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Of all the cocktail spots we tried in Scandinavia, this was personally my favorite. We had heard it was ranked one of the best bars in the world. First off, it is hidden in a building that looks like an abandoned wear house from the front street. Inside you find several floors of bars. We had drinks on the bottom level. Our drinks were fascinating. Unique ingredients that are not frequently used in the states. I would definitely recommend checking it out.
Himkok is Norwegian for 'Moonshine.' This speakeasy/distillery has been named by multiple publications as one of the world's best bars. Everything about this place was outstanding. The lack of signage out front. The design. The decor. The menu. The service. The drinks. It was absolute perfection. If I were to ever own a bar, I would want it to be exactly like this one. Do not miss this spot when visiting Oslo.
I generally don't review cocktails, but these were crafty enough that I'll go for it. The cocktails at HIMKOK are off-the-charts expensive. I think I paid like $17 each. That's completely insane, so understand what you're in for before you go. That said, these are excellent cocktails. The Oats and Raspberries aquavit cocktail was smooth as velvet. It tasted like a creamsicle, but with more intense and unique flavors. As you sip, the smoothness of the egg fizz glides down your palate. Then comes a fruity and oaty blend of fresh flavors. Finally the drink leaves the palate with the cleansing tartness of fresh raspberries. A light crunch of toasted oats floats atop this silken masterpiece. The Gin and Soda wasn't as good, but it was still excellent. This is closer to a classic gin and tonic. The difference is that the piney notes are more forward and more complex (as there is actual pine in the drink). I was impressed with the execution of this drink, but I wish I had gone for something less familiar to my palate.
Of course I read about it online because it's one of the best bars in the world. I'm not often in a city that has one of these bars so I needed to check out Himkok. I feel like we came relatively early and therefore right on time because as we were leaving, a line had formed and they roped off the entrance. People were waiting to get in. When we arrived, the two of us were seated immediately. It's tight inside the bar, but it's more cozy than inconvenient. The menu is straightforward and explains each drink in English and Norwegian. I tried the Raspberry and Pine, and I honestly wasn't expecting these drinks to be so good. The quality of the drinks informed my rating and my opinion that Himkok may not be overrated, even if it's famous. Is Himkok a speakeasy? I didn't realize it but when we arrived at the address, I was almost unsure because the door was unassuming and there was a low-key H next to it.
Wow. Talk about being the best of the best! Believe all the publications about Himkok and don't miss the chance to stop in when in Oslo. Carl, one of the very friendly and skilled drink masters, was absolutely fantastic. A great spot for a stop in alone, for a date or with friends. The drinks are meticulously crafted, down to the hand stamped ice cubes, and they have their own homemade spirits as well. I would highly recommend sitting at the bar to watch the drinks being put together -- truly like having a front row seat at a show. Pro tip: The emergency exit looks like a regular door and patrons sometimes exit it unknowingly, which sets off a subtle alarm every time. The emergency exit sign is rather small and easy to miss. Make sure you exit out of the proper door.
A MUST!! If you love a good cocktail, make every effort to visit this place. Upon walking in, I was greeted by very friendly staffs. Although I was by myself, the staff led me to sit at the booth (big enough for 4) as all the seats by the bar were taken. I was then handed a very thick menu. I had to admit, it was a bit daunting at first. But turns out, it was just one drink per page with description of the drink and the region of Norway that it represented. All in, there was probably about 10 drinks to choose from. Since I was in Norway, I wanted to try something with aquavit so I ended up choosing the oats & raspberries. The description was "refreshing, fruity, and dereal". I had to ask the bartender Carl on what dereal meant as I thought it was some kind of millennial slang, turns out, it was just a typo..it meant to say cereal. (LOL) Drink itself was very pretty and I enjoyed every bit of it. You can even taste the oat pieces in the drink (not overpowering). I really wanted a second one but I reminded myself that I have an early start tomorrow. Make sure you get here early. It got really busy around 9:45-10pm and many of them had to go to the 2nd floor bar. Check out my photo for the entrance. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to the bar again the next day and sat by the bar this time. I was told by the bartenders to try the following: Aronia, Gateau, and the classic drink with carrot juice and horseradish. All of them were delicious and very creative. Alex also poured me some aquavit to try. Don't miss this bar, there is a reason why they are ranked as one of the top 50 best bars in the world!
