Gollem's Proeflokaal

My neighbor Jan is the kind of guy who knows the difference between a dubbel and a quadrupel, but not in a showy way. He just really loves beer, and he’s been going to Gollem’s Proeflokaal for years. It’s not a flashy place, but it’s where he goes when he wants to taste something new or just sit and talk about beer with people who actually know what they’re talking about. The Overtoom location is the original, opened in the 90s, and it still feels like the place where craft beer first took root in Amsterdam. The bar has over 200 beers — Belgian trappists, Dutch stouts, German wheat, you name it. And the staff? They’re not just knowledgeable, they’re passionate. I once watched my coworker Tom — who only drinks wine — come out of there with a full-blown beer crush after trying a flight. The bar is small, low-ceilinged, and cozy, with wooden tables, beer memorabilia, and candles. It’s not a place where you go to be fancy, but it’s definitely a place where you can feel at home. If you’re new to beer, they offer flights, which is a great way to dip your toes in. I always tell people to go on a weekday night, especially Thursday or Friday around 6 or 7. That way, you’re not fighting the crowd, and the staff have more time to chat. It’s not a place for food — they do bar snacks like cheese boards and bitterballen, but this is a drinking bar, through and through. You can get a simple pilsner for a few euros, or drop 15 euros on a rare trappist if you’re feeling fancy. The vibe is warm, casual, and unpretentious. It’s not about looking good — it’s about enjoying a good beer. And if you ask the bartender, they’ll pour you exactly what you want, based on taste. I’ve been there with Jan a few times, and he always comes out with a new favorite. It’s a place that feels like a secret, but it’s not. It’s just a place that people who love beer go to, and it’s one of the best ones in the city. If you’re visiting Amsterdam and you want to taste a real beer experience, this is the place. The neighborhood is Oud-West, close to the canal ring, and you can walk to the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum from here. It’s easy to get there, and it’s not too far from the main tourist areas, but it still feels like a local spot. I always tell people to check if the deals are still on — sometimes they run limited-time offers or special tastings, and it’s worth seeing what’s going on. The bar is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. It’s small, yes, and it gets packed during the weekend, but if you go at the right time, you’ll get the full experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll leave with a new beer to try. It’s not just a bar — it’s a beer lover’s hangout.