Top Bars in Groningen – Most Viewed (2025)
Discover Groningen's vibrant student bar scene with rooftop cocktail bars in the city center, hidden speakeasies in historic buildings, and lively beer halls in the creative districts. Experience craft beer bars in the modern areas, sophisticated lounges in boutique hotels, and traditional Dutch bars in the old town. From classic Dutch hospitality to experimental mixology, Groningen offers a unique blend of university culture, historic charm, and vibrant nightlife in the Netherlands' northern gem.
Tucked away on Gedempte Kattendiep, Literair Café De Graanrepubliek is a charming two-floor literary café that invites you to unwind among towering shelves of books, board games, and the warm glow of living-room comfort. With its relaxed, accessible atmosphere, this quaint bar has become a beloved space for readers, thinkers, and creatives alike. Whether you’re here to sip a drink and lose yourself in a novel, join an open-mic poetry night, a book reading, or a pub quiz, the café effortlessly blends cultural, critical, and social pursuits with the simple pleasure of gathering. The upper floor—with a flexible layout, beamer, mic, and seating for up to 30 (or even 50 standing)—provides an intimate setting for presentations, workshops, film screenings, and cozy recitals. Visitors rave about the personal touch and inclusive spirit. One review highlights how the owners “really know how to indulge into the mind of the creative,” recommending books inspired by your tastes—and encouraging you to even bring your own food. It’s that relaxed, welcoming vibe—part alternative, part hipster—that makes it feel like a second home. With friendly staff, a clientele that ranges from curious newcomers to devoted regulars, and events like the monthly “Dichterscafé” spoken-word sessions held among the bookshelves, the café stands out as a cultural gem in Groningen’s social scene. All told, Literair Café De Graanrepubliek isn’t just a bar—it’s a warm, imaginative space where literature meets community, where strangers can become collaborators, and where every visit invites creativity—and perhaps a new favorite read.