'Eina með öllu' (one with everything) — the classic. Raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, mustard, remoulade.

Are they really lamb?

Yes — Icelandic hot dogs are lamb (sometimes with pork), not beef. Grass-fed, naturally raised.

Iceland/capital-region

Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand

Legendary hot dog stand since 1937 — Icelandic lamb pylsur 'með öllu' (with everything).

At a Glance

Visit time

10–15 min

Best season

Lunch or late night (midnight+)

Access

Tryggvagata, near Old Harbour

GPS

64.1472, -21.9379

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About

About Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand

Legendary hot dog stand since 1937 — Icelandic lamb pylsur 'með öllu' (with everything).

Bæjarins Beztu ('Best Hot Dog in Town') is Reykjavík's legendary hot dog stand operating since 1937 near the Old Harbour.

Background

History & Background

Bæjarins Beztu founded 1937, making it one of Iceland's oldest continuously operating food businesses. The stand survived the Depression, World War II, modernization, tourism boom — still serving the same hot dogs from a small kiosk. The name means 'Best Hot Dog in Town' — locals argue whether it's true, but it's definitely the most famous.

Bæjarins Beztu opened 1937 as a hot dog stand (pylsuvagn) near Reykjavík harbor. The current location is a small green kiosk at Tryggvagata near the Old Harbour. **Hot Dogs (Pylsur):** - Icelandic lamb hot dogs (not beef/pork) — naturally raised, grass-fed - Served in soft bun - Classic order: 'eina með öllu' (one with everything) - Raw chopped onions - Crispy fried onions (the secret ingredient) - Ketchup - Sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep) - Remoulade (white sauce, mayo-based) **Price:** ~600 ISK per hot dog **Hours:** Mon–Thu 10:00–01:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–04:30, Sun 10:00–01:00. Open late for post-bar crowds. **Famous Visitors:** Bill Clinton (2004), Metallica, countless celebrities and tourists. The stand has been featured in international travel media as one of the world's best street foods. Located at Tryggvagata near the Old Harbour, central Reykjavík.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Bæjarins Beztu is Iceland's most famous food establishment — not a Michelin restaurant, not a trendy bistro, but a hot dog stand that has been serving pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs) from the same tiny kiosk since 1937. The hot dogs are Icelandic lamb (not beef or pork), naturally raised and grass-fed. The classic order is 'eina með öllu' (one with everything): raw chopped onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, remoulade (mayonnaise-based sauce). The combination is perfect — sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy. Bill Clinton famously stopped here during a visit to Iceland. Metallica ordered hot dogs. Tourists queue around the block. Locals grab pylsur after drinking downtown. The stand is open until 1:30am weekends, serving post-bar crowds. It costs 600 ISK. It's delicious. It's Iceland.

💡 Did You Know?

The crispy fried onions (cronions) are what make Bæjarins Beztu special — they add texture and flavor that raw onions alone can't provide. Always order 'með öllu' (with everything).

Local Legend

The Hot Dog Stand That Became an Institution

For 87 years Bæjarins Beztu has sold hot dogs from a tiny kiosk — and somehow became Iceland's most famous food. Bill Clinton ate here. Metallica ate here. You should too.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Engey

Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

ghost stories

Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature

Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.

haunted places

Höfði House – Reykjavík's Haunted Mansion

Höfði House: Reykjavík's historic mansion with a chilling paranormal past.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

✦ The 2am Weekend Crowd

Friday–Saturday nights at 2am, the stand is packed with Icelanders leaving bars — it's loud, chaotic, friendly, and the most authentic local experience you'll have at a tourist attraction.