Where in Amsterdam are the brown cafes and lunch cafes?

The cafés of Amsterdam are everywhere. So, let’s go find the cafés that offer you a little more than a great brew of coffee. Perhaps a little atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by, relaxation in a cosy brown café, some Dutch cuisine and culture, or even a great brew of beer!

Our first stop is the Jordaan neighbourhood, the epitome of Dutch culture. There you will find the best apple pie you can imagine at Winkel43. Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, you can relax on the terrace, watching the world go by, at the corner of Westerstraat, where it enters the Noordermark. Next, for some serious coffee brews, you can order espresso or freshly squeezed juice at the Koffee Spot, which you will find at Elandsgracht 53.

The next stop is nearby – in the Nine Little Streets (De 9 Straatjes). The Delirium Café will confirm your suspicion that in Amsterdam, the term, café, is almost synonymous with the term, bar! This café is where you will have trouble choosing from the wide selection of drafts and bottled beer on their menu. Not to mention the barbecued meat! Then in complete contrast, we find the Toos en Roos on Herengracht 309. Whether you enjoy a breakfast or a lunch over there, don’t forget to try their Cappuccino.

Our final stop is in the De Pijp neighbourhood in Amsterdam’s Old South district, where we can try the kaastengels (cheese sticks) and a Spanish coffee, spiked with some Tia Maria, on the terrace of the Café de Punt on Tweede Jacob van Campenstraat 15.

But that’s not it! Amsterdam cafés are yours to explore, and there are many! But do note a slight difference between cafés and coffee houses – you likely won’t meet the “rainy day woman” at a café!

Look here for more famous Amsterdam brown cafes