Going out for a beer is something many of us do on a weekly base. But where can you really enjoy a good beer in Rotterdam? To help you on your way, we share a few nice places for a drink in Rotterdam, which you might not have thought of yet.
1. Sijf
The characteristic café Sijf was voted the winner of the Café Top 100 in the Netherlands this year. The jury wasn’t only impressed with the modern business operations, warm hospitality and the no-nonsense mentality; the old-fashioned appearance of the café was also a big plus.
With up to 70 different specialty beers, you are at the right place for a nice cold beer at Sijf. Do you also want something to snack? Then order one of the street food dishes such as the Bao Bun or a delicious hot dog.
Address
Oude Binnenweg 115, 3012 JB Rotterdam
2. Belgisch Biercafé Boudewijn
A real Belgian bar and therefore perfect if you fancy a special beer. They have 24 types of tap beers here and more than 200 bottled beers. Of course you can also order food such as shrimp croquettes, mussels and beef stew. Also all typical Belgian dishes. A bar with a cozy atmosphere where it is always packed on the weekends.
Address
Nieuwe Binnenweg 53a-b, 3014 GD Rotterdam
3. Café Verhip
At Café Verhip, a no-nonsense bar, you can have lunch, dinner and drinks.
It’s also a great place for a nice, cold beer. In addition to Hertog Jan, they have five specialty beers on tap here, which change per season.
Fancy a snack? Order some cheese sticks, vegan spicy toasties or enjoy an old-fashioned, typical Dutch bittergarnituur with all kind of fried stuff!
Address
Sint-Jobsweg 21, 3024 EH Rotterdam
4. De Witte Aap
With a beautiful location on the Witte de With street, De Witte Aap is a favorite of many. They have even been named ‘best bar in the world’ by the Lonely Planet! The audience is very diverse and it’s perfect for both a beer or coffee on the terrace, as well as dancing the night away on their dance floor. An ideal start to an evening out or to socialize with your friends.
Address
Witte de Withstraat 78, 3012 BS Rotterdam
5. Café van Zanten
There are only a few people in Rotterdam who do not know this bar. It is also not to be missed when walking along the Meent or the Binnenrotte, thanks to the strikingly large terrace that catches the sun until the late hours. In the weekends it is packed with people who enjoy a beer, wine and the pleasant atmosphere.
Address
Meent 44, 3011 JL Rotterdam
6. Bokaal
With their lovely terrace, it is a nice bar to go to in the summer months. But even in winter you can easily go to Bokaal, thanks to their heated terrace. It is a typical bar but with a contemporary edge, with many wooden and brown details without it appearing dusty or old. There is plenty of choice in beer and wine, and a tasty snack is also essential.
Address
Nieuwemarkt 11, 3011 HP Rotterdam
7. NRC
NRC is certainly not a typical brown pub, but definitely a household name in Rotterdam. Just like many other bars in this list, you will find NRC on the always bustling Witte de With. The evening starts with a drink at their large bar or on the spacious terrace on the street, but soon turns into a club with a lot of dancing on the dance floor on the first floor as well as in the basement. A great place for a drink after work that might turn in a long night of clubbing…
Address
Witte de Withstraat 63, 3012 BN Rotterdam
8. Jazzcafé Dizzy
Food and drinks, combined with good jazz music in the background. Jazzcafé Dizzy has been in Rotterdam for decades and is unique in its kind. A cozy atmosphere for young and old, with great performances every week. Check the website to see who’s playing in the coming weeks!
Address
‘s-Gravendijkwal 127, 3021 EK Rotterdam
9. Proeflokaal Reijngoud
They call themselves a no-nonsense beer bar and have a nice terrace where you can sit well in both good and bad weather. With countless types of beers and bitter garnishes as well as a prime location right next to Witte de Withstraat, this is a nice place for a cozy beer on Friday or Saturday nights.
Address
Schiedamse Vest 148, 3011 BG Rotterdam
10. Kaapse Maria
Perhaps you are already familiar with their big ‘brother’, namely the ‘Kaapse Proeflokaal’ in the Fenix Food Factory. In recent years, however, they have opened a new bar, namely ‘Kaapse Maria’, where it is all about the combination between beer and food and the story behind the products. When you order your beer, they are happy to tell you where it comes from and who brewed it. A nice place for a date for example!
Address
Mauritsweg 51, 3012 JC Rotterdam
11. #Wunderbar
Jawohl, a real German bar in Rotterdam on the Witte de Withstraat. In the same building as NRC you will find #Wunderbar, as part of WORM. With a German theme, of course, you can only expect tasty, special beers and different types of sausages. The design – and especially the toilets – is also nice to see. With lots of wood and random decorations, this place is a nice addition to the list of nice bars in Rotterdam. Good to know: the music is not German;).
Address
Boomgaardsstraat 71, 3012 XA Rotterdam
12. De Pelgrim
Since 1996 Stadsbrouwerij de Pelgrim has been making beer for Rotterdam. The building is located next to the Pilgrim Fathers Church in Historical Delfshaven. Here you drink in your own tasting room Pelgrim beer from the barrel and bottle. The tasting room is the beating heart of De Pelgrim and was formerly the former town hall of Delfshaven. A cafe for true beer lovers in Rotterdam.
Another nice option is to have a beer tasting here. Check our article with places for a beer tasting in Rotterdam for more inspiration.
Address
Aelbrechtskolk 12, 3024 RE Rotterdam
13. Locus Publicus
A cozy pub in the middle of Kralingen on the Oostzeedijk. Expect a lot of (special) beer here, a lot of students and a cozy atmosphere. Because with the atmospheric (brown) design and the fireplace as the center of the bar, it is a great place to stay for a nice evening drink.
Address
Oostzeedijk 364, 3063 CD Rotterdam
In which bar in Rotterdam will you start your weekend?
