Yeah Man, The Dude Abides

www.icelandictimes.com 34 W hether you’re a longtime fan or a complete newbie to the whole ‘Dude’ subculture, Reykjavík’s Lebowski bar delivers in spades. Named after the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, it’s like stepping back in time and into the movie itself. The walls are plastered with memorabilia connected to the film and an eye catching three-dimensional bowling lane runs the length of the east wall. A retro American diner, replete with ‘50s style bar stools and sleek counter tops doubles as a dance floor from 11pm onwards when things really get hopping!

Mouthwatering burgers and fries are served daily from 11am to 10pm and do check out the ‘Burger of the Month’ for some innovative takes on the classic burger. A milkshake to go with that? Of course, you sexy thing!* Upstairs you will find additional space where private parties can be held, as well as a large terrace that’s a great place to sit when the sun is shining. Lebowski’s secret sauce It’s the music at Lebowski Bar that has the sweeping power to transport you back in time and serves as the primary vehicle to get you that blast from the past and good times vibe. Every night from 9pm onwards, DJs crank out carefully chosen ‘50s through ‘80s classic rock that sets the mood and definitely pulls the room together. 24 versions of the White Russian cocktail Lebowski Bar’s popular happy hour, (daily from 4 to 7pm), offers reasonably priced drinks ranging from Icelandic craft beers to draft beers, from mainstay cocktails to an entire menu devoted solely to the legendary White Russian that the film made famous. The bartenders get creative with drinks such as El Duderino, Jack Treehorn, Green Toe, and The Other Jeffrey Lebowski – all named after characters or scenes in the film. Be on the lookout for the ‘White Russian of the Month’ specials. For more fun and frolic Last but not least, music quiz nights, shown on five full HD screens, are held every Thursday from 9 to 10pm and the monthly ‘dress up’ theme nights are always a hit. Special events include a thrice yearly film night featuring....of course, The Big Lebowski and reducedprice drinks. Additionally, all the big international sports events, such as the FA Cup, the Super Bowl are covered. The Comeback Kid Although The Big Lebowski was not initially well received by critics or the public when it first came out, times and attitudes have changed. Now, twentyone years later, the film has developed something of a cult following and a new, younger audience is finding resonance. The annual ‘Lebowski Fest’, which started in 2002 in Louisville, Kentucky, has spread to major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and London. While At Downtown Reykjavík’s Lebowski Bar

the film’s plot may be all over the place, its brilliance lies in its portrayal of the two main characters- the Dude, Jeff Lebowski, an unambitious slacker who contrasts sharply with his aggressive, warmonger of a bowling buddy, Walter Sobchak. Set in 1990s Los Angeles, it is this push/pull dichotomy between the two main characters that gives ‘The Big Lebowski’ its enduring legacy.

In keeping with the main character’s laid back, down home personality, Lebowski Bar is a ‘come as you are’ place to unwind and relax from the rigours of life. The Dude would approve. -EMV

* Refers to one of Lebowski Bar’s signature milkshakes, named ‘You Sexy Thing’.

Lebowski Bar 20a Laugavegur, 101 Reykjavík +354 552 2300 www.lebowskibar.is info@lebowskibar.is