Bootleggers Craft Beer & Cocktail Bar, Linnésgade

Cellar bar hiding in the heart of Copenhagen

Bootleggers on Linnésgade sits a few steps away from the city’s Torvehallerne market, yet feels like a tucked‑away neighbourhood haunt. From the street, a modest entrance leads you down into a low‑lit cellar where exposed walls, wooden tables and barrel‑style high tops create an intimate, pub‑like atmosphere. The bar opened in 2014 with a clear mission: a relaxed place where good beer, good music and a laid‑back crowd matter more than ceremony. The Inner City location makes it an easy stop during a day of museums, shopping or market grazing, but once inside it has the feel of a local hangout rather than a flashy nightspot. Soft lighting, the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses set the tone for long, unhurried sessions.

Rotating taps and a world of craft beer

The cellar level is dedicated to beer, with around 20 taps pouring an ever‑changing mix of styles. You can expect a strong showing from Copenhagen and wider Danish microbreweries, supported by European and occasional overseas guests. The lineup usually spans crisp lagers, hop‑forward IPAs, dark stouts and seasonal specials, so both curious beginners and seasoned beer geeks will find something new to try. Staff are used to helping guests navigate the choices, and small tasters are often an option before you commit to a full pour. Chalkboards behind the bar list what is currently on, encouraging a bit of exploration rather than sticking to the familiar.

Cocktail lounge with a bootlegger twist

Upstairs, Bootleggers shifts mood into a compact cocktail lounge inspired by 1920s speakeasies. Here the focus turns to classic recipes with a subtle twist: spirit‑forward Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, bright sours and long, refreshing highballs. The cocktail shakers come out on selected evenings, typically later in the week, turning the space into a comfortable spot for pre‑dinner drinks or a slower nightcap. The contrast between the beer‑centric cellar and the more refined upper bar means mixed groups can settle where they feel most at home, whether that is among sports screens and pints or surrounded by glassware and garnishes.

Casual bites, sports and bottomless popcorn

Food is straightforward and satisfying, centred on hefty burgers and classic bar snacks, ideal if you want something more substantial than nibbles with your drink. A signature touch is the smell of freshly popped, complimentary popcorn drifting through the rooms, giving the place a faint cinema‑meets‑taproom feel. Sports play a supporting role rather than dominating the experience. When major matches are on, screens downstairs show the action without overwhelming the room, so you can choose a seat with a view of the game or tuck into a quieter corner.

Everyday bar for many kinds of nights

Bootleggers is designed as an easygoing bar that works just as well for an early evening beer after browsing Torvehallerne as it does for a longer session with friends. The central address, moderate prices by Copenhagen standards and unpretentious style make it a versatile choice for groups, couples or solo visitors looking for a relaxed drink. Whether you are here to dive into Scandinavian craft beer, enjoy a well‑made classic cocktail, or simply rest your feet with a bowl of popcorn in hand, this Linnésgade spot offers a comfortable, lived‑in slice of Copenhagen’s bar scene.