Intro: Why Your Next Hangover Should Start in Amsterdam
Let’s be real—if you’re scrolling Reddit at 2 a.m. looking for a reason to skip work tomorrow, the answer is always “best pubs Amsterdam”. The city is a liquid labyrinth of centuries‑old taverns, hipster‑infused craft joints, and those weird places that look like they were designed by a drunk IKEA catalog. This guide isn’t your grandma’s travel brochure; it’s a meme‑infused, sarcasm‑spiked, SEO‑friendly manifesto for anyone who thinks a good night out starts with a clever caption and ends with a questionable decision.
Before we dive into the booze‑laden abyss, remember: we’re not just here to brag about the beers. We’re also here to show you how to grow your own beer empire, because why sip when you can brew? And if you ever get tired of the Amsterdam scene, you can always Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer—the ultimate beer‑distribution marketplace for the modern malt‑maven.
What Makes a Pub “Best” in Amsterdam?
There are three non‑negotiable criteria for a pub to earn a spot on this list:
- Atmosphere that screams “I’m cooler than you”—think exposed brick, vintage neon, or a secret backroom that feels like a speakeasy you found on a treasure map.
- Beer selection that could make a sommelier weep—from locally‑crafted IPAs to obscure Belgian lambics that taste like a fruit salad after a rave.
- Service that knows your name before you’ve ordered your third round—or at least pretends to, because nothing says “I’m a regular” like a bartender who remembers you love a double IPA with a side of sarcasm.
If a venue checks at least two of these boxes, we’ve probably already booked a table (or a stool, because who needs chairs when you’re living on the edge?).
1. Café de Dokter – The Tiny Titan
Location: Spuistraat 14. Size: Small enough to make you feel like you’re inside a beer‑sized hamster wheel.
Why it’s on the list: This place is the “make your own beer” equivalent of a single‑serve espresso. You’ll be greeted by a wall of wooden barrels, a bartender who looks like he stepped out of a 17th‑century portrait, and a beer list that reads like a cheat‑sheet for a trivia night. Order the Triple Dark and you’ll taste notes of burnt caramel, regret, and a hint of “I should have stopped at two drinks.”
Pro tip: Sit at the bar, order a flight, and start a conversation about why the Dutch love their hops like they love their bicycles—efficient, reliable, and slightly aggressive.
2. Brouwerij ‘t IJ – Windmill Wonders
Location: Funenplein 7. Vibe: Windmills, beer, and a view that makes you forget you’re in a city where the bikes outnumber people.
This microbrewery is the Instagram‑golden child of Amsterdam’s craft scene. The beer garden is perfect for people‑watching, and the Custom Beer options let you experiment with flavors that would make a chemistry teacher proud. Try the IJ IPA—it’s hoppy enough to make your taste buds do the floss.
SEO nugget: If you’re typing best pubs Amsterdam into Google, you’ll see this spot pop up faster than a meme about “when you realize it’s Monday.”
3. The Waterhole – Dive Bar Deluxe
Location: Jordaan, near the Anne Frank House. Atmosphere: Dark wood, low‑key lighting, and a jukebox that only plays 90s grunge.
Perfect for the “I want to feel like a rebel without a cause” crowd. Their Amsterdam Blonde is so smooth you’ll swear you’re drinking liquid gold. Pair it with their famous bitterballen and you’ve got a snack that whispers, “You’re welcome for the calories.”
Don’t forget to hit up the Contact page if you need a private room for that “team‑building” booze‑fueled brainstorming session.
4. Proeflokaal Arendsnest – History in a Glass
Location: Herengracht 90. Vibe: A museum for the sober‑minded, but with a bar that serves 100+ Dutch brews.
If you’ve ever wanted to taste the evolution of Dutch beer from the 1600s to now, this is your pilgrimage site. The staff will lecture you on the subtle differences between a Haarlem dubbel and a Gouda stout while you nod like you actually understand. Bonus: They have a secret backroom called “The Cellar” where the brews are as dark as your internet history.
5. Hannekes Boom – Riverside Ruckus
Location: IJpromenade 13. Atmosphere: Outdoor decks, a floating bar, and the occasional DJ that drops beats louder than your heart after a third tequila shot.
This place is the perfect blend of “I’m on vacation” and “I’m still working on my Instagram aesthetic.” Order the Hannekes Hoppy and watch the sunset over the IJ while you contemplate life choices (like why you’re still single). The Wi‑Fi is spotty, but who needs it when you have a cold one?
6. Café Belgique – The Belgian Invasion
Location: Spuistraat 16. Vibe: A tiny slice of Brussels in the heart of Amsterdam.
