CAFES OF
Including a
For
the location enter full post code into the link below
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Introduction
I first went to
Brown Cafes!
Traditional drinking places are called
Brown Cafes, so-called because of the dingy colour of the walls through years
of tobacco stains. Most are small, and intimate with dim lighting, candles on
the table and wood panelling, giving a cosy atmosphere. Like the English pub
there was a backlash against the Brown cafes from younger drinkers, which
created Grand Cafes. As the name suggests they are plusher places with a bigger
choice of food. Another type of bar is the jenever proeflokaals bar which is a
spirit bar. These bars are even more traditional than the brown cafes; there
are not too many left but are well worth visiting. They are mainly stand-up
places with limited opening hours, most drinkers have
a chaser as the Scots do with a whisky. As from July 2008
Beers
Heineken (who also own Amstel
) dominate the Dutch beer landscape and, more importantly, its
distribution, which keeps out new independent breweries. That said, there is a
lot more beer choice in
There are two home-brew pubs who product
excellent beers Ij and De Bekeerde Suster (former Maximiliaan) for details of
beers see below, and the cafes - see "entry". They also appear in
other
Brewerys
Heineken Brewery?, Stadhouderskade 78,
Now called the Heineken Experience, open
10-00-18-00 Tuesday to Sunday last entry 17-00 admission 5 euros
No reports yet. Try the web site http://www.heinekenexperience.com/
_____________________________________________________________
Brouwerij 'TIJj, a
Beers
Plzen- 5% ABV, Natte- 6.5% ABV, Zatte- 8%
ABV, Struis- 9% ABV, Colomus- 9% ABV plus Seasonal Beers
_____________________________________________________________
De Bekeerde Suster a
Beers
Witte Ros plus seasonal beers
Former Maxmiliaan, now just doing one wheat
beer, instead of 3 or 4 interesting beers under Maximiliaan
____________________________________________________________________
De Prael, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30, Amsterdam
1012.
Web site www.deprael.nl
A small micro brewery which has moved to a
central location from the
Beers
Johnny 5.7% ABV, Heinte 5.4% ABV, Mary 9.6%
ABV plus seasonal beers
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPENING TIMES
A lot of cafes do tend to change their
opening hours during the year; for example, one guide book will state one set
of times for one year, and another guide book another set of times next year.
Most cafes tend to open
HUGH SHIPMAN
Easily the best book on
Bierlijn Publications, Craiston Cottage,
Beer prices 1.70 Euros to 2.00 Euros for a
domestic beer on draught. 3.20 Euros to 4.00 Euros for a Belgian bottled beer
in October 2007, in
SMOKING
As from July 2008 all Amsterdam cafes are
non-smoking, but you can still smoke in the infamous coffee shops!!
Last visited October 2008
THE
CENTRE
De Beiaard, Spui 30,
Web site http://www.beiaardgroep.nl/site/
A
modern bar with neon-lights outside; it's not the sort of place you expect to
have a good range of beers, but there are at least 8 beers on draught and more
in bottles. A lively place but not too noisy . Get the right seats and you can
watch the trams go by.
John
7.5/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
Belgique, Gravenstraat 2, Amsterdam 1012
Web site- http://www.cafe-belgique.nl/
A small
café down an alleyway near Dam. The café is mainly a specialist Belgian café,
but there are a few beers from other countries. The trouble with this place is
it's too small, only three small tables. Outside seating in the summer helps,
but it's a shame because there's a good beer choice here. Well presented beer
menu, now includes a few Dutch beers like t-IJ, Parcel and Christoffel.
John
8/10 visit Oct 2005
A very
small pub but a huge range of beers! Very pretty array of glasses and bottles
around bar and candles on tables. Had Palm Speciale-old favourite from
Sue
8.5/10 visit Oct 1995
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Centercourt, Oudezijds Voorburgal 2, Amsteradm 1012
Modern
café on the edge of the red light district. Recent décor job includes Black
beams, White walls. Loud music, fruit machines and TV makes it a loud place,
but there is a drinking outside. Average beer range.
John
6/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cafe Westerdok, Westerdoksdijk 715,
Web site- www.westerdok.nl
A welcome addition to the
Amsteradm beer scene. To the west of Central Station; this is not a
tourist’s area and is a little out of the way, but worth the visit for its beer
choice. Beer list is on the blackboard to the right as you walk in. Over 70
bottled beers; mainly Belgian, but it does have 4 beers from the local IJ.
Duvel is only 2.80 Euros. Lots of polished wood to show the place is new. Good
friendly atmosphere, but sadly the locals are only drinking H! Good beer place.
Take the 48 bus route west of Central Station it is 3 stops.
John 9/10 Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
De Doelen, Kloveniersburgwal 125, Amsterdam 1011
Whilst
in the city centre, this place is in a quiet back-street by a canal, giving it
a nice cosy feel. Not a great beer choice but lots of wood panelling and
prints.
John visit
7.5/10 visit Oct 1999
________________________________________________________________________
De Goulden Reaal, Zandhoek 14, Amsterdam 1013.
Web site- www.goudenreael.nl
This pub is a little out of town, but has a nice
location by a canal bridge. Maybe not a big beer choice-apart from 5 Trappist
bottled beers-for a worthwhile visit, but a okay place none the less. Outside
seating area by the canal bridge in the summer. Large painting on the wall
which are showing the water and Central Station.
John 7/10 visit Oct 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doktertje, Rozenboomsteeg 4, Amsterdam 1012.
Web site http://www.cafe-de-dokter.nl/
I first
visited this café about 10 years ago; every time I have been back since it's
been closed! This café does have strange opening times, so it's great to see it
open. This is a small café with a lot of character. The cobwebs on the lights
might make the house-proud want to grab a duster, but it's all part of the
café's charm! Also the trip down the spiral staircase after visiting the
toilets! A brown café but its speciality is whiskey from all over the world. De
Koninck seems to have replaced Brand has the beer here now. We visited late on
a Thursday evening, so it might be open then!
John
9/10 visit Oct 2005
Full of
cobwebs, with a lethal spiral staircase. A big selection of malt whiskies, as
well as bourbon. Very small, personal and friendly. But the opening times are
unpredictable. Sausages and cheese snacks available.
Stuart
8.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Drie Flesjes, Gravenstraat 18,
Mon -Sat 12-00 to 20-30
Sun 15-00 to 19-00
Web site http://www.driefleschjes.nl/
Probably
the best-known jenever Proefloklaas bar, because it's included on some of the
city tours. I was offered a free drink here once because the barman thought I
was part of a tour group. A few places to sit, including a little alcove. Casks
of jenever around the place with padlocks on them for the regulars to drink as
they please. Still a lot of charm and character to this place despite the tour
groups.
John
8/10 visit March 1999
A
jenever bar selling beer, with a pretty white cat! Barrels with locks along
walls, with la
Sue 8/10 visit March 1999
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eetcafe Rosereijn, Harlemmerdijk 52,
Web site- www.roseeijn.nl
First the area; while west of central station this
area is non-tourist with some interesting shops and a lively atmosphere. Some
of tables in this café are for food, but most people are drinking beer. The beer
range is not Heineken or Amstel, it is Belgian but sadly it is Inbev! Nice-laid
café with the standard low lighting and candles, as well as a pub cat which is
just going into the back room because it is getting too crowded and there is
nowhere to sit!!
