Lidkoeb
Lidkoeb occupies a converted 19th-century pharmacy building at Vesterbrogade 72B, spread across three floors with distinct atmospheres on each level. The ground floor is a casual bar with high ceilings, exposed brick, and a relaxed after-work crowd. The second floor serves as the main cocktail bar, where skilled bartenders work through a menu of 15-20 cocktails that change seasonally. The third floor is a whiskey bar with leather armchairs, dim lighting, and a collection of over 200 whiskeys. Total capacity across all floors is roughly 150 people. Since opening in 2012, Lidkoeb has consistently ranked among Copenhagen's best cocktail bars and has appeared on multiple international best-bars lists. The building itself is worth the visit: original pharmacy fixtures, worn wooden staircases, and a courtyard entrance that's easy to miss if you're not looking for it.
What to Expect
Enter through a courtyard off the main street, then climb worn wooden stairs to your floor of choice. Each level feels like a different bar. The second floor cocktail bar is the main attraction, with bartenders who know their craft and take the time to explain the menu.
Warm, intimate, and sophisticated. The old pharmacy building creates a sense of discovery as you move between floors.
Jazz, soul, and low-key electronic. Volume is kept conversational throughout.
Smart casual. The crowd tends toward well-dressed without being formal. A nice shirt or dress fits the mood better than streetwear.
Cocktail lovers, whiskey collectors, date nights, anyone wanting a sophisticated but unpretentious evening.
Card and contactless accepted on all floors.
Price Range
Cocktails DKK 110-140, beer DKK 65-75, whiskey DKK 80-200 per pour
Cocktails ~$16-21/~15-19 EUR, beer ~$10-11/~9-10 EUR, whiskey ~$12-29/~11-27 EUR
Hours
Mon-Thu 4 PM to midnight, Fri-Sat 4 PM to 2 AM, Sun 4 PM to 10 PM.
Insider Tip
Go to the third-floor whiskey bar if you want the most atmospheric experience; it's often quieter than the lower floors. Friday and Saturday evenings require arriving before 8 PM or facing a queue. The courtyard entrance on Vesterbrogade is easy to walk past, so look for the small sign.
Full Review
Lidkoeb's genius is its three-floor structure, which essentially lets you choose your own adventure. The ground floor works as a casual drop-in bar with craft beer and simple drinks. It's where groups gather before deciding whether to stay or move on. The atmosphere is warm but unremarkable. Head upstairs.
The second floor is where Lidkoeb earns its reputation. A seasonal cocktail menu of 15-20 drinks, each well-considered and competently executed. The bartenders here have won competitions and trained internationally, but they wear it lightly. Ask for a recommendation and you'll get an honest answer, not a sales pitch. Cocktails cost DKK 110-140, which is standard for Copenhagen's cocktail bar tier. The room itself is beautiful: old wood, pharmacy remnants, candlelight.
The third floor whiskey bar is the hidden treasure. Leather armchairs, low ceilings, and a collection of over 200 whiskeys arranged behind a small bar. The room holds maybe 25 people. On a quiet Tuesday, it's one of the most peaceful drinking experiences in Copenhagen. On a Friday night, every seat is taken and the stairs have a queue.
The location on Vesterbrogade means Lidkoeb is within walking distance of nearly everything in Vesterbro. It works brilliantly as a first stop before heading to Kodbyen's clubs, or as a destination in itself if you prefer cocktails to dance floors. The courtyard entrance, slightly hidden from the main street, adds to the speakeasy feel even though the bar itself is well-known.
The Neighborhood
Lidkoeb is on Vesterbrogade, Vesterbro's main commercial street. The surrounding area is a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential buildings. It's midway between Central Station and Enghave Plads, making it a natural stopping point on any Vesterbro evening.
Getting There
Bus 6A stops on Vesterbrogade directly outside. Metro Enghave Plads (M3) is a 7-minute walk west. Central Station is a 12-minute walk east. Look for the courtyard entrance at number 72B; the door is set back from the street.
Address
Vesterbrogade 72B
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