‘t Arendsnest (The Eagle’s Nest, a play on the owner’s name), is different from other beer cafes in Amsterdam. Cafe 't Arendsnest offers only beer from Dutch breweries. Lest the Dutch beer novice think this limits them to only Amstel or Heineken, they need not worry: there are more than 130 beers from the Netherlands, besides dozens more seasonal beers. The bartender readily answers questions and customers can not only drink a glass of beer but also learn something about it. I sampled several beers; one I particularly enjoyed was the Christoffel Blond (5.5% alcohol). Thinking I could stump the bartender, I asked if they had any beers from the Friesland province of the Netherlands. Sure enough, I was offered a lovely Waddenbier Blond from that region. My friend Jim tried it, and decided it was so good he had to have one himself. I finished off my "tasting" by trying a La Trappe Blond (6.5% alcohol), which is the only Trappist beer in the Netherlands.
I had an opportunity to speak with Peter van der Arend, the owner, who is a certified beer specialist, having studied in Belgium to become a beerologist. He has realized his dream of being able to introduce people to the wonderful Dutch beers from small, little-known breweries, with the opening of ‘t Arendsnest in July of 2000.
‘t Arendsnest is located in a lovely old building on the Herengracht canal. The room is long and fairly narrow, with dark wood paneling, wooden floors, and wooden tables, chairs and bar stools. Decorative copper pieces and large lamps lend a cozy air; this is a wonderful place to relax with a beer or two. Definitely an off-the-beaten-path spot, I think I was there only tourist there.
Hours are Sunday-Thursday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 4:00PM to 2:00 AM. Via tram, take 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 or 20 from Centraal Station, and get off at the stop just by Nieuwe Kerk; you’ll find yourself by the Magna Plaza Shopping Center. Walk west on Molsteeg, the street immediately north of Magna Plaza, and then turn north at the Herengracht. For further information, call (0)20 421 2057, email ‘t Arendsnest at info@arendsnest.nl, or check out www.arendsnest.nl on the web.