Around 1980, the Netherlands had a historically low number of just 19 breweries. But now in Amsterdam alone there are 16 breweries with their own installation and more than two dozen so-called rental brewers, who carry out their recipes with third parties. What are the best Amsterdam beer bars to enjoy these local Dutch craft beers?

Dutch beer is known for its high quality, and there are many different types to choose from. Some of the most popular Dutch beers include Heineken, Grolsch, and Amstel. Dutch beer is often brewed with a combination of hops and malt, giving it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other types of beer.

Dutch beer is also relatively low in alcohol content, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy a few drinks without getting too drunk. Whether you’re looking for a light lager or a dark stout, you’re sure to find a Dutch beer that suits your taste.

In the 1980s, Dutch brewers all made a cowardly type of factory beer, state Edo Dijksterhuis and Jan Willem Kaldenbach in their new book Wish You Were Beer – breweries, bars and beer shops in Amsterdam.

But the Netherlands has caught up and now has a higher brewery density than Great Britain or even beer country Belgium. The writers tip the five best Amsterdam beer bars – in random order – where you can taste many types of Amsterdam brewery beers

1 | Arendsnest in Amsterdam Center

A temple for Dutch beer. The driving force is Peter van der Arend, one of the first certified ‘beerologists’ in The Netherlands. The bar is equipped with a record number of 52 taps that only draw home-grown beer. This is the place to taste, study and discover.

Reviews

4,7 out of stars | 2.944 Google reviews

Address: Herengracht 90

2 | Bret in Amsterdam West

An oasis in the office desert of Sloterdijk. Bret is based in welded sea containers and upholstered with recycled material. Amsterdam beer from Brothers in Law Brewing, Oedipus and Two Chefs Brewing flows from the ten taps. The first techno party was celebrated with a specially brewed Gin & Tonic IPA called Disco Bitch for the occasion.

Bret is also a great, cozy club! It has three levels. On the ground-floor is has the main-room with the DJ-booth, dancing area and bar. The second level looks down at the dancing area and DJ-booth, offering a bit more space. On the third level you can find a rooftop terrace.

This venue also has a really nice garden and enough space to chill.

Address: Orlyplein 76

3 | Foeders in Amsterdam South

The most attentive bartender in Amsterdam is also a source of information on beer. Yuri Hegge expertly guides every customer with choice stress through his extensive menu. Foeders – named after a wooden barrel for fermentation – has 42 taps with a range that is always fresh and changes regularly.

Combine this beer bar in Amsterdam with a visit to the best market in town: The Albert Cuyp Market. Here you will find delicious Dutch delicacies. This market is also a good place to buy souvenirs that you can easily take with you on the plane.

Address: Ceintuurbaan 257

4 | Tap Zuid in Amsterdam South

If it is brewed in Amsterdam, then Tap Zuid has it. The café with an American-inspired interior also produces De Amsterdamse Leeuw(Lion) in collaboration with Pontus Brewing. It is tapped during its own summer festival, which takes place on its doorstep.

Address: Maasstraat 70

5 | Bar Joost in Amsterdam East

Amsterdam Beer Bar Joost is a great place to have a drink for a few reasons. First, the bar has an extensive selection of beers, both local and imported. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beer lover or just looking to try something new.

Secondly, the bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, so they can help you find the perfect brew to suit your taste. Finally, the atmosphere at Amsterdam Beer Bar Joost is relaxed and informal, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

The main pub of local brewers who regularly try out their new creations. The beer menu is 100% Amsterdam. During UnTapped Nights, regulars present rare beers for high-level tasting sessions.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want to enjoy a cold beer in good company, Amsterdam Beer Bar Joost is the place for you.

Address: Molukkenstraat 33

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Beers and sunshine. Is there even a better combination? Discover this selection of the finest Amsterdam beer garden options in the city center. The best places to get your drink and tan on. Discover below!

Café Fonteyn

At Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt – just next to the Red Light District – we find two iconic, classic beer terraces. Sun-worshipers post themselves on the east side at Café Fonteyn, where you, in their own words, “cannot dine, but you can sob extensively and snack on the right level.”