John 7/10 Oct 2008
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Het Elfde Gebod, Zeedijk 5, Amsterdam 1012
A very,
very laid back café with-carpet-like table-cloths; very exotic feel. Also
statues of biblical characters. Good beer list, and bottles of jenever racked
up. All round pleasant feeling and very romantic.
Sue
9/10 visit March 1999
Classy place. I always
enjoy my visits to this café. Good bar service by the couple behind the bar,
including guiding some English people to some dark beers. Part of the
John 9/10 visit Oct 2008
A dimly-lit café with a nice cosy
atmosphere. The beer list is good and the service friendly, the place is now
less into food. Candles on the tables and nice wood panelled walls, all make for
a cosy atmosphere. Classy place.
John 9/10 visit Oct 2007
_________________________________________________________________________
Engelbewaarder, Kloveniersburgwal 59,
A very
classy canal-side bar on the Kloveniersburgwal. Very pleasant but menu
unintelligible. Old fashioned stove for heating. Good atmosphere.
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
An
up-market café just outside the red light district. Very much an arty/student
type feel to the place. Try to get the seats by the big window, which has a
good view out to the canal.
John 8/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
De Pilsner Club, Begijnensteeg 4, Amsterdam 1012.
Rather
crowded when entered. Long but narrow seating but no bar! Friendly atmosphere.
All wood panelling and furniture. Pictures of old
Sue
7.5/10 visit March 1999
I must
admit I really like this place. After you go through the curtains don't try to
find the bar because there isn't one! Just sit down and look up at the
blackboard and your drink will be brought out from behind the back. It remains
me of a English country pub which has a serving hatch. Some different drinks on
the beer menu including an English cider. Nice old pictures around the café.
Very much a locals' place, but tourists welcome. Formerly the De Pilsner Club.
John 9/10 visit Sept 2000
Like the nearby Little T’Doktortje, step back in time
to a place which has not changed much over the years. It is good to see a place
like this can survive in the city centre. It must be one of the brownest cafes
in
John 9.5/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
Gaeper, Staalstraat 4,
Web site http://www.degaeper.nl/
Small
brown café, a little of the beaten track. Standard décor for a brown café
candles on the table, wood panelling and theatre posters. Friendly locals who were
not too happy with the new money at the time of writing (the euro).
John
6/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
Gasthuys, Grimburgwal 7, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.gasthuys.nl/
Brown
café with two drinking areas including a raised section at the end of the bar.
Lively atmosphere, the café has a big food menu, but a average choice of beer.
Various bank notes hanging from the beams. Nice place.
John
7.5/10 visit Oct 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
Golem, Raamsteeg 4, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.cafegollem.nl/
This
brown café was the first place in
John
8/10 visit Dec 1997
It’s been a while since I last visited this café.
While it has a good beer list, this place is too small and busy to give off a
good atmosphere. It is still the same even on a Monday evening!
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
De Hoogte, Nieuwe Hoogstraat 2A, Amsterdam 1011
A basic
bar near the red light area, which has a lot of character and a loyal following
maybe because of its reasonably priced drinks. A nice quiet drinking spot in a
busy area. Not a great choice of beers.
John
7.5/10 visit Sept 1998
_________________________________________________________________________
Hoppe, Spui 18-20, Amsterdam 1012.
Web site http://www.cafe-hoppe.nl/
Said to
be one of the oldest cafes in
John 7/10
visit Sept 1998
_________________________________________________________________________
Karpershoek, Martelaarsgracht 2, Amsterdam 1012
A real
locals' pub; allegedly the oldest in
Sue
8.5/10 visit Feb 2001
A
traditional brown café on the end of
John
9/10 visit Oct 2007
One of
the oldest cafes in
Stuart 8.5/10
visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
De Kleine Karseboom, Niewendijk 51, Amsterdam 1012.
Traditional
café around the corner from the Karpershoek. Standard Heineken beer range, but
worth a visit for the wonderful murals on the wall, which gives the café a
touch of class. Outside drinking area in the summer.
John
8/10 visit May 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Koningshut, Spuristraat 269,
Traditional
brown café down to the sawdust on the floor. Interesting items hanging from the
ceiling including stag heads and jugs. Brand Draught beer and a barrel of Kerik
on the bar makes for above average drinking.
John 7.5/10
visit Sept 2002
_______________________________________________________________________
T Loosje, Nieuwmarkt 32, Amsterdam 1012
Whilst
most
John
8.5/10 Oct 2006
A warm
atmosphere with lots of conversation. Tiles all painted with
Sue
7.5/10 visit March 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
De Bekeerde Suster ( formley Maximiliaan), Kloveniersburgwal 6-8, Amsterdam
1012
Web site http://www.beiaardgroep.nl/site/
Home-brew
pub, opened in 1992, close to the red light area. The founders have moved on,
the pub is now owned by Beiaard group. While still a home-brew pub, the beer
range is now down to one wheat beer. Manages to appeal to people who are into
grand café and brown café. Lots of nice alcoves - a little like an English pub
- and lots of character for a new building. A beer list of 8 beers on draught,
mainly Grolsch and Belgian beers plus bottled beers from around the world, to
make for the loss of home-brew beers. Lots of beer memorabilia all around the
pub.
John
8/10 Oct 2005
Very
interesting pub/restaurant with own brewery on the premises! Tried Bethanien
bier-a white beer - which was excellent. Ground floor very busy but second
floor was prettier and third level-up steep stairs-was best of all, with
comfortable armchairs and a sleepy cat which were told had no name and we
christened Clint! (get it-John ) Very friendly atmosphere. Only drawback was
having to go through red light district to get here.
Sue
9.5/10 visit Oct 1995
This
was Maximiliaans brew pub between 1993 and 2003. Now taken over by another
company, it still brews on the premises. A witte ros (wheat beer) and a bock.
Food selection is good. Multi level pub with the brewing plant to the rear and
coppers in the seating area as well.
Stuart
8/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Monlentje, Singel 278,
A very
old brown café to the point of being a little too basic. Place is a little
small but there is room to drink outside and watch the boats on the canal. Not
much beer choice but friendly bar service.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
De Ooievaar, Sint Olofspoot 1, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.de-ooievaar.nl/
Jenever
bar very close to the In De Olofspoort. More of a locals' place, down-to-earth,
but not without the traditional feel. Regulars seem to be having quite a hearty
conversation in Dutch. A good café to relaxed in, friendly bar service. Brand
beers served. Open 15-00 hours.
John
8/10 visit Oct 2006
Lovely
old jenever bar. We had a beer and a jenever chaser. Because the barman could
not fill the glass we could have another free ! This stuff is so much better
than gin! Free peanuts served as well, and the barman was very friendly.
Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Old Nickel, Niewebrugsteeg 11, Amsterdam 1012.
Web site http://www.oldquarter.com/oldnickel/
A hotel bar which should have an average beer range,
but this one dares to be different. While the draught range is average, the
bottled beer list is mainly Belgian along with bottled beers from IJ and 5
other Dutch breweries. Décor is wood panelling, red carpet and low lighting.
Good atmosphere at the time of visit. At the North end of Zeedjik with 4 other
cafes in this guide within one minute’s walking distance.
