Utrecht Is the Cool, Calm Little Sibling of Amsterdam

This historic drinking establishment dating back to 1916, is one of the most distinctive places to capture the spirit of Utrecht and drink like a local. Morgenster’s standout canal-side spot is just outside the city center, making for a more relaxed and leisurely atmosphere to enjoy a drink than the more crowded spots. They specialize in international craft beers, wines by the glass, whisky and fine spirits, including jenever ‘Dutch gin’—juniper-flavored spirit produced in the Netherlands.

Wijnbar Hemel & Aarde

This exquisite wine bar is attached to Hemel & Aarde restaurant in The Nox Hotel, boasting a selection of sommelier-picked wines worldwide. The wine menu changes seasonally, taking in classic regions and smaller undiscovered growers, including a host of speciality Champagnes like Jacquesson. Its stylish interiors are adorned with artworks by artist Eirik Jahnsen, and the inventive bar snacks include local charcuterie, BBQ duck wings, and ponzu-dressed oysters.

Graaf Floris

One of the most popular spots in Utrecht, Graaf Floris is located in the bustling Vismarkt on de Oudegracht. It’s a lively spot to enjoy a Dutch beer, wine, or cocktail, along with their speciality Dutch bar snacks including local cheese croquettes, frikandel sausage, and bitterballen. Graaf Floris is also famous for its warm apple dumpling, a whole apple encased in crispy dough with caramel liquor, which also comes in cocktail form as an apple dumpling spritz.

Café Concours Wine & Foodbar

Located on the opposite side of the road from its fine-dining sister restaurant, Concour, this cosy spot is a great place for an evening drink, snack platters, and small plates. The menu has over 70 still and sparkling wines to discover, selected by sommelier Nils Regien. They also host a calendar of wine tasting masterclasses and live music on Sundays.

LE:EN

This hidden funky warehouse building, just south of the city center, is a cocktail bar and Asian-fusion restaurant in one, with a lively terrace that comes to life in the evenings. LE:EN has an extensive sake and Asian liqueurs menu and a unique cocktail list that includes creations like a miso whiskey sour, yuzu mimosa, and five-spiced port and tonic. The bar hosts weekly DJ nights, live music and drag shows to really get your weekend started.

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