Classy, chill, and cool. Just don't miss it. I heard about this hidden spot from a friend, and I was bound to find it. We had been at a couple other spots around town and decided it was time to find Himkok. It wasn't easy. We actually walked past it once, as it doesn't have much of a sign outside, just the number 33. We got a little lucky. As we walked by it the 2nd time, a couple of people that must have been there before, knocked on a door. We were wise to the situation, and followed them in. The place was full of people. Maybe sitting at the bar isn't popular locally, because 2 chairs were open. we slid in to those spots, lickity split. The bar keep was a classily dressed guy, with an old timey look. He gave us some time to look over the menu. We picked a couple classy mixed drinks and watched him do his thing. My glass was smoked and a whiskey based drink was made. My gal got a drink not too sweet, with aquavit as the base. They make there own vodka, gin and aquavit(a new beverage for us). The alcohols sit in barrels behind the bar. It added to the interesting and fun vibe of the place. It ended up a very fun night. I'm glad we put in the little extra effort to find Himkok.
Stellar bar, no doubt about it. Granted, I haven't been to any bars topping the world's best lists, as this one reportedly does, but this bar is pretty great. It's not as hidden as some other speakeasy bars can be, but there's only a subtle H painted to the side of the door. It definitely helps to have an idea of where you're going. We went early, just after opening, and the bar was quiet and not busy. We were promptly seated by the waitress (yes, a bar with table service!) and handed large drink menus. If you read the first page of the menu, it tells how the bar is trying to evoke different areas of Norway through its cocktails. They make their own vodka, gin and aquavit here and these are featured in many of their cocktails. The decor is dark, but warmly decorated and comfortable. New, but old at the same time. I could have stayed here for a couple hours, drinking and chatting away. The cocktails were delicious. Somewhat on the sweet side and didn't take super alcoholic. Dangerous in that sense, that I could have kept going and probably not noticed. Definitely worth a trip here. I'll for sure be back the next time I'm in Oslo.
How has no one mentioned the blue cheese olives that Himkok serves in their martinis?! I am shocked! After touring the Arctic Circle for a week and a half my friend and I needed a good solid cocktail. A bar we had visited previously in Oslo recommended Himkok, which come to find out, is the 20th best bar in the world. So of course we had to go check it out. Upon arriving we ordered two dry vodka martinis with a blue cheese olive and let me tell you it was the best dry martini I have ever had, and best blue cheese olive will ever have in my life! The cheese in the olive is Kraftkar Blue Cheese which has won the award for best cheese in the WORLD several times. The best cheese of any cheese. Add this into the equation of the fact that the vodka is made right there on site at Himkok and you have a winner. If you are in Oslo this place is a must. Sitting at the bar and watching them mix drinks over their heads and pour like magicians all night is a thing in itself. Definitely go here and definitely order an extra dry martini with the blue cheese olive it will change your life.
This place is great but you have to be at the right spot. Downstairs is the mixology bar where they'll handcraft you a selection of cocktails. The upstairs is more for the crowds. If you order a drink there, it'll be premade and dispensed through a valve. So if you're after the chill experience, definitely stay downstairs ... and come a bit early as it does get busy. That said, you won't be disappointed by the craftsmanship.
2 years ago
I'm giving this place 5 stars as it was a very interesting bar with excellent bartenders. Must be the best bar in Oslo. Cocktails are creative and tasty. I must say that I came here because of the high ranking in a story I read about the to 50 bars in the world. It is good. Is it top ten in the world? Hmm. You be the judge. If you want a great speakeasy feeling bar and you are in Oslo--then go check it out. read more
The staff was very friendly to make conversation around creating drinks and food in general. Excellent balanced drinks. I had trouble deciding and you probably cannot go wrong with any. I prefer nuance and tasted more subtly in the Pear (with caraway undertone) than with the Bun that was reminiscent of an Old Fashioned. All the mixed drinks are $178 kroner. read more
Of all the cocktail spots we tried in Scandinavia, this was personally my favorite. We had heard it was ranked one of the best bars in the world. First off, it is hidden in a building that looks like an abandoned wear house from the front street. Inside you find several floors of bars. We had drinks on the bottom level. Our drinks were fascinating. Unique ingredients that are not frequently used in the states. I would definitely recommend checking it out. read more
Himkok is Norwegian for 'Moonshine.' This speakeasy/distillery has been named by multiple publications as one of the world's best bars. Everything about this place was outstanding. The lack of signage out front. The design. The decor. The menu. The service. The drinks. It was absolute perfection. If I were to ever own a bar, I would want it to be exactly like this one. Do not miss this spot when visiting Oslo. read more
