Top 5 Pubs in The Hague (2026)
The Hague is known for politics and the beach, but it also hides one of the best pub scenes in the Netherlands. From a small brewery in an old church building to a canal-side bar with a boat terrace, the city has a spot for every mood. In this guide, we share the top 5 pubs in The Hague for 2026, based on real reviews and local tips.
The best places mix cozy gezelligheid (a Dutch word for warm togetherness) with great beer and friendly staff. Our five picks are De Paas, The Fiddler, De Oude Mol, O'Casey's, and De Zwarte Ruiter. Skip the big chains, bring a little cash for the smaller cafes, and order with a polite Dutch "alstublieft" (please). Here are the spots you should not miss.
1. Bierspeciaal Café De Paas
De Paas is a beer lover's dream. This classic brown cafe sits beside a quiet canal on the south side of the center, with an antique front and a long list of Belgian and Dutch beers. In summer, the terrace is an old boat right on the water.
Guests love the relaxed mood and the staff. One review says, "Beautiful spot, especially the terrace on the boat. Great choice of beers and friendly service — it's hard not to love this place." Another adds, "The people behind the bar really know their beer, and they let you start a tab so you don't pay each round." Special beers can run a bit high, but the setting is worth it.
2. The Fiddler
For a true English pub feel, head to The Fiddler near the Riviervismarkt. It sits in a historic old building and brews its own ales in a small on-site brewery. You will find six house beers on cask, plus more than 200 bottles from around the world.
Beer fans rave about the home brews. A visitor shared, "They brew their own ales right here, and the cask beers are excellent. A proper pub with a warm, friendly vibe." It is a great place to try a tasting board and chat with the bar staff. The food is hearty pub fare, though it can be hit or miss, so stick to the classics.
3. Café de Oude Mol
Tucked into one of the oldest streets in town, De Oude Mol has been a bar for over 150 years. It is the perfect cozy brown cafe, with a bohemian crowd, soft candlelight, and a great range of Belgian beers on tap and in the bottle.
Locals adore the warm, easy mood. One guest wrote, "A fantastic little cafe with lovely beers and friendly service. The live music on Monday nights is a real treat." The tiny kitchen serves tasty Mediterranean-style snacks too. Come early for a seat, as this little gem fills up fast.
4. O'Casey's Irish Pub
O'Casey's is the heart of The Hague's expat and sports crowd. This lively Irish pub on the Noordeinde has dozens of screens, so it is one of the biggest sports bars in the country. Expect live Irish music, fun pub quizzes, and a proper pint of Guinness.
The buzzing atmosphere wins people over. A regular shared, "The vibe is fantastic, especially during the games — lively, friendly, and full of real fans. The staff treat you like a regular from the start." It was even voted one of the best Irish community pubs in the world. Perfect for a big night with friends.
5. De Zwarte Ruiter
Right on the grand Grote Markt square, De Zwarte Ruiter has been an icon since 1988. This big, welcoming grand cafe mixes good food, a solid beer list, and free live music almost every weekend.
It is a favorite for a long, easy night out. A visitor notes, "A large, friendly bar with great bands every weekend, and entry is always free. There is plenty on the beer list for both the beer geek and the casual drinker." The sunny terrace on the square is perfect for people-watching. Come for a drink and stay for the show.
From a small brewery in an old church to live bands on the Grote Markt, The Hague's pubs have a story for every taste. For the best night, bring a little cash for the smaller cafes, take your time, and say a friendly "proost" (cheers) when you raise your glass. Enjoy exploring the city's warm and lively pub scene.
