Top 5 Pubs in Haarlem (2026)
Haarlem sits just a short train ride from Amsterdam, yet its pub scene feels like a happy secret. The old center is full of cozy brown cafés, craft beer bars, and one famous brewery inside a real church. With its own beers like Jopen and Uiltje brewed right in town, this is one of the best beer cities in the country. In this guide, we share the top 5 pubs in Haarlem for 2026, based on real reviews and local tips.
The best spots mix cozy gezelligheid (the Dutch word for warm togetherness) with great beer and friendly staff. Our five picks are In den Uiver, Café Koops, Het Uiltje, Jopenkerk, and De Blauwe Druif. Skip the big chains, bring a little cash for the smaller cafés, and order with a friendly Dutch "alstublieft" (please). Here are the spots you should not miss.
1. Proeflokaal In den Uiver
In den Uiver is a true Haarlem classic. This rustic brown café sits on the Riviervismarkt, just steps from the Grote Markt, and it is packed with old aeronautical antiques and snug little corners. With 10 beers on tap and more than 100 Dutch genevers and liquors, it has something for every taste.
Locals love the warm welcome and the live jazz nights. One review says, "The cosiest café in town, with a wonderful jazzy vibe. The staff make you feel at home from the first minute, and the bowls of peanuts keep coming." It was once voted the best café in Haarlem, and it is easy to see why. Come on a music night and settle in for hours.
2. Café Koops
Right next to the grand St Bavo church, Café Koops is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon. This handsome brown café sits in a 1920s building with a full timber interior and mustard-yellow walls. The terrace looks straight out over the Grote Markt, and the beer list runs from Belgian classics to the local Jopen on tap.
Guests love the easy mood and the great view. A regular wrote, "We sat on the terrace with a cold Jopen and watched the world go by under the big church. Friendly, quick service and a proper Dutch café feel." It can get busy thanks to the prime spot, so come a little early to grab a terrace seat. A lovely place to start the night.
3. Het Uiltje
For the craft beer crowd, Het Uiltje is the place. This buzzing bar pours a rotating carousel of around 30 beers on tap, plus more than 120 bottles, including the wild and hoppy brews from the local Uiltje brewery. Add over 20 cheeses, fresh pizzas, and stacked sandwiches, and you are set for the evening.
Beer fans rave about the choice and the people behind the bar. A visitor shared, "An amazing, ever-changing tap list and bartenders who really know their stuff. They pointed me to a stout I would never have tried, and it was the best of the night." The two picnic tables out front are a neighborhood magnet. Friendly, lively, and never boring.
4. Jopenkerk
No beer trip to Haarlem is complete without Jopenkerk. The city's most famous brewery sits inside a beautifully restored old church, with the big copper kettles right there under the high ceiling. You can drink the full range of Jopen beers straight from the source, paired with hearty Dutch snacks.
Visitors love the stunning setting and the fresh beer. One guest noted, "Drinking a beer brewed in front of you inside an old church is something special. The atmosphere is lively, the staff are kind, and the beer is always fresh." It is a touch more polished than the brown cafés, but the building alone is worth the visit. A must for any beer lover.
5. Proeflokaal De Blauwe Druif
For a step back in time, head to De Blauwe Druif, the oldest café in Haarlem. Open since 1863, this tiny tasting room near the Vismarkt has bags of old-world charm, with Brand beers on tap and a long list of whiskeys to explore. There is no fuss here, just good drinks and good company.
Locals adore the honest, genuine vibe. A regular said, "A real old café with no nonsense, great music, and a cosy feel that makes you human again. You walk in a stranger and leave a regular." It is small and full of character, so it fills up fast on weekends. The perfect last stop on a Haarlem beer crawl.
From a jazzy brown café to a brewery inside an old church, Haarlem's pubs have a story for every taste. For the best night, bring a little cash for the smaller cafés, take your time, and raise your glass with a warm "proost" (cheers). Most of these spots are a short walk from the Grote Markt, so you can try a few in one evening. Enjoy the city's cozy and lively beer scene.
