There are countless pavement cafés in Groningen city centre. Lovely, because we all like to enjoy a drink in the sun. But we should not forget the terraces in the suburbs. These terraces are often smaller, but certainly not less cosy. Therefore, an overview of lovely terraces in the various districts of Groningen.
Kroeg van Klaas | Oosterpoort neighbourhood
Oosterweg 26 - This brown café has been a household name in the Oosterpoort neighbourhood for almost 50 years. A real old-fashioned brown neighbourhood pub, where it sometimes seems as if time has stood still. The pub is best known for its many (musical) activities, but the terrace of this pub also deserves a mention! On this cosy terrace, you drink a beer among the flowers and grape plants that climb along the walls of the pub. And luckily, this summer they got extra space for the terrace.
Read moreCafé De Klikspaan | Rivierenbuurt
Rabenhauptstraat 78 - Café de Klikspaan 's terrace has recently been extended and now offers even more space for guests to enjoy a drink in the sun. It is the combination of the clatter of the beers, the gentle throb of the music, and the sound of the people around you that makes Café de Klikspaan so atmospheric. This neighbourhood café is a true household name in the Rivierenbuurt thanks to its 40 different types of special beer. It is a place where young and old, students, pensioners and families come together to relax and socialise. Thanks to the location of the terrace, you can also enjoy watching the many passers-by.
Read moreBaxbier | Vinkhuizen
Friesestraatweg 201/2a – Baxbier, a beautiful brewery situated on the Reitdiep, is of course already familiar to you for its Groningen beers. But alongside de brouwerij , Baxbier has a cosy tasting room with a sunny terrace overlooking the water. The décor is simple yet stylish; a perfect match for de brouwerij and its industrial vibe. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday for all sorts of activities, from guided tours and tastings to dinners and simply a cosy drink. It’s lovely to sit with your head in the sun and a Kon Minder beer in your hand, watching the boats sail by. Now that’s what we call enjoying life the Groningen way.
Read moreCafé De Minnaar | Hortusbuurt
Kleine Rozenstraat 64 – A pub has been located on Kleine Rozenstraat for over 100 years. For the last 25 years, this has been the home of De Minnaar. It has long been a household name and is much loved by many locals and students. Many people have taken this cosy neighbourhood café to their hearts thanks to its well-stocked games cupboard, friendly staff and lovely terrace. The owners of Café de Minnaar have a deep love for the city of Groningen and are keen to share this love with their guests. They use local produce from local suppliers as much as possible. Sitting under the trees in what is perhaps one of Groningen’s loveliest little streets, just a 5-minute walk from the city centre, you can really enjoy a bite to eat and a drink here.
Read moreCafé Lily | Hortusbuurt
Kleine Leliestraat 33 – In the bustling Hortusbuurt neighbourhood, you’ll find Café Lily at a crossroads. The lively atmosphere of the neighbourhood has a touch of Paris about it and means you could easily spend hours here. Café Lily exudes French cuisine, and the menu confirms this. From classic onion soup and bisque with grapefruit cream to ratatouille and oeufs mayonnaise. Those with a sweet tooth will also be in their element here, with pain perdu and tarte tatin on the menu. Alongside all these culinary delights, you’ll also find simply delicious homemade chips with mayo. Simple dishes, but made with the finest ingredients. Beauty lies in simplicity, as they say.
Read moreHet Oude Politiebureau | Oosterparkwijk
Zaagmuldersweg 3 – Stadsrestaurant Het Oude Politiebureau is a household name in the Oosterpark neighbourhood. It is a cosy restaurant in a unique building where they serve dishes from all corners of the globe. The terrace of this city restaurant is particularly cosy thanks to the Amsterdam School-style building, with its brown-red bricks and cheerful yellow window frames. The trees and abundance of greenery provide shelter, and it’s a lovely spot for children to play. Sustainability, local sourcing and social responsibility are central to the restaurant’s ethos, and the dishes are prepared using local ingredients wherever possible. Het Oude Politiebureau is definitely worth the detour.
Read moreBie de Buuf | Oosterparkwijk
Paradijsvogelstraat 10 – Still relatively undiscovered by many, but a real gem in the Oosterpark : Bie de Buuf. This community centre-restaurant and meeting place, situated in a former fruit wine factory in the Oosterpark neighbourhood, welcomes you with open arms. As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, the terrace invites you to enjoy freshly prepared dishes from their own ‘Toentje’. At Bie de Buuf, fresh produce forms the basis of every delicious dish, and you can really taste the difference. The menu offers something for everyone and emphasises the importance of plant-based and local ingredients. A favourite with the locals and a must-visit for every visitor.
