Café ’t Mandje

Located on the historic Zeedijk in Amsterdam’s old centre, Café ’t Mandje has been a living piece of the city’s culture and sub-culture since 1927. Founded by the indomitable Bet van Beeren, this café/bar transcended its humble working-class “brown café” roots to become a beacon of inclusivity, rebellion and Amsterdam-style hospitality. From the moment you step inside, you’ll see the original décor preserved and lovingly maintained: dark wood panelling, low ceilings, a billiards table, old photographs, the famed ties hanging from the ceiling (a quirky tradition of Bet’s) and an atmosphere that feels as if you’ve rewound time. But the story behind Café ’t Mandje is what gives it its true character. Bet van Beeren, an openly lesbian bar-owner at a time when that was extremely rare, ran the place with fierce openness. She welcomed all walks of life — sailors, sex workers, artists, gay men and lesbians — in an era of strong social stigma. During the German occupation of the Netherlands in WWII, the café even served as a covert refuge. Over the decades the bar evolved, closed in 1982 amid local challenges, but thanks to the preservation efforts it reopened in 2008, faithfully restored to its original look and spirit. Today Café ’t Mandje offers not just drinks, but a sense of heritage. It’s a place where you can enjoy a straightforward beer or a spirit in a setting saturated with stories: the tieshredding tradition, the memoirs of Bet on her motorcycle, the milestone of LGBTQ+ history in Amsterdam. Visiting this bar isn’t just about grabbing a drink — it’s about connecting with one of the city’s roots of freedom, culture and tolerance. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, a quick stop at ’t Mandje will give you a unique glimpse into Amsterdam’s layered past and lively present.