All this combined with an effective (inter) national beer selection that takes alcohol and gluten-free beer into account. This cafe has an great view on The Waag, Amsterdam’s 2nd oldest building, which is located in the middle of the Nieuwmarkt square. Cafe Fonteyn is perfect for people watching as well.

Address: Nieuwmarkt 13-15

Lokaal ‘t Loosje

Anyone who attaches a little less value to a sunbath and appreciates a more exciting choice of beer will find everything the heart desires on the terrace at Lokaal ‘t Loosje. A well-stocked terrace with a neighborhood atmosphere and above all well-tapped and donated beers: eight on tap, more than two handfuls on the bottle menu.

Address: Nieuwmarkt 32

Aran Irish Pub

Forget the Leidseplein – that is indeed one large terrace, but as someone once aptly put it “with the atmosphere of an abattoir”. We park that for a while: on the nearby Max Euweplein, the sun-drenched terrace of Aran Irish Pub has been on display for years. You don’t go here for controversial beers, but with a good pint of Guinness or sturdy pot lager it is so wonderful to watch passers-by that they could almost ask for extra money just for that.

Address: Max Euweplein 73

Waterkant

People literally hang ‘with their legs outside’, above the water of the Singelgracht. Waterkant offers a Caribbean atmosphere against the backdrop of what is a pretty ugly parking garage. Amsterdam’s oldest brewery Biri was brewed for this ‘nice and loose in the hips’: modeled after the Surinamese Parbobier, a drinkable Caribbean lager.

You will also find more than forty beers from all over the world, like the delicious IPA from Brewdog. But also amazing local beers, like the ones from Gebrouwen door Vrouwen – Dutch beers made by Amsterdam women.

The Surinam food is really nice here! Try the tasty roti or go for the exquisite fried bakkeljauw.

The only downside of the Waterkant is that they don’t have waiters. Here you have to go inside and order your drinks and food yourself.

Address: Marnixstraat 246

Café Soundgarden

Without a doubt the most underrated terrace in Amsterdam is a bit further away, hidden on the Singelgracht. Café Soundgarden is reminiscent of the village of Asterix and Obelix: ‘a cafe that boldly resists powerful’, whoever that may be. Inside you’ll find various pinball machines, a tasty contrary choice of music and an almost perfect beer menu. Worth knowing: they serve Dunkelweiss beer from the world’s oldest brewery, the German Weihenstephan, a rarity.

Address: Marnixstraat 164-166

Pension Homeland

On the Marineterrein, next to the Maritime Museum, we find the terrace, the bar and the restaurant of Pension Homeland. Inside is the brewery of the same name, which supplies a good selection of ‘classics with its own twist’. It sports one of the nicest views in the city. This Amsterdam beer garden offers everything you could wish for as a sun-loving beer lover – in a completely relaxed atmosphere.

Address: Kattenburgerstraat 7

Gollem Aan Het Water

Gollem Aan het Water is the youngest offspring of this typically Amsterdam beer empire – and it boasts a wonderfully quiet terrace overlooking Artis. The adventurous beer lover will be as well catered for here as everyone else. The beer selection is very generous and the wait staff can talk about it thirsty.

Address: Entrepotdok 64

Hannekes Boom

Full steam ahead to the Oosterdok to claim your spot at Amsterdam beer garden Hannekes Boom. Skippers are allowed to moor at the jetty and can then relax on the large sunny waterfront terrace. Non skippers are also welcome. There is a changing weekly menu serving fresh and sustainable dishes. The new menu is on their Facebook every week.

Address: Dijksgracht 4, Amsterdam.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the Dutch culture, beer gardens are definitely the way to go. With plenty of outdoor seating and chilled-out vibes, you can easily spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a cold one (or two) in Amsterdam. And if that isn’t incentive enough, most beer gardens also have great food options available. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore some of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens! Do you have any favorite spots we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

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