.

My wife is Norwegian, and while I am American, I have spent plenty of time around the cities and bars of both Norway and Sweden. Generally I've found that the cocktail scene is lagging behind where other major cities are currently at. I work behind the sticks in NYC and only have that to compare to though. Perhaps I'm just a bit misinformed. Tonight, this place changed my mind. The bartenders are professional, talented, educated, and personable. Their technique is impeccable. Their knowledge and execution of cocktails are terrific. And the taste of said drinks are just as great as everything else. I would highly recommend this bar to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cocktail. I don't know of any place (literally) that has the quality drinks and bartenders that this place does in all of Norway.

So glad my friend introduced me to this place. Love the vibe and the cocktails were delish!

Amazing service. My boyfriend and I went here as we received some recommendations on how great the drinks here were - was not disappointed. Loved the honey cocktail. Our server was excellent and knowledgeable. As an aside, I am 24 and many comments online indicate that you must be over 25 to enter - not true!

Nice to stop in and have a hand crafted cocktail and some good conversation. It gets very busy very quick. The inside bar is hard to sit at and they are not allowed to serve you unless you are sitting down.

I had an amazing time here last night for my final day in Oslo. The spirits were excellent, I really liked the Aquavit! The bartenders were knowledgeable and talking to them made for a great conversation throughout they evening. They even hand picked drinks for me that they thought I would enjoy, and they were right on. Just a heads up to them though that their website and the Google entry says that they're closed on Wednesdays which I know isn't true.

Excellent and original cocktails, great atmosphere, and wide variety! No matter what you order, they'll make sure it's done right. One time I waited a while in line on a Saturday night, but when they saw they'd served a Prosecco (definitely not a signature drink in any way) that was not up to par to a girl in front of me in line, they poured out the whole drink and pulled a new glass. Not many places in Oslo would do that! Himkok always live up to and exceeds expectations!

This place fails as a craft cocktail bar. Maybe I'm being nitpicky but if I have to wait 15 minutes in line for my drink, I want one that's mixed on the spot. All the concoctions they mix here are pre-made (at least my old-fashioned was). While that makes the drink consistent, where's the craftsmanship? Lines here are a killer as well as the prices.

Really the appearance is awesome and the service is just the right level of I need something now but the drinks are artful and well balanced. I wish I came across a place like this more often

Modern bar with a good laid back vibe. Good mix of people and good music. Good beer garden for the smokers! Popular so get there early! Norwegian prices for drinks.

Interesting cocktails, interesting ingredients, excellent execution. One of the best cocktail bars I've ever been to, anywhere. We went in the middle of the afternoon and had the place to ourselves.

Great bar. Authentic, respect for traditions and innovations, craftsmanship and some fun showmanship. Quality, taste, expertise and design. Local ingredients. Welcoming, despite the obscured entrance.

If you are looking for a speak easy bar with amazing cocktails, this is it. Good luck finding it, it only has a door with a small H next to it, but it is so worth it. Alexander was our bartender, he is extremely passionate about what he does and knows a lot. It was a great night, highly recommend this place.

Very arrogant and pretentious staff that can't speak Norwegian even though the concept is very much Norwegian based. Highly overpriced cocktails that's filled with a lot their own syrup (yes, one can taste a the liquid sugar and not in a good way). It started good, but sadly it's gone downhill for the last couple of years or so...

The biggest problem with this bar however is its rude door staff and the fact you have to be 25 (?!?!) to get in. Although I personally am over 25, the doorman refused to accept any of my valid IDs including bank card and drivers license. I will not be going there again for a while.

The staff is VERY attentive, especially for Norwegian standards and the place and drinks are nice as well + there's three different themes going on (party, fancy table and outside)