FreshieCraft beer in Amsterdam
Netherlands · Europe
The scene
Amsterdam's craft beer scene has matured rapidly from the 'Brouwerij 't IJ next to a windmill is the only craft option' era. Today the city has serious breweries in Noord (Walhalla, Oedipus, Brouwerij Het IJ) and west/centre brewpubs (Two Chefs, plus other tap bars). Dutch craft leans toward American-influenced hazies and lots of saison/farmhouse. De Bierkoning near the Royal Palace remains one of Europe's best bottle shops since the 1990s.
Breweries, brewpubs & taprooms
Where to drink in Amsterdam
Walhalla Brewery & Taproom
Noord brewery requiring a quick ferry trip from Central Station. Hazy IPAs and pilsners both rated excellent. Friendly bartenders (Oscar and team called out). Hand-illustrated cans worth collecting.
Wed-Sun afternoon-12am (Sun closes 9pm)
Brouwerij 't IJ
Amsterdam's iconic craft brewery (founded 1985), built next to a working Dutch windmill (de Gooyer). Tasting flights of 5 are the way. Outdoor terrace fills up on warm days. The required first stop for first-time Amsterdam craft beer visits.
Daily 2pm-10pm (weekends from 12pm)
Oedipus Brewing
Bigger Noord brewery with a playful experimental approach (lemongrass, pepper, spice infusions). Huge space, multiple rooms, beer garden. Family-friendly weekends. Burger-focused food.
Wed-Sun afternoon-11pm/1am
Two Chefs Taproom
Two Chefs brews on-site and serves their own beers plus food. Chocolate Martini Stout gets specific praise. Kofta burger with harissa is the food call. Smaller crowds than 't IJ — easier to actually sit down.
Daily afternoon-11pm/2am
For takeaway
Bottle shops
Sterk Amsterdam
Convenience-store-meets-craft-shop. Late hours make it the after-other-places-close pickup. International food + craft beer selection. Bakery in-house. Westerpark area, easy walk from Two Chefs.
Daily 9am-1am+
De Bierkoning
Operating since 1996 — one of Europe's most respected bottle shops. Belgian and Dutch lambics, US craft (incl. legacy Anchor), Dutch craft. Behind the Royal Palace on Paleisstraat. Beer glasses for every imaginable style.
Tue-Sun (closed Mon), 11am-7pm (Sun shorter)
J&B Craft Drinks
Oud-West neighborhood craft shop with a back room for tastings + events. Great fridges, fresh juicy IPA focus. Outdoor seating. Worth the small detour from central.
Tue-Sun (closed Mon), afternoons through evening
Practical
Getting around & local context
Most central beer spots are walking distance from one another. Noord breweries (Walhalla, Oedipus, Het IJ) require the free ferry from Central Station — easy but requires planning. Trams cover everything else. Dutch beer is reasonably priced (€6-8 pint). Most places open afternoon — true beer drinking happens evening.