Café De Klos

Café de Klos has been serving meat to the masses since 1971 and has grown into one of Amsterdam’s most legendary places for spareribs. Hidden inside a narrow building just off the Leidsestraat, this lively grill restaurant combines the dark, characterful interior of an old Amsterdam pub with generous portions of meat straight from the grill.

The menu has barely changed since the beginning and that is exactly the point. Most guests come for the famous spareribs, available in classic, smoked or mixed versions and in portions ranging from generous to almost outrageous. The ribs arrive without unnecessary decoration, accompanied by sauces, a mixed raw vegetable salad and French bread. Add the baked potato loaded with homemade garlic butter to complete the experience.

Those looking beyond the ribs can choose from serious cuts of meat, including tenderloin steak, entrecôte, T-bone and prime rib. Grilled lamb chops, an entire lamb shoulder and smoked chicken are also available. Traditional starters such as French onion soup and escargots in garlic butter fit perfectly with the restaurant’s unapologetically old-school character.

Café de Klos is small, loud, informal and often extremely busy. Reservations are not accepted, so guests simply join the walk-in list. If there is no table available, you can wait across the street at sister bar ’t Genootschap der Geneugten with a drink until the staff comes to collect you. Pair the ribs with one of Café de Klos’ house-brewed beers and embrace the Amsterdam attitude. It is all part of the experience.

‍