What a Den Haag cafe can be
In the Netherlands, the word cafe covers several things. A Den Haag cafe might be a specialty coffee bar with oat milk lattes, a brown cafe with wooden tables and beer, a terrace on a historic square or a bright bakery with cakes. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right stop. This guide explains the types of cafes in The Hague, with tips for each, without relying on one fixed list that may go out of date.
Brown cafes
A brown cafe (bruin cafe) is a traditional Dutch pub, named for its dark wood panelling and years of tobacco smoke that browned the walls. They are cosy, often with candles and worn tables. They serve beer, wine, jenever, coffee and snacks. They are the place to try bitterballen with mustard, usually ordered in portions of six or eight to share.
What to order
- A glass of local draught beer
- Bitterballen
- A cheese plate
- Coffee with apple pie
- A shot of jenever for the brave
Specialty coffee bars
In recent years, The Hague has seen many small coffee shops that roast or select beans carefully. They offer flat whites, filter coffee and pastries. The atmosphere is modern and relaxed, with laptops on tables and friendly staff. They are good for a morning stop and often have vegan options.
Terraces on squares
Dutch people love a terrace, and as soon as the sun appears, tables fill up. The Plein, Buitenhof, Grote Markt and Noordeinde areas all have outdoor tables. They are good for people-watching, particularly in summer.
Lunch cafes
Many cafes serve light lunches. Common choices include:
1. Uitsmijter: eggs on bread with ham or cheese.
2. Tosti: a toasted sandwich.
3. Soup of the day with bread.
4. Broodje kroket: a croquette roll with mustard.
5. Salads and bowls.
Lunch is served roughly between noon and two, and kitchens may close in the afternoon, so check the menu hours.
Cake and afternoon treats
Dutch cafes are proud of their cakes. Apple pie is the classic, served warm with cream. You might also find carrot cake, cheesecake and chocolate cake. Combine one with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.
Cafes by the sea
In Scheveningen, beach cafes and strandtenten offer coffee and drinks with sea views. In summer, they are lively with sunbathers. In winter, they offer shelter with blankets and heaters.
Museum and culture cafes
The big museums in the city have cafes, and some are open to the public without a ticket. A stop at the Mauritshuis cafe or the Kunstmuseum offers a calm spot with an artistic setting. Check the museum websites for details.
How to choose
1. Decide what you want: coffee, a drink, lunch or cake.
2. Check recent reviews and opening hours.
3. Walk a little beyond the main squares.
4. Choose the place with a mix of locals and visitors.
5. Look at the cakes in the window, which are often a good sign.
Prices and payment
Prices are fair for northern Europe, though cafes on the main squares are often more expensive. Card payments are common, and some cafes do not take cash at all, so keep a card ready. Service is included, but leaving a small tip for good service is customary.
Opening times
Many cafes open at eight or nine in the morning, and brown cafes open later, often in the afternoon. On Sundays hours may be shorter. Check each venue’s own page or a map app.
Working or reading
Many cafes are happy to let you sit with a book or laptop, but it is polite to order something every hour or so. Some places have power sockets and free Wi-Fi, while brown cafes usually do not.
Plan a route
You can build a half-day around cafes:
- Morning coffee near the Binnenhof.
- A museum visit.
- A lunch stop on the Denneweg.
- An afternoon coffee and cake in the Noordeinde area.
- An evening drink in a brown cafe.
See the official Visit The Hague site for more information on events and areas.
Final thoughts
A good Den Haag cafe is a short walk from wherever you are. Whether you want a strong coffee, a plate of bitterballen or a long afternoon on a terrace, the city has a cafe to suit the mood.
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