I generally don't review cocktails, but these were crafty enough that I'll go for it. The cocktails at HIMKOK are off-the-charts expensive. I think I paid like $17 each. That's completely insane, so understand what you're in for before you go. That said, these are excellent cocktails. The Oats and Raspberries aquavit cocktail was smooth as velvet. It tasted like a creamsicle, but with more intense and unique flavors. As you sip, the smoothness of the egg fizz glides down your palate. Then comes a fruity and oaty blend of fresh flavors. Finally the drink leaves the palate with the cleansing tartness of fresh raspberries. A light crunch of toasted oats floats atop this silken masterpiece. The Gin and Soda wasn't as good, but it was still excellent. This is closer to a classic gin and tonic. The difference is that the piney notes are more forward and more complex (as there is actual pine in the drink). I was impressed with the execution of this drink, but I wish I had gone for something less familiar to my palate. read more
Of course I read about it online because it's one of the best bars in the world. I'm not often in a city that has one of these bars so I needed to check out Himkok. I feel like we came relatively early and therefore right on time because as we were leaving, a line had formed and they roped off the entrance. People were waiting to get in. When we arrived, the two of us were seated immediately. It's tight inside the bar, but it's more cozy than inconvenient. The menu is straightforward and explains each drink in English and Norwegian. I tried the Raspberry and Pine, and I honestly wasn't expecting these drinks to be so good. The quality of the drinks informed my rating and my opinion that Himkok may not be overrated, even if it's famous. Is Himkok a speakeasy? I didn't realize it but when we arrived at the address, I was almost unsure because the door was unassuming and there was a low-key H next to it. read more
Wow. Talk about being the best of the best! Believe all the publications about Himkok and don't miss the chance to stop in when in Oslo. Carl, one of the very friendly and skilled drink masters, was absolutely fantastic. A great spot for a stop in alone, for a date or with friends. The drinks are meticulously crafted, down to the hand stamped ice cubes, and they have their own homemade spirits as well. I would highly recommend sitting at the bar to watch the drinks being put together -- truly like having a front row seat at a show. Pro tip: The emergency exit looks like a regular door and patrons sometimes exit it unknowingly, which sets off a subtle alarm every time. The emergency exit sign is rather small and easy to miss. Make sure you exit out of the proper door. read more
A MUST!! If you love a good cocktail, make every effort to visit this place. Upon walking in, I was greeted by very friendly staffs. Although I was by myself, the staff led me to sit at the booth (big enough for 4) as all the seats by the bar were taken. I was then handed a very thick menu. I had to admit, it was a bit daunting at first. But turns out, it was just one drink per page with description of the drink and the region of Norway that it represented. All in, there was probably about 10 drinks to choose from. Since I was in Norway, I wanted to try something with aquavit so I ended up choosing the oats & raspberries. The description was "refreshing, fruity, and dereal". I had to ask the bartender Carl on what dereal meant as I thought it was some kind of millennial slang, turns out, it was just a typo..it meant to say cereal. (LOL) Drink itself was very pretty and I enjoyed every bit of it. You can even taste the oat pieces in the drink (not overpowering). I really wanted a second one but I reminded myself that I have an early start tomorrow. Make sure you get here early. It got really busy around 9:45-10pm and many of them had to go to the 2nd floor bar. Check out my photo for the entrance. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to the bar again the next day and sat by the bar this time. I was told by the bartenders to try the following: Aronia, Gateau, and the classic drink with carrot juice and horseradish. All of them were delicious and very creative. Alex also poured me some aquavit to try. Don't miss this bar, there is a reason why they are ranked as one of the top 50 best bars in the world! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but crossing the threshold you enter a magical place with gracious staff who know how to make the cocktails of your dreams using spirits distilled on site. Well deserving of its 50 Best Bars of the world designation. read more
Classy, chill, and cool. Just don't miss it. I heard about this hidden spot from a friend, and I was bound to find it. We had been at a couple other spots around town and decided it was time to find Himkok. It wasn't easy. We actually walked past it once, as it doesn't have much of a sign outside, just the number 33. We got a little lucky. As we walked by it the 2nd time, a couple of people that must have been there before, knocked on a door. We were wise to the situation, and followed them in. The place was full of people. Maybe sitting at the bar isn't popular locally, because 2 chairs were open. we slid in to those spots, lickity split. The bar keep was a classily dressed guy, with an old timey look. He gave us some time to look over the menu. We picked a couple classy mixed drinks and watched him do his thing. My glass was smoked and a whiskey based drink was made. My gal got a drink not too sweet, with aquavit as the base. They make there own vodka, gin and aquavit(a new beverage for us). The alcohols sit in barrels behind the bar. It added to the interesting and fun vibe of the place. It ended up a very fun night. I'm glad we put in the little extra effort to find Himkok. read more
