Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: The Town’s Best Hot Dogs 

My experience with the most bang for buck food I could get in Iceland. This hot dog stand was a source of laughter, sparked conversations about our day, and delicious way to end a put a cap on our evenings. 

In the heart of Reykjavik, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has become an iconic food spot for both locals and tourists. The Icelandic name translates to “The Town’s Best Hot Dog,” since 1937, the stand has been living up to its ambitious name. It was founded by the grandfather of Guðrún Kristmundsdóttir, the current owner, and originally located on Austurstræti Street in central Reykjavik. In the 1960s, it moved two streets to Tryggvagata. This spot that now places it near notable landmarks like the Icelandic Phallological Museum and the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.  

While Bæjarins Beztu was always popular in Iceland, its international fame skyrocketed in August 2004, thanks to a visit from former United States President Bill Clinton. Clinton, in town for a UNICEF conference, had not planned to visit the stand, but Maria Einarsdóttir, an employee, caught his attention. Moments later, Clinton ordered a hot dog with only mustard, and the iconic photo of him holding his order was taken. This unexpected visit increased the popularity of the stand and supported what is now called the “Clinton Effect.”  

Travel writers like Michael Yessis have analyzed the phenomenon in articles such as “The ‘Bill Clinton Ate Here’ Effect.” The idea is simple: Clinton’s reputation for seeking local, authentic dining experiences lent credibility and allure to every restaurant he visited. Jason Hesse’s “Meet the World’s Most Famous Hotdog Vendor” goes further to compare the “Clinton Effect” at an establishment as the equivalent of earning a Michelin star. With the Bill Clinton stamp of approval, Bæjarins Beztu became a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland.  

In line at the hot dog stand, the must-visit destination statement rang true. I met two people from Atlanta traveling on vacation in line who were hell-bent on trying this hot dog before they left. After asking them why this stand, they went on to say that Bill Clinton was there. Beyond Americans, people from all separate places of origin speaking different languages were here at this hot dog stand.  

This fame was cemented when The Guardian named Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur the best hot dog in Europe in 2006. All accolades aside, the true charm of this establishment lies in its simplistic, delicious hot dogs at an affordable price with a piece of Icelandic culture served in every bite.  

When I visited Reykjavik as part of a study tour, my curiosity about the stand was already piqued by its history and Clinton’s famous visit. On our second night in the city, my classmate Anesti and I decided to check it out. Inspired by Clinton, Anesti ordered his first hot dog with just mustard, and I followed suit, adding a Sprite to complete my meal.  

The scene felt almost cinematic. Snowflakes began to fall as we took our first bite. The hot dog, slightly hanging out of the soft bun. The taste was warm, savory, and satisfying. The lamb-based sausage, mixed with pork and beef, delivered a flavor that was distinct yet familiar. Before I knew it, my hot dog was almost gone, snowflakes rested on the last bite as I savored it. Without hesitation, I got back in line for another.  

From that night on, it became a tradition for Anesti and me. After days spent exploring Iceland and its surroundings, at the end of the night we would find our way back to Bæjarins Beztu. The stand became a comforting ritual that a sense of accomplishment at the end of our long days. We switched up the order after the first Bill Clinton-style hot dog because mustard was not the authentic experience. For the rest of the trip, Anesti and I ordered the Icelandic classic: “ein með öllu,” or “one with everything.”  

The Icelandic combination, ein með öllu, includes ketchup, mustard, fried and raw onions, and remoulade, a sweet, tangy mayonnaise-like sauce. Each bite was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the crunch of fried onions to the creamy tang of remoulade.  

Costing just 770 ISK (about $5.58 USD), it was one of the cheapest and most filling meals I found in Reykjavik. Throughout my trip, I returned to Bæjarins Beztu five more times, eating a total of 13 hot dogs. By the end of the trip, we wondered if the workers behind the counter would start to recognize us.  

The ten-minute walk through the snowy streets from the hotel to the warm glow of the hot dog stand became habitual. We would wait in line with other late-night eaters and each bite added a layer of comfort to the unfamiliarity of being in a new country. Those moments were not about the food; they were about the shared experience. The laughter, the conversations about our day, and the juiciness of that first bite became a cap to our evenings.