Cafe De Reiger – Solid Food in the Jordaan

cafe de reiger - business cardEetcafes, Dutch for eating cafe, are very popular in the Netherlands. They are some sort of a cross-over of a restaurant and a bar. They usually have simple menus dominated by steak, mussels, french fries, sandwiches and snacks. And they have both a bar and dining area. Some guests initially come for drinks, hang around, get hungry and stay for food, while others might meet at the eetcafe for dinner and then stay on for booze and chat.

Not surprisingly, the Jordaan, the most authentic of Amsterdam neighborhoods, is full of eetcafes and bruin cafes. And Cafe De Reiger – Dutch for the heron – is a great option for spending a typical Amsterdam evening.

Start by strolling through the narrow Jordaan alleys, look at the small boutiques and galleries and discover the hidden ornaments and court yards of the 17th century houses. Then check into Cafe De Reiger for steak and fries. And hang around for a few typically Dutch biertjes and mingle with the locals.

The vibe is busy and informal. The dining room is usually packed and tables are close to each other. The decor is simple with basic chairs and tables and a wooden floor that has survived many busy nights. You will be served bread and beer quickly and can choose your dishes from a large board. Next to classics like steak and spareribs, De Reiger has some daily specials, a fish and vegetarian dish as well as some salads.

De Reiger is an eetcafe. I go there when I’m up for meat, fries and beer and usually stay away from the other options.

Cafe De Reiger is located on Nieuwe Leliestraat 34, near the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House. Food is served daily from 6pm to 10:30pm. They do not have a web site, so you might want to call at (020) 624 74 26 to make a reservation.

cafe de reiger - dining room

6 thoughts on “Cafe De Reiger – Solid Food in the Jordaan”

  1. What an interesting blog you have! I don’t live in A’dam but I like food and reading about food so I think I’ll be back!
    Cheers!

  2. Hi Aledys,

    Thanks for having stopped by and dropped a note! I checked out your blog too. Great winter pictures!

    Please do come back and definitely check out Broodje Bert on your next visit!

    –dutchgrub

  3. Hi MK,

    Sorry to hear you had to experience bad service!

    Was it just typical Amsterdam-style disinterested bad or really bad?

    –dutchgrub

  4. Longtime fan of this place. I’ve been going here for over ten years, and it’s still a top choice.

    One note, though: As far as I know they don’t take reservations (that’s part of the charm of an eetcafe). But as long as you’re a small party, you can usually be seated within 20 minutes, even on the weekend. Just have a drink at the bar.

    Also good to know: They don’t take credit cards. Just cash and PIN (debit cards from Dutch banks only). This always confounds foreign visitors, but it makes it easy for locals to treat their guests. Otherwise, let your guests know they should ‘cash up’ on the Rozengracht on their way. 40-50 euros per person should be more than enough.

    And the service is always friendly, though never over-the-top, which is typical Amsterdam. Again, a great example for your foreign guests of local culture. I’ve never had any serious problems with the service, in all these years.

  5. Good one, cpoticha. Many Amsterdam restaurants are still being difficult about credit cards, which makes life rather difficult for tourists. So indeed good idea to check and get cash in advance if needed.

    –dutchgrub

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