Katarina Ölkafe

You know who I bet loves Katarina Ölkafe? American expats in Stockholm.
We came in for a beer and a snack, and in true American fat-​kid style, opted for small macaronis and cheeses for that snack. They were delicious, a very fair approximation of what you would get at home. We also enjoyed bottled beers from Stockholm Brewing Company; Katarina Ölkafe has a good selection of bottled beers (and a more limited selection of drafts).
As a tourist, this wasn’t really a place I’d want to eat dinner because the food is modeled on American food and I wanted to try something different. However, the food did look awesome, including the thick Reubens, and if I were in Stockholm for an extended visit, I’m sure I’d find myself here seeking a taste of home. It was a fun bar for a quick beer and I could see it being a chill weeknight hang.

My sisters led us here for lunch on our first day on the town. Apparently a cool kids hang out in an ultra hip area of Stockholm. Wooden benches outside and a small eating area with bar inside. I did not get what all the hype was about, but than again I am certainly not one of the ‘cool kids’ — the old crank that I am.
The early afternoon sun was burning down on us with no shade in sight. So the cold beers went down quick, one after another. This naturally made a world of diffrence and may have been strategically orchestrated by members of my group.
I had a mac and cheese which was surprisingly good. In hindsight, just about everything we ate in Stockholm was simply on another level. The quality and care that goes into the preparation is simply superior to what occurs back home. Dishes are kept simple and made with fresh ingredients. Everything is made to order.
So all in all despite some of my initial reluctance we ended on a high note and had a great lunch.
If you’re young and hip this is definitely a place to go.

The Reuben is an art. Coming from a family of New York Jews which didn’t think any family event was complete without 2.5 kilos of pastrami and 2.5 of corned beef, and we also owned a chain of delis around the NYC and NJ nexus — I grew up with the sauerkraut and rye goodness which left me wanting more of them for the rest of my life.
As for what you get at this place, it’s passable as a proper Reuben. Not a small feat. It’s hot, it is pretty greasy, the cheese works, the pastrami is quality.
If you’re like me, you’ll be happy to find a taste of what you’ve been missing not being in NYC.
L’chaim.

Best Söder bar for Swedish microbrews, and an overall nice concept that they pair with American style food (Reuben’s and Mac and Cheese) with three rotating taps and non pretentious attitudes. Give it a try — my one complaint is they serve small beers on draft (33cl) at high prices. Would be good if they lowered the price or bought new glassware