Utrecht, one of the most vibrant cities in the Netherlands, is home to a lively specialty-coffee scene. Here is a short list of cafés to visit as you wander the city’s alleys.
BY TANYA NANETTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos by Tanya Nanetti
The Netherlands’ Utrecht is just a short train ride from Amsterdam and home to the largest university in the country. The city’s medieval center is a wonder to explore, thanks to its tree-lined canals, beautiful historic buildings, and the famous Domtoren, the 14th century bell tower that, for those brave enough to climb its 465 steps, offers a magnificent view of the entire city.
In addition to the beautiful old town, downtown Utrecht offers a rich food and drink scene, with many different restaurants and cafés ready to cater to locals, students, and tourists alike.
Between craft breweries and natural wine bars, a wave of specialty cafés is ready to welcome all those interested in discovering great coffee.
The Village Coffee & Music
One of the oldest specialty-coffee establishments in the city, right in the middle of downtown, the Village is one of the most special places around.
“Made with friendship, independent since 2011,” reads the café’s window. You’ll know it’s all true when you walk through the doors. Everyone here seems to know each other, the baristas are friendly, and the smell of house-roasted coffee and hot food is simply delicious.
The space is cozy and welcoming, with dim lighting, lots of memorabilia and vinyl, tattoo designs on the wall, and a couch and armchairs that make it look like a specialty-coffee shop version of Central Perk, straight out of the sitcom “Friends.”
The Village is more than just a coffee shop. It’s where co-founders and longtime friends Angelo and Lennaert can share their love of coffee and hospitality, it’s a space for live music and art, and it’s the creative hub behind a ton of community events.
If you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss it.
Keen Coffee
A short walk from the Village and Domtoren is Keen Coffee, the newest addition to the local specialty-coffee scene.
Opened by renowned Dutch roaster Keen with the help of a successful crowdfunding, the café is a gorgeous space housed in one of the city‘s oldest buildings (built in 1584), which—if the weather cooperates—stays sunny all day.
Inside, minimalist décor and a simple U-shaped counter let the customer‘s attention focus on what‘s really important at Keen: the coffee. Here, in fact, you can find more than 15 different kinds of beans on offer between filter and espresso, also served in several tastings perfect for one or two people.
Come here when your caffeine level is still low, then sit back and enjoy.
And as Keen‘s motto says, “Explore. Taste. Repeat.”
Cornelis – coffee, food and a room
Slightly off the beaten path, not too central (so not usually unpleasantly crowded) but not too far away either (so easily reached by a short walk), Cornelis is certainly unique. In this exact location, more than 100 years ago, C. de Ven opened his store, creating an establishment that would continue to sell groceries, coffee, tea, and chocolate for many years.
After a few decades, Cornelis is back for good with a similar concept, but with a twist: behind the olive-green facade (the historic one) is now a store selling specialty coffees (beans roasted by Bocca Coffee of Amsterdam), homemade cakes, and tasty dishes. And if you are too tired to go home, or just want to try something unique, try the one-room hotel behind the shop: a special opportunity to sleep under the old beams of the former coach house.
Koffie Leute Record Store
Another special store in the heart of Utrecht, Koffie Leute is both a café and record store, as the name suggests.
Tasty specialty coffees (sustainably home-roasted or sourced from the best roasters around) are sold here next to Lo-Fi cassettes; delicious fresh sandwiches next to vintage video games; and homemade pastries next to vintage vinyl.
Come here for a mouthwatering break. Stay longer to listen to your favorite vinyl and soak up the relaxing atmosphere, which, with its vintage décor, reminds you of afternoons spent in grandma‘s living room.
And if you like the atmosphere of Koffie Leute, have another coffee to go, put on your headphones, and listen to the store’s playlist: You won’t regret it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tanya Nanetti (she/her) is a specialty-coffee barista, a traveler, and a dreamer. When she’s not behind the coffee machine (or visiting some hidden corner of the world), she’s busy writing for Coffee Insurrection, a website about specialty coffee that she’s creating along with her boyfriend.
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