Balderdash
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Tucked into an 18th‑century townhouse in Copenhagen’s Indre By, Balderdash is an experimental cocktail bar where dim candlelit rooms, creaking floorboards and low-slung sofas set the scene for wildly inventive drinks. Behind the bar, a functioning spirits lab drives a constantly changing menu that treats cocktails like small culinary experiments, from mushroom-tinged classics to truffle ice-cream floats. It feels at once like a neighborhood living room and a playful laboratory, with chatty bartenders guiding you through unusual flavors and seasonal Danish ingredients late into the night.
A brief summary to Balderdash
- 1151 k, Valkendorfsgade 11, København K, København K, 1151, DK
- +4553107885
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5 pm-1 am
- Thursday 5 pm-1 am
- Friday 5 pm-3 am
- Saturday 5 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Aim for early evening on Wednesdays or Thursdays if you want more time to talk flavors with the bartenders before the late-night rush.
- Let staff know your base spirit and intensity preferences; they excel at guiding you toward experimental drinks that still feel tailored to your palate.
- Keep an eye out for pop-up kitchen nights or gallery happenings upstairs, which can turn a simple drink stop into a full, multi-course experience.
- The rooms are compact and historic, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for low ceilings and slightly narrow passageways between spaces.
- If you are sensitive to strong aromas, mention it when ordering; some cocktails use smoke, truffle or savory ingredients that can be quite intense.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Balderdash location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Balderdash
A historic townhouse hiding a modern cocktail lab
Set in a 1732 house on Valkendorfsgade, Balderdash uses its centuries-old shell as a cozy backdrop for some of Copenhagen’s most forward-thinking drinks. Push through the modest entrance and you step into a low-lit bar where exposed beams, worn wood and flickering candles create instant intimacy. The building’s age is part of the charm: narrow passages, slightly uneven floors and low ceilings all add to the feeling that you have slipped into a well-kept local secret rather than a glossy lounge. Balderdash stretches across several connected rooms, with the main bar on the ground floor and snug corners that feel almost like private parlors. A discreet door leads to a smaller assembly room that is sometimes used for tastings or special events, while upper floors host a working spirits lab and a flexible kitchen. The layout encourages wandering between spaces as the night unfolds, each room offering a slightly different mood while staying firmly rooted in the same historic shell.Culinary cocktails and seasonal experiments
What sets Balderdash apart is its almost culinary approach to cocktails. Instead of relying on a fixed list of classics, the team builds menus around seasons and ideas, treating local produce as a starting point for experimentation. Summer might bring drinks built on Danish strawberries or fresh herbs, while colder months lean into forest notes, root vegetables and warming spices. Techniques such as vacuum distillation, fat-washing and careful barrel ageing are used not for show, but to coax out precise flavors. The results can be delightfully unconventional: martinis scented with cheese puffs, creamy Alexander-style drinks dusted with grated deer heart, or dessert-like creations that fold truffle-hazelnut ice cream, smoke and a hint of bacon salt into a single glass. For all the eccentricity, there is a strong backbone of balance; bartenders are quick to translate the wilder combinations into familiar taste profiles and will happily tweak a drink to match your comfort level, whether you want something bold and savory or light and citrusy.A spirits lab above and a gallery beside
Balderdash is more than a late-night bar. During the day and early evening, parts of the building serve as a small gallery space, hosting rotating art or design projects that underline the creative spirit of the place. Just above the bar, the spirits lab functions as both a workshop and a playground. Here, base spirits are infused, distilled and blended, and new bitters, cordials or ice creams are tested before they ever reach the menu downstairs. Next to the lab sits a compact kitchen used for occasional pop-up restaurants and collaborative dinners. On those evenings, the line between bar and dining room blurs completely, with paired cocktails and small plates riffing off one another. You might find a drink built around the same ingredient as a dish from the pop-up chef, or a flight of mini cocktails designed to mirror a short tasting menu. Even on regular nights, the bar’s kitchen mindset shows in thoughtful garnishes, house-made snacks and the way staff speak about flavor and texture.Atmosphere: hygge with a twist of theater
Despite the technical ambition behind the bar, the atmosphere remains relaxed and deeply social. Balderdash leans into the Danish idea of hygge: soft light, candles, close seating and an easy, conversational buzz. There is no stiff formality; bartenders chat freely, explain ingredients, and often remember guests’ preferences over the course of an evening. The soundtrack tends toward unobtrusive, letting the clink of glassware and low-level laughter fill the room. Occasionally, a bit of theatricality slips in: a cocktail might arrive under a wisp of smoke, or an unexpectedly vivid color might appear in your glass. These moments feel playful rather than flashy, serving as icebreakers that start conversations between neighboring tables. The overall tone is smart-casual—equally suited to a relaxed solo visit at the bar, a date night in a corner booth or a small group settling in for a long, exploratory tasting session.Planning your evening at Balderdash
Balderdash opens in the late afternoon or early evening from Wednesday to Saturday, running into the early hours of the next morning, with Friday and Saturday generally the busiest nights. Prices sit in the moderate-to-premium range for Copenhagen cocktails, reflecting both the quality of base spirits and the labor that goes into house-made ingredients, yet the bar maintains a down-to-earth, neighborhood feel. It is a place where you can spend an hour on a quick pre-dinner round, or linger for several, working through different sections of the menu. Given the intimate size of the rooms and the central Indre By location, it is wise to plan for some flexibility on peak evenings. Smaller parties often find space more easily earlier in the night, when the pace is calm and bartenders have more time to talk through the menu in detail. Later on, the energy lifts and the environment becomes a livelier backdrop for conversations that stretch late into the night, the historic walls quietly holding all that contemporary creativity within them.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
0.1 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.2 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Fiolstræde 42
0.4 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.4 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Holmens Bro
0.5 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.5 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Indre By
0.5 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Church of Holmen
0.5 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.6 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gråbrødretorv
0.1 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Amagertorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Stork Fountain
0.2 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
The Round Tower
0.2 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Gammel Strand
0.3 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Københavns Synagoge
0.3 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.3 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.3 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.1 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.3 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norse Store
0.1 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Magnolias
0.1 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Studio Arhoj
0.1 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.1 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Norse Projects
0.2 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Another nué
0.2 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Time's Up Vintage
0.2 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Strøm
0.1 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.1 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bar'Vin
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Charlie's Bar
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Gejser Bar
0.2 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Moose
0.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
K-Bar
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
0.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Lusso
0.4 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
