Amsterdam is well known for many things, but not necessarily it’s craft beer scene – especially since it’s nestled between the better known beer meccas of Belgium and Germany. However, it’s location is precisely why it should be considered a top beer destination. Along with the picturesque views, the romantic canals and liberal districts, Amsterdam very much proves to be a beer lovers vacation. In no particular order, here are my top picks for beer tripping in Amsterdam.
Bones & Co inside The Greenhouse Effect Hotel
Located in the red light district, this was the first bar that we came across that wasn’t pre-stocked with a standard list of Trappist beers. Behind the bar, rocking out to the Beastie Boys, was Sam – our first of several favorite bar tenders. He promptly introduced us to a myriad of local brews and he recommended most of the bars on this list. Sort of a dive bar atmosphere at the heart of the party district with excellent craft beer.
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Proeflokaal Arendsnest (“Eagle Nest Tasting Room”)
Ardensnest is the only all Dutch beer bar in the city with the motto “if it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much”. Proper glassware, highly trained staff, proper serving temperatures and beautiful pours. This is the quintessential Amsterdam experience complete with a beer bib for your stemware.
30 on tap, 100+ bottles.
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Café ZILT
Located near the red light district, we were ever so grateful to Sam for this pick. We ended up making daily stops at Cafe ZILT because the service was impeccable and the beers were rare and free flowing. “The bartender” (to protect his identity) broke out rare bottles each time we were there to share with the small crowd, along with cheese and sausage (Trignac XII 2013 as an example…)
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Café Gollem
Amsterdam’s orginial Belgian beer bar. Yes, it is definitely and ode to all things Hobbit, Café Gollem is a cozy pub with a stellar bottle selection.
14 taps, 200+ bottles
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BeerTemple
The owner of Arendsnest decided that Amsterdam also needed a bar that celebrated the American beer culture, and so the BeerTemple was born. The bar also hosts beers from Brewdog, Mikkeller, Evil Twin and others. This is a must do stop so you can actually get a pint of that beer that you only get a 4oz taste of at your friend’s bottle share.
35 drafts and 60+ bottles.
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Brouwerij De Prael
Located 20 minutes train ride from Central Station, this downtown brewery houses a bar, restaurant and bottle shop. The taproom / restaurant is quirky and cozy with a selection of mainstay, seasonal and collaboration beers on tap. From the shop you can mix and match packs of beer to take home from other local breweries like Oedipus and Two Chefs.
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We did plenty of sight seeing, so we didn’t have time to hit all of the places on Sam’s fabulous list. Here are a few of the other highly recommended spots:
Butcher’s Tears – Small brewery located in the Zuid district
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De Bierkoning – Over 1500 beers…
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Bierproeflokaal In De Wildeman – A wide selection of Dutch, German, Belgian and American beers
18 drafts, 250+ bottles.
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Café Belgique – Specializing in Belgian beers
8 drafts, 50 bottles.
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Brouwerij t’IJ – Local brewery located about 20 from Central Station
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Delirium Café – Sister bar to the enormous Belgian version. More than 3,000 beers…
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