Cafe Bouwman in Grachtengordel-Zuid

Willemijn, truly top-notch service!

What a wonderfully nice place, sat by the water and my glass was never empty for a single moment. Served very kindly by Willemijn. 5 stars is actually not enough, a solid 10+

We discovered the location by chance, the hospitality, and the top service. Elisa was able to recommend the best local beers. Recommended

Terrible service! The waitress looks like a soviet grandma with military training in KGB and behaves the same way, rude, arrogant, selfish and with no manners at all. At first we were sat outside on a terrace near a bridge and waited for a proper 5 minutes till somebody will dare to show up( there were just a few people beside us , with their drinks on a table, so it wasn’t rush our), soviet grandma finally comes and start a conversation with “ You tell me” ,mind you we don’t have a menu yet, so we ask for one ,she visibly irritated already says ok ,but also tell us that we can’t drink our own beverages (we had water bottle near us and none of us were drinking it),after, she leaves her dirty ,nasty wipe. Came back a minute after and throws a menu on our table saying “Alstublieft”(which means “u welcome” or “please”) in very rude manner, so we open a menu and see there is no prices at all , none of them beverages had them prices, I went to look at reviews on same google maps and it was full of negative one, that were mentioning a total scam, so we have flied the scene. Bad granny I may say,KGB must’ve been a though place to be in.

Rude service. The waitress with black hair needs to learn some manners, or better yet, not work with people at all.

We saw this lovely terrace and decided to sit by the water, but unfortunately, the old waitress with dark hair completely ruined the experience. She spoke to us as if we were bothering her just by being there. When we asked for a menu, she brought it over with an annoyed attitude and a loud sigh — and the menu didn’t even have any prices. Very unpleasant service and definitely not the kind of attitude you expect when going out for a nice drink. Wouldn’t come back only cause of her

5 euros for a glass of orange juice from a cheap AH pack… ;/

Great place on the corner. Nice staff and good service. Excellent spot for people watching.

They were scamming people during the Pride. I was charged 20 euros for an Aperol, even if the price in the menu stated 13 euros or so. I refused to pay and left the place. Shame on you!!!

Friday afternoon. Café Bouwman, Utrechtsestraat 102, Centrum-Oost. Alek and I had just come from the vintage, antique, and curio market on the Amstelveld. I snapped up a deep green, almost royal green piggy bank. Alek, in turn, was happy with a small saucepan that fits exactly one fried egg. Sometimes it is precisely those little finds that make an afternoon complete. At Café Bouwman, I opted for a 0.0%, while Alek enjoyed a Texel beer. A portion of eight bitterballen and a ham and cheese toastie appeared on the table. This is how I picture Café Bouwman now: a warm family business that opens its doors anew every single day to locals and passersby. A place where you settle down for a drink, a homemade toastie, a portion of bitterballen, or a cup of tea, and where it is all about having a good time. Café Bouwman is located on one of the nicest streets in Amsterdam: the Utrechtsestraat. From the terrace, you see the city constantly passing by: walkers, cyclists, cars, and even boats sailing through the canal. Treat yourself to a moment to sit down, enjoy the atmosphere, come back again, and in doing so, support a local Amsterdam entrepreneur. And if you enjoyed yourself, please remember to leave a tip.

It was a scam. I ordered two big Aperol Spritz which were on the menu for 13.50 EUR but in the end they asked me to pay 20.00 EUR for each…

Absolutely disgraceful service. We sat down, placed our order, and then another bartender came over and told us we had to move to a table with strangers because she wanted to free up ours. When we politely refused, she announced that she was “the boss” and told us to leave. I’ve never been treated so disrespectfully by staff at a bar. The attitude was arrogant, rude, and completely unprofessional. We were made to feel unwelcome simply because we didn’t want to share a table with people we didn’t know. There was no attempt to handle the situation politely or offer any alternative—just an order to leave after we’d already ordered. If this is how they treat paying customers, I can’t recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of bars in Amsterdam that actually value their guests. Avoid this one.

Terrible service. After we sat down and placed our order, another bartender came over and demanded that we move to a shared table because she wanted to free up ours. When we said we’d rather stay where we were, she said she was “the boss” and told us to leave. I’ve never experienced such rude and disrespectful treatment at a bar. Would not recommend.

