This post has been inspired by many of our running guests as we often get asked about the best wine and beer bars in Copenhagen on our running tours.
The truth is that you don’t have to be a beer-person to enjoy the Danish beer culture and treat your taste buds with Danish craft beers. During never-ending Danish winter beer pubs stand out as number one hotspots for locals, expats and tourist. As the weather warms up, Copenhagen itself becomes one giant outdoor beer bar and the locals’ creativity is endless when it comes to picking a drinking spot: cemeteries, the harbour, boats or the upcoming Copenhagen Beer Festival which brings together the most epic brewers from all around the world.
Denmark remains the country with the most breweries per resident and the most famous beer made in Copenhagen is Carlsberg. The brewing company has a surprisingly “fairytale-ish” history and the brewery offers an attractive package of a beer tour with additional beer tasting. Listening to the tales of Carlsberg’s past and sharing a few brews: this is what Carlsberg calls the exBEERience.
Copenhagen’s beer culture has been flourishing over the past few years and has attracted more and more beer lovers to our small capital. Here below are some of our favourite beer pubs where you can enjoy a pint or two with like-minded enthusiasts.
Best beer bars in Copenhagen – here goes:
Mikkeller opened by a school teacher in 2010 and ever since he has managed to elevate some beers to the gourmet status. Today Mikkeller Bar is widely regarded as one of the most visited beer bars in Copenhagen as well as the quarry of the best beers of Copenhagen. There is the one in Vesterbro and its three times bigger baby brother in Nørrebro (Mikkeller & friends), both furnished with stylish Scandinavian furniture. Since 2015 they have organized a 5k beer run each year that instantly stole our hearts. Read out review of the best Mikkeller bars here, and learn about their running club in our Copenhagen running guide.
Local tip: Apart from the more than 40 different beers on tap they operate a bottle shop at Torvehallerne where you can grab a unique and very Danish “souvenir”.
Lord Nelson has a rather small selection of beers, mostly local and Nordic beers of very high quality. The owner is British and as such, always happy to chat about beer and life in Denmark.
Local tip: He makes homemade cider and the one called Danish Mistress comes with my warmest recommendation.
Broaden & Build is an interesting new addition to the Copenhagen beer scene, created by Matt Orlando, former head chef at Noma. Based at Refshaleøen, the “food” influence makes for some experimental flavours. Read more about the concept, including an interview with Orlando, in this article by Caña Magazine.
Søernes Ølbar is a quiet place with a cosy atmosphere in the vibrant and multicultural Nørrebro district.
Our Copenhagen Urban tour is the best way to explore this multi-ethnic, creative neighbourhood.
They offer a broad selection tap beers from the most intense stout to the fruitiest of IPAs and they often have super small batch beer from Danish brewers. Søernes Ølbar literally translates to “the beer bar of the lakes” referring to the magnificent view overlooking the lakes.
Local tip: When the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy the view.
TapHouse is another piece of craft beer heaven with lots of local and Nordic beers combined with some rare ones from all around the world. The design is rather minimalist, but they are maximalist regarding their beer selection: 61 types on tap, each displayed on an electronic menu board with the name, brewery, country of origin, alcohol level, and their consumer friendly price.
Local tip: Remember, it is very normal to ask for samples and support from the staff before buying your beer.
Charlie’s Bar is a tiny little brewpub in the heart of Copenhagen located only walking distance from Nørreport. It can get crowded on Saturday so make sure you go early enough to get a table. The atmosphere is as warm as in any good ol’ British pub.
Local tip: The main attraction is the cask beer and this is what will turn you into a regular.
Warpigs is also part of the Mikkeller family, located in the buzzing meatpacking district, which by itself offers an experience out of the ordinary with several great eateries around. The bar is housed in a converted meat packing factory attracting a wide range of people with its quirky ambience.
Local tip: What makes Warpigs unique – apart from the extensive craft beer tap list – is the killer combination of rock music and authentic Texas BBQ. It is must if you are “meatarian” but their Mac’n’ cheese rivals the best in the USA (as stated by one of our American running guests). In short, make sure you go with a fairly empty stomach.
Fermentoren Imagine a small, cosy pub with candlelight and comfy couches. Add some exceptionally interesting beers and a hidden spot near the meatpacking district… welcome to Fermentoren, arguably one of the best priced beers in the city. They exchange beers so new arrivals are usually available which will certainly keep you going back for more.
Local tip: The only food they have on the menu is chips but they are happy for you to bring in a hot dog from the outdoor stand.
The list could go on as there are plenty emerging bars to accommodate the growing demand. If you wanna up your beer drinking experience to also include a bistro-gourmet meal with an accompanying beer menu, then Restaurant Spontan is a must.
I have listed a few more places that are also worth a pint.
Happy running and drinking (only in this order),
Alexandra