6 years ago
International class cocktail bar with some genius mixers, served by super professional, attentive and friendly staff. My new favorite bar in Oslo. read more
7 years ago
Stellar bar, no doubt about it. Granted, I haven't been to any bars topping the world's best lists, as this one reportedly does, but this bar is pretty great. It's not as hidden as some other speakeasy bars can be, but there's only a subtle H painted to the side of the door. It definitely helps to have an idea of where you're going. We went early, just after opening, and the bar was quiet and not busy. We were promptly seated by the waitress (yes, a bar with table service!) and handed large drink menus. If you read the first page of the menu, it tells how the bar is trying to evoke different areas of Norway through its cocktails. They make their own vodka, gin and aquavit here and these are featured in many of their cocktails. The decor is dark, but warmly decorated and comfortable. New, but old at the same time. I could have stayed here for a couple hours, drinking and chatting away. The cocktails were delicious. Somewhat on the sweet side and didn't take super alcoholic. Dangerous in that sense, that I could have kept going and probably not noticed. Definitely worth a trip here. I'll for sure be back the next time I'm in Oslo. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Used to be great - now the drinks are premixed, sweet and boring. Previously a famous speakeasy, it has deteriorated into any cheap sellout. read more
How has no one mentioned the blue cheese olives that Himkok serves in their martinis?! I am shocked! After touring the Arctic Circle for a week and a half my friend and I needed a good solid cocktail. A bar we had visited previously in Oslo recommended Himkok, which come to find out, is the 20th best bar in the world. So of course we had to go check it out. Upon arriving we ordered two dry vodka martinis with a blue cheese olive and let me tell you it was the best dry martini I have ever had, and best blue cheese olive will ever have in my life! The cheese in the olive is Kraftkar Blue Cheese which has won the award for best cheese in the WORLD several times. The best cheese of any cheese. Add this into the equation of the fact that the vodka is made right there on site at Himkok and you have a winner. If you are in Oslo this place is a must. Sitting at the bar and watching them mix drinks over their heads and pour like magicians all night is a thing in itself. Definitely go here and definitely order an extra dry martini with the blue cheese olive it will change your life. read more
This place is great but you have to be at the right spot. Downstairs is the mixology bar where they'll handcraft you a selection of cocktails. The upstairs is more for the crowds. If you order a drink there, it'll be premade and dispensed through a valve. So if you're after the chill experience, definitely stay downstairs ... and come a bit early as it does get busy. That said, you won't be disappointed by the craftsmanship. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
NB: This review is only for the "main" bar, not the secondary ones downstairs/upstairs. More on those at the bottom. This place is amazing. It's like an old-school speakeasy in downtown Oslo near Central Station. There is no sign in front, just "73" above the sketchy-looking door, but inside you'll find a very tasteful bar area with master bartenders and an attentive and knowledgeable server. This is a place where you can vaguely say you're in the mood for something "spicy" or "fruity" and the server/bartender will think for a few seconds and then "I have just the thing for you"! On the other hand, the crafted drinks on the menu (which change monthly) are not to be missed. Very inventive, e.g. "Kantarell" with their house-distilled aquavit and Chantrelle mushroom and my favorite "Tomato Tomat" with aquavit, vodka "infused with bread" and clarified tomato juice. The bartending is a little show in itself, and the server and bartenders have excellent recommendations for restaurants (notably, Arakataka, which was the best meal I had in Norway). If you're spending any time in Olso, this is definitely an experience you can't miss. Appendix: the other bar areas (outside of the main bar) are dicey at best. None of the crafted drinks, lines where the locals push you out of the way to get in front, and overall lack of service. If the main bar is full they will turn you away, but don't spill over into the secondary -- go somewhere else. read more
Good drinks, nice atmosphere, a little bit chaotic management of the cocktail bar. Service at the cocktail bar requires a table, and if it's a busy night (6pm on a Friday was crazy), you'll need to find the hostess and put your name down for a table. However, for those of us who are international and don't have a working phone, you're better off hanging around the perimeter or at the next door bar to make sure the hostess can find you. The chaos was probably the worst part of the experience, which could easily be solved with a sign that says, "please wait to be seated." Other than that, the drinks were cool and delicious. We got the sage, birch, and dulce de leche, of which the last was in the coolest cup and had the best taste. It was fun to watch the bartenders do their craft - they really knew what they were doing and were almost dancing with flourishes, there movements were that controlled. The other areas of the bar were nice, with good vibes and great places to hang out with a large group. No food in the entire place, so make sure you're satiated beforehand! read more
