8 Amsterdam craft beer spots you can’t miss

Dutch beer is really on the up. The Netherlands now has even more breweries than the brewing heartland of Belgium, and the craft beer scene in Amsterdam is booming. We’ve put together a list of the eight coolest spots to sample the tastiest Dutch brews.

Butcher’s Tears

Karperweg 45, 1075 LB Amsterdam

This no-frills brewery in South Amsterdam has a carefully crafted selection of homebrews and a laid-back vibe. The scene is effortlessly cool – think taproom in a converted garage, ink drawings on the wall, some chairs in the car park. There’s often live music on weekends, so keep an eye on their website if you want to combine microbrews and dancing.

Foeders

Ceintuurbaan 257, 1074 CZ Amsterdam

This cosy bar near the River Amstel has plenty of local character and an ever-changing Dutch and Belgian beer list (30 taps!). The friendly owner is a big fan of spontaneous fermentation, so expect tap takeovers from breweries making lambic and the like.

Oedipus

Gedempt Hamerkanaal 85, 1021 KP Amsterdam

This brewery in North Amsterdam is all about creative flavours. Their industrial-style taproom is open from Thursday to Sunday, with a new beer kegged each weekend. Try the ‘Mannenliefde’, or Manlove, a refreshing saison with lemongrass and Sorachi Ace hops, or the ‘Thai Thai’, a twist on the the traditional Tripel made with coriander and orange peel.

De Biertuin

Linnaeusstraat 29, 1093 EE Amsterdam

This gastropub in the East of the city has incredible chicken and an even better beer selection. The 10 taps and over 60 bottles focus on local beers, with some overseas selections to round off the menu. Soak up the lively atmosphere inside or out – the terrace is heated for Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam

A brewery inside a windmill – it doesn’t get more Dutch than that. You can while away an afternoon here, trying the brewery’s well-priced flights and seasonal beers. Favourites include the IPA, a bitter, grapefruity brew, and the classic Natte, a dark beer with notes of brown sugar, nuts, and plums.

Craft & Draft

Overtoom 417, 1054 JR Amsterdam

Beer is taken seriously at this classic bar in West Amsterdam. It has over 40 beers on draft and more than 100 by the bottle, with a nice mix of Dutch, American, and lesser-known European brewers – many of which visit for tap takeovers. It’s best to sip your way through the menu on the sunny terrace, or bring a takeaway jug of your favourite to grassy Vondelpark.

Arendsnest

Herengracht 90, 1015 BS Amsterdam

This canalside bar in the Jordan has an exclusively Dutch beer menu – and with 52 taps and over 100 bottles, that’s a whole lot to choose from. The bartenders know their stuff, so ask for help finding your favourite. Unsurprisingly, the bar is very popular, so expect the crowds come weekend.

Tap Zuid

Maasstraat 70, 1078 HL Amsterdam

If you want to taste all the brewers of Amsterdam in one place, this inviting restaurant-bar in the South of Amsterdam has got you covered. There’s beer from favourites like Pampus, Cinema Brewers, and Two Chefs, and the kitchen serves hearty burgers that go perfectly with a local pour. The wine and cocktail menu will keep less beer-crazy friends happy too.

Where to crash?
You’ll need a good night’s rest after all those brews. Booking.com beer enthusiasts loved the Room Mate Aitana, a design hotel on the River IJ east of Central Station. The Bridge Hotel is also a favourite, situated on the River Amstel right next to the famous Skinny Bridge. Or try The Student Hotel Amsterdam City – a super-hip spot out in East.