Discover Amsterdam’s Best Craft Beer Bars
Navigating Amsterdam’s vibrant artwork, bridges, and canals can indeed be thirsty work. While traditional lagers served with a hefty head of foam are widely available, an ever-growing selection of cool craft beer bars offers something more unique. From hip microbreweries to charming canal-side hangouts, here are the top spots for ale enthusiasts in Amsterdam.
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
The term proeflokaal translates to ‘tasting room’, and with 50 full-flavoured beers on tap, no Amsterdam ale house quite earns this title like Arendsnest (arendsnest.nl). Located on the grand Herengracht canal, its copper pipes, mahogany walls, and waistcoat-clad bartenders create a nostalgic atmosphere. If you’re feeling peckish, delve into a cheese or sausage plate from the chalkboard menu, which pairs perfectly with a superior beer.
Bierfabriek
Bierfabriek (bierfabriek.com) is known for its knockout beers brewed on-site, plus the sheer thrill of tossing peanut shells on the floor. The experience of feeling the crunch underfoot is part of the fun. When hunger strikes, be sure to sample their famous grilled chicken, pairing it with a pilsner, porter, or ruby ale, all crafted just a peanut’s throw away.
Butcher’s Tears
Tucked away at the end of an industrial street in the Zuid neighborhood, the secluded location of Butcher’s Tears (butchers-tears.com) adds to its raw charm. This brewery-cum-tasting room attracts a diverse crowd, ranging from hipsters to pensioners, with a minimalist white-tiled interior emphasizing the quality of the beer. The offerings on tap frequently change, and patrons will often find delicious bread to enjoy.
Oedipus Brewery and Taproom
Take a free ferry to Amsterdam Noord for a drink at the warehouse-style taproom of Oedipus Brewery (oedipus.com). Founded by four friends with a passion for international beers and experimental brewing methods, Oedipus has captivated a loyal following with creations like their delicate and citrusy Mama pale ale. Their colorful labels are instantly recognizable, and the taproom is adorned with elaborately painted walls reflecting this unique branding.
Kauffmann
Falafels and craft beer might not be a traditional pairing, but Kauffmann (barkauffmann.nl) challenges this notion with its vibrant, Matisse-like mural and hanging plants basking in natural sunlight. The drinks menu showcases lesser-known craft beers from around the Netherlands, featuring selections from Utrecht, Nijmegen, and Tilburg, alongside tasty falafels.
Craft and Draft
Craft and Draft (craftdraft.nl) is proud to offer an ever-rotating selection of 40 beers on tap, representing an encyclopedia of international and Dutch beers. The bar itself is cozy, with exposed brickwork, wooden furnishings, and a friendly atmosphere. If the beer board appears a bit overwhelming, you might choose a tasting set of three beers to ease your decision-making process.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Renowned among both tourists and locals, enjoying a beer next to Amsterdam’s largest windmill is a unique experience that never fails to impress. However, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is not just a photogenic spot. It brews some of the city’s most beloved beers, including the chocolatey Columbus ale at a hefty 9%, and boasts an attractive bar housed in an old municipal bathhouse, where many original features remain intact.
Brouwerij Troost
Embark on a unique journey at this monastery-turned-brewery, situated in the lively De Pijp area. At Troost (brouwerijtroost.nl), beers are brewed on-site, allowing you to sip your Session Indian pale ale while observing the brewing process. This cozy, candlelit bar is an inviting venue to spend an evening sampling 10 delightful beers on tap.
Brouwerij de Prael
Concealed within one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Brouwerij de Prael’s tasting room offers a warm ambiance for beer lovers. The spacious area features a blend of industrial lighting, vintage furnishings, long wooden benches, and tiled walls, complemented by beers brewed on-site using organic ingredients. Tours are also available at the brewery entrance nearby.
BeerTemple
Just a hop, sip, and hiccup from the vibrant Dam Square lies BeerTemple (beertemple.nl). Although the stickers on the walls and the dimly-lit surroundings may appear unrefined, this bar specializes in American craft ales and attracts crowds with its 35 diverse brews on tap, alongside an extensive selection of rare bottled varieties.