Drinks are standard quality but expensive. 8.50 for a pint of Amstel. No prices on the menu so wondering if we got the tourist prices. Service okay. Not very friendly but we were served quickly.

Very busy wonderful friendly staff made me feel very welcome

No prices on the menu. This is a tourist trap! Get out of here!

Excellent location in Amsterdam

Incredibly rude staff, unable to handle the crowds but even standing on the terrace with just one person, happily smoking while we have been waiting for a drink for 20 minutes... they really have to rely on the location.

The drinks were fine. The service was incredibly unfriendly. My daughter needed to use the restroom. She was initially ignored when she asked where it was and had to watch a man singe his skin. When she was finally shown where the restroom was, the next unpleasant surprise awaited her: the toilet was worse than an airplane and train toilet combined. But that wasn't all: the door jammed, and she was trapped inside for two minutes until it was opened. We then left the café. We didn't try the food. Despite the convenient location right next to the S-Bahn station – never again!

Nice! Elisa always creates a great atmosphere!!!

They make you feel like you are at home! Incredible drinks, incredible location with unbelievable views. You must go here! Best prices for cocktails in Amsterdam!

Wonderful, warm spot to enjoy food and delicious drinks! Atmosphere is so welcoming!

Perfect place to drink a cold beer - or two or three.

Service really terrible and arrogant

The service is horrible, so so rude. The waiter put on the bill more drinks even if I took only two beers

my friend and i went for a pint and the staff were so nice and friendly! gave us a great price for a locally made beer

Bad service and a mega arrogant man behind the bar. No one came to take our order, so we decided to go inside and order. Asked if they would bring it to our table. “No, you can take it yourself,” he said arrogantly. 1 minute later, he was calmly standing outside having a cigarette. I would definitely skip this place.

Rude waiter, very unfriendly. Glassware that he dropped multiple times was not even cleared away!

Rude staff with zero sense of service

Worst service ever. Ordered a lemonade and according to the waiter it was “just water with sugar,” so that wasn't possible???? Before I knew it, he walked away saying we should just go somewhere else. Very weird. Never experienced anything like this before. I wish I could give 0 stars.

The worst experience ever. The waiter was rude and not willing to give us any drink because he was “too busy” and we were just two tables occupied. Also, our drinks got spilled on the table and he just offered TWO napkins to clean the table and ourselves. Definitely not coming back - not even for a glass of water.

Lovely neighborhood cafe, with lovely staff. A hero local for the locals. But everybody is welcome!

It was the King's Day. It's hard to be critical on a holiday like this, but we found a table for two on the terrace and were served quickly.

Authentic Dutch bar with a great selection of beers and delicious bitterballen. Recommended!

The waitress advised me to give 0 stars, unfortunately that is not possible, otherwise I would have done so.

A delightful place to spend time; the price-quality ratio is in line with the market in the city center. The sun-drenched terraces offer a pleasant spot at the beautiful tables with a view of the Prinsengracht. The staff is open, friendly, and caring, with plenty of Amsterdam humor, even when it is very busy.

Poor service, understaffed. Waited fifteen minutes for a coffee and half an hour for a toasted sandwich that was burnt on the bottom. Was supposed to get a new one, but it took another fifteen minutes. When it was ready, it looked rancid again. Loveless.

Visited recently and was taken aback by the response when I greeted the staff. Before I could even place my order, I was cut off with “we’re extremely busy, can you tell me quickly” - no hello, no warmth, nothing. I understand busy shifts happen, but basic courtesy costs nothing. A simple greeting goes a long way, and this experience left a sour taste before I’d even ordered. Hoping management takes note.

Location is fine but the unfriendly service ruins the experience

Very rude old lady waiter. Would ignore us for 30min on the terrace when waving at her. When I went to the bar, she didn't even look at me, greet me, said thank you when I paid. I understand you're stressed, but how much does it cost you to say thank you? Drinks were expensive.

Went there for drinks and coffee in the afternoon ( weekdays ) found the place very friendly with true Amsterdam spirit. Will come again. Recommended.

Really rude staff, would never go back to this cafe.

€10 for a beer and a glass of wine. I suspect it wouldn't have been that price if we had been locals.

Great place. I live nearby and love coming here. Today, even the owner's mother helped out because there were so many guests. Highly recommended, and...delicious coffee!

