Prikid, Reykjavik

Located along Laugavegur in Reykjavík, Prikid is one of the city’s longest-running coffee houses and restaurants, opening its doors in 1951. It began as a modest café at a time when coffee culture was still developing in Iceland and has since evolved into a well-known social hub. The brightly coloured exterior makes it easy to spot, while the classic interior—with its narrow layout, wooden furnishings, and retro touches—gives the space a timeless, lived-in feel that reflects decades of local life.

Throughout the day, Prikid shifts in rhythm. Mornings are relaxed, with visitors stopping in for coffee or a filling breakfast, while afternoons often bring a mix of locals and families grabbing a casual meal. The menu leans toward comforting bar food, with burgers as a staple, alongside coffee, vegan options, and a well-known milkshake that, despite its nickname, no longer costs five dollars.

By evening, the atmosphere becomes livelier. Prikid turns into a casual bar offering relatively affordable drinks—something notable in an otherwise expensive city—with happy hour deals such as two-for-one beers. On weekends in particular, it becomes a focal point for nightlife, with DJs, live music, and occasional stand-up performances drawing a steady crowd. This steady transition from café to bar makes Prikid a compact introduction to Reykjavík’s everyday social scene.