19 X The Best Brown Cafés in Amsterdam
Real, authentic brown cafés in Amsterdam, as they were originally meant to be, are increasingly being replaced by hip establishments. Luckily, they can still be found all around the city, if you know where to look. From Amsterdam West to Amsterdam Centrum, we’ve curated a great list of the best brown cafés in Amsterdam that are not hip, but still fun. Where the fryer is always sizzling, and the tap never stops flowing.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
Café De Wetering
De Wetering is a cozy bar with a homey atmosphere, the perfect spot to meet up with friends for a beer. Warm up by the crackling fireplace with jazz music playing in the background – it’s lovely!
Weteringstraat 37, Amsterdam – Facebook page
‘t Loosje
Where better to enjoy an ice-cold beer than at ‘t Loosje, with views of the Waag at Nieuwmarkt? It’s always bustling here, and in the summer, the terraces are packed.
Nieuwmarkt 32, Amsterdam – ‘t Loosje
Café ‘t Gasthuys
Dark brown tables, red candle holders, and wood paneling from long before our time: that’s Café ‘t Gasthuys in a nutshell. Settle in for just a beer, grab the dish of the day, or order something fried. In the summer, the terrace by the water with views of passing boats is ideal.
Grimburgwal 7, Amsterdam – Café ‘t Gasthuys
Elsa’s Café
If we got a euro every time Elsa’s Café was recommended, we’d be rich by now. The menu is delightfully old-school, featuring croquettes, ossenworst (smoked sausage), and of course, a classic meatball sandwich.
Middenweg 73, Amsterdam – Elsa’s Café
Café Koosje
One of Amsterdam’s most well-known brown cafés, Café Koosje, is located around the corner from Artis in the beautiful Plantagebuurt.
Plantage Middenlaan 37, Amsterdam – Café Koosje
A. van Wees Distilleerderij de Ooievaar
If there’s one bar with a rich history, it’s A. van Wees. Established in 1782 (!), this distillery has turned the craft of distilling into an art form. From traditional Dutch gin to a wide variety of liqueurs, they have it all. It’s also a great place to bring friends or family visiting from abroad!
Utrechtsestraat 119, Amsterdam – A. van Wees
| TIP: Also check out our list of hotspots with fireplaces in Amsterdam >>
Café De Tuin
On a Saturday afternoon around 5 pm, you’ll see that most cafés in the Jordaan are bursting with people. Café De Tuin is no exception – always lively, with the best beers on tap and a homely atmosphere.
Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13, Amsterdam – Café De Tuin
Café De Toog
Located in Amsterdam Oud-West, Café De Toog is another authentic brown café. In the summer, picnic tables are set up outside for an even more enjoyable experience.
Nicolaas Beetsstraat 142-H, Amsterdam – Café De Toog
Blauwhooft
Just around the corner from Amsterdam Central Station – right behind Squash City – you’ll find Blauwhooft. It’s the perfect spot for drinks, watching football on the big screen, or reading a newspaper with a good cup of coffee.
Hendrik Jonkerplein 1, Amsterdam – Blauwhooft
‘t Vliegertje
‘t Vliegertje has been an institution in Amsterdam for over 30 years. Its claim to fame includes their perfectly poured beers, along with their tender satay skewers and legendary spareribs.
Scheldestraat 79, Amsterdam – Vliegertje
| TIP: Also check out these cafés with table beer taps >>
Eik & Linde
Big, cozy, and atmospheric, with an old-school pool table in the middle. Eik & Linde on the Plantage Middenlaan is a great spot for coffee or to meet up with a group of friends.
Plantage Middenlaan 22, Amsterdam – Eik & Linde
Café Gambrinus
If you ask for a brown café recommendation, chances are you’ll hear Café Gambrinus. From a vast selection of (specialty) beers on tap and in bottles to simple but tasty bar food from the kitchen, it’s a local favorite.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 180, Amsterdam – Café Gambrinus
Papeneiland
With views of the canals and high walls adorned with old paintings, this is easily one of the most charming cafés in the Jordaan.
Prinsengracht 2, Amsterdam – Papeneiland
De Poort
De Poort welcomes everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. And if you want to watch football on a big screen, De Poort is the place to be.
Haarlemmerdijk 44, Amsterdam – De Poort
De Stoof
It doesn’t get more Amsterdam than De Wallen, so for an authentic experience, head to Café Bar De Stoof on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal. You can’t miss the neon lights on the facade.
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 114, Amsterdam
Dopey’s Elixer
Regulars at the bar, beer in hand, and a snack to go with it – pure enjoyment at old-school bar Dopey’s Elixer!
Lutmastraat 49, Amsterdam
| TIP: Our favorite heated terraces? Check them out here >>
Café De Twee Zwaantjes
Speaking of truly Amsterdam, Café De Twee Zwaantjes in the Jordaan is another prime example. Typically Jordanees, with karaoke every Thursday evening.
Prinsengracht 114, Amsterdam – Café De Twee Zwaantjes
Café Lowietje
Just around the corner from the Lindengracht and Westerstraat, you’ll find Café Lowietje, a true institution since 1954. Music by Tante Leen, Johnny Jordaan, and Willy Alberti fills the air, while a mix of Jordaan locals, other Amsterdammers, and market vendors sit at the bar.
Derde Goudsbloemdwarsstraat 2, Amsterdam – Café Lowietje
Café Langereis
Last but not least, Café Langereis offers plenty of beers on tap and a consistently fun atmosphere. What more could you wish for?
Amstel 202, Amsterdam – Café Langereis
AMSTERDAM UPDATES
Subscribe to YOURLBB'S newsletter and get the AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST BOOK in your inbox for free.
"*" indicates required fields
