Quick answer
Brouwerij 't IJ stands out as the best overall choice, combining an iconic windmill setting with excellent, accessible craft beers.
- Best overall
- Brouwerij 't IJ
- Best budget
- In de Wildeman
- Best experience
- Oedipus Brewing Taproom
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection for Amsterdam's best craft beer venues was meticulously curated through extensive local research, expert reviews, and real-time visitor feedback. We prioritized establishments offering exceptional beer quality, unique atmospheres, and diverse selections, ensuring a memorable experience for every beer enthusiast.
Brouwerij 't IJ
Located beside the iconic De Gooyer windmill, Brouwerij 't IJ is Amsterdam's most famous craft brewery. It offers a lively atmosphere, an outdoor terrace perfect for sunny days, and a range of organic, unfiltered beers that are staples in many Amsterdam bars. Their tasting room is a must-visit for classic Dutch craft.
🍽️ What to order
Zatte (Tripel) or IJwit (Wheat Beer)
💡 Insider tip
They also have a smaller, less crowded taproom called 't Blauwe Theehuis in Vondelpark for a more relaxed setting.
"You absolutely HAVE to go to Brouwerij 't IJ. The windmill, the vibe, and Zatte... it's just pure Amsterdam."— r/Amsterdam user
Oedipus Brewing Taproom
Oedipus Brewing is known for its bold flavors, colorful branding, and a fantastic taproom in Amsterdam-Noord. Their space is bright, often hosts DJs or events, and features an ever-changing lineup of inventive beers. A rotation of food trucks ensures you'll always find a delicious pairing.
🍽️ What to order
Mannenliefde (Saison) or a seasonal sour
💡 Insider tip
Take the free ferry from Central Station to NDSM-Werf, then it's a short walk or bike ride. Combine it with exploring the creative Noord district.
"Oedipus is such a fun spot, great music, wild beers, and the food truck game is always on point. Definitely worth the trip to Noord."— r/travel user
Craft & Draft
Nestled in the bustling De Pijp district, Craft & Draft boasts an impressive 40 taps featuring a constantly rotating selection of local, national, and international craft beers. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their diverse offerings, making it a paradise for any serious beer connoisseur.
🍽️ What to order
Ask for a flight of their latest unique guest taps
💡 Insider tip
Their menu on Untappd is usually updated in real-time, so you can check what's on tap before you go.
"Craft & Draft is my go-to for variety. Seriously, 40 taps, they always have something new and exciting. Staff know their stuff too!"— r/Amsterdam user
BeerTemple
Founded by the same team behind Craft & Draft, BeerTemple was one of Amsterdam's first bars to champion American craft beer. Located centrally, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a focus on high-quality US imports, alongside an excellent selection of Dutch and European brews.
🍽️ What to order
Any IPA from a renowned US brewery on tap
💡 Insider tip
Can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Arrive earlier in the evening if you want a good seat.
"If you're into American craft, BeerTemple is your spot. They always have some insane IPAs from the states, even better than some places back home."— r/beertravel user
In de Wildeman
A true classic, In de Wildeman is a historic brown café with a vast selection of Belgian and Dutch beers, both on tap and in bottles. It’s an unpretentious, friendly spot popular with locals and tourists alike, perfect for a relaxed evening of serious beer tasting in a timeless setting.
🍽️ What to order
Any classic Belgian Trappist ale or a local barleywine
💡 Insider tip
They don't serve food, but you can bring your own snacks or pick up some cheese and sausage from a nearby shop.
"Wildeman is legendary. No music, no fuss, just incredible beer and a great atmosphere to actually talk to people. Love that place."— r/Europe user
Café Arendsnest
Overlooking the picturesque Prinsengracht canal, Café Arendsnest prides itself on exclusively serving Dutch beers. With over 50 taps and more than 100 bottles, it's the ultimate destination to explore the breadth and quality of Holland's brewing scene, from established names to obscure microbreweries.
🍽️ What to order
A flight of various Dutch craft beers to sample different styles
💡 Insider tip
Grab a spot on the small outdoor terrace if the weather is good for excellent canal views while you sip.
"Arendsnest is a gem if you want to dive deep into Dutch beers. They have everything, and the canal view is just icing on the cake."— r/Amsterdam user
Butcher's Tears
Butcher's Tears operates out of an industrial space in Amsterdam Zuid, focusing on producing small-batch, often experimental, and highly unique beers. Their taproom offers a minimalist yet inviting environment, attracting those who appreciate sophisticated and unconventional brews.
🍽️ What to order
Their seasonal sour or a farmhouse ale, always something different
💡 Insider tip
Check their website or social media for opening hours, as they can sometimes vary. It's a bit off the beaten path, adding to its allure.
"If you're tired of the mainstream, Butcher's Tears is where it's at. Super creative beers, not for everyone, but if you get it, you get it."— r/food user
Brouwerij Troost (Westergas)
One of Amsterdam's larger and more popular brewpubs, Brouwerij Troost at Westergasfabriek offers a spacious and lively environment perfect for groups. They brew a wide range of accessible beers and serve excellent gastropub-style food, making it ideal for both beer enthusiasts and casual diners.
