Cafe 't Kraantje in Binnenstad-Noord

Great local dive bar. All beers are in bottles, but they have several local beers & microbrews.

I don’t know if they do food, but I know they do an awesome, inviting dive bar. I found this place by walking down side alleys off the main streets, and I’m glad I did! Great bartenders, karaoke nights (I think the first Saturday of the month?) and OF COURSE THE BAR KITTY! This sweetheart will let you pet her all day, and can sleep through a bachelor party belting 90s hits. I went there every night I was in Leiden and I loved it every time. Plus, it was the most affordable bar/cafe we visited in the city!

Very weird. Went in late (1am) and the bar was very full and very busy. My friend and I were quite aggressively told to leave by the staff and guys in the bar ("you must go") for no apparent reason. No reason given at all. The vibes were very off and weird.

The best place I have ever visited. Imagine a friendly wooden oldy pub... now add a cat. +10000 points

Looking for the most atmospheric pub in Leiden? Then Het Kraantje is the place to be, tucked away in the city's coziest alleyway. The moment you step inside, you'll feel that wonderful, uncomplicated vibe. And at the heart of it all? Marco, the "shithole" who runs this place—and yes, he considers that a huge compliment. Marco is just about the most down-to-earth guy you'll ever meet. Everyone is welcome, and absolutely anything is up for discussion. Whether you want to share your life story, unearth a conspiracy theory, or simply complain about the weather, Marco is the guy to go to. He listens, nods, and pours your next beer. And speaking of beer: the prices here are a breath of fresh air. Affordable pilsner, dirt-cheap shots, and a surprisingly good selection of craft beers that will make your taste buds rejoice. No fuss, just good, cold thirst quenchers. The music is the icing on the cake. Always good, never too loud, and perfect for completing that relaxed atmosphere. But then there are the karaoke nights... normally, I'd run away screaming at the thought, but at Het Kraantje, it's a completely different story. I can't say much about it, except: you have to experience it for yourself. It's silly, it's hilarious, and it's... different. It's exactly what you'd expect from a place run by a "damn idiot" who knows how to throw a party. So, if you're in Leiden and fancy an evening of fun, affordable beer, good music, and a dose of absurd humor, go to Het Kraantje. Tell Marco that "damn idiot" sent you. I bet he'll smile.

Great old-fashioned pub. Always a good time. Crowds of all ages.

Top pub! Old-fashioned brown café with a huge selection of shots.

Cozy, large assortment, warm, feels like coming home

Nice brown café, nice setting, nice to stand outside in an alley in the city center of Leiden

Innkeeper with an extraordinary knowledge of distilled drinks. Nice place to meet with the board of the book club, for example, to discuss the annual figures.