Description
Ah, Cafe Scharrebier. It’s the sort of place that feels like Amsterdam’s living room. This cozy brown cafe (or “bruin café,” as locals call them) is somewhere you can lose a few hours without even noticing.
I still remember my first visit: the warm glow of the lights, the regulars chatting at the bar, and that unmistakable scent of years of good times. It feels a bit like stepping back in time, only with better beer.
And the beer selection’s a good reason to stay. Scharrebier pours Dutch classics and international favorites, so there’s something for most tastes. A cold Texels Skuumkoppe by those big windows, watching the world go by, is hard to beat.
It’s not all about the drinks, either. Scharrebier serves snacks to keep you going, and their bitterballen are some of the best in town. The tosti’s are worth a try too. I swear, their ham and cheese toastie has saved me more than once after a long night out!
What really sets Scharrebier apart is the atmosphere. You can arrive on your own and leave having met a dozen new people. The staff are always up for a chat, and the regulars are happy to share a story, or sometimes a drink, with newcomers.
Whether you’re a seasoned Amsterdammer or visiting for the first time, Cafe Scharrebier is a lovely spot to get a feel for the city. Just don’t be surprised if you end up spending half your holiday here.
Key Features
Key features and highlights include:
First, the beer selection. It’s impressive, with Dutch and international brews rotating on tap. From crisp Brand pilsner to rich, complex Chimay Blue, there’s plenty to choose from. Feeling adventurous? Ask about the “Duits bier v/d maand” (German beer of the month). It’s usually a treat.
Not much of a beer drinker? No worries. Scharrebier also has a solid selection of wines and spirits. Their Irish Coffee is a favorite on chilly Amsterdam evenings.
Now, the food. The menu isn’t huge, but they do the classics well. The “portie gemengd” (mixed platter) is my go-to when I’m peckish: a tasty assortment of Dutch bar snacks that goes perfectly with a cold beer. And if they’ve got apple pie, don’t pass it up. It’s a warm hug for your taste buds.
The decor is another thing I love about Scharrebier. The dark wood paneling, vintage beer signs, and old photos on the walls give the place the feel of old Amsterdam. It’s warm and inviting, and makes you want to settle in for a while.
The big windows overlooking the street are great for people-watching, too. I’ve spent plenty of afternoons with a beer in hand, watching Amsterdam go by.
But the staff might be the real highlight. They’re more than bartenders; they know the neighborhood and have stories to share. They also know their drinks, so if you’re unsure what to order, tell them what you like and they’ll help you choose.
The music’s usually just right: never too loud, but enough to set the mood. You might hear anything from classic rock to Dutch folk tunes.
Scharrebier feels welcoming whether you’re on your own or out with a group. It’s a good place to take a break from the tourist crowds and get a taste of everyday Amsterdam life.
Best Time to Visit
When’s the best time to visit Cafe Scharrebier? There’s no bad time, really, but it depends a bit on what you’re after.
Scharrebier opens every day from 4 PM until 1 AM, and stays open until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. So it won’t work for an early morning coffee, but it’s a good fit for the rest of us night owls.
For that classic Amsterdam brown cafe feel, try a weekday evening around 7 or 8 PM. That’s when the after-work crowd starts rolling in. It’s fun watching office workers unwind over a beer or two.
Weekends are a different story. Scharrebier gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights, and you never know who you might end up chatting with at the bar. It’s a good time, though if you’re not keen on crowds, you might want to come earlier.
My favorite time to visit is a lazy Sunday afternoon. There’s something nice about nursing a beer and a tosti as the weekend winds down. It’s usually a little quieter, too, so you can take in the atmosphere and maybe chat with one of the regulars.
Here’s a tip: Scharrebier is especially appealing during Amsterdam’s colder months, which, let’s face it, make up a fair bit of the year. Duck in out of the rain or snow and warm up with an Irish Coffee. It feels like a hug after a wet walk.
If you’re a sports fan, keep an eye out for big matches. Scharrebier isn’t a sports bar, but an important football game can get the place going. Just make sure you’re cheering for the right team; locals take their football seriously.
And don’t forget King’s Day (April 27th, mark your calendars! ). If you’re in Amsterdam for the orange-tinted celebrations, Scharrebier makes a good place to start or end the day. Expect it to be busy, and I mean BUSY.
Amsterdam weather can be… unpredictable. But that’s part of the appeal here. On a sunny day, grab a spot by the window; when it rains, settle inside with a beer and some bitterballen.
How to Get There
Here’s how to find Cafe Scharrebier. Once you know where it is, you might find yourself making excuses to pass by.
Scharrebier is at Ijsseldijk 2, 1078 CK Amsterdam. If you’re not familiar with the area, these directions should help.
Starting from Amsterdam Centraal Station? The easiest option is tram 4 towards Station RAI. After about 15 minutes, get off at the Amsteldijk stop. From there, Scharrebier is a short two-minute walk.
If you’re cycling, it’s about a 20-minute ride from Centraal Station. Follow the Amstel river south, and you’ll find Scharrebier near where the Amstelkanaal branches off. There’s usually plenty of bike parking nearby.
You can walk from Centraal Station, too. It takes around 45 minutes, but the route along the canals is lovely, and you’ll have earned that first beer.
Scharrebier is well-connected from other parts of the city. Trams 4 and 12 stop nearby, and several buses serve the area. Put the address into your preferred map app and it’ll point you in the right direction.
One local tip: if you’re coming from the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, Scharrebier makes a good post-culture pit stop. It’s about a 15-minute walk or a quick tram ride away.
Scharrebier isn’t right in the middle of the tourist center, which is part of its charm. It’s in a more residential area, so you get a feel for local Amsterdam life, but it’s still close enough to make an easy first or last stop of the night.
One thing to keep in mind: parking can be a bit of a nightmare, as it is in much of Amsterdam. I’d leave the car behind and take public transport or cycle instead. It’s less stressful, and you won’t have to worry about driving after a Duvel or two.
If you do get a little lost, don’t be shy about asking a local for directions. Amsterdammers are generally friendly, and most speak excellent English. Just ask for Cafe Scharrebier and they’ll point you the right way.
