What is an eetcafé?

Question: What is an eetcafé?

Answer: An eetcafé (translation: "eating café") in Amsterdam could be compared to a bistro in Paris. Think of an eetcafé ("eet" is pronounced like "ate") as a more sophisticated and food-focused cousin of the Amsterdam brown café. Both types feature a casual and friendly atmosphere, but while a brown café specializes in beers, snacks and a local-pub feel, patrons to an eetcafé are usually looking for a bigger meal. Some older eetcafés still offer somewhat traditional, simple menus, while others are moving in the direction of innovative cuisine. Of course, as with any Amsterdam café, you'll always be able to find a delicious cup of Dutch coffee at an eetcafé.

What You'll Find in an Amsterdam Eetcafé

• Quaint atmosphere of a small neighborhood restaurant.
• Local and/or regional beers on tap; larger wine list than that of a brown café.
• Full menu of starters (appetizers), main courses and desserts, as well as a borrel (Dutch word for a happy hour) menu that may include hapjes ("pronounced "HOP yuhs") of light snacks like cheese, olives, nuts and bitterballen (Dutch fried balls of meat and potato).

Good to Know About Amsterdam Eetcafés

• Many don't accept credit cards; bring cash.
• Most have outdoor seating.
• Eetcafés usually aren't large, so you may have to wait for a table.

Examples of Eetcafés in Amsterdam

• Café Loetje
  Johannes Vermeerstraat 52
  
  
• Café van Puffelen
  Prinsengracht 375-377
  
  
• Café Proust
  Noordermarkt 4
  
  
• Café Toussaint
  Bosboom Toussaintstraat 26
  
  
• Café Luxembourg
  Spui 24