Coffee bars
On Amsterdam Now, you'll find a directory of coffee bars in Amsterdam - from compact neighborhood cafes with their own roasters to more spacious specialty coffee bars with workplaces and a lunch menu.
Amsterdam historically has a strong connection to coffee: the city was one of the largest coffee trading ports in the world in the early eighteenth century, and coffee culture has only deepened since then. The current range of amsterdam coffee bars is mature, varied and continues to grow. For an up-to-date list of addresses, see also the amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.
Specialty coffee and in-house roasters
Much of Amsterdam's coffee bars work with specialty coffee - beans selected for origin, processing and flavor profile. Many establishments roast their own beans, so you not only drink a cup of coffee but also get to know the owner's vision of taste. Espresso, V60, Aeropress, Chemex - the brewing method varies by business and barista. Check out our overview of amsterdam coffee bars for specific addresses by neighborhood.
Coffee and lunch
A growing proportion of coffee bars in Amsterdam combine specialty coffee with a lunch menu. Sourdough bread, croissants, seasonal dishes and sometimes a full breakfast and lunch menu make these establishments a destination for more than just a cup of coffee. The line between coffee shop and lunchroom is becoming increasingly blurred. See also our overview of restaurants in Amsterdam for more options.
Work and stay
Amsterdam coffee bars also function as workplaces. Many have furnishings geared toward long-term stays: communal tables, power outlets, quiet music. That makes them popular with freelancers, students and anyone looking for a place outside the office or home. The atmosphere varies widely: from fast-paced and functional to quiet and interior-driven.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a recurring theme in Amsterdam's coffee culture. Direct sourcing from farmers, transparent supply chains and attention to the carbon footprint of coffee production are now standard practice at many specialty coffee bars in the city. This also translates into the use of plant-based milk alternatives, compostable packaging and conscious product selection.
Neighborhoods
Coffee bars are scattered throughout the city, but concentrations can be found in De Pijp, the Jordaan, Old West and Amsterdam East. Noord has its own and growing offerings, often in combination with creative workspaces and studios. The complete list of coffee bars in Amsterdam, including practical info per neighborhood, can be found via the amsterdam coffee bars section on Amsterdam Now.