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casual bars

Check out 10 of my favorite casual bars and restaurants – places I usually head to at the weekends when I fancy a drink or a bite to eat.

1. Waterkant

As far as bars go, this hidden gem in Amsterdam is one of my favorites. Hiding under a car park and behind a petrol station, heading into Waterkant is a strange feeling. But once inside you’ll be on a large, open, waterside terrace which enjoys full sunshine – making it a super popular spot for the locals in the summer. 

Waterkant is also accessible by boat, so if you’re hiring a boat why not make it one of your stop off points!

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2. Hannekes Boom

Hannekes Boom is centrally located but slightly hidden from the tourist track. This bohemian hang out is constructed from reclaimed wood and salvaged materials, with a huge outdoor beer garden and a rooftop bar and terrace. They often have live music and DJ nights and a great drinks and snacks selection. Definitely a spot that attracts the cool crowds!

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3. Pllek

One of my favorite drink spots in Amsterdam, Pllek is a water-side bar and restaurant serving food and drinks from 9am till 3am. This laid back beach-side bar is located in the north of Amsterdam, easily accessible by passenger ferry which departs from the back of Centraal Station.

The best thing about Pllek is the location – it has unrivalled views over the River IJ and has plenty of bean bags, hammocks and benches facing the water. 

With a focus on sustainability, 75% of their menu is vegetarian and they use mostly local foods. It’s a perfect spot in summer – with al fresco DJ sets and open air cinema nights.

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4. The Butcher Social Club

Experience food, music, games or art in this large, casual hubspot. They are open 24-hours at the weekends and located in the Sir Adam Hotel next to the A’DAM Tower. The burgers are great, and you can play as much football table, Ping-Pong, pool and pinball as you like.

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5. Hangar Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam North in an old hanger by the river-side, Hangar is a very trendy, modern, rustic-chic eatery attracting both locals and tourists. Great in summer for a drink overlooking the water, or in winter for a fancy cocktail by the bar.

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6. Brouwerij ‘t IJ

This small brewery in Amsterdam is located in a former bathhouse, next to a large windmill, making it a very picturesque stop for a beer. The beers are really good, get the flight to try a variety of their draft beers and maybe some typical Dutch snacks, too! Check out their website for brewery tours.

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7. Bierfabriek Amsterdam

Drink and eat amongst beer tanks at this microbrewery hidden down a small street just off Dam Square. At Bierfabriek they brew their own beer and serve amazing slow-roasted chicken – super juicy and full of flavor. But the two best things about this place are the draft tap tables that enable you to pour your beer yourselves from where you’re sitting, and secondly that you can eat unlimited peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. Great, right?!

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8. Delirium Cafe

This is the biggest craft beer bar located in Amsterdam, with so many beers on the menu that their available beers are listed in a ringbinder! They have over 500 bottled beers and around 20 craft beers on draft. Located near Centraal Station and overlooking the water, this is a perfect spot for lazy beers in the sun.

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9. Floor 17

If you’re staying in the West of Amsterdam and love a rooftop bar, I’d definitely recommend a visit to Floor 17. Located atop a hotel in Rembrandtpark, this large bar comes complete with sunset views, cocktails, DJ sets and BBQs.

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10. De Tulp

This tropically themed spot is popular with locals, offering a tapas-style dining experience in the early evening before transforming into a busy bar that’s open until the early hours. The tropical menu matches the vibes: fresh coconut and ginger beer, unusual cocktails, and exciting lunch dishes. They also have salsa nights every Tuesday!

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