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
In De Olofspoort, Nieuwe Brugsteeg 13, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.olofspoort.com/main.html
A nice
jenever bar just outside the red light district, near Central station, which is
at least 300 years old and seems to lean over to the side; a little-check before
you start drinking! Inside is traditional - as you'd expect from a Jenever bar,
a drinkers' place with a good choice of liqueurs and genevers. Open 16-00
hours, closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Only Amstel beers.
John
7.5/10 visit Oct 2006
Another
jenever bar. The front door is a bit stiff, not surprising as it is in the Red
Light district! Amstel beer is served plus a wide selection of jenever.
Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_______________________________________________________________________
De Haven Van Texel, St Olofssteeg 11, Amsteradm 1012.
Web site- www.havenvantexel.nl
This café has views of two canals; because of the
location the café is going for the top end of the market. The Dutch, like the
British, like to eat and drink by the water it seems. The reason to visit is
because it stocks beers from Dutch micro Texel-maybe because of its name! For
whatever reason, Texel must be happy with an outlet for their beers in
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________________
De Pilserij, Gravenstraat 10, Amsterdam 1012.
Web site http://www.depilserij.nl/
A nice
cat called Harry lives here. Friendly, 'nice' atmosphere, with jazz music, a
long bar lined with stools. Considering it is in a shopping area, a remarkable
bar.
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
A nice
relaxing place which is dimly-lit and has jazz music in the background. Grolsch
beer on draught. With the Belgique and the Drie Flesjes down the same alleyway
not a bad place to do a 50 yard pub crawl!
John
7.5/10 visit March 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
De Still, Spuristraat 326,
This
place does for whiskey, what the De Wildeman does for beer. A amazing choice of
whiskies from all over the world-albeit at price. A good range of scotch whiskies
including my favourite region
John
8/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
De Shutter, Voetboogstraat 13,
Café
which you reach by going up a set of stairs. A lot of space compared to most
John
8.5/10 visit Oct 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
T' Arendsnet, Herengracht 90,
Web site http://www.arendsnest.nl/
A café
which can do no wrong from a serious drinking point of view. It tries to have a
beer from every brewery in the
John
9.5/10 Oct 2007
Opened
by God! (Well Michael Jackson the beer writer). It serves a wide range of Dutch
beers. Long narrow bar with interesting photos at the back. Although it has
only been opened 3 years it already has a good atmosphere.
Stuart 8/10
visit Oct 2003.
_________________________________________________________________________
Van Zuylen, Torensteeg 8, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.cafevanzuylen.nl/
Former
the Ter Kulie, a still new brown café, still waiting for its first tobacco
stains! Down a side-street near the Singel canal, which you can see from some
of the windows. The café has independent Dutch brewer Grolsch beers on draught,
but sadly a average bottled beer range, than from my last visit. . There is a
large outdoor drinking area in the summer by the canal. Nice find.
John
8/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
In de Wildeman, Kolksteeg 3,
Web site http://www.indewildeman.nl/
.
First
brown café I visited in
John 10/10 visit Oct 2007
Another enjoyable visit at the Wilderman; still as
good as when I first visited here. Great choice of beers on draught and in
bottles. Expensive, but German bottled beers which are 50cl are good value
under 4 euros. When a pint of Heineken is 4 euros outside this café. I am not
sure about Strongbow cider on the beer list !!
John 10/10 visit Oct 2008
Understated
décor but very pretty with wood panelling and beer barrels. Also huge range of
beer bottles and glasses! Large range of beers. Very popular pub. Very pretty
bar area with flowers and plants.
Sue
9/10 visit Feb 2001
One of
our very favourite pubs in the world. Turn off the main shopping street. It has
a wonderful range of beers. A black and white tiled floor. A raised seating
area at the back and another bar to the right of the main door. The table menus
list all of the beers which are available.
Stuart
9.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Wijnand Fockink, Pijlisteeg 31, Amsterdam 1012
Web site http://www.wynand-fockink.nl/
This
wonderful jenever bar is just off the busy
John
9/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
GRACHTENGORDEL
SOUTH
Kale, Weteringschans 267,
Web site http://www.cafekale.nl/
A large
café near the Frederiksplein tram-stop. Nice wood-panelling inside, as well as
tables outside. Bar staff were friendly and helpful. Nice place.
John
7/10 visit Oct 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
De Magere Brug, Amstel 81, Amsterdam 1018.
Web site http://www.demagerebrug.nl/
Café
named after the bridge it overlooks on the River Amstel. Inside the décor is
modern and cosy, with a few seats with cushions, modern art paintings and red
lighten candles on the tables. Outside drinking area with views of the river
and bridge, which was still being used later on a not-too-warm October evening.
John7.5/10
visit Oct 2003
A
fairly basic and typical Dutch bar. Only a few beers available although it attracts
a lot of young people with higher bar prices !
Stuart
7/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Mulligan's, Amstel 100
Web site www.mulligans.nl
Easily
the best of the Irish theme bars in
John 8/10
visit March 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
Onder De Ooievaar, Utrechtstraat 119, Amsteradm 1017
A brown
café which seems have been built recently, but still has to acquire lived-in
feel to it. A nice place none the less and doesn't seem to get too crowded. A
good range of snacks on the menu as well as an above-average beer range
including Brand and IJ beers. Friendly and by the looks of it, well fed café
cat, who was here on my last visit.
John 8
/10 visit Oct 2003
Nice
little café with a big cat. Red painted walls. Serves snacks at lunch time. IJ
beers sold here plus several others.
Stuart
7/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Oosterling, Utrechtsestraat 140,
A real
gem of a jenever bar, with its own take-out service and grocery. Once all cafes
in
John
9/10 visit Oct 2006
Locals'
bar with beer-barrel tables and dark wood interior. Beer and jenever
specialised. Brand beer. Pubs own jenever. Very laid-back bar with friendly
feeling.
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
An
interesting mix of off-license and café. A wide selection of spirits including
jenever and single malts. Customers can sit at the bar and eat their snacks at
the barrels by the window. The barman disappeared for 10 minutes to get some
food for some customers! A Brand beer outlet.
Stuart
7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
GRACHTENGORDEL
WEST
De Admiraal Herengracht 319, Amsterdam 1017
Web site http://www.admiraalamsterdam.nl/
Upmarket
Proeflokaals place, with some nice original décor. Good use of old jenever
barrels for décor including tables, chairs and toilet doors! Upstairs seating
area as well as a front foyer area. Seen a little foodie, I arrived early it
was okay to have a drink but I am not sure about later on. Poor beer range but
drink jenever and enjoy the décor. Open 17-00 hours.
John
8.5/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
Aas van Bokalen, Keizergracht 335, Amsterdam 1016
Unpretentious
café, which was a little empty when I visited. Lots of various things on the
food menu, but my Dutch is not so good! Average beer range, but nice place.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Brandon Keizergracht 157, junction of Leliegracht, Amsterdam 1015
This
find is from John White's website. This café has reopened last year, and has
been left unchanged since the 1970s. If you go into the back room, it's like
going back in time! With old photos of
John
8.5/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
De Koe, Marnixstraat 381,
Large
café near the busy Leidseplein, with a upstairs bar for drinkers and a
downstairs bar for diners. Beer range is non-Heineken, but nothing special (
John 7/
10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
Kalkhoven, Prinsengracht 283, Amsterdam 1016
Web site http://www.cafekalkhoven.nl/cafekalkhoven/Home.html
Café on
the Raadhuisstraat road where it crosses the Prinsengracht canal, so you can
either look at the trams or the canal. Another unpretentious café, with a
welcoming atmosphere which was nice, as they must get lots of tourists from the
nearby Anne Frank house. Nice Place.
