Godt Øl

A basement hideaway in the medieval heart of the city

Godt Øl sits below street level on Knabrostræde, one of inner Copenhagen’s narrow old-town lanes, and feels immediately like a retreat from the bustle above. You step down into a vaulted basement room, where thick walls, low ceilings and gentle lighting create an intimate, almost den-like atmosphere. The bar counter runs along one side, with a chalkboard listing what is currently on tap and a back bar stocked with further bottles and spirits. Seating is spread across small tables, window niches and corners that suit both couples and slightly larger groups. The room has a warm, unpretentious feel: more neighbourhood living room than design bar, with the focus squarely on conversation and what is in your glass rather than on loud music or showy interiors. Being in the old city, there is a sense of history in the masonry and layout, even if the bar itself is a contemporary addition.

Craft beer focus with 12 rotating taps

The heart of Godt Øl is its selection: around 12 draught lines pour a rotating roster of microbrews, with a mix of Danish names and international guest appearances. Expect a spread that might include crisp lagers, classic pale ales and IPAs, darker porters or stouts, and the occasional sour or seasonal special. The short tap list is curated rather than overwhelming, making it easier to try a few different styles in one sitting. Alongside the taps, there is usually a supporting cast of bottled or canned beers in the fridge, plus cider, wine and simple cocktails for anyone in your group who is less beer-focused. Staff are used to guiding guests through styles and strengths, so you can simply describe what you like and be pointed to something appropriate. The emphasis is on enjoyment rather than technical jargon, which keeps the experience welcoming for both beer nerds and the simply curious.

Slow-evening atmosphere and quiet background music

From mid-afternoon opening through to late night, the rhythm at Godt Øl is deliberately relaxed. Background music is kept low so that you can talk without raising your voice, and there is no television or intrusive entertainment to break the mood. Early in the afternoon it feels almost like a café without coffee, a place to sit with a notebook or a friend and linger over a single glass. Later on, the bar fills steadily with after-work groups, couples on a date and small gatherings of friends warming up before dinner nearby. Even when busy, the space rarely feels rowdy; the basement setting and subdued lighting create a cocooning effect, and guests tend to settle in rather than rush through hurried rounds. It is the sort of place where one planned drink easily becomes two or three over the course of an evening.

Owner-run hospitality and local flavour

Godt Øl is independently owned and run, and that personality comes through in the details. The bar is overseen by its namesake owner, and the approach is hands-on and personal: regulars are recognised, recommendations are tailored, and there is time for a quick chat about what is new on tap. That independent spirit also shapes the selection, which often highlights smaller breweries and limited releases that might not appear on more mainstream lists. Events are held from time to time, ranging from tap takeovers by specific breweries to informal tastings or evenings pairing snacks with particular beers. These are usually advertised on social channels and require advance sign-up, but on any ordinary day you can still taste your way through a mini-tour of different styles simply by trying smaller glasses of several beers. The bar also sells beer to take away, useful if you discover a favourite you want to bring back to your accommodation.

A central stop on a Copenhagen beer evening

Located close to Christiansborg and the main shopping streets, Godt Øl fits easily into wider explorations of central Copenhagen. Its opening hours from mid-afternoon make it convenient for an early-evening pause between sightseeing and dinner, or as the final candle-lit stop after a meal nearby. Because the space is compact and underground, it feels particularly snug on cold or wet days, though it is equally pleasant as a cool refuge in summer. With its combination of central location, carefully chosen taps and an atmosphere designed for talking rather than shouting, Godt Øl is a strong candidate for anyone who wants to experience Copenhagen’s craft beer scene without leaving the old town. Whether you come alone, as a couple or with a small group of friends, it is a bar that encourages you to slow down and savour what is in your glass.