O'Donnell's Irish Pub

If you’re the kind of person who needs to know where to watch the game when you travel, stop looking. My buddy Mark has been coming to O'Donnell's every match day since he moved to Amsterdam, and at this point the bartender knows his order before he sits down. It’s one of those places that feels like a shortcut to another world — and it’s not even that far from the trendy brunch spots and vintage shops in De Pijp. The pub is tucked away on Ferdinand Bolstraat, and when you walk in, you know you’re in the right place. Dark wood, pub mirrors, the smell of Guinness — it hits you right away. It’s not trying to be anything else. Just a proper Irish pub. My friend Dave, who is actually from Dublin, says the Guinness here is poured correctly, and that’s not a small thing. If you know, you know. He’s not just saying that because he’s Irish — he’s got opinions about Guinness the way Italians have opinions about pasta. And when he says this is the best pour in Amsterdam, it means something. On match days, the place comes alive. Premier League, Champions League, Six Nations — they show everything. The screens are big enough that you can actually see what’s happening, which is more than I can say for half the sports bars in this city. My buddy Mark says the atmosphere during a big Liverpool match is better than some actual pubs in England. The food is solid, too. My coworker Tom ordered the Irish stew on a cold November evening and said it was the most comforting thing she had eaten in Amsterdam. The fish and chips are legitimately good — crispy batter, proper chips, not the frozen stuff. The burgers are solid too. You don’t come here for the Dutch experience, but that’s not what you’re looking for when you’re in Amsterdam anyway. It’s more about a good Guinness, a plate of fish and chips, and a game on TV. If you’re into that, this is the place. The only real downside is that it gets packed on big match days. So show up 30 minutes before kickoff if you want a seat with a good view. Weekday evenings are much more relaxed. The pub is open 365 days a year, and it’s one of those places where you can walk in and feel like you’re at home — even if you’re not. It’s got a terrace near Heineken Brewery, a pool table, and live music on occasion. And yes, it’s definitely an Irish pub, not a Dutch one. But sometimes you just want to sit back, have a drink, and watch the game. That’s what O'Donnell's delivers. If you’re thinking about going, check if that deal’s still on — it’s worth the trip.