8 x the nicest bars in Utrecht
Everyone who Utrecht (even just a little bit) knows knows: being in the center plenty of bars. But let's be honest, most bars in the center are not necessarily bars that you would visit again after your first visit (read: tourist attractions). But... search a bit in the smaller streets and you will find a few fantastic spots for a drink or something, on repeat. That's why an ode to the nicest bars in the city center of Utrecht - including a few usual Suspects that you would almost skip. Don't.
The case can be found on the nicest square in Utrecht (we think). And that cozy square may be the Ganzenmarkt, you may have heard of it before, but this one is different. What we like so much about De Zaak is the open-minded atmosphere. You can go there for beer and wine and a lot of fun. Drinks are allowed, but they don't have a menu. They work with it bring your own food concept. Which means you can bring your own food. We like that something a little different.
At the top Cafe Lebowski (where you come via the large stairs at the back of the store) you will find one speakeasys. In a fancy bar you can drink the tastiest cocktails made in front of you. Nice seating areas, beautiful rugs and everything with a classy feeling, you know, just like those fancy cocktail places you see in the movies. Access to the Utrechtse speakeasys you don't just get one: you have to send a text message and then you will hear whether you are welcome. Sounds exciting, right?
Nice because it is not that well known and therefore has a better chance of finding a place. Don't tell anyone. Excellent wines on the menu for very affordable prices. Bonus points for the surprising wines from Morocco and Lebanon. And forget the highwine not; southern wines paired with Mediterranean snacks that you don't want to miss See.
A household name for Utrecht residents, highly recommended for non-Utrechters. In the heart of the center (so no chance of getting lost). The bar of Lefebvre is small, but everyone sits together as if each high table is a kind of bar where everyone can sit. And that's fun. The wines mainly come from France, Italy, Spain and South America, but they are certainly not boring. Oh, and don't forget the cheese board, it's finger-licking good!
It was the first wine bar in Utrecht and it is still a very good one. Located in a small, nondescript street opposite the busy Neude square WineWine. The wine bar has wooden benches in the front where you can spend the entire evening with a bottle of wine on the table, but it's just as comfortable for two people to sit at the bar. VinVin has more than thirty open wines that you can choose from and they are actually all good.
At the end of the Burgemeester Reigerstraat, near the Wilhelmina Park Boulevard. The cerveceria, as they say, is long and narrow with cozy seats everywhere. When it's busy (or not busy) there is also room at the bar – actually the nicest place. In addition to snacks, Boulevard also offers (liters) Sangria and an excellent wine list. Very cozy, such a tapas bar.
Why Slope9 – a wine bar in the heart of Utrecht (the pleasant part, near the Zadelstraat for anyone who knows Utrecht) – the ideal wine bar is because of the special 'wandering wine list'. In other words, the waiter who walks through the shop. You tell him what you like (fresh and fruity, for example, or spicy) and he brings two (or three) bottles of wine. You can taste them both and choose the wine you like best. No success? Then they just try again.
What better place to drink beer than from the beer brand itself? Well not, we think. It Van de Streek Café There is such a place on the Oudegracht. Because for those who don't know: Van de Streek is a wonderful beer brand with its own café, great. A place where you can sit down for that Friday afternoon drink and enjoy Utrecht beer.
