Visit brown coffees are small institutions in Amsterdam.
During your visit, I'm sure you'll come across a few.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about it and show you the best addresses in town.
Amsterdam brown cafés: article summary
Brown coffee in Amsterdam: what is it?
Firstly, a brown cafe is just a traditional Dutch pub that usually serves tasty snacks and drinks, including cold draught beers, spirits and wines. However, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
Brown pubs are an integral part of Amsterdam life. These traditional bars and cafés are known for their dark, comfortable interiors, darkened by the sun. by years of cigarette and cigar smoke and wooden interiors.
Le Café Hoppe
Café Hoppe is one of Amsterdam's most popular brown cafés and an ideal place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. This Amsterdam staple is located in Spuiin the heart of downtown Amsterdam.
The atmosphere here is unreal, with a fun overflow of people on the terrace, whatever the weather. Despite its location in the heart of the city, this bar remains a must for many locals.
At Café Hoppe, they also distill their own ginIt's an ideal place to enjoy this type of beverage. You can see the old barrels lined up behind the bar.
In summer, take a seat outside and enjoy the moment with the beautiful architecture around you. In winter, grab a large table in the back for make yourself comfortable and enjoy traditional Dutch dishes.
Brown coffee in Amsterdam: Café In 't Aepjen
Café in 't Aepljen translates as "Coffee with the monkeys. It's Amsterdam's oldest brown café and tells an incredible story.
It got its name because when sailors returned from their round-the-world voyages, they brought back exotic animals, especially monkeys, to pay off their unpaid bills at the bar.
This historic building is well worth a visit to marvel at its history. You can even see several monkey statues inside.
This one is more popular with tourists, as it's in the middle of De Wallen, and many tours of the area stop in front of the bar.
If you are arriving by train from Amsterdam Central StationIt's easy enough to stop here for a drink on the way to your hotel if you're staying in the city center.
Le Café De Dokter
It's one of my favorite places to have a beer at the bar and relax. Café De Dokter also has a fascinating history.
First of all, the French translation is "le café du Docteur". It bears this name because it was opened by a former surgeon from the nearby hospital. It's become a not-to-be-missed for medical students and doctors after work.
The interior of this brown café features an incredible number of old knick-knacks on the walls, dusty lamps and a warm environment. The place is ultra-typical and offers a comfortable environment for friendly conversation.
As the coffee is rather small, I recommend you try to arrive early in the evening to get a seat in this incredible bar.
Brown coffee in Amsterdam: Café de twee Zwantjes
The Two Swans, or De Twee Zwaantjes as it's known in Dutch, is a cozy brown café located just across the street from Anne Frank's house. It first opened its doors in 1780. Today, it still features this charming canal-side setting.
Offering a wide selection of Dutch beers, this café is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. With its traditional Dutch decor and tobacco-stained wallpaper, it's no wonder that The Two Swans is a favourite among locals. one of Amsterdam's best brown cafés.
Le Café Chris
Café Chris is a popular pub located in Jordaan. This cozy, rustic brown bar continues to be a favorite with travelers. It's one of my favorites for its relaxed atmosphere, great food, delicious drinks and friendly service.
It's a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, offering a peaceful place to relax with friends or family. Sample some of their tasty classic Dutch beers, wines, Dutch gins and snacks. while enjoying the view.
Like most brown cafés, you won't find any music, just newspapers, magazines, a pool table and a crowd lost in conversation.
Brown coffee in Amsterdam: Café 't Mandje
Café 't Mandje is a brown bar with an illustrious history. The iconic Bet van Beeren opened the bar when she was just 25.
From the moment she took possession, Bet made sure the bar was a safe place for gay men and women not to be persecuted.
In fact, in the 1950s, when many hate crimes occurred, Bet lit a porcelain owl behind the bar to warn customers of a potential belligerent.
Today, Café 't Mandje is a haven of peace for all. The staff are helpful and friendly, and the customers are welcoming. You'll find ice-cold Gulpener on draught, as well as other beers, wines and cocktails.
Arrive early if you want a seat. The café is very popular and fills up fast.
If you're visiting Amsterdam, I recommend you try one of the brown cafés above. You'll discover the unique atmosphere of Dutch bistros. What you need a change of scenery and a great evening out.
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