There isn’t a single best pub in Amsterdam, because the city does pubs its own way. The classic is the bruin cafe, or brown cafe: dark wood, worn tables, sand or tile on the floor and a long list of beers. Others lean towards craft beer or Belgian specialities. Here’s how to pick the right kind for your evening.
What makes a brown cafe
The name comes from the dark walls, once stained by decades of tobacco smoke and now simply by age. You order at the bar or from a waiter, you can sit for hours, and nobody rushes you. Expect a small menu of Dutch snacks such as bitterballen, which are fried ragout balls served with mustard.
Old-style cafes with history
Cafe Hoppe, Spui
One of the most famous of the old cafes, on Spui in the city centre. It dates back to the 17th century and has a crowded, sociable feel. Outside tables fill quickly in summer. Come in the afternoon for a seat.
Cafe Papeneiland, Jordaan
A cosy corner cafe on the Prinsengracht, dating from the 1640s according to its own account. Tiles, candles and an old stove make it good for a rainy night. It’s known for apple pie as well as beer.
‘t Smalle, Jordaan
Set on a canal corner, with a terrace on the water. It began as a distillery and tasting house in the 18th century. A good place for an early evening drink if the weather is fine.
In ‘t Aepjen, near Centraal Station
Housed in one of Amsterdam’s few surviving wooden facades. It’s a small, characterful stop, with a quirky history connected with sailors. Prices are tourist-level, but it’s quick to reach after a train arrives.
For beer fans
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ: a brewery taproom beside the Gooyer windmill, in the east of the centre. It’s popular on sunny afternoons. Check the opening hours, which are afternoon and evening.
- Gollem: a bar known for its big selection of Belgian and craft beers, with a few locations. A good choice if you want to try something other than lager.
- Proeflokaal Arendsnest: specialises in Dutch beers only, on the Herengracht, with a wide choice on tap.
Which is the best pub in Amsterdam for you?
| You want… | Try |
|---|---|
| History and atmosphere | Hoppe, Papeneiland |
| A canal terrace | ‘t Smalle |
| Craft beer and a windmill | Brouwerij ‘t IJ |
| A big Belgian menu | Gollem |
| Only Dutch beers | Arendsnest |
Tips for ordering
- A small beer is a vaasje or a fluitje, and a regular one is a pils. Local lagers are the default.
- Pay at the end, either at the bar or to the server. Cards are common but some old cafes prefer cash, so carry a bit.
- Tipping is small: rounding up is normal.
- Smoking inside is banned. Some cafes have terrace areas for it.
- Reserve for large groups, as most cafes are tiny.
Where to wander
The Jordaan has the densest mix of brown cafes, so walk between two or three of them. The area around Spui and the Nine Streets is also good. Avoid the cafes with menus plastered in several languages on busy tourist streets; the beer may be fine but the atmosphere is weaker.
A short pub crawl plan
- Late afternoon: ‘t Smalle for a terrace seat.
- Early evening: Papeneiland for a snack and a second beer.
- Later: Hoppe, if you can find a table, or Gollem for something different.
- Last stop: a short walk back along the canals.
When to go
Weeknights are calmer, and early evenings give you the best chance of a table. Weekends in summer fill the terraces by mid afternoon, so arrive early. In winter, the candlelit rooms of the Jordaan are at their best.
When to go
Weeknights are calmer, and early evenings give you the best chance of a table. Summer weekends fill the terraces by mid afternoon. In winter the candlelit rooms of the Jordaan are at their best. Most brown cafes serve snacks like cheese cubes and bitterballen, but full dinners are rarer, so eat first if you’re hungry.
For official details and updates, see I amsterdam eat and drink guide.
So the best pub in Amsterdam depends on your mood. Pick a brown cafe for history, a brewery taproom for beer, and always check the current opening times on each venue’s own page, since hours shift by season and by day.
Mehr dazu: Amsterdam Straßen: Namen, Grachten und Orientierung und Our Lord in the Attic Museum: Amsterdam's Secret Church
