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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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.