John
7.5/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
Het Molenpad, Prinsengracht 653, Amsterdam 1016
Web site http://www.goodfoodgroup.nl/
Whilst
this a very trendy café, this place does have a lot of charm. If the weather is
good most of the Yuppies go on the seats outside, leaving a nicely done-out
inside for us drinkers. Food does seem to be popular here.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
De Pieper, Prinsengracht 424,
Ancient
old café where nothing seems to have changed over the years. Nice wood
panelling inside, and friendly bar staff. A small place, but there are seats
across the road by the canal. On my last visit this was the nearest café to my
hotel. This place has a good late night drinking atmosphere. Opens from about
16-00.
John 8.5/10
visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
Van Puffelen, Prinsengracht 377, Amsterdam 1016
Web site http://www.goodfoodgroup.nl/
A big
place which is a café and restaurant next to each other. Like the Het Molenpad
seems to attract a lot of yuppies. Nice place, but nothing to out of the
ordinary here. Barge is outside to drink on in the summer.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
DeTap, Prinsengracht 478,
After
the noisy and expensive cafes of the nearby Leidseplein, this place is a
god-send. A long dimly-lit bar with a raised seating area, a nice cosy
atmosphere and nice posters on the wall. A nice relaxing place, at least in the
early evening. Opens 16-00.
John
8/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
De Zotte, Raamstraat 29, Amsterdam 1016
Web site http://www.dezotte.nl/
This is
a specialist Belgian café; whilst offering a good choice of Belgian beers, the
place seems to lack atmosphere and had indifferent bar service. A place living
on its past reputation, that said there are not too many good drinking places
around the Leidseplein. On a recent visit things had improved. Visited Sunday
night the place was full of clubbers from the Leidseplein, it's easy to show no
commitment to good beer in this environment. So credit to the café for that.
Strong Bush beer is 3.50 euros, while Duvel and Orval is 3.80 euros!
John 8/10
visit Oct 2005
_____________________________________________________________
JORDAAN
De Blaffende Vis, Westerstraat 118, Amsterdam 1015
Opposite
'T Monumentje café whilst not as homely, it is a nice place in its own right.
With a nice upstairs area to look down on the people below. Not a great beer
choice here, but you can make up for it by people watching.
John
visit 7.5/10 Oct 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Chris, Bloemstraat 42, Amsterdam 1016.
Web site http://www.cafechris.nl/
Discovered
by accident. An excellent pub-the 'Blue Peter'* of
Sue
10/10 visit March 1999
One of
John
8/10 visit Oct 2003
Interesting
little café with a pool table taking up Ľ of the place ! Mind you it had a lid
on it so you could rest your drink. Amstel bock is recommended if available. In
the corner a lovely old grandfather clock. The amazing thing is that you
literally flush the toilet in the bar!
Stuart 8/10
visit Oct 2003
________________________________________________________________________
Daalder, L http://www.daaldercafe.nl/indengracht
90, Amsterdam 1015
Web site http://www.daaldercafe.nl/
Nice average
Jordaan café. While nothing too special, worth including if you are
doing a Jordaan pub crawl. Room round the back if crowded.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
De Gouden Floryn, Rozengracht 28, Amsterdam 1016
Nice
traditional café, with various car number-plates and English football scarves
all round the place, as well as 3 TV's for watching sport. Traditional barman
in apron serving a good choice of beer on draught including Corsendonk,
Hoegarden, Leffe Blonde and Guinness. Nice place.
John 8.5/10
visit Oct 2001
________________________________________________________________
De Nieuwe Lelie, Nieuwe Leliestraat 83, Amsterdam 1015.
On a cold dark winter’s night this café is the
definition of cosy. Small bar area on the ground floor; stairs go down to a
pool table. Then there are stairs going up to a raised seating area. Low
lighting and candles add to the atmosphere along with beer memorabilia on the
wall. Friendly locals at the bar. Draught beer range is not great, but they did
have Brand and IJ bok beer. Bottled beers including a few Belgian beers plus a
low alcohol Bitburger-shame it is not the real thing! The café opens from 1400
hours. Good café, better than the expensive Reiger down the road.
John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hegeraad, Nordermarkt 34,
Very
much a friendly down-to-earth locals' place, with some up-market red décor.
Nice pictures in the back. Not a great beer choice, but nice place all the
same. Busy on my last visit, with visitors from the nearby Saturday market.
John 7.5/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
De Kat in de Wijngaert, Lindengracht 160, Amsterdam 1015
Interesting
pub with a large number of board games to amuse visitors. Cluttered, busy
atmosphere, but very comfortable.
Sue
7.5/10 visit Feb 2001
Another
nice Jordaan local. Nice relaxing place, with board games like chess and
draughts to keep the customers happy. Décor is traditional brown café with an
above average beer list.
John
7.5/10 visit Feb 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
Laurieboom, Laurierstraat 76,
A nice
cosy back-street local in the south of Jordaan. Bar is taken up by pool table,
with the locals playing billiards on it! A couple of interesting beers on
draught including Brand Up.
John 7/10 visit Oct 2001
___________________________________________________________________________________________--
Lowietje, 3e Goudsbloemdwarsstratt 2, Amsterdam 1015
Web site http://www.cafelowietje.nl/
A real traditional
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
'T Monumentje, Westerstraat 120,
A
locals pub with hundreds of tiny multicoloured lights on the ceiling. Single
room. Friendly barman and locals keen to talk and smoke! Unusual paintings on
the wall.
Sue
8/10 visit Feb 2001
Friendly
locals' brown café, with helpful barman who gave Sue a napkin to wipe her
glasses after we had been in the pouring rain! Busy place with a lot of
atmosphere, nice Christmas-tree type lights on the ceiling and nice traditional
brown café décor; had a good time here with the locals. Nice old till and
'Zappa for President' stickers.
John
8.5/10 visit May 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Papeneiland, Prinsengracht 2,
One of
the cafes which claims to be the oldest in
John
7.5/10 visit June 2004
Pretty
model houses on shelf and photos of canals on walls. A little small. Had Amstel
beer-very nice. Claims to be oldest bar in
Sue
8/10 visit Oct 1995
_________________________________________________________________________
De Reiger, Niewe Leliestraat 34, Amsterdam 1015
The
place for the style-conscious Jordaan yuppies to hang out; that said, it has a
good brown café atmosphere-even if there is no dim lighting or candles. Very
light and airy, and a little different.
John
7/10 visit Sept 1998
_______________________________________________________________________
'T Smalle, Egelantiersgracht 12,
Despite
the tourist and the Jordaan yuppies, this ex-jenever bar loses none of its
charm. A classic café which seems to be in every guide-book in
John 9.5/10 visit Oct 2008
A
really pretty bar with huge stained glass windows. Sat upstairs ( very steep
stairs were guarded by a dog and a cat! ) Roses and candles on the tables.
