Brouwerij 't IJ

Amsterdam's beloved craft brewery, sitting right under the De Gooyer windmill on the east side. Order a Zatte or IJwit, grab the sunny terrace, and soak up locals-plus-beer-nerds energy. Open daily 14:00-22:00 (weekends from 12:00). Cash-and-card, no-frills, genuinely great. Bike or tram out here.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Which beer should I order?

Start with Zatte (their flagship tripel) or IJwit if you want something lighter. Struis is a strong, dark heavyweight for the brave. Ask the bartender for a current seasonal, they usually have something on that isn't in shops.

Is Brouwerij 't IJ actually inside the windmill?

No, and this trips people up. The brewery and tasting room (Proeflokaal De Molen) sit in the old bathhouse building right next to De Gooyer windmill, not inside it. The windmill itself isn't open to the public, but it makes the perfect backdrop for a beer.

Do I need to book a brewery tour?

You don't need anything to just drink. Walk in, order at the bar, sit inside or on the terrace. Guided tours run at set times and do need booking via their website, but most visitors skip the tour and just enjoy the beer.

Is it cash only?

No, they take cards and contactless, which is standard across Amsterdam now. Many Dutch venues have actually gone card-only, so you're fine leaving cash at home.

Does the terrace get crowded?

On any sunny afternoon, absolutely. That west-facing terrace under the windmill is one of the best in the city, so it fills fast. Come on a weekday or right at opening to grab a spot.

Can I get food there?

Only snacks, think cheese, sausage, and bar bites to pair with beer. This is a drinking spot, not a restaurant. Eat a proper meal elsewhere and come here for the beer and atmosphere.

How do I get there from the center?

It's about 12 minutes by tram (14 or 7) or a lovely 15-minute bike ride east along the canals. It sits a bit outside the tourist core, which is exactly why it stays feeling local.

Is it kid- or dog-friendly?

Dogs are welcome and you'll see plenty. It's a bar atmosphere rather than a family spot, but the terrace is relaxed enough that kids are fine in the daytime. Evenings skew more toward drinking crowds.

Nearby in Ask Amsterdam

• TropenmuseumMuseum0.51 km · 6 min walk
• Artis Royal ZooAttraction0.68 km · 9 min walk
• Amsterdam OostNeighborhood0.75 km · 9 min walk
• OosterparkPark0.84 km · 11 min walk
• Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)Museum0.94 km · 12 min walk