The 12 best listening bars in Amsterdam: these places serve good beats and food

You're out of the loop these days if you've never been to a listening bar. Just kidding, but listening bars—a concept imported from Japan—are everywhere these days. The best listening bars in Amsterdam, we hear you ask? You'll find them in the ultimate Little Black Book listening bar list below.

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What is a listening bar?

Let's start at the beginning, because what exactly is a listening bar? It goes like this: at a listening bar, the sound system and the music are just as important as the food and drinks menu. The DJ is just as central as the rest of the staff and is therefore just as important as a chef, cocktail shaker, or sommelier. But, if you think it's all party time, you're mistaken. At a listening bar, it's all about listening to music, not dancing to it. You sit at often small tables enjoying the music, the food, and the drinks. In Japan, there's not much conversation in these types of bars, but in the Netherlands, it's commonplace day (or night). So think of it as a nice drinks spot With a little something extra. Does that sound like music to your ears? Then you'll find the best listening bars in Amsterdam below.

12 of Amsterdam's Best Listening Bars

Cue

Cue Amsterdam Opened in 2024 on Utrechtsestraat, Cue offers a wide selection of dining options. For drinks and snacks, there's a bar. The restaurant is also the perfect place for a full evening dinner. For the listening bar, head to the basement. Both are equally special.
Utrechtsestraat 30a, Amsterdam – cue-amsterdam.com

© Cue Amsterdam, @cue_amsterdam

Loop51

Loop51 in the Pijp is an exception to the rule, because unlike other listening bars, there's actually dancing here. The concept is simple: during the day, brunch is served while enjoying vinyl, and in the evening, the dance floor opens on various nights.
Dusartstraat 51, Amsterdam – loop51.nl

© Loop51, @loop51_ams

No problem

Nada Amsterdam is a casual music and wine bar where the atmosphere is always as good as the tunes blasting from the speakers. Perhaps the most vibrant late-night spot in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood.
Uiterwaardenstraat 99, Amsterdam – denada.amsterdam

Even more of Amsterdam's best listening bars

Café Wu

Whether you're into hip-hop or jazz, you'll be in good hands at the Asian Café Wu. The menu is a fusion of Asian ingredients and European cooking techniques, and the music selection is a mix of locales. So you'll be able to savor your dinner afterward.
Dapperstraat 1, Amsterdam – cafewu.nl

© Café Wu Amsterdam, @cafewu.ams

Bennies

Bennies is a great spot for dinner, but it's also the perfect place for a good glass of wine (or cocktail) and a spot on the long sofa. Enjoy the music that resonates from the record players. It's also perfect for a date night.
Helicopterstraat 28, Amsterdam – benniesrestaurant.nl

© Bennies Amsterdam, @benniesamsterdam

Bar Hana Ichiba

Excellent sushi and equally excellent music? At Bar Hana Ichiba, it's the order of the day. At least, it's the order of the day on Mondays, when they serve a delicious omakase menu. On other days, it's pure enjoyment with the music and Japanese cocktails. This place is the world's first matcha cocktail bar.
Geelvincksteeg 4H, Amsterdam – barhanaichiba.nl

Paindemic

Toasties, burgers, and a speakeasy bar. Walking into Paindemie on Kinkerstraat, this space might suggest otherwise. Besides the delicious sandos (Japanese sandwiches), the cocktails here are just as good. Enjoy them upstairs in a cozy setting that's as reminiscent of a traditional Dutch pub as it is of an old-fashioned Japanese bar. Either way, it's the perfect spot for a date night.
Kinkerstraat 122, Amsterdam – Instagram

© Paindemie

Even more of Amsterdam's best listening bars

Corner store

Cornerstore is a hit for dinner and drinks. The dishes have Asian influences and never fail to surprise. Records are already playing during dinner, but after the last bite, the tables are even cleared away.
Papaverweg 11, csnoord.com

© Your Little Black Book – Cornerstore

Benelux Bar

You can come from 16pm Benelux Bar Enjoy snacks and drinks. The extensive cocktail menu has everything your heart desires, and the accompanying snacks are also exceptional. Just as special as the music playing from the vinyl player. Perfect for a night out with friends, a birthday party, or a date.
Filled-in Hamerkanaal 83, Amsterdam – be-ne-lux.bar

© Benelux Bar, @benelux.bar

Even more of Amsterdam's best listening bars

Murmur

Amsterdam North continues to gain popularity, and Murmur Amsterdam contributes significantly to this. When you approach from the street, Murmur is practically invisible, and that's part of its charm. This helps the place retain its mystical character, making you feel like you're in some kind of alternative speakeasy bar. But once inside, the atmosphere is always vibrant and lively.
Aambeeldstraat 60, Amsterdam – murmurmur.nl/mur

© Murmur, @murmur.ams

radio radio

Calling Radio Radio a nightclub doesn't do this Westerpark venue justice. It's also an event space and radio station where you can enjoy a drink and listen to a wide selection of music – from early morning until late at night.
Pazzanistraat 3, Amsterdam – radioradio.radio

more Amsterdam tips

Radio Radio Amsterdam