Sue
10/10 visit Oct 1995
The
beer selection has declined but it is still a lovely old café. The upstairs
seating affords the best view of the bar. Candles illuminate it by night. It
has gone down in our marks over the years.
Stuart 8.5/10
visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
De Tuin, Tweede Tuindwaarsstraat 13,
Amsterdam 1015
A nice
café with a lot of character in the heart of Jordaan. While a little larger
than most brown cafes, this place can still get busy, but at the same time
still be intimate. Average beer range with the o
John
8/10 visit Oct 2006
_________________________________________________________________________
Soundgarden, Marnixstraat 164, Amsterdam 1016
Web site http://www.cafesoundgarden.nl/
Décor is still straight out of a student bar. With a
pool table, pinball machine and table football to keep the clientele amused!
Beer range is different from your standard range of Heineken and Amstel, with
Budels the main draught beer along with a few other interesting beers. Outside
drinking (and smoking) area is over a small canal.
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
Young person's bar, with a pool table. The
place reminds me a little of a student bar. Décor a little basic, but that’s
part of the place's charm. If you don't like the inside, there's a nice terrace
at the back overlooking a canal.
John 8/10 visit Feb 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
SAS, Maarnixstraat 79
CAFE IS NOW CLOSED
There
is no use doing a review of the décor of this place, because it gets a complete
makeover every 3 months. So if you don't like the décor come back in 3 months!
Judging by the style it looks like it's been done-out by students. Interesting
and original. Now called the Sassoon, hopefully I will do a new review on my
next
John
7.5/10 visit June 1997
_________________________________________________________________________
Thijssen, Browersgracht 107,
Just
around the corner from the Papeneiland, nice cosy pace with old adverts around
the walls. This place is the ideal café to have your Sunday brunch, relax and
read a paper. Make sure you get in early enough; it seems a lot of people have
the same idea! There's a few malt whiskies for 4.50 Euros.
John
8/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
MUSEUM QUARTER AND THE PIJP
Gruter, Willemsparkweg 73, Amsterdam 1071.
Traditional café with authemic brown café walls, but
with a new conservatory extension at the front. There is a fair amount of beer
memorabilia around the walls; it is a shame the beer range does not match up to
it! The café has beer glasses with its name on it. Beer is expensive; 2.40
euros for a small draught beer and 4 euros for a Duvel!! Making it more
expensive than the city centre. Close to Vondelpark; the number 2 tram stops
outside.
John 7/10 visit Oct 2008
________________________________________________________________________
Alverma, Bijliderdijkstraat 104,
Modern
café, which has a nice intimate atmosphere. Black and White tiled floor, open
windows, low lighting and spotlights all a
John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2002
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Gollen Café en Bierkeuken, Daneil Stapertstraat 74, Amsterdam 1072
Web site http://www.cafegollem.nl/bierkeuken/default.asp
From Heinekein Experience to down Ferdinand Bolstraat, and it is the
second left turn. You can see it from Ferdinard Bolstraat.
This is
the Gollen pub which is out of the city centre, close to the Heineken
Experience. In my opinion this pub is better than the city centre one. For a
start while small it has twice the space of the central one. Only opened in
November 2004. While new, the décor is traditional brown café. There's a sofa
in the mi
John 9/10
visit Oct 2005
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Westers, Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 35, Amsterdam
1054.
A laid-back café which is on a busy road. The café is
a cross between modern and old. Beer list is not great but it does have 3
Trappists beers along
John 7/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Berkhout, Ferdinand Bolstraat 2, Amsterdam 1072
Web site http://www.cafeberkhout.nl/
An arty
bar near the Heineken Brewery. Very laid-back atmosphere and antique ashtrays
on tables. Jazz music and photos of old
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
A good
place to drink before or after your Heineken tour. Very traditional place which
seems to have been here a while. Pictures of
John
7.5/10 visit March 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Ebeling, Overtoom 52, Amsterdam 1054
Web site http://www.cafe-ebeling.nl/
A cross
between a grand café and brown café. A large place with nice alcoves to drink
in, but can get a little noisy with music and not with the standard jazz you
tend to hear in most Amsterdam cafes! Café was an ex-bank; see the bank vaults
as you go to the toilets!
John
7.5/10 visit Sept 2000
_________________________________________________________________________
Dopey's Elixer, Lutmastraat 49, Amsterdam 1072
Web site http://www.datandzone.nl/dopeyselixer/joomla/
A
little out-of-the-way - near the museum area - this café is very atmospheric,
with dim lighting and locals' feeling. Large single bar and attractive mirrors
and signs. Bolleke nice.
Sue
8/10 visit Feb 2001
A
back-street café which is not easy to find. Café décor is modern, with a
conservatory area at the back. While the décor is recent, it still has a brown
café feel to the place, with a good range of beer and a nice atmosphere. Seems
to be less beer choice, compared to my last visit. Open from 16-00 hours
onwards.
John
7.5/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
Hesp, Weesperzijde 130, Amsterdam 1091
Web site http://www.cafehesp.nl/
An
unusually large pub near the bank of the Amstel, with lots of small tables and
subdued lights. Had Brigand. Two cats with attitude! But got round them and
chatted to a local.
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
Cafe which is away from the city centre on the banks
of the River Amstel. The number 12 tram stops on the nearby bridge or Amstel
metro station is within walking distance. Traditional décor with pride of place
going to the old etched-glass door with the café’s name on it. Beer range is
well displayed around the bar, with a Hesp house blonde and bok beer. A great
place.
John 9/10 visit Oct 2008
Café on the bank of the Amstel with
seating outside. Inside is large with separate areas for eating and drinking.
Décor in black a
John 8.5/10 visit March 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
L'Affiche, Jacob Van Lennepstraat 39, Amsterdam 1053
A good
back street café, with a good locals feel to it. Standard theatre posters about
the wall. Small range of Belgian bottled beers, as well as draught. Outside
drinking area overlooking canal and houseboats.
John
8/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
O'Donnells, Ferdinand Bolstraat 5,
An
attractive Irish bar with a 'real ' atmosphere. Huge row of stools along bar
and two very private cubicles at the end. Very good atmosphere. Large selection
of whisky. Had Grolsch.
Sue
8.5/10 visit March 1999
Irish
bar which is on the square at the back of the Heineken Brewery. Like most Irish
bars in
John
8/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
Ter Bruge, Overtoom 578,
Nice
atmospheric brown café at a road and tram junction. With a nice outside
drinking area to the side. Good range of draught beers. Standard brown café
décor.
John
7/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
Welling, Jan Willem Brouwerstraat 32, Amsterdam 1071
Web site http://www.cafewelling.nl/
In
concert hall area. Again, people going home and stopping in relaxed atmosphere.
Lots of chatter! Beer list is good, with Duvel And Orval at reasonable prices.
Sue
7.5/10 visit Feb 2001
Nice
traditional place, full of people from the nearby concert hall coming in for a
quick drink before the performance. First door we went in was locked, but the
door by the side was open. Managed to find a nice comfy chair. Nice relaxing
atmosphere with a good beer range. Only minus point was the poor bar service.
John
8.5/10 visit Feb 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
Gambrinus, Ferdinand Bolstraat 180,
Web site http://www.gambrinus-amsterdam.nl/
A café
which makes the most of it’s space with a upper and lower level seating. As
well as a outside drinking. Décor is a strange mix between modern and brown
café. Good atmosphere at the time of visit.
