Amsterdam enjoys what may be Europe’s most-vibrant craft-beer scene. Amsterdam breweries boasted “microbrewery” status long before that was cool. And the city’s added several more high-quality small brewers in just the last few years. Here are a half-dozen Amsterdam breweries I personally vouch for. And I love beer.
1. Brouwerij’t IJ
Next to the historic 87-feet tall De Gooyer windmill is an equally historic Amsterdam microbrewery: Brouwerij’t IJ. Founded by the musician Kaspar Peterson, this rustic brewery has been serving up some of the most famous Amsterdam craft beer since the 1980s.
Using only organic ingredients, Brouwerij’t IJ has eight standard beers available year-round as well as three seasonal and a few limited edition brews. Furthermore, guests will also find an extensive food menu and a relaxing terrace overlooking Amsterdam’s canals at this brewery.
Brouwerij’t IJ’s official address is 7 Funenkade in Amsterdam-Oost, which is about a 20-minute walk from the Weesperplein metro station. You can visit Brouwerij’t IJ between Monday and Sunday from 2-8PM and can take an English-guided tour Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays at 3:30PM.
2. Oedipus Brewing
Founded by a group of friends in 2009, Oedipus Brewing is one of the more colorful Amsterdam microbreweries. This artsy brewery offers 12 unique craft beers, most of which have hints of exotic flavors, on a rotating basis. Some of Oedipus’s best-known brews include the citrusy Mama, the spicy Thai Thai and the fruity Polyamorie.
Oedipus Brewing offers different tour & tasting packages (some of which include food) in their taproom. There are also numerous live music events going on at Oedipus throughout the year.
You can find Oedipus’ main headquarters at Gedempt Hamerkanaal 85, about a 10-minute walk from the Noorderpark metro stop. Oedipus’ taproom is open on Thursdays from 5-10PM, Fridays through Saturdays from 2-11PM, and Sundays from 2-10PM.
3. Brouwerij Troost
Although Brouwerij Troost is one of the newer Amsterdam breweries, it’s swiftly become one of the most popular. Founded in De Pijp in 2014, Brouwerij Troost now has three new locations in Westerpark, Oost and Oud-West. Guests can usually find 12 beers on tap at these Brouwerij Troost locations on a rotating basis. Some of Brouwerij Troost’s most famous brews include their light Pilsner, German Weizen and New England I.P.A.
Brouwerij Troost is equally beloved for their food as they are for their beer. On Brouwerij Troost’s long menu guests will find exceptional snacks and hearty bar fare including steak, pulled beef tacos, burgers and quesadillas.
Monday through Thursday from 4PM to 1AM, on Friday from 4PM to 3AM, on Saturday from 2PM to 3AM, and on Sunday from 2PM to midnight. Brouwerij Troost only offers guided tours at its more spacious De Westergasfabriek location on Saturday at 4PM.
The original De Pijp location is at Cornelis Troostplein 21, conveniently near the De Pijp metro. Brouwerij Troost’s Westerpark location is a short walk from the Van L.Stirumstraat bus stop.
4. Brouwerij de Prael
Although it doesn’t look like much from the outside, Brouwerij de Prael is a rather large brewery in the heart of Amsterdam. Despite the fact that Brouwerij de Prael is in the steamy De Wallen district, it’s one of the best places to get your hands on traditional Amsterdam craft beers.
The 12 drafts on tap at this brewery are based on traditional European recipes and include I.P.A., Weizen and Scotch ale. Additionally, Brouwerij de Prael also offers a few seasonal brews as well as wide range of food including sandwiches, fried eggs, burgers and a kid’s menu.
Brouwerij de Prael is open Monday through Wednesday from noon to midnight, on Thursday through Saturday from noon to 1AM, and on Sunday from non to 11PM. You can find this brewery at Oudezijds Armsteeg 26 close to the Nieuwezijds Kolk bus stop.
5. Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater
The Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater has a history dating back to the 1730s. At that time, Jan van den Bosch founded this famous brewery, which became known around the world after future owner Jan Messchert van Vollenhoven created the Extra Stout. Heineken owned this brewery for a time, but in 2006 this historic building was transformed yet again into one of the most iconic Amsterdam microbreweries.
There are between six to nine brews on tap at Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater including the famed Original Extra Stout as well the fruity Falcon Ale and the East Indies Pale Ale. Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater also has a tasting room with specialty beers as well as brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. There are 80 seats in the ground floor area and 40 seats in the mezzanine. Guided tours take place on Saturday at 3PM.
Brouwerij Poesiat & Kater is open on Monday through Sunday from 11AM to 1AM. Located at Polderweg 648, this brewery is a short walk from the Muiderpoort bus stop.
6. Butcher’s Tears
Somewhat like Oedipus Brewing, Butcher’s Tears is one of the more imaginative Amsterdam breweries offering unique seasonal brews like the Burton ale “Pantagruel” and the barley wine “Old Geezer.” In addition to specialty and/or seasonal beers on tap, three year-round Butcher’s Tears beers include the Amsterdam pale ale “Green Cap,” the amber ale “The Last Possession” and the saison aptly named “Saison en Enfer.”
This small, casual brewery often hosts events like movie screenings and live music concerts. Also, there’s a tasting room at Butcher’s Tears where guests can sample fascinating small-batch brews.
Open Wednesday through Sunday 4-9PM, this microbrewery is at 45 Karperweg, Oud-Zuid Amsterdam, a short walk from the Haarl’meerstation.
