One of my favorite places to bring friends visiting Amsterdam is Brouwerij ‘t IJ. This iconic Amsterdam brewery next to a windmill is one of Amsterdam’s best destinations for craft beer, so if you love craft beer, keep reading my tips for visiting this famous Amsterdam craft brewery.

About Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is now one of Amsterdam’s most iconic breweries (besides Heineken) and perfect for getting a taste of Amsterdam’s best beer. Even as a local, I still almost always order the IJwit or Zatte as soon as I see it on a menu, so you can believe that I recommend this brewery fully.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ sits next to the historic windmill, De Gooyer, in Amsterdam Oost. This windmill dates back to the 16th century when it was used as a corn mill. Today, the windmill is owned by the city of Amsterdam although it’s not generally open to the public. You can still enjoy the view from the brewery.

The brewery began in 1985 when a former musician who was a fan of Belgian beer took over a decrepit bathhouse. The brewery was successful, but it was sold to two professional beer makers who helped cement Brouwerij ‘t IJ’s reputation for high-quality craft beer.

Unlike most pubs in Amsterdam, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is more of a tasting room that is open between 2pm and 10pm daily. It’s the perfect excuse for some relaxing day drinking or the beginning of a fun night out in Amsterdam prior to heading to some other bars. You can walk here from the center (30 minutes), take the bus, or bike from Amsterdam Centre.

There is now a second location within Vondelpark: Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis! It is the perfect stop-off if you will be exploring the center or do not have time to visit the windmill. Amsterdam is smaller than you expect, but I understand that people have limited time

Tips for visiting Brouwerij ‘t IJ

You can take a tour of Brouwerij ‘t for a couple of euros, which includes a complimentary beer. Compared to touring Heineken, it’s a steal, although I recommend getting the beer flight in lieu of the tour.

You’ll pay approximately 3-4 euros per beer. Some come off the draft while others (limited editions) are generally served by the bottle. You’ll need to order at the bar for beers. They accept most cards, including credit cards.

A beer flight is a great way to try Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a great way to try more of the beers if you’re with a friend or a group as you get five beers to sample. Ask your bartender which ones might be best for you. As a tip, the sound “IJ” in Dutch sounds like the word “eye” and the W in Dutch sounds like a “V” in English.

In summer, I love sitting outside to enjoy the view although be warned that people often smoke out on the terrace. It can be annoying if you’re sensitive to smoke. There is no table service, so you might lose your spot if your whole party goes in at once.

Avoid coming to Brouwerij ‘t IJ on Fridays around 4-6 pm as it’s especially busy as it’s a popular spot for after-work drinks with larger groups. I recommend stopping by in the afternoon or on a weeknight. It’s much more chill then.

Don’t come here if you’re looking to have lunch as there’s limited food here. (I recommend heading to the nearby Amsterdam Oost for more food options. I liked Boi Boi.) You can get a limited selection of locally sourced snacks, including peanuts, dried sausage, eggs, raw ox sausage (a Dutch specialty), and abbey cheese. I like the dry sausage with pepper, personally. Head to the separate wind on the left when you enter to order.

What to order at Brouwerij ‘t IJ

The tap is often changing, however, Brouwerij ‘t IJ has a number of beers that are always in stock. For those who prefer lighter beers, I recommend the Flink and IJwit. For something a bit heavier, I recommend the Zatte, IPA, and Colombus. (Their bok beers are nice too if you enjoy bocks!)

Have you been to Brouwerij ‘t IJ?

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