Bruincafés in Amsterdam

casual neighbourhood pubs

most bars stay open until 1 or 2 am

What is a Brown Café?

A bruin ("brown") café is similar to a pub. What the pub is for the Londoner, is the brown café for the Amsterdammer. They are casual, neighbourhood gathering spots, where people meet looking for a drink, a snack and friendly conversation.

Most brown cafes have at least different sorts of beer on tap and Dutch jenever, a spirit similar to gin. The quality of wine served in these cafés vary per location.

⟩ Anno1890 at Amstelveenseweg, Amsterdam / photo: Klaas Fopma

Why "brown"?

Brown cafés - also called "kroegen" - are located all around the city but especially in the Jordaan and in the Old Centre.

The term "brown" comes from their generally dark interiors with tottering old chairs and tables, wooden floors and stained walls that supposedly owe their hue to years of smoking patrons.

Interior and social function

Standard decor for a 'real' bruincafé are: the bar (or counter) with high stools, tap and sometimes a billiard table. Patrons often gather around the bar or around a large table, which is called the "regular table" (stamtafel). These regular guests or patrons are therefore called "stamgasten", and their favorite pub is their "stamkroeg" or "stamcafé".

The building of Cafe Oosterling dates back to 1735. It was formerly used by the Dutch East India Company to sell coffee, tea and spices from the Far East. Family Oosterling bought the building in 1877 and started a liquor store and cafe, which it still is.

Behaviour of regulars

A regular of a brown café knows the barman's (first) name, and he or she will also know the names of other regulars.

Conversely, the barman knows exactly what a regular drinks. At arrival his drink will unasked be served to him - a hand gesture is enough. Therefore he feels comfortable and at home in the pub and he considers the staff and other patrons as good friends.