Amsterdam
Amsterdam's craft-beer scene runs deeper than the tourist taps. These ten are where locals drink. The craft beer bars on this list span every neighbourhood worth a trip, the central districts all show up, and every price tier from a $5 local pour to a $25 hotel-bar tasting. Each bar earns its spot for a different reason.
CENTRUM · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
A Bar draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
CENTRUM · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Arendsnest draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
THE AMSTERDAM TRADITION: DARK WOOD · $ · COCKTAIL BARS
You come here for a cold Heineken or a house jenever, not a cocktail with a story. The room fills up early on Fridays, but there is always space at the bar for . Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing, the upstairs gets loud.
THE CENTRE · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Bar Oldenhof is a small Jordaan cocktail and whisky bar that takes both seriously. The room is intentional, leather banquettes, dim lighting, around 30 seats , . Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
OUD-WEST · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Bar Roti draws a steady local crowd in Oud-West. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
DE PIJP · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Bo Cinq draws a steady local crowd in De Pijp. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
CENTRUM · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Bourbon Street Jazz Club draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing, the upstairs gets loud.
THE CENTRE · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
No reservations needed. Drop by the taproom and enjoy fresh craft beer in one of Amsterdam's most iconic settings. Arrive early on weekends. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
THE CENTRE · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Curated bar guides, cocktail trends, and hidden gem discoveries sent to your inbox every week. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
CENTRUM · $$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Cafe Belgique draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
$$
In de Wildeman occupies a former distillery on Kolksteeg, a short walk from Centraal Station. The proeflokaal pours more than 250 European beers, with around 18 rotating taps and a quiet, wood-lined back room. It closes Sundays and keeps the focus on the beer rather than food.
Use this guide either as a single curated route through Amsterdam or as a checklist to revisit over a long weekend. Reservations are flagged where they matter. Otherwise, walk in. Below: the ten craft beer bars that any serious drinker in Amsterdam would tell you to put on the list.
A Bar draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
Arendsnest draws a steady local crowd in Centrum. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening. Order: the bar's house signature. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Looking beyond Amsterdam? See our guide to the best craft beer bars worldwide, or compare craft beer bars city by city. Or find craft beer bars near you.