Never had such bad service. Incredibly arrogant. Food never arrives, even after asking five times. STAFF CLEARLY UNDER THE INFLUENCE. The bartender couldn't function properly. And the waitress thought her only job was to yell at people. Truly unbelievable.

Terribly poor service, inhospitable. A shame because the location is great! The bar is filthy and not clean.

Great experience! We felt very welcome by the owner. Delicious beer and very close to places to visit. We truly experienced a great bar in Amsterdam ❤️

Cool bar/café Also open for just 1, 2, 3-6 people to enjoy a glass of wine 😂👍🏼

Just a great spot. No hipster shit. Just an old skool Amsterdam bar. If you’re in a hurry or your soy latte takes too long? Go to Marcella.

Watch out on your bill - we found out several times that our bill has more drinks than we ordered

A wonderful, authentic Amsterdam joint! Friendly service.

Good and fast service. It’s an amazing spot to sit, they have big tables next to the canal.

Run. Believe all the reviews mentioning the horrible service. I wish I had read them before coming here. The only way I can explain the positive reviews is that there must be different staff on different days. I made the naive mistake to sit down due to the very cute setting at the canal. I then might have experienced the worst customer service of my life. Never have I seen someone working in a restaurant seem so bothered to have to serve people. It’s not just that it was bad, I felt outright uncomfortable and unwelcomed by the staff. It bordered on hostile. I had a very simple order (one tea and one panini) and the server came back to my table twice to ask me again because she forgot my order. I got my tea in a very unclean and stained glass. I then waited 40 min but the panini never arrived nor was I even able to get the servers attention to check in on my order. I went inside to pay at the bar and didn’t even get an apology for the missed order. Avoid at all costs.

4,20€ for one espresso :) And it tasted like dirt water…

Empty your Aperol tap, get three half-full glasses, ask for less ice because it'll be so watery, and then a staff member yells at you. Fancy! Not recommended, go sit with Marcella :)

The main advantage of the place is the tables outside by the canal and the quiet area where you can relax from the crowds and noise

Great place, Claudia is really a great woman!

The staff is very unfriendly and I ask for a simple glass with ice for my cola, which I then don't get. Then I ask the bar for a glass of ice and my whole drink tastes like chlorine. A real disappointment for Amsterdam's café life. A real shame.

A very nice and clean café, just around the corner from us. The draft beer is excellent and, of course, delicious. We were very surprised by the bitter garnish, which was not only the best I've had in Amsterdam so far, but also a generous portion for the price. Very polite service and a relaxed atmosphere. We'll definitely be back often now that we've discovered you.

Great location, but the lady's negative energy stressed us out.

Great place! Great atmosphere on the terrace and friendly staff!

Claudia wat een topper!!! Streng maar altijd rechtvaardig !!!!!!!! Altijd een fijne sfeer om terug te komen :) Volgende week weer!

Great place to take some sun when.. thought it took forever to order a capuccino. There is no alternative to milk, only cowns. When someone comes.. they are not the most friendly of all.

Great service, thank you for looking after us

No prices on the menu. I left because I saw the lady dipping the beer glasses in the sink and pouring the beer directly into them without rinsing. Gross, right?

First time Amsterdam and what a great atmosphere. I was sleeping in the neighbourhood and went for a late night drink when I found the most spherical bar of the city!!

I order an alcohol free beer. They brought me a beer with alcohol and told me it's all they had. Said they would double check and never came back with an alcohol free beer. Terrible service

For me, Café Bouwman is the soul of Amsterdam. A real Amsterdam pub, without frills, with character and a heart of gold. I've been coming here for over ten years and it's my regular pub. What makes this place special is not only the authentic atmosphere, but especially the people. Claudia, who works here, is a top woman. Having been homeless herself, she knows better than anyone what humanity means. On an icy cold evening, it was freezing outside -5, she gave a homeless person a hot meal and a beer — just out of kindness, and completely free. That typifies her, and that typifies Café Bouwman. When someone asks me: "What is Amsterdam to you?" I don't have to think long. As a born and bred Amsterdammer, I say wholeheartedly: Café Bouwman.

Great bar. Great Bitterballen. Great beer. Good music.

