Background

1656 Cocktail Bar

A discreet, windowless Vesterbro speakeasy where dim lights, dark woods and finely crafted cocktails turn an unmarked doorway into a full‑evening hideaway.

4.6

Tucked away on Gasværksvej in Vesterbro, 1656 Cocktail Bar is a discreet, signless speakeasy-style hideout where Copenhagen’s craft cocktail culture shines. Step through an unassuming door into a dark, candlelit room of deep woods, low ceilings and plush seating, where the focus is firmly on meticulously mixed drinks, inventive house creations and classics made with care. With table service, intimate corners and no windows, it feels more like a living room lounge than a typical bar, ideal for slow sips, date nights and unhurried conversations.

A brief summary to 1656 Cocktail Bar

  • Gasværksvej 33, København V, København V, 1656, DK
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 6 pm-1 am
  • Tuesday 6 pm-1 am
  • Wednesday 6 pm-1 am
  • Thursday 6 pm-2 am
  • Friday 4 pm-2 am
  • Saturday 5 pm-2 am
  • Sunday 6 pm-1 am

Local tips

  • Book a table in advance for Friday and Saturday nights; the bar is small and peak‑time walk‑ins often face waits or are turned away when it is full.
  • Arrive earlier in the evening if you prefer a quieter vibe and more time to chat with the bartenders about off‑menu or bespoke cocktails.
  • The entrance is deliberately discreet with minimal signage; double‑check the street number and simply try the door rather than assuming it is closed.
  • Plan to eat before or after your visit; 1656 focuses on drinks and is best enjoyed as a pre‑ or post‑dinner cocktail stop in Vesterbro.
  • If you are sensitive to heat or crowds, avoid the very busiest late‑night weekend hours when the compact, windowless room can feel quite warm.
widget icon

1656 Cocktail Bar location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Hot Weather

Unlock the Best of 1656 Cocktail Bar

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about 1656 Cocktail Bar

A hidden doorway into Copenhagen’s cocktail underworld

Behind an almost anonymous facade on Gasværksvej, 1656 Cocktail Bar is the sort of place you could walk past a dozen times without noticing. The entrance is deliberately understated, echoing old-school speakeasies and giving the bar a word‑of‑mouth, insiders‑only feel. Push open the door and you leave Vesterbro’s buzz behind, stepping into a cocoon of low light, soft chatter and clinking glassware. Inside, the absence of windows adds to the sense of seclusion. Time feels slower here; outside traffic and city noise quickly fade, replaced by mellow music and the rhythmic shake of tins from behind the bar. It is designed less as a see‑and‑be‑seen spot and more as a cosy refuge, somewhere to settle in for the evening rather than rush through a quick drink.

Moody design, intimate corners and dimly lit style

The interior is all about atmosphere. Dark wood panelling, deeply cushioned sofas and small, candlelit tables create pools of warm light amid the shadows. You will find a mix of low armchairs, high stools along the bar and snug nooks that feel tailor‑made for whispered conversations. The space is compact, and on busy nights it can feel pleasantly crowded and warm, adding to its late‑night lounge character. Details matter here: simple glassware, flickering candles, and a bar counter laid out like a stage for the bartenders’ craft. The décor avoids flashy gimmicks, leaning instead into understated Scandinavian cool with a slightly retro edge. Music is present but not overpowering, curated to support conversation rather than drown it out.

Serious cocktails, playful creativity

1656 is first and foremost about drinks. The menu usually balances house signatures with refined takes on classics, highlighting quality spirits, fresh citrus and homemade syrups. Expect rich, spirit‑forward options alongside lighter, fruit‑driven combinations and thoughtful non‑alcoholic choices for those skipping the booze. Cocktails are mixed to order and presented with quiet confidence rather than theatrical spectacle. Prices sit at the higher end for Copenhagen, reflecting both ingredients and craftsmanship, and it is common to be offered glasses of water alongside your drinks to encourage slow sipping. If you take a seat at the bar, you can watch the bartenders work through stirred, shaken and built serves with practiced precision, and they are usually happy to riff on off‑menu requests if you describe what you like.

Vesterbro vibe and who this bar suits best

Set just beyond the Meatpacking District, the bar draws a blend of Vesterbro locals, hospitality workers on nights off and visitors who have sought out a more low‑key alternative to louder cocktail spots. Weekends tend to be the busiest, when the small room can feel packed and it is not unusual to wait for a table or a round during peak hours. Reservations are wise if you want a guaranteed seat, especially for groups. The mood skews intimate rather than raucous, making it particularly appealing for dates, small gatherings and solo travellers who enjoy nursing a well‑made drink at the bar. You will see people dressed smart‑casual rather than formally, and the overall tone is relaxed but grown‑up: this is a place to talk, taste and linger rather than to dance.

Planning your visit and making the most of it

Given the bar’s size and popularity, timing can shape your experience. Early evenings on weekdays are usually calmer, giving you more attention from the bartenders and a better chance at snagging a sofa or corner table. Later at night and on Fridays and Saturdays, expect higher energy and longer waits, but also a fuller dose of Copenhagen nightlife. There is no food menu to build a full dinner around, so it pairs well with a meal elsewhere in Vesterbro followed by cocktails here. Plan to stay at least an hour or two: this is not a place for rushing, and part of its charm lies in settling into the dim light, sampling a couple of different drinks and letting the outside world disappear for a while.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near 1656 Cocktail Bar

Popular Hotels near 1656 Cocktail Bar

Select Currency