John
7/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Krull, Sarphatipark 2,
Nice
modern café on the edge of Sarphatipark. low lighting and candles on the
tables, despite in being modern. A good range of beers on draught including IJ.
One to read your newspapers with your Sunday bunch.
John 7/10
visit Oct 2005
________________________________________________________________________-
Café Quibus, Van der Helstplein 7, Amsterdam 1073
A very
likeable brown café in a nice location in a quiet square-at less in the
evening. Friendly locals were impressive with my chioce of IJ beer, one of two
Ij beers on draught in a above average beer range. A good place to people watch
from the window. Pub has two fruit machines, which is unusual for
John
8/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
Café Sarphaat, Ceintuurbaan 157A, Amsterdam 1072
Brown
café on the corner of Sarphatipark. Nice cosy atmosphere with the usual low
lighting and candles on the table. Not a great choice of beer, but a nice place
none the less. Outside drinking area with heaters, but everyone is inside on a
October evening. As well as the park you can watch the trams go by.
John
7/10 visit Oct 2005
_________________________________________________________________________
JEWISH
QUARTER, PLANTAGE, OOST AND NOORD ( East and North )
Boulevard, Cruquiusweeg 3, Amsterdam 1019
Web site http://www.boulevardcafe.nl/
Large
converted station in
Sue
7.5/10 visit Feb 2001
Depending how quickly you walk, this pub is a 5 or 10
minutes walk from the IJ brewery- in this under pub part of town. Nice modern
café with half the café for eating and half for drinking. Background music is
from the 60’s. Bell at the end of the bar is like a English pub, not so sure
about the Fosters sign!
John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2008
Café in a non-tourist part of town which
was an ex-railway station. Lots of different areas including a upstairs bar
area, dining area and downstairs drinking area. Décor is modern and trendy, but
with old posters. A good beer menu and helpful service. Different place, but
pleasant.
John 8/10 visit Feb 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
Brouwerij t'IJ, Funenkade 7, Amsterdam 1018
Web site http://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/
OPENING
HOURS 1500 to 2000 Daily
The thing I like about this place is it independent
spirit. It just does IJ beers, wine, soft drinks and a few snacks. So when they
say brewery tap or tasting room they mean it. When you consider they could make
more money from food and spirits-and make the opening hours longer, you have to
take your hat off to them. Drink in the only windmill in central
John 10/10 visit Oct 2008
Home brew pub (which opened in 1984) in a windmill! A
must for any serious beer drinker visiting
John 9.5/10 visit Oct 2007
A
wonderful brew pub about 20 minutes walk from central station. The pub was once
a bath house but now serves its own beer. Downstairs is a lower seating area.
You can't miss it as it is by a windmill. The walls are adorned by hundreds of
beer bottles. Pilzen, Y bock, Zatte and Columbus are some of the characterful
beers on tap.
Stuart
9/10 Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
De Bamboeseur, Plantage Parklaan 10, Amsterdam 1018.
Web site http://www.bamboeseur.nl/index0.html
Café at
a busy tram/road junction. Decked out in Palm beers colours. High ceiling café
with old photos and beer logos on the walls. Five beers on draught, including
Brand meibock! and Affigem, but not a great choice of bottled beers. There's a
snack and a main course menu.
John 7.5/10 visit June 2004
De Druif, Rapenburgerplein 83,
Café
and jenever bar with good view of Nieuwe Herengracht canal. A place to watch
the boats come and go. Relaxed atmosphere and modern art - paintings of fruit -
contrast with downstairs jenever casks and pretty chandelier lights
Sue
8.5/10 visit Feb 2001
Managed
to get a seat by a window where we were able to watch the canal boats which
were waiting to use the nearby lock. Seems to be a café of two parts; with the
area by the bar being traditional stand up locals' and the seating at the back
with modern art paintings.
John 7.5/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
East Of Eden, Linnaeusstraat 11, Amsterdam 1093
Very
arty café near the zoo. Lots of tropical plants, wicker and wood furniture, and
pictures of James Dean (and sadly, Clint Eastwood! ). Mural of elephants behind bar. 'Cool' music.
Amstel 1870 very nice.
Sue
8.5/10 visit Feb 2001
A nice
grand café with a James Dean/ Indonesian theme. Pictures of James Dean around
the walls. Tropical plants, wicker chairs and a ceiling fan giving it a
Indonesian look. A few Ij beers give the place more beer choice. One to come
into and read your newspapers.
John
8/10 visit Feb 2001
_________________________________________________________________________
Eik En Linde, Plantage Middenlaan 22, Amsterdam 1018
Web site http://www.eikenlinde.nl/
A great
traditional café, off the tourist track, making it a friendly regulars' place.
Nice old prints and posters around the wooden walls, locals - and cat! - on the
bar stools. Locals playing what looks like Dutch bar billiards. Nice friendly
laid-back atmosphere. Closed Sundays.
John
8.5/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Elsa's, Middenweg 73, Amsterdam 1098.
Web site http://www.elsascafe.nl/
Café way out of the centre on the number 9 tram route.
Nice traditional place with a sleeping cat on the soft red cushion seats!! Beer
choice is just above average, but it does have 3 IJ bottled beers. A low
lighting cosy sort of place. Outside seating area at the front for the summer,
and the smokers in the winter.
John 7.5//10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
Entredok, Entrepotdok 64,
A cafe
in the of a modern block of apartments. While the place is new, it's trying to
be traditional, with what looks like fishing nets over the ceiling! Does have a
nice cosy feel to it. Outside drinking area. Not easy to find - follow the
canal.
John
8/10 visit Oct 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
Groene Olifant, Sarphatistraat 510,
Nice
traditional café, with lots of mirrors and a raised seating area at the back.
Café has a reasonably priced menu, as well as a good choice of bottled beers.
Close to the Brouwerij 't IJ, which closes at 21-00, so a lot of people move on
here.
John 8/10
visit Oct 1999
_________________________________________________________________________
Ot En Sien, Buiksloterweg 27, Amsterdam 1031
Web site http://www.otensien.nl/
A
lovely café, easily reached by a 5 minute ferry trip. Locals' atmosphere, very
warm (snowing outside). Seemed untouched by tourists (who seldom visit) but
very pretty; on canal side, with houseboats outside. Inside, flowers on tables,
candles and cosy fireplace. Would recommend it but it would be a shame if it
became a touristy bar!
Sue
9/10 visit Feb 2001
Opening hours at the moment are 1200 to 0100 hours.
This means you can get the ferry in the daylight, when it is not so cold in
winter. A café of great character next to some houseboats- I wouldn’t mind
living there! Interesting old black and white aerial photo of central
John 9/10 visit Oct 2008
If you want to go to a total non-tourist
bar, then this is it. To get there, go to the back of Central Station, get the
free ferry to
John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003
Get the
free ferry from Central station to
Stuart
8/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Scharrebier, Rapenburgerplein 1,
Web site http://www.scharrebier.nl/
Also in
Sue
8/10 visit Feb 2001
Traditional
brown café with a lot of atmosphere and character, it seems like nothing
changes here too much over the years (look at the ceiling!), which is nice to
see for a place close to the centre. Good range of Brand beers on draught, not
badly priced at 1.70 Euros..
