Many of Amsterdam’s 1200+ bars and cafés are known as so-called ‘Brown Cafés.’ This is in reference to their dark but cozy interiors: woody surroundings framed by nicotine-stained walls and ceilings. Even some of the newer pubs are carefully decorated in this – “we’re older than other cafés” – style.
Amsterdammers see their local bar (‘kroeg‘ in colloquial Dutch) as an extension – or sometimes even replacement – of their own living room. Whether you read the newspapers over your daily cup of coffee, meet a friend for lunch or a quick bite, or imbibe a few beers after work, for many people their favorite bar inevitably becomes a home away from home.
The best way to find a brown café is to simply walk around and pop into the nearest place that looks like it would fit the description.
Some personal favorites, in no particular order, include:
Café van Daele
Café Karpershoek
Café Hoppe
Café De Tuin
Café Kalkhoven
Café De Prins
Café Chris
Irish Pub The Tara (well, yes, technically an Irish pub, but brown as brown can be).
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