New round, new bars: these are the best in Rotterdam
Rotterdam never stands still. And certainly not when it comes to new bars. This year the city has gained a whole lot of them, and we can only applaud that. From the first Italian aperitivo bar to a listening bar based on the Japanese jazz kissa: there is always something new to discover. Looking for our all-time favorites? You can find them in our Barts Best of RotterdamThese are the latest addresses.
Good drinks and even better music: that's what it's all about at Café Klink on the Oostzeedijk. The three owners initially ran pop-ups throughout the city, but now they have a permanent spot. And they have taken this place very seriously. For the sound system, they drew inspiration from Brussels, Paris, Athens, and New York. They make cocktails behind the bar, while a DJ stands behind the turntables with a hefty stack of vinyl. On weekends, the party continues here until 02:00 AM. Tip: Café Klink shares the building with wine and cheese bar Juni. Start there with a bite to eat and then move on for a cocktail.
A gallery and a wine bar in one? You’ll find that at De Kunstfabriek in the Groot Handelsgebouw, situated on a tropical courtyard. At the front, you’ll find art by young, emerging makers. In the middle, you can sometimes simply see artists at work. And all the way at the back? That’s where the hidden bar is. Everything here revolves around natural wine, with bottles the owners personally select from winemakers in Portugal. On weekends, there’s always a DJ spinning, so your glass of wine quickly turns into a dance.
Did you know that Rotterdam didn't have an Italian aperitivo bar yet? Now it does! Allora, Aperitivo! on Zwaanshals. Spritz, vermouth, and small Italian bites. The spritzer The menu invites you not to choose: from a classic Aperol to a St. Germain with elderflower. We always choose the Italicus with bergamot, though. A dangerous favorite, because you drink it like lemonade. Fortunately, there are also non-alcoholic options on the menu.
ECHO is the new listening bar of Rotterdam, located in the Groot Handelsgebouw. The concept? Based on the Japanese jazz kissa: coming together to listen to vinyl mindfully on a high-quality sound system. Coffee during the day, cocktails and carefully curated listening sessions in the evening.
Do you know Café Marseille Already? Then you don't know Le Bar yet. Same team, new address, unique character. A long bar, small bites, and a menu full of good wines and cocktails. The perfect pre-dinner stop, but you are also welcome to just stay. And oh yes, Cafe de Wilde Mossel belongs to them too. Great team, we say.
Did you know that a walk across the Koningshaven Bridge takes you straight to one of the nicest new bars in Rotterdam? Bar Tide On Noordereiland, they serve delicious dishes with the Maas as a backdrop. Tip: order the crab roll here; it is heavenly. I bet you'll come back a few times after that!
What started as an oyster stall on the Rotterdam Harvest Market grew into a fixture in the city. Oesterbar Rotterdam recently opened its doors in the former Wolly ticket booth on Noordplein. First, take a stroll around the market, and then enjoy your well-deserved glass of bubbly with an oyster at the oyster bar. Now that is a Saturday. Expect a no-nonsense oyster bistro with fresh oysters, good wines, and bar bites to share. The sourdough brioche from The Baguetteria It is highly recommended. And in the summer? Then you sit on the cozy terrace. One to definitely remember.
Another listening bar? Yes, but with the Doelen as a neighbor. Studio Blendd is located in the old Doelen Studio on Kruisplein, right next to Rotterdam Central Station. Records on the wall, cocktails on the table and every Friday a Rotterdam one selector behind the turntable during the Friday Vinyl Sessions. Tip: start with the Zeeland oysters with gin vinaigrette and a pornstar martiniStaying a while? Then just keep ordering, because from steak frites to sole Grenobloise: you can also enjoy a delicious dinner here.
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