Café 't Smalle

Café ’t Smalle occupies a beautiful historic building on the Egelantiersgracht, one of the most picturesque canals in the Jordaan. Its story is connected to Pieter Hoppe, who established a wine business and later a distillery at this location around 1780. The present-day café opened in 1978, but the carefully preserved building gives it a genuine old-Amsterdam character.

Inside, dark wooden panelling, antique details and colourful stained-glass windows create the intimate atmosphere expected from a classic brown café. A steep staircase leads to additional seating upstairs, while the small bar downstairs remains the liveliest place to experience its traditional neighbourhood charm.

The most sought-after seats are outside, directly beside the canal. During sunny weather, the waterside terrace is one of the loveliest places in the Jordaan to watch boats pass while enjoying a beer, glass of wine or Dutch jenever.

The menu is simple and perfectly suited to the setting, featuring sandwiches and traditional bar snacks rather than elaborate meals. Expect favourites such as bitterballen, old Dutch cheese and the popular homemade meatball sandwich.

Café ’t Smalle combines nearly everything people love about the Jordaan: historic surroundings, an intimate brown-café interior and a beautiful spot beside the canal. It attracts both locals and visitors but has retained its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. On a sunny afternoon, its waterside terrace is difficult to beat.