7 years ago
Wow! What a magnificent place. If you like cocktail bars and drinks this is definitely the place to go in Oslo. Fantastic staff and atmosphere. And the coctails are amazing. Himkok gets 5/5 read more
10 years ago
This has quickly become my favorite cocktail place in Oslo. Their cocktails are incredible (try their sloe gin gimlet - I guarantee you won't be disappointed), the ambience is fantastic and the bartenders are always lovely. Cocktails are made with spirits from their in-house distillery (how amazing is that?!). They also have a variety of ciders on tap, as well as something as fun as taptails -- cocktails on tap! I tried the Cilantro (gin), and was very pleasantly surprised. read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
One of the nicest bars I have been lately in Oslo. It has a nice outdoor seating in a backyard with modern wooden furniture and bar. The interior is quite dark even in day time, with one bar and a vitrine to the alcohol distillation machines. It is the first bar in norway that was allowed to make its own homemade alcohol. So quite special!!! There is table service something quite special for Oslo, which I really liked! The menu is quite short but both cocktails that I tasted were delicious. The alcohol amount is the same as everywhere according to the laws. I would suggest to get a shot in the side to make it a bit stronger. On a regular night the bar was semi full at 22:00 but maybe it's because it is holiday time. I really liked and will try to go back. Check my pic in order to see which door you need to go into! read more
10 years ago
Definitely one of my favorite cocktail bars in Oslo! There is only good vibes an drinks at Himkok. If you haven't been here before, it might be kind of difficult to find the entrance. It is literally just an anonymous plain entrance with the smallest ever Himkok logo to the right of the door, but that is just one of the things that make this place really cool! The downstairs bar is kind of dark, with a speakeasy feel to it, which I love. In the backyard there is a cider bar, and upstairs there is a barber that is open during the day. Himkok is definitely a unique and cool place to go, suitable both for a first date or catching up with friends! The menu is creative with a bunch of items made with Aquavit, a flavored spirit native to Scandinavia. The prices are definitely a little bit stiff, but hey, it is a cool bar and you are ordering drinks, most places in Oslo is expensive! Either way, I love this spot, and I definitely recommend stopping by! read more
8 years ago
If you only have time to go to one bar in Oslo, go to Himkok, it will not disappoint. We came early on a Saturday, and beat the crowd. There was about a 20 minute wait for the downstairs bar, which is where you definitely want to go for the unique local cocktails. But we easily passed the time getting a drink from the upstairs bar and wandering the premises. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil the experience for any travelers but let's just say this was a truly unique Norwegian speakeasy bar experience that is not replicated anywhere else. read more
8 years ago
Nice bar and environment. The cocktails are creative and have complex flavors. They are pretty expensive and although you can taste the alcohol is some I suspect it's a really low content. Im finding bars in Oslo have a lot of these sugary concoctions. I had 3 cocktails and it's like I drank water. The plus side are the peanuts covered in a hard sour cream shell. read more
8 years ago
This amazing distillery and cocktail bar in Oslo makes their own Vodka, Gin, and Aquavit. They make their mind-blowingly delicious cocktails with traditional Norwegian flavors like brunost, seaweed, and cloudberry...and classy flare! If you are lucky enough to get a spot at the proper distillery bar itself, you'll be stuck by the decor - a cross between speakeasy and mad scientist lab. If not, the upstairs bar is also cute. Cocktails up there are sweet and goes down easy. I saw many groups stumbling down the stairs since they lost count of how many drinks they had! read more
6 years ago
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10 years ago
I had an amazing time here last night for my final day in Oslo. The spirits were excellent, I really liked the Aquavit! The bartenders were knowledgeable and talking to them made for a great conversation throughout they evening. They even hand picked drinks for me that they thought I would enjoy, and they were right on. Just a heads up to them though that their website and the Google entry says that they're closed on Wednesdays which I know isn't true. read more
8 years ago
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More info about Himkok
Storgata 27
0184 Oslo
Norway
Sentrum
Directions
22 42 22 02
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http://www.himkok.no/
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Himkok - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026
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