John 8/10. Visit June
2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Café 'T Sluyswacht, Jodenbreestraat 1, Amsterdam 1011
Web site http://www.sluyswacht.nl
A very
interesting café on junction of canals, with lovely views. Food( snack ) menu
good, as is Leffe Blonde. Reputed to lean but seemed quite stable to me!
Friendly atmosphere and service. Door open, so a little noisy, but good
otherwise.
Sue
8.5/10 visit Feb 2001
An
ex-lock-keeper's house, built in 1695, that looks like it's leaning, which has
a lot of charm and character. If it's crowded there is a seating area upstairs.
Good views out of the window of the canals and
John 9/10 visit Oct 2003
Wonderful
little café by the canal which has been here since the 16th century. T'J ??
beer available. A lower and upper seating area.
Stuart
8/10 visit 2003
_________________________________________________________________________
Bruxelles, Lange Wijngaardstraat 16, Haarlem, 2012
Web site http://www.cafebruxelles.nl/
Walk
down this quiet side street, it will make you wonder if you will ever find a
café. But you will see it. Inside instead of a quiet local, it's full of people
creating a lively atmosphere. Good range of beers, including Lindeboom.
Children's paintings on the wall, or is it modern art! Nice Place.
John
8.5/10 visit Sept 2002
_______________________________________________________________________
De Gooth, Botermarkt 19, Haarlem 2011
Web site http://www.cafedegooth.nl/
Café in a row of cafes, in a
traffic free square. Long narrow bar which widens out at the back. Cosy dim lit
atmosphere with locals playing cards. Seats out the front. Poor bar service had
to wait 10 minutes to be served, and their was two people behind the bar on a
slow Sunday!
John 6/10
visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
Melkwoud, Zijlstraat 63, Haarlem 2011
Nice
atmospheric brown café, with a impressive front door. Cosy feeling inside from
the bad weather outside. Traditional down to the sawdust on the floor. Good
choice of draught beers, as well as some good bottled beers. Melkwoud means
Milkwood, so it was once owner by a Dylan Thomas fan.
John
8/10 visit Sept 2002
________________________________________________________________________
Stadscafe, Zijlstraat 63, Haarlem 2011
Large
café with modern décor. Has a upstairs seating area as well as a old red
English telephone! Interesting etched-glass on the ground floor. Not a bad
choice of draught beers.
John
7.5/10 visit Sept 2002
_______________________________________________________________________
Studio, Grote Markt 25, Haarlem 2011
Web site http://www.cafestudio.nl/
Lively
place on the main square next to the cathedral. Good range of beers including
the local brewery Jopen. Décor is like a brown café, but there is no low
lighting. Crowded but with a good atmosphere, seems to be a popular meeting
place with the locals.
John
8/10 visit Sept 2002
_________________________________________________________________________
After
Belgie, Oudegracht 196,
As you
walk into this café, on the right there is a blackboard with the cafes bottled
beer list-and what a list it is! Well over 120 beers. While there are some
global brands, most are interesting Belgian and Dutch beers. Next to this is a
list of draught beers! 18 at the time of my visit. A little more standard, but
there were 2 or 3 interesting micros, including
John 9.5/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Florin Utrecht, Nobelstraat 2, Utrecht 3512
Web site http://www.florinutrecht.nl/florin/
Former
the Florin and Firkin, this was part of the Firkin pub chain which expanded
into
John 7/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Heen & Weer, Donkergaard 13, Utrecht 3511
Web site http://theenenweer.hyves.nl/
I must
admit I really like this place. It has a lot of charm as well as a traditional
feel. Eccentric décor including various beer memorabilia. Small pub dog in a
basket a
John 8.5/10
visit June 2004
________________________________________________________________________-
Jan Primus, Jan Van Sorelstraat 27, Utrecht 3583
A café
way out of the centre, but if you are a serious beer drinker it is well worth
making the trip. About a 15 to 20 minute walk from Ledif Erf, unless you get a
little lost like me-then it takes a bit longer. Straight away you feel like you
have entered somewhere special, but apart from some beer memorabilia there is
nothing outstanding about the décor. The regular beers are above the bar with
their prices; there is a blackboard with guest beers. Had a Petrus Blond. Good
beers, in friendly surroundings, what more can you ask? Opens from 15-00 hours.
John
9/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Ledif Erf, Tolsteegburg 3, Utrecht 3511.
Web site http://www.ledigerf.nl/
The
exterior of this pub is impressive, with the pub signs outside. Inside is nice
as well, if a little less beery. The blackboard on the wall as 7 beers on
draught, and about 50 in bottles. Whilst I know this is a chess pub, this place
doesn't seem to have the drinking atmosphere of the Belgie. I can't put my
finger my on it, but I am not over-comfortable here. This review might sound a
little negative, but it is a nice place on a bridge at the end of Oudegracht.
John
8/10 visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Orloff, Donkeregaard 8, Utrecht 3511
Web site http://www.orloff.nl/utrecht/
Small
café which has an airy feel to it, on a cobbled street near the canal. Standard
Dutch café décor, wooden floor, tables, and chairs, and candles on the table.
Mainly stocking Belgian beers on draught, Jupiler, Leffe and Palm. Toilets up a
steep spiral stairs. Pub cat on the lookout for food.
John 7/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Oudaen, Oudegracht 99, Utrecht 3511
Web site http://www.oudaen.nl/
When
you walk in here you can't help but be impressed. It feels like a grand
medieval dining hall, with lovely large old art paintings and a high ceiling.
That's the good bit. It is also a brew pub, but you would never have guessed.
With the brewery in the basement and the beers not mentioned on the menu, it
certain seems to be more into food than drink. Busy at the time of visit. A
good place for people from
John 7.5/10
visit June 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Stadscafe Heerenplein, Lucas Rolwerk 1, Utrecht 3512
Web site http://www.heerenplein.nl/
Another
five minutes and I would have been alright! The heavens opened just before I
got here; it wasn't easy to find where the address ( Lucas Rowerk 1 ) was, once
I found the road. Still I have found a nice sanctuary, for the moment. Larger
than most cafes in the
John
7/10 visit June 2004
________________________________________________________________________
While
Het Brouwcafe, 28 Dr Lelykade, Scheveningen, Den Haag, 2583
Web site http://www.hetbrouwcafe.nl/
A brew
pub which is in Scheveningen,10 minutes on the 11 tram from the city centre.
Views overlooking the dock. Modern
building the décor has a cosy feel with various paintings and beer memorabilia
on the wall. Four of the home-brew beers
are on plus Leffe and Choffe on draught as well as trappits bottled
beers. The brewery section is a roped off area in the corner of the pub. Good
relaxing sort of pub.
John 8.5/10 Oct 2007-
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fiddler, Riviervismarkt 1, Den Haag
2513
Web site http://www.fiddler.nl/fiddler-nl/
Former
the Fiddle and Firkin. One of two firkin chain pubs in The
John
7/10 visit Oct 2007
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Botterwaag, Grotemarkt 8A, Den Haag
2511
Web site http://www.grotemarktdenhaag.nl/grotemarkt
Boterwaag
means butter weighting station which was the original function of this
building. Mainly Interbev beers on draught with 30 bottled beers including some
trappists beers. Atmospheric pub making the most brick walls, low lighting,
candles and soft music to get you to chill out.
