Craft beers and microbreweries have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their emphasise on quality, flavour and brewing techniques. No wonder those delicious craft beers have also become a local favourite in Amsterdam! Want to sample the best beer in the city? Check out some of these local breweries and bars for some of the best craft beer in Amsterdam.
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Best Craft Breweries
When exploring a new city, it's about experiencing places as the locals do; finding out the best local secrets and avoiding tourist traps. On the recommendation of numerous guidebooks, many visitors to Amsterdam visit the Heineken Experience to get a “taste” of a local beer. Whilst Heineken is certainly the most famous Dutch beer, Amsterdam boasts a number of smaller, independent breweries that put the Netherlands on the map as one of the world's top countries for craft beers. So my advice to you is to skip the Heineken Experience, save yourself €20, and read on to my top picks of local breweries, all complete with a great atmosphere.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
The Brouwerij ‘t IJ (Brewery IJ) is a clear favourite amongst regulars and new comers alike. First of all, this brewery, taproom and beer garden are located beneath a windmill. I know - can it get any more Dutch? Whether you like beer or not, this is a really great place to sit and sip a drink. Over the past few years, IJ beers have been growing in popularity across the city - and when you taste them you’ll know why. Brouwerij ‘t IJ offers seven standard beers plus several other seasonal and special beers available to try, enough to keep you entertained all day and into the evening. Grab a board with cheese and sausage on the side and you’ll have yourself a classic Dutch experience. (Pssst: The mill is still working!).
© Photo credit by Bastian
Brouwerij Troost
Brouwerij Troost is another Amsterdam favourite, found in three different locations across the city: one in de Pijp, one at Oost (West Amsterdam), and one at Westergas in the Westerpark. Troost has one of the biggest selection of beers to sample, all made in-house, as well as a killer food menu. The Westergas brewery has a big outdoor terrace and a stylish interior where you can see the brewing machinery from your seat.
Want a closer look? You’re also welcome to join a guided tour of the brewery at 4pm every Saturday. And it gets better! Every Wednesday you can come enjoy live jazz music from 8pm at Brouwerij Troost Westergas.
© Photo credit by Brouwerij Troost
Brouwerij Troost Westergas: Craft Beer Brewery
Pazzanistraat 27, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Brouwerij Troost Oost: Craft Beer Brewery
Land van Cocagneplein 1a, 1093 NB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Brouwerij Troost De Pijp: Craft Beer Brewery Amsterdam
Cornelis Troostplein 21, 1072 JJ Amsterdam, NetherlandsOedipus
Oedipus is a small brewery that puts a little mischief into brewing. Oedipus creates a diverse selection of quality craft beers, though slightly more unorthodox than those found at IJ and Troost. They've got some unique flavours and interesting names... ‘Salty Dick’, ‘Thai Thai’ and ‘Panty’ - not your average beer names! Their taproom in the North of Amsterdam is as quirky and likeable as their beers too, with a comfortable atmosphere where you can relax while enjoying your drink.
Take note that Oedipus is only open through Thursday-Sunday. Every Sunday you can head over for their weekly event "Liquid Jams". There you can enjoy a delicious burger, drink some beers, and listen to a local DJ till 11pm. Check out their website for more cool events.
© Photo credit by Oedipus
Best Bars for Craft Beer
Although it’s nice to be at a brewery, it is not strictly required to enjoy local craft beers. In fact, heading to a bar which specialises in craft beers rather than the brewery itself can be an advantage as there are so many more different beers to try.
Proeflokaal Arendsnest
Located right in the centre of the city in the beautiful Jordaan area, at Proeflokaal Arendsnest you can try over 100 beers - all Dutch! This cosy, wood-panelled cafe is a favourite spot for locals as there is always something new to try, and popular amongst visitors for a taste of Holland. The bartenders really know their stuff - so if you want a recommendation for which beer to try next, all you have to do is ask! If the weather permits, sit out on their waterside terrace and watch the boats go by on the Herengracht (one of the main canals of Amsterdam).
© Photo credit by Proeflokaal Arendnest
Craft and Draft
Craft and Draft is another favourite for both locals and visitors. Here you can also try over 100 different beers - though this time they come from all over the world, not just the Netherlands. Come and try out a selection of international beers and see which country you think produces the best craft beer. Sit in their cosy bar or out on the terrace, or take a ‘growler’ away with you (1 litre bottle of tapped beer) to drink in the park - or wherever you like!
© Photo credit by the Extraordinary Ordinary
Inspired and want some more? Check out my article of Amsterdam's Best Hangover Bar for some of the most comfy bars in the city.
An article curated with ❤ and 🍺for PartyWith, the free app that connects people who love to party.
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