Café "Van Ouds" Oost-Indië in Wijk 41 Oud Zaandijk

Good sandwich for a nice price of around €6. Friendly service.

"A Night Hideaway in an Old Setting" A bar that stays open until 5 a.m. is a rarity, and that's precisely its main advantage. At such a late hour, it becomes an island of life for those who aren't ready to go home. However, the atmosphere here is far from luxurious: the interior looks tired, the walls and furniture seem to have seen dozens of wild nights, and the establishment is visually unremarkable. The music here is so loud that even a quiet conversation becomes a shout. Your voice is drowned out by this sea of ​​sound, and at times it feels like you're addressing the bartender through a storm. In this cacophony, even the most attentive ear can be misled: your order arrives distorted, and instead of the expected drink, you end up with something completely different. It becomes a kind of lottery, where the outcome is almost impossible to predict. However, the staff works quickly, efficiently, and with unfailing politeness, even amidst the chaos. Customers at these hours are a different story. Here you'll encounter random tourists, locals, and those just looking for a place to end the evening. If you appreciate the opportunity to have a drink at 4 a.m. and aren't afraid of noise, this is the place for you. If you're looking for coziness and aesthetics, it's better to stop by during the day, when everything looks different. "A Nocturnal Haven in a Worn-Out Setting" A bar that stays open until 5 a.m. is a rarity, and that alone is its main draw. At such a late hour, it becomes an island of life for those not yet ready to call it a night. However, the atmosphere here is far from luxurious: the interior looks tired, the walls and furniture seem to have witnessed countless wild nights, and visually, the place is entirely unremarkable. The music here is so loud that even the quietest conversation turns into shouting. Your voice drowns in this sea of ​​sound, and at times it feels as though you're trying to reach the bartender through a storm. In this cacophony, even the most attentive ear can be deceived: your order reaches the counter in a distorted form, and instead of the drink you expected, you're handed something entirely different. It becomes a kind of lottery, where guessing the outcome is practically impossible. Still, the staff works quickly, efficiently, and with unfailing courtesy, even amidst the surrounding chaos. The clientele at these hours is a story in itself. You'll find a mix of tourists, locals, and those who simply stumbled upon this place in search of a way to extend their night. If you value the chance to grab a drink at 4 a.m. and aren't afraid of noise, this place is for you. If you're looking for coziness and aesthetics, it's better to visit during the day, when everything looks entirely different.

As a born and bred Eindhoven native, I didn't go to PSV, but to FC. Authentic, sincere, no unnecessary frills. As a temporary 'imported' resident of the Zaan region, I was (unconsciously) looking for something similar. And I found it in this (in the good sense of the word) classic establishment. A pleasant place to be, genuine people on both sides of the bar, a nice spot to solidify business dealings and to return to for personal visits time and again. But still... just barely 5 stars. Unfortunately, the lack of slightly longer opening hours weighs in rather painfully. Such a shame, because then De Oude Herberg would have truly touched perfection as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps something to consider?

Cozy place to throw a nice party.

Cafe Het Laantje, where I have been coming for 22 years, to this oh-so-beautiful, nostalgic, and super cozy traditional pub—a pub passed down from generation to generation. I would say, people, feel free to stop by and experience it for yourselves with the lovely owners, Jeffrey and Daisy.