10 x brown pubs

In the centre of Groningen you will find many pubs with character. Brown pubs. A meeting place where anyone can walk in for a drink and homely conviviality. But we shouldn't forget the pubs in the suburbs, either. Walk a few steps further and open the door to an intimate atmosphere, nostalgic interiors, extensive beer menus and fascinating stories from regulars. We have listed a few recommendations for you.

De Pintelier | Binnenstad-Noord

Kleine kromme Elleboog 9 - In one of Groningen's oldest catering districts, you'll find Belgisch Café de Pintelier. If you are not familiar with Groningen, you might have to look for this 'hidden' gem. This is a brown pub you don't just walk into, but where you come through cosy alleys and narrow streets. Enjoy Flemish hospitality and be surprised by the extensive drinks menu with no fewer than 23 (changeable) taps and more than 80 beers by the bottle. De Pintelier is a member of the Alliance of Beer Taprooms (A.B.T.) and has been a household name in Groningen for years.

The Singelier | Helpman

Coendersweg 44 - Café de Singelier also falls into the category of a typical neighbourhood pub: a nice brown pub with all its quirks. One of those quirks is the old smoking room that has been converted into a small distillery. If you are a beer lover then you should definitely take a seat on the terrace of this pub. In fact, the owner of the Singelier, Felix Huisken, is a beer sommelier: one of the highest degrees in beer knowledge and handling. So he can tell you better than anyone else how beer is made, which beer best suits the sunny weather and which lends itself best to a convivial evening. Few people can put together such a good beer tasting session for you. Reason enough to take a detour right?

Café De Koffer | Schildersbuurt

Nieuwe Blekerstraat 1 - Bierlokaal Café de Koffer is a well-known phenomenon in the Schildersbuurt neighbourhood, with as many as 250 different beers on the menu. Fancy a cultural trip around the world? With the international beer menu, you'll experience the flavours of Dutch, Belgian, English, Scottish, American and even Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian beers in Groningen. Game lovers have also been thought of, check out the cupboard at the back of the café. Still looking for a special outing? Then Café de Koffer also offers beer tastings from two people upwards under the guidance of an experienced beer connoisseur.

Ugly Duck | Inner City-North

Zwanestraat 28 - Eatery Ugly Duck has been a classic eatery as an eatery should be for 30 years. This charming eatery has a name that may raise questions, but once you cross the threshold, you will discover that there is nothing ugly about this culinary destination. You can visit this listed building for a good meal, sumptuous lunch or a nice special beer with a drink. If you look closely, there are all ducks hidden in this brown café. For instance, there is a Dagobert Duck menu for anyone in the mood for a tasty and affordable daily snack.

The Klikspaan | Rivierenbuurt

Rabenhauptstraat 78 - Café de Klikspaan is a real brown neighbourhood pub where young and old, students, pensioners and families come together to relax and socialise. This neighbourhood pub is popular in the Rivierenbuurt neighbourhood thanks to its 40 different types of special beer. You can enjoy drinks, Groningen beer tours, pub quizzes, live music and other fun parties here. Groningen is quirky, just like Café de Klikspaan. If you don't feel like cooking, you can have your own food delivered here. Want to organise your own party? The second café 'Kleintje Klikspaan' opened in 2022 for private parties, get-togethers and gatherings.

Kroeg van Klaas | Oosterpoortbuurt

Oosterweg 26 - Kroeg van Klaas has been a household name in the Oosterpoort neighbourhood for 50 years. A real old-fashioned brown neighbourhood pub, it is best known for its many (musical) activities. The atmosphere in this neighbourhood pub is characterised by its diverse audience. Retirees and students alike gather here to enjoy a drink while a live band fills the space with fine music. On the terrace of this café, sip a beer or play a game among the flowers and vines climbing along the walls of the pub.

Café De Toeter | Turfsingel

Turfsingel 6 - De Toeter has been a household name in the city of Groningen for more than 35 years. The pub lives up to its name because of the many old horns and other musical instruments hanging on the walls. What started as a music pub has now grown into a particularly high-quality whiskey and special beer pub. Café de Toeter serves as home base for pub quiz lovers. Twice a week, enthusiastic teams gather here to test their knowledge over a drink. De Toeter has access to 19 taps, more than 200 bottled beers and over 350 single malt whiskeys. Did you know that De Toeter also pours beers from its own microbrewery Rockin' Ludina Brewery? These are brewed in the ship opposite De Toeter. This is not De Toeter's only ship, as you can also rent your own boat there.

The Bald Jonker | Binnenstad-Zuid

Gedempte Zuiderdiep 148 - Except for a thistle, De Kale Jonker is a real old-fashioned brown café. The Kale Jonker is located on Zuiderdiep, in the backyard of Art Academy Minerva. Not surprisingly, the Kale Jonker is a café frequented by many artistic people. From painters and poets to writers and sculptors, everyone is welcome in this atmospheric pub. Behind this café's recognisable blue awning, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink. Looking for a fun activity? The Kale Jonker Quiznight is a household name among the city's quiz lovers.

Café Tante Truus | Schildersbuurt

Blekerstraat 21 - Around the corner from Bierlokaal Café de Koffer you will find Café Tante Truus. This atmospheric living room of the Schildersbuurt is not only a place where you can relax with a drink, but also a place where local residents and visitors come together and feel right at home. The interior exudes nostalgia and charm, with vintage decor and cosy seating areas where you can enjoy good conversation. So stap inside, take a seat at the bar and enjoy this cosy brown café in the heart of the Schildersbuurt.

Café Der Witz | Binnenstad-Zuid

Grote markt 47 - Located in the heart of Groningen, Café Der Witz is known as the city's narrowest café. The café may be narrow, but it still stands out thanks to its ornate red façade. Not only the outside, but also the inside of this brown café is characteristic. Walls decorated with memorabilia and vintage posters create a nostalgic ambiance. You can have a cosy drink here and enjoy a freshly tapped beer while overlooking d' Olle Grieze.