Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. In former days, this brown cafe served as a tram waiting-room, and the decorative tilework it featured then still greets visitors. These days, 't Loosje is a comfortable place to meet up with friends, have a Heineken, and relax in unpretentious surroundings. A favorite with market traders during the day; students are prominent evening patrons, and food (sandwiches, soups) is available if you require a little sustenance. An outdoor terrace makes for good people-watching when the weather's mild. Beer is the specialty and includes draft selections, Belgian brews, and special offerings.

 

Description: CENTRAL CANAL RING. Regulars and those in-the-know flock to this cozy, welcoming brown café to hear some of the city's best jazz. Each night, a mix of folks settles down to partake of the rhythms provided by top musicians. At times, there are guest performers; generally, you'll be regaled by talented local groups. Best of all, there's no cover to listen to the music. You'll just want to order a well-mixed cocktail, perhaps a Dutch beer, or some jenever and ease back into the night and the music. Performances generally begin at 10pm.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. A neighborhood favorite, this absolutely charming split-level brown café is almost always well-populated, and you'll likely be hard-pressed to find a seat. Since its opening in the late 18th century, 't Smalle has made sure that locals and other folks are well-supplied with alcohol and camaraderie. The selection of wine and beer is especially good, and you'll find it a particular draw with the after-work crowd. Additional space to accommodate patrons comes in the form of a canal-side terrace and small pontoon.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. This versatile brown cafe (once a bank) pulls in patrons throughout the day, thanks to an inviting ambience, good beer, and tasty food. Lunch and dinner menus are both available in the separate dining room, and the bar sports a pool table and sofas to lounge on. Come evening, bartenders play a variety of hip music, from funk to house and soul, and a fashionable crowd congregates for camaraderie and casual fun. Good any time.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Albeit small in size, this inviting brown bar is a big player in the game of beer selection. With hundreds of bottled beers and a number of on-tap options, the place appeals to those who appreciate the heady, rich flavor of good brews. A good proportion of the beers are Belgian in origin, although you'll find samples from elsewhere on the planet as well. A great equalizer, the bar takes care of everyone from tourists and blue-collar workers to professionals and locals.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Hoppe's reputation as an after-work hangout is legendary, and you'll often find it packed with patrons, most of whom must stand and many of whom spill out onto the sidewalk. The elegant, Old World interior is a terrific place to sample a rich local beer or perhaps some traditional Dutch gin. Hoppe, which has been around since 1670, exudes an age-old charm and openness, and there's never a shortage of hospitality and welcome. Stop by and see for yourself.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Just across the road from the Waterlooplein Flea Market, this bar was built in 1695 as a lock-keeper's house and still retains its charming character, including wooden-beam ceilings. Its most distinctive feature, however, is that it leans! Rembrandt even sketched it from his house opposite (now Het Rembrandthuis museum). As well as having an upstairs and downstairs bar, it has a very peaceful waterside terrace; idyllic at sunset.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. Regular patrons find plenty of reasons to applaud this fashionable brown café. For starters, it has an inviting ambience that appeals to folks who want to pass some time with friends and a drink or two. If the munchies hit, a range of light fare can help ward off hunger pangs. By all accounts, though, the outside terrace is the venue of choice. Close to the Prinsengracht canal, it's a sublime place to sit, sun, and savor the day. Or the night.

 

Description: CENTRAL CANAL RING. A familiar presence in the city, this cozy brown bar has been an Amsterdam mainstay since the late 19th century. Dark woods and subtle lighting impart a pub-like feel that patrons find particularly appealing when it's cold outside. When the weather warms, a glass-enclosed area towards the front lets folks take in views of the busy Leidseplein. Alcohol offerings are broad, especially the selection of international beers and Irish whiskeys. Pub food, appetizers, and sandwiches - including a traditonal Sunday roast - can be had as well. Amiable and fun.

 

Description: CENTRAL CANAL RING. Amsterdam's infamous women's bar - a traditional split-level brown bar - opened in the quiet Jordaan district in 1978, but these days enjoys an incarnation as a mixed gay bar, although it still attracts a predominantly lesbian clientele. Popular with both young and older women during the week, it gets especially crowded at the weekend. In fact, many choose to start their's at the 5pm-7pm (beer) happy hour on Friday. As well as a pool table, magazine selection and wi-fi, it's also possible to order a pizza in the evening.