An updated version of this article was published in 2021.
Rotterdam has become a trendy city for a number of reasons, not least of all because of the fun and diverse range of craft beer bars that are popping up all over town. I can always appreciate a great craft beer, so the bars that I like best are the ones that really know their stuff and provide an interesting beer selection and unique beer experience.
Quite a few great bars didn’t make my favorites list. Some of them don’t serve local (Rotterdam brewed) beer, which I think is odd and lacks pride for our wonderful city. Other bars don’t have a creative beer selection in my opinion or are overpriced. But the most important reason of all, there are just too many really good bars. So if you are missing your favorite, don’t hesitate to add it in the comments section below!
Here is my personal top 10 of really awesome beer bars in Rotterdam.
1. KAAPSE BROUWERS
The order of the top 10 is pretty random, except for number 1. Kaapse Brouwers is absolutely my favorite bar in Rotterdam, because they really are #1 in everything. They have fantastic beers, an amazing bar with great ambiance, 30 beers on tap, live music on weekends, a very interesting bottle shop and they are superstars at organizing great beer tastings and tap takeovers. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about all the beers they serve. The selection on tap varies frequently and if you aren’t sure which draft beer to choose, you can always taste before you buy. And the beer glasses come in two sizes. Beat that!
The ‘sister’ bar, Kaapse Maria, is near Central Station and is equally fabulous!
2. Proeflokaal Faas
(Address: Zwaanhals 248B; website)
3. Proeflokaal De Riddert
I only just recently discovered this bar. It’s right down the street from central station and I’ve probably passed it a hundred times, but never thought to go inside. But I was in for a surprise, a hidden gem! My friend and I couldn’t get a table at the Chinese restaurant next door, so we decided to wait a bit in the bar. The owner suggested we get a take-out and eat it there, so we could enjoy a nice craft beer to go with our food. Sold! And I have been a fan ever since. A real Dutch ‘bruin’ café with a not-so-standard beer list.
(Address: Mauritsweg 28; website)
4. Bokaal
Café Bokaal has one of the best terraces in town. On a sunny day this is the place to be! And they serve good food and beers too, so chances are you won’t want to leave anytime soon. They have a varied beer selection and sometimes even have their own brew on tap. The Bokaal #1 saison is one of the best local saisons I’ve tried!
(Address: Nieuwemarkt 11; website)
5. Brouwerij Noordt
What better place to taste beers than where they are brewed! Last year Brouwerij Noordt opened their very own tasting room. With 20 beers on tap, you will be sure to find a Noordt beer you haven’t tried before. The brewery is located in a former fire station and the taproom is open from Thursday to Sunday. Definitely a fun experience!
(Address: Zaagmolenkade 46; website)
6. Eurotrash United
*Update: closed per June 2019, will be replaced by Hofbrouwerij Reijngoud*
Officially opening this week on April 21, I took a sneak peek last Friday of this new bar that has been the buzz of the town for the past few months. And rightfully so! One of the co-owners is the artist who created the huge ceiling of the Markthal, so you can imagine this bar is an equally artful masterpiece. A nice contrast to the ‘trendy’ beer bars downtown. And the Eurotrash beers are not sold at most other bars (as far as I know), so that alone is a very good reason to check it out!
Check out the behind-the-scenes story here.
(Address: Vijverhofstraat 10; website)
7. Verward
Café Verward is a lovely new bar near the center of town in the Hoogkwartier. The two owners are really into drinks and food. Their focus is not only on serving special, out-of-this world craft beers, but they give it a very personal touch by helping to choose the one that will suit your taste. One of the best beers I’ve ever tasted came from their tap (Anderson Valley – Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout). I haven’t tried the food, but I know they put a lot of effort into beer and food pairing, which is definitely taking the craft beer revolution to another level!
Check out the Verward behind-the-scenes story here.
(Address: Hoogstraat 69A; website)
8. Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim
Technically a brewpub instead of a craft beer bar, De Pelgrim was established in 1996 and is located in a wonderful historic 700 year old building in the beautiful area of Delfshaven. A tour of the brewery will give you some inside information on how the beers are made and the history of the brewery (costs are 10 EUR). If you can’t decide which one of their award winning beers you want to taste first, order a flight and taste them all!
(Address: Aelbrechtskolk 12; website)
9. Proeflokaal Reijngoud
Located on the popular Witte de Withstraat, Reijngoud perfectly combines the craft beer craze with Rotterdam’s trendy bar scene. They have quite a large beer selection and a great terrace that is open both summer and winter. No need to worry about giving up your spot to get a bite to eat somewhere; they serve food right there in the bar! If you want to avoid standing all night, make sure to come on time, as it gets very crowded on weekends.
Café Boudewijn, Reijngoud’s brother on the Nieuwe Binnenweg, has a similar beer list and great atmosphere.
(Address: Schiedamse Vest 148; website)
10. Belgisch Biercafé Boudewijn
This bar is located on the trendy and vibrant Nieuwe Binnenweg and has an extensive list of beers, plus 18 on tap. It’s a popular place with the locals. They serve good pub food and put on fun little beer festivals during the year on their terrace out back.
(Address: Nieuwe Binnenweg 53a-b; website)