🍽️ What to order
Troost Weizen and their famous burgers
💡 Insider tip
Located within the Westergas cultural park, it’s a great spot to combine with a stroll through the park or visiting a market/event.
"Troost Westergas is always a good time. Great beers, solid food, and the perfect spot to hang out with friends in Westerpark."— r/Amsterdam user
Café Gollem (Raamsteeg)
With several locations across the city, the original Café Gollem on Raamsteeg is a cozy, atmospheric spot renowned for its incredible selection of Belgian beers. Dimly lit and full of character, it’s a perfect retreat for savoring rare and classic Belgian brews in a traditional setting.
🍽️ What to order
Any obscure Belgian strong dark ale from their bottle list
💡 Insider tip
Don't be afraid to ask the bartender for recommendations; their knowledge of Belgian beers is extensive.
"Gollem is my favorite cozy spot for a proper Belgian beer. Feels like stepping back in time, and the beer menu is endless."— r/beer user
De Biertuin
De Biertuin, meaning 'The Beer Garden,' lives up to its name with a massive outdoor terrace perfect for enjoying good weather and great beer. They offer a solid selection of craft beers, both local and international, alongside a menu of hearty, unpretentious food like rotisserie chicken and ribs.
🍽️ What to order
A classic pilsner or a local IPA with their half rotisserie chicken
💡 Insider tip
It's very popular on sunny days, so try to arrive early to snag a good table on the terrace.
"De Biertuin is fantastic in the summer. Great vibe, good food, and they always have a solid beer list without being too snobby."— r/Amsterdam user
Walhalla Brouwerij & Proeflokaal
Walhalla Brouwerij draws inspiration from Norse mythology, creating imaginative beers with names like Loki and Thor. Their spacious taproom in Amsterdam-Noord is a relaxed place to enjoy their creative concoctions, often featuring unique ingredients and bold flavor profiles. They regularly host events and food trucks.
🍽️ What to order
Loki (IPA) or a seasonal special like the Heimdall Hazy IPA
💡 Insider tip
Check their website for brewery tours and special events. They often have new releases or collaborations.
"Walhalla in Noord is such a cool spot. Love the mythology theme, and their beers are always interesting. Loki is my absolute favorite IPA right now."— r/beercirclejerk user
Gebrouwen door Vrouwen Bar
Founded by two sisters, Gebrouwen door Vrouwen (Brewed by Women) has a vibrant bar in the popular De Pijp area. Their beers are known for being approachable, often fruity and light, but always full of flavor. The bar itself is colorful and lively, attracting a diverse crowd.
🍽️ What to order
Bloesem (Blond Ale with Elderflower) or Gin Weizen
💡 Insider tip
They also offer a small menu of bar bites that pair well with their beers. It's a great place to start an evening in De Pijp.
"Gebrouwen door Vrouwen bar is just a really happy place! Their Gin Weizen is surprisingly good, and the whole vibe is super welcoming."— r/travel user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price for a craft beer in Amsterdam?
The average price for a pint or a 0.3L/0.4L glass of craft beer in Amsterdam typically ranges from €6 to €9 ($6.50 to $9.70). Prices can vary based on the brewery, beer style, and the venue's location, with specialty or high-ABV beers sometimes costing more.
Are there many breweries in Amsterdam that offer tours?
Yes, several breweries in Amsterdam offer tours and tasting sessions. Brouwerij 't IJ and Brouwerij Troost are popular choices, providing insights into their brewing process and history. It's advisable to check their respective websites for tour schedules and to book in advance.
Which neighborhood is best for craft beer hopping in Amsterdam?
De Pijp and the Centrum (city center) areas are excellent for craft beer hopping. De Pijp offers a mix of modern taprooms like Craft & Draft and cozy bars. The Centrum boasts historic brown cafés like In de Wildeman and specialty bars such as BeerTemple, all within walking distance of each other.
Can I find non-alcoholic craft beer options in Amsterdam?
Absolutely. The demand for quality non-alcoholic (NA) craft beers has grown significantly in Amsterdam. Most dedicated craft beer bars and breweries now offer a selection of NA options, often from local Dutch brewers or well-known international brands. Just ask the bartender for their current selection.
Is it customary to tip in Amsterdam's craft beer bars?
Tipping is not mandatory in Amsterdam but is always appreciated for good service. If you had a pleasant experience, leaving a few euros or rounding up the bill is a common practice. For larger groups or extensive service, a 5-10% tip is generous.
Are Amsterdam's craft beer bars generally dog-friendly?
Many of Amsterdam's craft beer bars and brewpubs are dog-friendly, especially those with outdoor terraces or a more relaxed, neighborhood vibe. However, it's always a good idea to check with the specific venue beforehand or look for 'honden toegestaan' (dogs allowed) signs. Always keep your dog on a leash and well-behaved.
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