REPORTS
This isn't a cosy place. In fact, it's what you would imagine
McDonalds would look like if it were run by a bunch of tattooed
hipsters. Illegal Burger is dedicated to the burger, and it does it
exceptionally well. Go for simple yet smokey and delicious burgers
served in soft yummy buns, have a side of the scrumptious potatoes,
wash it down with a beer or a coke, then go on with your day, happy in
the knowledge that everything, even the humble burger, can be elevated to a higher level. tlf: 22203302, Møllergata 23, Oslo, Norway.
Reported by Henrik Holen special guest editor
The microbrewery has been big in the US for years, and the trend towards more advanced brews for the discerning palate has reached Europe with full force lately. In Oslo, this trend has appeared in the form of two brand new pubs aiming squarely at providing the best drink malt and yeast can provide.
Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri has found a place on hallowed ground, in the cellar of what was once Schous Brewery, a former giant in the Norwegian brewery market. A gorgeous, red brick vaulted roof sets the mood beautifully, and the delicious selection of beer, both in-house brews and others, gets the tongues wagging, blanketing the room with chatter. This is a place for conversation and consumption, so don’t expect any dancing or even music. The drink is king here.
Grünerløkka Brygghus, a little further up the street, hasn’t found quite as authentic a location for their new pub, but they’ve got a keen eye for detail and have managed to recreate the feeling of a real English pub. It’s a small place, so come early to get a table or be prepared to spend your time standing. While they don’t yet brew their own ales, they do cooperate with several small Norwegian breweries to create special beers, just for them. The selection is immense, and it sometimes seems like the staff are overwhelmed by the variety, so you may want to peruse the menu before going to the bar. They also have a good selection of solid bar food like fish and chips or sausages with sauerkraut, so you can stay all evening if you’d like.
While microbreweries might be all the rage the moment, the granddaddy of them all has been in the game for a long time. Oslo Mikrobryggeri at Majorstua, on the other side of town, has had time to perfect its brews and can be guaranteed to provide excellent beer. The location and the age mean that it’s not quite as hopping and filled with the hip and young as the two others, but it’s still an excellent place if you’re looking for a great drink.
Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri, Trondheimveien 2, Oslo
Grünerløkka Brygghus, Thorvald Meyers gate 30 B, 0555 Oslo
Oslo Mikrobryggeri, Bogstadveien 6, 0355 Oslo, Tlf.: 22569776
Reported by Henrik Holen special guest editor
Autumn might be slowly creeping in, but there are still plenty of
brisk sunshine days left this year. So why not jump in your car and
drive up to Grefsenkollen, high above the city. This old sportstue,
or sports cabin, used to serve food and drinks to people walking in
the woods on Sundays, and has now been renovated and given a great
menu. The lamb shank with potato puree is particularly good, and is
best enjoyed out on the patio with the sun in your eyes and a great
view of the city and its surrounding countryside!
Grefsenkollen, Grefsenkollveien 100, Oslo, Norway, 22 79 70 60
Reported by Hernrik Holen, special guest editor
No matter how cold and grey it is outside, this place will put the
sunshine right back into your soul. Aku Aku, a Tiki bar inspired by
famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, manages to get the Tiki
spirit just right, from the balsa-covered walls and the authentic Tiki
Canoe on the ceiling to the magnificent cocktail menu that will blow
you away. Try the Chili Punch, which packs just that, or, if there's a
few of you, why not share one of the large cocktail bowls they
serve?
Aku Aku, Thorvald Meyers gate 32, Oslo, Norway (+47) 41 17 69 66
Reported by Henrik Holen, special guest editor
We've all seen Edward Hopper's famous painting "Nighthawks". It
inspired Tom Waits to write Nighthawks at the Diner and in Oslo, it's
inspired a restaurant. The new Nighthawk Diner, located at
Grunerløkka, is an ode to the American diner and that shines through in every single detail, from the ceiling fans to the staff uniforms. They've got great diner food, a filling all-day breakfast and
great atmosphere. It's a great place to start the day and an even
better place to end an action-packed evening. The beautifull photo's are taken by Adeline Cuvelier!
The Nighthawk Diner, Seilduksgata 15B, Oslo, Norway, 966 27 327
Reported by Henrik Holen, special guest editor