Read moreCafé De Koffer | Schildersbuurt
Nieuwe Blekerstraat 1 – Dutch , Belgian, English, Scottish, American and even Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian beers. Café de Koffer’s international beer menu takes you on a cultural journey around the world, right here in Groningen. With no fewer than 250 different beers on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. This cosy and atmospheric traditional pub has a small but snug terrace where you’ll find a diverse crowd, including loyal regulars, (international) students, local residents and beer enthusiasts. Still looking for a special outing? Café de Koffer also offers beer tastings for groups of two or more, led by an experienced beer connoisseur.
Read moreDe Singelier | Helpman
Coendersweg 44 – Café de Singelier also falls into the category of a typical neighbourhood pub: a lovely old-fashioned pub with all its quirks. It attracts a wide variety of visitors; everyone is welcome and there are no set closing times. If you’re a beer lover, you really must take a seat on this café’s terrace at least once. The owner of De Singelier, Felix Huisken, is in fact a beer sommelier: one of the highest qualifications in beer knowledge and handling. So he’s in a unique position to tell you how beer is made, which beer suits sunny weather best and which is ideal for a cosy evening. There are very few people who can put together such a great beer tasting for you. Reason enough to cycle over, isn’t it?
Read moreBramble | Oranjebuurt
Noorderstationsstraat 2 – Bramble is the bar set to quickly win the hearts of many cocktail lovers. Bramble’s menu is just as colourful as its interior. From fresh and fruity cocktails to spicy and herbal drinks, there’s something for everyone. It has the atmosphere of a typical traditional pub with a distinct character all of its own. A mix of dry gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, blackberry liqueur and crushed ice. That’s the Bramble, a refreshing cocktail and the inspiration for the bar’s name. You can almost smell the blackberry liqueur. But Bramble is more than just cocktails. It’s a place where you can enjoy a good glass of wine, a cold beer or a tasty snack on the edge of the Noorderplantsoen. It’s a genuine family-run business where you’re sure to feel at home.
Read moreFankasoo | Oranjebuurt
Graaf Adolfstraat 48 – Right in the heart of the Oranjebuurt neighbourhood, you’ll find Fankasoo, a colourful and cosy spot offering flavours and influences from Africa and the Middle East. Here you can sample, amongst other things, Jollof Rice, Domodah, Café Touba and their refreshing Baobab juice – a Gambian smoothie with coconut, banana and baobab. Flavours that will leave you wanting more. The sounds of Gambian music fill the room, whilst the cheerful staff welcome you with open arms. A relaxed setting with your partner or friends will broaden your culinary ‘fankasoo’ – meaning ‘horizon’ in Mandinka.
Read moreEetcafé De Stadstuin | Herewegbuurt
Hereweg 42 – The restaurant’s colourful interior is a feast for the eyes, with beautiful works of art adorning the walls and an atmosphere that is always relaxed and informal. You can unwind in the sheltered Stadstuin. As well as the courtyard garden, de Stadstuin also has a sunny terrace at the front where you can enjoy the most delicious dishes.
Read moreSalmagundi’s | Korrewegwijk
Oosterhamrikkade 8c – Salmagundi’s is the place to go for good food and a good story. This is where newcomers to Groningen with ambitions in the hospitality industry find a home. Under the guidance of a master chef, they prepare the most delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes for you. Why not order the lunch platter full of Middle Eastern nibbles, enjoy some homemade cake, or settle down on the atmospheric terrace in the evening for a full three-course meal? Another nice touch: Salmagundi’s also has a homeware shop inside, stocked with furniture and accessories from all corners of the globe.
Read moreEetcafé De Padang | Korrewegwijk
Padangstraat 3 – Right next to the Noorderplantsoen , Eetcafé de Padang has been serving authentic Moroccan food for over thirty years. As soon as you close the wooden door behind you or take a seat on the terrace, you’ll be taken on a journey through the flavours of Morocco. A place where regulars and locals sit shoulder to shoulder, but above all a place where everyone is welcome. Here you’ll find slow-cooked tagine and sardines fried in butter, combined with genuine hospitality and a warm smile from the staff. The terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere and a view of the lively scene on Korreweg.
Read moreDe Graansilo | Oosterpoortwijk
Griffeweg 4 – De Graansilo is a surprise in itself; an iconic structure that was originally used for storing barley, wheat and other cereals. But what began as a functional solution for storing grain has grown into something much bigger and more meaningful than that. This historic site has been brought back to life thanks to Graansilo beer, which pairs perfectly with local and seasonal food. At Graansilo , it’s all about discovering new flavours and experiences. There’s no set menu – instead, you’re treated to a surprise menu whilst enjoying a stunning view of the Winschoterdiep from the terrace.
Read more“ ‘Each of the different neighbourhoods has its own atmosphere’ ”