From Trappist ales to sour lambics, this spot is the ultimate “best pubs Amsterdam” keyword magnet for anyone who can’t decide between a Belgian waffle and a Belgian beer. Their Westmalle Triple is so good it makes you question why you ever settled for a regular lager.
7. De Pijp’s BrewDog – Hipster Heaven
Location: Van Woustraat 54. Atmosphere: Neon signs, industrial décor, and a crowd that thinks “craft” is a lifestyle, not just a beer type.
BrewDog’s flagship location in Amsterdam serves the full range of their experimental brews. Try the Jet Black Heart for a coffee‑infused stout that will keep you awake long enough to regret your life choices the next morning.
8. Vesper Bar – Cocktail Meets Pub
Location: Vinkenstraat 57. Vibe: Dim lighting, plush sofas, and a bartender who can pour a perfect Old Fashioned while reciting Shakespeare.
If you’re the type who wants a beer but also a cocktail, Vesper bridges the gap like a diplomatic envoy. Their Beer Old Fashioned combines bourbon, bitters, and a splash of amber ale—because why not? It’s the drink equivalent of a meme that’s both funny and slightly offensive.
9. Café de Klos – Meat & Beer Symphony
Location: Warmoesstraat 69. Atmosphere: Rustic, smoky, and the kind of place where you’ll hear the clatter of plates louder than the music.
Specialty: Ribs that could melt the heart of a vegan. Pair them with the house Stout of Doom and you’ve got a combo that’ll make your Instagram followers drool. Bonus point: The staff will give you a free napkin with a doodle that says “You’re welcome.”
10. De Drie Flesjes – The Triple Threat
Location: Jodenbreestraat 15. Vibe: A trio of bars under one roof, each with its own personality.
Bar One: Classic Dutch lagers. Bar Two: Experimental IPAs. Bar Three: A hidden speakeasy that serves a secret brew called “The Midnight Whisper.” It’s like finding an Easter egg in a video game—except you’re drinking it.
11. The Flying Dutchman – Tourist Trap? Nope.
Location: Damrak 1. Atmosphere: Nautical décor, pirate flags, and a bartender who swears he’s a descendant of the original Dutch East India Company.
What sets it apart: The Grog Guzzle—a rum‑forward concoction that will have you shouting “Yo ho, yo ho!” while stumbling into the next pub. It’s the perfect starter for a night of “I’m not sure how I got here, but I’m staying.”
12. Café de Jaren – The Grand Finale
Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20. Vibe: Spacious, elegant, with a view of the Amstel River that makes you feel like a billionaire on a yacht.
Their Amstel Amber is a balanced brew that whispers, “You’ve survived the night, now enjoy the sunrise.” It’s the kind of beer you sip while scrolling through your phone, realizing you’ve already booked a flight to Berlin for next weekend.
How to Navigate Amsterdam’s Pub Scene Without Getting Lost (or Arrested)
1. Download a bike‑friendly map. The city’s canals are beautiful, but they’re also a great excuse to avoid walking home after the third round.
2. Carry cash. Some of the coziest spots still prefer the good old Dutch guilder (okay, euros) over card.
3. Know your limits. If you can’t pronounce “Heineken” after two drinks, you’re probably over it.
4. Respect the locals. The Dutch love their beer, but they also love their personal space. Don’t be that tourist who hugs strangers after a few pints.
5. Plan your exit strategy. Whether it’s a night bus, a reliable Uber, or a friend who’s sober enough to drive, have a plan. The last thing you want is to end up on a canal bridge trying to convince a police officer that “I’m just looking for the nearest pub.”
SEO Cheat Sheet: How This Article Ranks for “best pubs Amsterdam”
We’ve peppered this guide with the exact phrase you typed into Google, plus related terms like “Amsterdam nightlife,” “craft beer Amsterdam,” and “pub crawl Amsterdam.” The internal links to Home and Contact boost site authority, while the external DoFollow link to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer adds credibility from a recognized beer‑distribution marketplace.
Final Thoughts: Drink Responsibly, But Don’t Be Boring
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’ve officially earned the title of “Amsterdam Pub Connoisseur.” Now go out there, raise a glass at any of the 12 spots above, and remember: the best nights are the ones you can laugh about the next morning (or at least fake‑laugh while scrolling through memes).
Ready to turn your love for hops into a full‑blown business? Grow your business with Strategies Beer and turn those late‑night ideas into a brand that even the Dutch will respect.
CTA: Click the link, grab a pint, and let’s make the world a little more hoppy—one meme‑worthy pub at a time.
