12 Tónar
Reykjavíkurborg, Reykjavík
Bar in Reykjavík, Iceland
The Read
Vinyl-Floor Bar Culture
Why go
12 Tónar is Reykjavik's best independent record shop turned evening gathering space, ideal for a low-key date or small group wind-down after dinner. Walk-in friendly and genuinely local in feel, it's a stronger choice than another bar crawl on Laugavegur. Best for two to four people who want atmosphere over loud nights.
About 12 Tónar
Who Should Book 12 Tónar
12 Tónar is the right call for anyone who wants a late evening in Reykjavik that feels genuinely local rather than tourist-polished. If your ideal night involves flipping through vinyl, discovering Icelandic artists you've never heard of, staying until the mood tells you to leave, this is where you should be. It's not a venue for a structured dinner or a formal celebration, but for a low-key date night, a solo wander, or a small group with a shared love of music, it earns its place on Skólavörðustígur.
The Experience
12 Tónar is Reykjavik's most established independent record shop, it has evolved over the years into something that blurs the line between retail and gathering space. The atmosphere is the point here: quiet enough for real conversation in the early evening, with a warmth that comes from the physical presence of records, listening stations, staff who actually know what they're selling. As the evening deepens, the energy shifts rather than spikes. There's no DJ booth shaking the walls, no strobe lighting. The mood stays consistent, which makes it one of the better options in the city if you want to end a night somewhere that doesn't require you to shout.
The in-store events and occasional live sessions are worth checking in advance. 12 Tónar has hosted Icelandic artists across genres for years, catching a live performance here is a different experience from any bar on Laugavegur. The space is small and the setup is intimate, which is either a feature or a limitation depending on what you're after.
Late-Night Viability
For a special occasion or a date that needs a thoughtful second stop, 12 Tónar works well as a wind-down after dinner somewhere on the main strip. It's not a late-night bar in the traditional sense, so don't arrive expecting cocktails until 2 AM. Think of it as the kind of place that makes a Reykjavik evening feel more considered than a crawl through the standard spots on Laugavegur. Pair it with dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market and you have a genuinely good evening without fighting for a table anywhere.
Booking is not required. Walk in, browse, let the pace set itself. For a full picture of what's on in the city, see our full Reykjavik bars guide and our full Reykjavik experiences guide. If you're planning the wider trip, our full Reykjavik restaurants guide and our full Reykjavik hotels guide are worth a read before you arrive.
Quick reference: Walk-in friendly, no booking required, leading as an evening wind-down or second stop.
Is 12 Tónar Good for Groups?
Small groups of two to four work well here. The space is compact, the atmosphere rewards those who can move at their own pace without needing to coordinate a large party. Groups of six or more will find it cramped and may struggle to stay together comfortably. For larger group nights out in Reykjavik, Bodega or BakaBaka are better equipped to handle the numbers. For two people on a date or a small group of music fans, 12 Tónar is the right choice over almost anything else on that part of the hill.
What's the Signature Drink at 12 Tónar?
12 Tónar is primarily a record shop rather than a licensed bar, so a cocktail menu is not the draw here. The experience is the music, the space, the Icelandic culture on the shelves. If you're looking for a strong drinks program in the same part of Reykjavik, Bryggjuhúsið and Kramber both deliver on that front. For serious cocktail craft further afield, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu sets the benchmark for what a focused drinks program looks like if you want a comparison point.
Planning details
- Location
- Skólavörðustígur 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Website
- 12tonar.is
- Phone
- +354 511 5656
The take
The Take
The Vibe
12 Tónar operates as a dual‑purpose cultural anchor: a careful, crate‑digging record shop by day and an intimate neighborhood bar by night. The place feels lived‑in rather than staged — part of Skólavörðustígur’s identity — and cultivates a listening-first culture that rewards slow browsing and small‑scale social rituals. Regular in‑store performances and a communal approach to the shop floor give it a bohemian, trend‑savvy energy that still reads cozy and personable. It’s the kind of venue where the music and the people are the main attractions, not spectacle or ornament.
Best For
This is a destination for music lovers, locals, and anyone who enjoys loitering with purpose. It’s ideal for solo visitors who want to browse records and linger in a listening environment, and for small groups who come for the in‑store performances and relaxed evening gatherings. The venue suits casual hangouts after work or a low‑key night out with friends, attracting a creative local crowd rather than tourists seeking mainstream nightlife. Expect attentive, community‑oriented energy rather than a loud, clubby scene.
Ordering Tips
Plan your visit around the venue’s dual life: drop by during the day for record browsing and to sample the listening culture, and return in the evening when the shop shifts into bar mode and hosts performances. Check the venue’s events listing before you go if you want to catch an in‑store set; nights with performances draw a focused, intimate crowd, so arrive early for the best vantage. Keep expectations simple—this is about music and company rather than elaborate food or drink programs.
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- Bodega; Notable alternative
- Bryggjuhúsið; Notable alternative
- Port 9; Notable alternative
- Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar; Notable alternative
- BakaBaka; Notable alternative
Bar context
How 12 Tónar Compares in Reykjavik
12 Tónar occupies a different category from most of Reykjavik's evening venues, which makes direct comparison tricky but useful. If you want a full bar experience with a proper drinks list, Bodega and Bryggjuhúsið are the more conventional choices and both handle groups better. BakaBaka skews younger and louder, which suits a different kind of night. Port 9 and Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar lean into wine, making them stronger options if the drinks program matters as much as the atmosphere.
Where 12 Tónar has an edge is in atmosphere and authenticity. It's the only venue on this list where the primary draw is Icelandic music culture rather than a bar menu, that makes it the right second stop rather than the main event. For a date night or a quieter evening, it beats Bodega on ambiance and beats BakaBaka on noise level. If you want somewhere that feels less like a tourist bar and more like a place locals actually use, 12 Tónar wins that comparison clearly.
The practical gap is that 12 Tónar does not anchor an entire evening the way a full-service bar or restaurant does. Pair it with dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market beforehand and you have a strong evening. For those planning further around Iceland, Prýði in Vestmannaeyjabær is worth flagging as a regional alternative worth the detour. See our full Reykjavik wineries guide if wine-focused stops are part of the trip plan.
Explore Reykjavík
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full 12 Tónar guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare 12 Tónar
| Venue | Awards |
|---|---|
| 12 Tónar | No published awards |
| Bodega | No published awards |
| Bryggjuhúsið | No published awards |
| Port 9 | No published awards |
| Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar | No published awards |
| BakaBaka | No published awards |
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide where to book.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 Tónar good for groups?
Two to four people is the sweet spot. The space at Skólavörðustígur 15 is compact, the atmosphere works best for those moving at their own pace. Larger groups tend to overwhelm it; if you're six or more, a bar like Port 9 or Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar will handle the numbers more comfortably.
What's the signature drink at 12 Tónar?
12 Tónar is a record shop first, not a licensed bar, so there is no cocktail menu. The draw is the music and the atmosphere of a genuinely local Reykjavik space. If you want a drink alongside your evening, pair it with a stop at a nearby bar on the Skólavörðustígur strip before or after.
Where is 12 Tónar located?
12 Tónar is located in Reykjavik, at Skólavörðustígur 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
