No Stress Bar

Basement hideaway in the heart of Copenhagen

No Stress Bar sits just off one of Copenhagen’s central streets, down a short flight of stairs into a warm, low-lit basement. Brick walls, mismatched lamps and couches, and a small but bustling bar counter create the feeling of stumbling into a well-stocked living room rather than a formal cocktail lounge. The space is intimate and can feel busy on weekends, but the layout still leaves pockets where small groups can tuck themselves away. Being only a few minutes from major sights like the Round Tower, it often becomes the evening pivot point between daytime exploring and a night out. The basement setting tempers the street noise, so once you step inside, the city recedes and the focus shifts to clinking glassware, quiet chatter and the hum of music.

Playful cocktails with a sweet tooth

The bar is best known for its inventive, dessert-leaning cocktails: think carrot cake in a glass, cupcake-inspired concoctions or lemon pie twists served in classic stemware. Alongside these sit well-executed staples such as whisky sours, sours with modern tweaks and spirit-forward signatures, so guests who prefer something sharper are not forgotten. Bartenders lean into a consultative style: they ask what flavours you enjoy, how strong or sweet you like your drink, and then guide you through the menu or improvise something off-list. Many creations use fresh juices, house syrups and fun garnishes, so drinks often arrive looking as photogenic as they taste. Non-alcoholic options are also given proper attention, treated as crafted mocktails rather than afterthoughts.

Games, comedy and drag nights

Beyond drinks, No Stress Bar doubles as a casual social hub. Shelves of board games and backgammon sets invite you to linger over long conversations, turning a quick cocktail into an unrushed evening. The compact room can flip from mellow to buzzing when special events are on the calendar. The bar regularly hosts stand-up comedy in both Danish and English, drag bingo shows and themed nights where local performers test new material. On these evenings the bar takes on the feel of a tiny theatre, with seats oriented towards a small performance area and the bartender acting as part-time stagehand. Tickets for shows are typically modestly priced, with entry collected separately from drinks.

Atmosphere: no rush, no dress code

True to its name, the ethos here is unpretentious. There is no dress code beyond basic bar etiquette, and the room mixes couples on date night, groups of friends starting an evening in town and solo guests happy to sit at the counter talking with the bartenders. Lighting stays deliberately low, more warm glow than spotlight, keeping the mood intimate without being sombre. Music tends toward accessible playlists rather than high-volume club beats, leaving space for conversation even on busier nights. On weeknights the pace is calmer and the bar feels almost like a neighbourhood hangout; on Fridays and Saturdays the energy rises, but the focus remains on cocktails and camaraderie rather than dancing.

Who it suits and how long to stay

No Stress Bar is very much an adults-only venue, with an 18+ policy and a cocktail-centric menu. It suits couples looking for a relaxed date spot, small groups of friends who enjoy trying inventive drinks and solo travellers who appreciate a bar where staff are happy to chat. The basement location and internal steps mean it is not fully wheelchair accessible. Most visitors linger for at least a couple of rounds, so planning one and a half to three hours here is realistic. Come earlier in the evening if you prefer a quieter seat and more space at the bar, or later if you want the livelier feel that arrives as Copenhagen’s night warms up.