Bars:
With new bars opening all the time, it’s hard to keep up. However, here’s a selection of the top beer bars serving beer out of the ordinary.
Mikkeller Bar – Viktoriagade 8: The original Mikkeller Bar on Vesterbro is a small place and space may be tight, but the selection is always great. Both Mikkeller’s own beers as well as other Danish and international breweries’. Lots of great vintage bottles available too. Mikkeller’s restaurant Øl & Brød is right next door. Taplist available on
http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-bar-viktoriagade-copenhagen/
Mikkeller & Friends, Stefansgade 35: Mikkeller’s second bar, which is co-owned by To Øl, is located on Nørrebro. The bar boasts 40 taps and most of the time something rare/special is flowing. Not to be missed. The 200+ bottle list is also a bit of a treasure chest. A new lambic bar, Koelschip, has just opened next door in the space previously used for the bottle shop. Taplist available on
http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-friends-norrebro/
Mikkeller Barrel Room, Refshalevej 169B,
The latest addition to the Mikkeller family (haven't been there yet). The Barrel Room is the home of Mikkeller's barrel aging project and is set in a large old warehouse. On Saturdays the roll in some food trucks. Tap list available on
http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-barrel-room/
Koelschip, Stefansgade 35
Another recent addition to the Copenhagen beer scene, Koelship is run by Mikkeller and To Øl and located next door to Mikkeller & Friends. Contrary to the more streamlined interior of the other Mikkeller bars, Koelship has the feel of a local Belgian pub with hop vines hanging from the ceiling and a small bar. There is always something nice on the 4 taps and a very extensive (although a little pricey) bottle list including quite a few rarities. Tap list available on
http://mikkeller.dk/location/koelschip/
BRUS and Restaurant Spontan, Guldbergsgade 29F
Another new bar, brewpub and restaurant opened by the guys behind To Øl. The bar (BRUS) features a 33 tap setup while the on site brewery has 13 fermenters and a big barrel room. Besides beer they also specialize in craft soda. The restaurant (Spontan) serves upscale Nordic cuisine at relatively reasonable prices paired with great beer. Tap list available on
http://tapperietbrus.dk/bar/
Fermentoren, Halmtorvet 29C: Close to Mikkeller Bar (and even closer to Warpigs Brewpub) this basement bar is great in the summer with a nice space outside. Friendly staff and around 20 taps of good beer. Big couches and a selection of board games makes it a great hangout in the winter too. The Big Lebowski rules the restrooms... Occasionally they fire up the BBQ on weekends.
Ørsted Ølbar, Nørre Farimagsgade 13: Recently refurbished with a new tap system (20 taps). Lots of Danish craft beer on tap and a bottle list that includes some real gems. Great ambiance and knowledgeable staff. Often sports games are running on the TV’s. Tap list available on
http://oerstedoelbar.dk/oel/
Søernes Ølbar, Sortedam Dossering 83: Nice basement bar run and owned by the same people running Ørsted Ølbar. A strong focus on hoppy beers usually dominate the 20 taps. They have a decent cellar including a few interesting sours. Doubling as a sports bar so football/soccer may be on screen. Taplist available on
http://soernesoelbar.dk/beer/
Himmeriget, Åboulevard 27: Recently (Feb 2016) this bar is owned by the guys behind the beer importer/distributor Drikkeriget (including evil twin Jeppe Borg-Bjergsø). Lots of very rare and hard to get bottles can be had at relatively reasonable prices. The flux capacitor powered tap system is also a sight to behold. Beer geek heaven!
Ølbaren, Elmegade 2: One of the first bars on the serious beer scene in Copenhagen. Always something interesting on tap. Close to Nørrebro Bryghus (restaurant and brewpub). Great bottle selection including great lambics. Beer list available on
http://oelbaren.dk/oel/
Charlie’s Bar, Pilestræde 33: This very small bar in central Copenhagen has been around for years and is a personal favorite. The place specializes in British cask ales and is the only bar in Copenhagen holding the “Cask Marque”. Chances are you’ll have to stand as seating is scarce. Good place to stop by for a pint outside peak hours.
Taphouse, Lavendelstræde 15: A fairly new bar right downtown. 61(!) taps with big screen overview of what’s on. Quite spacious and conveniently located close to the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen). Tables can be booked to secure a seat. You can always see what’s on tap by going to the live-updated taplist on their website -
http://taphouse.dk/ (click "English" in the top left corner).
Lord Nelson Bar, Hyskenstræde 9: Small bar downtown focusing on Danish craft brews. The place looks a little tired and local. However, the 12 taps usually offer some great brews. Good place for a pit stop while sightseeing downtown (it is a stone throw away from the central walking street, Strøget). Please note that smoking is allowed, which may be a deal breaker to some.