Café ‘t Smalle ☕ Amsterdam 🇳🇱

Experiencing one of Amsterdam’s ‘brown cafes’ was on my daytime to-do list during my first trip to Amsterdam. I couldn’t leave the city without visiting one of the intimate establishments that are so closely attuned to the city’s local culture…….but, if we’re beyond honest, I really just needed to get off my feet.

The peaceful, canal-adjacent terrace looked incredibly appealing, but after a long day of sightseeing out in the hot sun, I was ready for a break indoors.

You may not be the only tourist enjoying the cozy interior of the Café ‘t Smalle, but it does give you the experience of being off the tourist trail. It’s a welcome throwback to a simpler, come-as-you-are, no-frills time when the favorite local watering hole was an essential part of daily social life.

Located on a quiet corner in Amsterdam’s trendy Jordaan neighborhood, the establishment traces its roots back to the 1700’s when it served as a distillery and tasting room for jenever (a Dutch gin that is, of course, available to sample here).

The Café's Full Bar

The Cafe’s Interior

Café ‘t Smalle’s interior is dark and intimate with authentic touches that include oak paneling, striking stain glass windows, and antiques galore. The setting makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, which I especially enjoyed coming from America where the newness of everything can be suffocating. I especially enjoyed the steep, narrow, circular staircase that would definitely NOT meet any modern-day building codes.

Building Codes Beware!

The simple menu includes primarily small plates and light snacks, with a few heartier meal options and a full bar. It wouldn’t be my first recommendation for a place to eat dinner, but it’s the perfect place to get off your feet during a day of sightseeing and enjoy a coffee and a snack.

A Light Snack