Amsterdam Beer & Food Explorations
Amsterdam Beer & Food Explorations
- By thenoisethatwemade
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- 18 Jul, 2017
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A city where beer and windmills combine to glorious outcomes.
That's Amsterdam.
Luckily due to family connections, it's a place I get to visit at least once a year and each time the beer scene develops. Here a little guide to a number of places, it's not a definitive list, just a list, my list and I hope you enjoy it:
A great place to start is this brewery tap room, situated at the foot of a windmill, not far from the city centre stretch of Amsterdam. You can walk, you can also jump on a tram. We did the latter. You'll only really find Brouwerij 't IJ own beer on the draught taps, but with the variety in styles that isn't a problem, as you'll find plenty to work your way through. There's a paired down food offering including meatballs and cured sausages.
De Bierkoning
A long-standing specialist beer shop around 15 minutes walking distance from Central Station. Housed across two floors and even a small 'cellar' area for tasty lambics. Make sure you go with plenty of cash in the pocket! Friendly, knowledgeable owners too who'll help you with suggestions. Always a bonus.
A US inspired beer bar just around the corner from De Bierkoning with a hefty tap list.
A small outside seating space to the front (Amsterdam style - tables and chairs on pavement), leads into a long thin room with further high tables and stools, then the 30+ tap bar to the left and stairs ahead up to another smaller room filled with booths. We visited this place a number of times as it can be on the way to and from many other routes, if you know what I mean...Simple meat and cheese boards on offer too, ask for the menu at the bar.
A classic Dutch 'brown bar' with an enviable draught list, relaxed and somewhat darkly lit interior. We found a number of UK treats on draught including a cask of Weird Beard on the bar, which was an unexpected sight. A welcome rest area off one of the main shopping streets in Amsterdam.
A 50 draught tap sanctuary of Dutch beers. Along a canal side with terrace out front and steps up to this long thin tasting room; the walk out of central 'Dam is a worthwhile excursion.
Head out to young upstarts Oedipus Brewing by catching the free ferry from the back of Central Station. Check their social media before you head up as they often have food and DJs planned in. A ten minute walk from the ferry landing will find you enjoying the delights of their converted warehouse which holds their brewery and taproom.
A laid-back neighbourhood beer stop and bottle shop combined. So many taps I lost count, but I'm sure their website will inform you of the tasty treats available. They often host free tastings too, we happened to be sat at the bar and accidentally joined one of the sessions, hosted by a friendly barkeep. This place became a bit of a pit stop most days.
A huge converted indoor space houses one of the best street food markets I've been too. I say this as they've managed to keep variety of food traders, atmosphere and seating in a well balanced way. The only bug would be the beer offering - we found a few independent Dutch breweries on tap and bottles like Oedipus but the selection was small in comparison to the rest of the mainstream beer offering. Food was great especially the bahn mi from Viet View and who can resist a tasty hotdog with all the trimmings - thanks Bulls and Dogs! (pictured below).
A brewery with a social agenda - De Prael is a kind of community brewery offering work to people struggling to gain experience or opportunities on the ladder. We took the brewery tour which lasted roughly 30 minutes and took you through a walking tour of the somewhat maize like interior. Who would have thought all that equipment was housed behind the facade below?!? The tour ended in their cosy brewpub with a tasting flight (and nuts - BONUS). Good value for money and considering the place is right in the centre of the red-light district, it was a place of harmony and peace.
One of my favourite Dutch breweries in terms of flavours and creative expression. Het Uiltje's bar is in downtown Haarlem, just a short train ride from Amsterdam central. This place comes highly recommended out of the 30 taps we sampled Spanish, US and Dutch brews across such a varied range of styles.
A former church now transformed into a brewpub, bar and restaurant. A sight to behold; take a walk upstairs to get the full view! Jopen brewed beers on the bar plus a few guests. Just round the corner from Het Uiltje.
In an unassuming part of Amsterdam outside the city centre, you'll find this brewery outpost. I loved the simple, white design of the interior - clean, industrial look with utilitarian benches and music played from behind the bar on what looked like a Riga deck.
Fancy a bit or culture if all the beer gets too much? Visit the Stedelijk Museum for contemporary art and design....
If you happen to head to Amsterdam in January you can catch the Light Festival. Pick-up a guided boat tour near Central Station which will take you on a watery ride past spectacular light illuminations and animations.
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