Reservations · Outdoor seating
Lively downtown Irish pub for Guinness, happy hour pints, and nightly music; great vibe, no kitchen, and service can vary when busy.
The Irishman Pub delivers an immersive Irish pub experience anchored by exceptional atmospheric design and reliable live music programming that keeps locals returning. Beverage execution is solid—particularly Guinness and happy hour cocktails—though service swings between friendly and indifferent, and the absence of food service limits its appeal beyond a dedicated drinks-and-music destination. Strong value during happy hour and genuine community warmth position it as a worthwhile stop for the right occasion.
Step in off Klapparstígur and it feels like a portal to Dublin: dark wood, snug booths, and a big island bar buzzing with guitars and singalongs. Guests describe warm, lively energy and pints poured to a proper chill. One visitor summed it up: "Came for a quick beer, stayed till close." Do note late nights can be quite loud, and service swings from cheerful to brusque when the rush hits. The drinks program is classic pub—Guinness, local lagers and IPAs, and a few crowd-pleasing cocktails like Pink Lady and Irish coffee—executed with a straightforward pub focus rather than craft theatrics. Happy hour is the headline: multiple reviewers call it the cheapest pint window in town, while regular prices align with central Reykjavik norms. No kitchen here, so plan your meal elsewhere and treat this as your music-and-pints stop. For families, this is more bar than restaurant. There is no food service, music gets loud later, and seating focuses on snugs and bar stools. Earlier hours might work for a quick soft drink, but picky eaters or kids needing a meal will be happier at nearby spots that serve dinner.
Area: Central Reykjavik nightlife strip with pubs, cafes, and tourist footfall; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy at night; occasional pickpocket warning noted, keep belongings secure.
Nearby: Near Laugavegur shopping street, hotels, and venues; easy pre/post dinner drinks spot.
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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