Brown Café Amsterdam: Explore the Heart of Dutch Pub Culture

The fabled brown cafes of Amsterdam are arguably as worthy of a visit as any landmark or tourist attraction. Few places in the city encapsulate Dutch culture and traditions like these inviting, rustic nooks, where gezelligheid, otherwise known as coziness, and social gatherings go hand-in-hand.

I’ve discussed these cafes on numerous occasions during my Amsterdam food tours, as I’ve grown increasingly fond of them with every trip to the Dutch capital. Here, you’ll find all of my favorite brown cafes in Amsterdam that are sure to leave a lasting impression on you!

What is a Brown Café? Definition and Key Features

Photo credit: Café Chris

Contrary to their name, brown cafes in Amsterdam are old-school pubs that are unlike any other style of establishment in the city. These bars are characterized by their dark wooden furnishings, tobacco-stained walls, and sense of gezelligheid or coziness.

Social interaction and intellectual discussion are at the forefront of brown cafes, though some have background music. Beer and jenever are often the drinks of choice for patrons, and snacks like bitterballen and borrelnootjes are typically available, too.

The Cultural Significance of Brown Cafés in Amsterdam

The brown cafés of Amsterdam are hugely significant to Dutch culture, and these homely cafes even have a dedicated section on the city’s official tourist site. They stand as epicenters of social gatherings and showcase local culinary favorites, particularly in the city’s historic Jordaan neighborhood.

Nonetheless, brown cafes have had to make changes to keep up with current trends. It’s become a challenge to do so while retaining their signature charm. Still, many bars have tried to attract younger generations with diverse drink options and sustainable practices to keep up with modern, hipster haunts.

The History and Origins of Brown Cafés

Amsterdam’s brown cafes trace their history and origins to the 19th century, as locals opened them as living room-style pubs for extra income. However, many have been around in some form since the Middle Ages and were used as distilleries. Like coffee shops, they’ve grown as hubs for conversation and connection.

Notable Brown Cafés to Visit in Amsterdam

Café ‘t Smalle

Café ‘t Smalle feels a little more polished than your typical brown cafe in Amsterdam, yet this canal-side spot still has ambient lighting and traditional furniture.

Inside, the vibe was chilled and low-key. I went for a classic pairing of beer and bitterballen, opting for Amstel. The crisp, citrusy lager was exactly what I needed on a warm afternoon, and the meaty, ball-shaped treats were perfectly fresh and crunchy. 

Café ‘t Smalle (€€) – Egelantiersgracht 12, 1015 RL Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café De Twee Zwaantjes

Photo credit: Café De Twee Zwaantjes

Café De Twee Zwaantjes is a compact hideaway that’s been serving customers for more than a century. I just about managed to get a seat inside and was immediately charmed by the friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere.

While enjoying one of the cafe’s iconic sing-along sessions, I sipped on a creamy glass of stout. This wouldn’t generally be my drink of choice, but this particular variety had a bitter, chocolatey flavor I couldn’t get enough of.

Café De Twee Zwaantjes (€€) – Prinsengracht 114, 1015 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café Brecht

Photo credit: Café Brecht

I’d heard that Café Brecht was the go-to brown cafe in Amsterdam for German beer, and the funky, retro decor inside set the scene right away.

The selection of beers was fantastic here, and the Augustiner Helles was proving particularly popular. Of course, I had to get in on the action and quickly grew fond of this lager’s malty yet sweet flavor profile.

Café Brecht (€€) – Weteringschans 157, 1017 SE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café De Dokter

 

Photo credit: Café De Dokter

Café De Dokter is Amsterdam’s smallest bar, and it’s among the brown cafes I was most excited to visit. The wooden, picture-covered walls and cluttered shelves looked like they hadn’t changed since the bar opened in the late 1700s.

Instead of going for a beer, I ordered a gin and tonic. It certainly hit the spot with its tarty flavors and floral finish.

Café De Dokter (€€) – Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café Hoppe

Photo credit: Café Hoppe

Café Hoppe has been around since the 17th century, though it looks as chic and classy as ever.

When I spotted the rows of gin barrels behind the bar, I knew jenever was on the cards. I tried my best to enjoy this beloved Dutch liqueur like a local, savoring every drop of this smokey, woodsy delight.

Café Hoppe (€€) – Spui 18-20, 1012 XA Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café de Wetering

The no-frills decor, expansive fireplace, and warm staff make Café de Wetering one of the city’s most enchanting brown cafes.

I was feeling a little peckish, so I ordered some savory borrelnootjes to go with my blond Belgian beer. Unlike most beers I’ve tried, it had a lovely spicy kick to it that worked well with the subtle hoppy tastes and fruity tones.

Café de Wetering (€€) – Weteringstraat 37, 1017 SM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Café Chris

Photo credit: Café Chris

Said to be the oldest brown cafe in Amsterdam, Café Chris is the perfect place to go if you want to feel like you’ve stepped into 17th-century Holland.

Between the chunky wood beams, vintage furnishings, and delicious bock beer, I could easily have spent hours here. It was my first time trying bock, and I was struck by the caramel-like flavors and smooth mouthfeel.

Café Chris (€€) – Bloemstraat 42, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands.

De Pilsener Club

De Pilsener Club is a snug, modest cafe with a bustling outdoor area and a solid line-up of drinks and snacks. 

I ordered some small plates of fresh olives and liver sausage, washing them down with a zingy local lager. Although the beer was excellent, the quality of the food really stood out to me, and I’d come back just to sample more of that decadent and super creamy sausage meat!

De Pilsener Club (€€) – Begijnensteeg 4, 1012 PN Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Conclusion

If there’s anywhere that showcases the Dutch population’s love for socializing, coziness, and tradition, it’s the brown cafes of Amsterdam. With a craft beer or jenever in hand, you’ll fit right in!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Iamsterdam. (n.d.). Cafés and bars in Amsterdam. Iamsterdam. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/calendar/eating-and-drinking/cafes-and-bars?bar-type=brownbar

‘t Smalle. (n.d.). Welcome to ‘t Smalle. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://t-smalle.nl/

Café De Twee Zwaantjes. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://cafedetweezwaantjes.nl/

Café Brecht. (n.d.). Café Brecht. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from http://www.cafebrecht.nl/?&TL=EN

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Cafe De Dokter (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – attraction review. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188590-d605626-Reviews-Cafe_De_Dokter-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html

Café Hoppe. (n.d.). Home – Café Hoppe. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://cafehoppe.com/en

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Cafe de Wetering (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – restaurant review. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g188590-d4541250-Reviews-Cafe_de_Wetering-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Cafe Chris (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – restaurant review. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g188590-d3459400-Reviews-Cafe_Chris-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). De Pilsener Club (Amsterdam, Netherlands) – restaurant review. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g188590-d7932780-Reviews-or10-De_Pilsener_Club-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html