John 7/10
visit Oct 2007
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dezwarte Ruiter 27 Grotemarkt, Den
Haag 2511
Web site http://www.grotemarktdenhaag.nl/zwarteruiter
Claims
to a bar/ restaurant which is a fair description. Not a great beer choice, but
above. Mirrors make the place look bigger than is it. Small upstairs seating
area to look down on people.
John 6/10 visit Oct 2007
De Paas, 16A Dunne Bierkade, Den Haag 2512
Web site www.depaas.nl
Best
choice for beer in
John
9/10 visit Oct 2007
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the
Netherlands, after
BLAAK
Directions
Go to Blaak metro station. Cambrinus is across the road from the
station. Leave the back entrance of Cambrinus. Turn left and follow the harbour
until the
Cambrinus, 4 Blaak,
Web site http://www.cambrinus.net/
Close
to Blaak metro station in a modern building, which you will either love or
hate. Inside is a fine drinking café with a good beer menu, and a good brown
café décor and atmosphere. The front has street-level views of the road, the
back has comfy seats and a terrace view of the harbour. A great café in a most
unlikely building. Food cooked at the bar.
John
9/10 visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Weiner, 637 Haringvliet, Rotterdam 3011
Overlooking
the same harbour as the Gambrinus. The front of this café has nice views of the
harbour. there are lots of different rooms and alcoves around the back. A
little less beery than the Gambrinus, it is still a find place. Has the full
range of Gulpener beers on draught; the bock beer was good. Only me here on a
Sunday winter's afternoon, I bet it's heaving in the summer!
John 8.5/10
visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Hoofdstuk II, 14 Oostmolenwerf, Rotterdam 3011
Web site http://www.hoofdstuktwee.nl/
Another
café with a harbour view. Nice. Just like the jazz background music which is
nice! ( English joke ). The café says it’s a jazz music cafe, I am not sure if
this means live jazz or not? The place is very much half eating and half
drinking, and the two sides look like they are getting on fine together. A
grand café with some nice touches, and alcoves.
John
8/10 visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Recommended
Locus Publicus, 364 Oostzeedijk, Rotterdam 3063.
Web site http://www.locus-publicus.com
/ _____________________________________________________________
DElFSHAVEN
Directions
Go to Delfshaven metro station. You come out on Schiedamseweg, walk down
to 2A where Tapperij Vanouds t' Kraantje is. Turn right out of the café on to
Aelbrechtskolk. On the right side at 29 Aelbrechtskolk is Rutte, a geneve bar
which was close at the time of my visit. Then cross the first footbridge, turn
left to 12 Aelbrechtskolk , De Pelgrim. Turn right out of the café, at the top
of the road turn left. De Oude Sluis is to the left hand side.
Tapperij Vanouds t' Kraantje, 2A Schiedamseweg, Rotterdam 3025.
Web site http://www.biertapperij.nl/kraantje/index.htm
Traditional
brown café, which looks like it's been around for a few years. Good choice of
draught beers. Various old empty beer bottles and cans above the bar, old malt
whisky cases which are also empty in the window. Café has a billard table which
is not being used, as there is a big screen showing the match between local
side Feijennord and PSV Enidhoven. Along with
John
8.5/10 visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
De Pelgrim, 12 Aelbrechtskolk, Rotterdam 3042
Web site http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/
Brew
pub in a great location in the historic docks area. The building is over 400
years old, and is a great conversion to a pub. The two brews I tried were both
good. You can see and smell the brewery on the left as you walk in. It's a
shame the dock wall stops you seeing the water. A little upmarket, but still
cosy. Try the home-made apple pie, it's good.
John 9.5/10
visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
De Oude Sluis, Havenstraat 7, Rotterdam 3042
Web site http://www.trilobiet.nl/sluis/
Everyone
heads for the back room with the views of the docks, which is great. But inside
is interesting too, with original wooden carving on the wall as well as a few
bits of beer memorabilia. Décor is basic, but the atmosphere is good. Makes for
a good pub crawl with the two above cafes.
John
8/10 visit Dec 2004
_________________________________________________________________________
Cloche, Vrijhof 12, Maastricht 6211.
Web site www.lacloche.com
Traditional cafe next to the town’s main square, every
building along this street seems to be a cafe. Wood panelled walls give the
impression this café has been around for a few years. Beers on draught are from
Grolsch, Gulpner, Palm and Grimbergen, but not so much choice in the bottled
range. Outside drinking which is being used by people on this cold winter’s
day; maybe the patio heaters help!
John 7/10 visit Oct 2008
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, Vrijhof 5, Maastricht 6211.
Web site www.vogelstruys.nl
A Cafe which is a few doors down from the Cloche. Like
the Cloche the atmosphere is traditional. On their wood-panelled are photos of
the square and drawings of people who I take to be the regulars. That is a nice touch. Café is small and was
crowded at the time, so what’s it like in the summer? I hate to guess! Beer
range is average.
John 7/10 visit Oct 2008
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Falstaff, Amorsplein 6,
Web site www.cafe-falstaff.com
A Cafe which is next to a small square. Décor is
modern with a white tiled floor and a exposed brick bar. Good choice of beers
with 9 beers on draught and trappists, abbey and specialist Belgian bottled
beers, as well as international mainstream beers. Walls are only half-full of
beer memorabilia, so either they ran out of money or they are building it up!
There is an upstairs drinking area and a small outside drinking. Friendly
locals at the time of my visit.
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pothuiske, Het Bat 1, Masstricht 6211.
Web site www.pothuiske.nl
A Cafe close to the River
John 9/10 visit Oct 2008
__________________________________________________________________________________________
De
Poshoorn, Stationsstraat 47, Masstricht 6221.
Web
site www.poshoorn.nl
Café which is close to the station, and is bigger than
it looks on the outside. There is a lot of wood of the polished sort around the
café. Like the Pothuiske the beers are displayed around the walls, with
matching bottles and glasses. There are 12 beers on draught and a good range of
bottled beers-mainly Belgian. Usually beer memorabilia around the walls. Lively
atmosphere with a good mix of people.
John 9/10 visit Oct 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Take
One, Rechstraat 28,
Web
site www.takeonebiercafe.nl
This café has everything for the beer lover. You feel
the atmosphere the moment you step into this place. Long narrow bar where the
walls are full of beer memorabilia-mainly beer mats. There is a tap for
Heineken, but the other taps are more interesting! Bottled beers can be seen in
the fridge next to the bar; with a good choice of Belgian beers. Your beer is
served with shelled nuts; you are encouraged to throw the empty shells on the
floor. Great place with a lot of character. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, opens
1600 hours other days.
John 10/10 visit Oct 2008
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Speciaal Bierencafe, Dopplerdomein 20A. Masstricht 6229.
This is the only cafe away from the town centre. Like
most Dutch towns the centre is old and the farther out you go it becomes more
modern. Like in this case; a modern café surrounded by modern houses.
Traditional inside, with wooden tables and chairs, low lighting and candles.
Good choice of beers as the name of the café suggests-with 13 beers on draught
including Chateau Nenbourg. Windows all around the café, but there is nothing
to look out at! The loos are upstairs.
John 8/10 visit Oct 2008