Bad coffe, bad service, bad hygiene, noisy, uncomfortable, not recommended at all

Hygiene still needs to be worked on

We stopped for a coffee, which was fine, great friendly service

This bar is a place not to be missed in Amsterdam. Just passing through the capital, my instinct guided me here and I was not disappointed!! The welcome is simply perfect, the waitress Monique welcomed me perfectly and we chatted about everything and nothing. I only spent one day in Amsterdam but I will always remember this very well located bar/pub! You can go there with your eyes closed to drink good beers, chat, hang out and have a bite to eat, you won't go wrong!!!!

Café Bouwman is a classic Amsterdam brown café with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Located along the canal, it offers a great selection of beers, including local favorites and seasonal options. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying drinks while people-watching. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming vibe, making it an ideal spot to relax. While the service can be slow during busy times and the food menu is limited, it’s a great place for drinks and casual socializing.

Bad service, high price compared to other places we visited in Amsterdam € 20.90 for only two beers

Very unpleasant waitress. Too bad given the location!

Beautiful cafe in a beautiful place. We sat with a group on the terrace on the canal, but we had to wait a very long time before we were helped. Furthermore, friendly service and everything in order.

The nicest pub in Amsterdam! Mariella and Claudia have been providing a wonderful and hospitable atmosphere for years! Every visit is a party.

Always a very nice and friendly atmosphere. I now live on the other side of the city, but I still enjoy coming here every week. It's always a fun evening with Claudia and Mariella!

I have been living and coming here for 5 years. I have now moved to the west but still cycle to this place because it is such a nice place! Had a nice chat with Claudia, definitely recommended :)!

Nothing Special—And That’s What Makes It Special. This is my go-to bar for watching football with friends. And every game, I seem to leave with even more friends—especially if we’re winning. The staff is a true example of Amsterdam hospitality. They wear their hearts on their sleeves. No kapsones allowed. They serve food and snacks if you’re really hungry. But if you need something fancy, there are multiple Michelin-starred restaurants just around the corner. I love these people. But I might be a bit biased. As always, everyone gets five stars.

This is always a wonderful cafe! Truly a household name in the city. The most friendly service and a beautiful terrace where I always feel at home. And if Claudia is behind the bar, you're in luck because she's really great!

Friendly environment and super bartender, delicious beer to celebrate my birthday

Precio ridículo dirigido a los turistas. € 12 por una pinta de Amstel a pesar de que estaba fuera de la plaza principal. . no recomendaría.

Always a lot of fun, especially with Ajax

8.5€ for a pint of pisswater (Amstel), service by a tired bartender. Do yourself a favor and go across to Onder de Ooievaar…

Way too loud and significantly more expensive than nearby bars

I've been biking past this place for over 25 years.....today I stopped in for a quick drink on my way to dinner. It was very welcoming and lots of laughter!!!

The gentleman behind the bar has a nice chat and keeps you happy. He does his best and it shows. This bar is recommended for a nice drink.

Great, old Amsterdam fun again with Claudia on tap. Delicious Grandma Bob bitterballen, good coffee and even better beer. Claudia still provides real Amsterdam hospitality and, above all, humor. Class!

As an Amsterdammer, I think this is one of the best bars in Amsterdam. The staff is super friendly, very fast and they are real Amsterdammers. All in all, highly recommended and I enjoy it every time.

A real Amsterdam café, a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Claudia in particular was amazing

Beautiful place, I loved the terrace and its views facing the canal. Comfortable chairs with blankets. Charming and friendly waitress.

A peaceful, enjoyable place with delicious presentations and full of wonderful people.

Very cozy! Lovely people and a nice chat!

Stopped for a drink and bitternallen , and it was just what we needed,Claudia is a fantastic host and full of life!

Great beer, lively outdoor setting to watch the world go by

Very bad service. We wanted to have a coffee and were greeted with rude comments. Then they left...

Unfriendly staff several times. Humanly speaking, it's pretty disgusting.

We stopped here for a few beers and sat at the outdoor tables because of the beautiful view of the canal. The table wasn’t clean when we arrived and no one ever came to clean it while we were there. The man serving the beer was friendly in his own way. He challenged us, saying that if we pronounced the name of the beer correctly, it would be free, and he also let me charge my phone. I appreciated that they had a variety of beer options here, not just Heineken like most bars in Amsterdam.