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Café 't Mandje
Bars

Café 't Mandje

The oldest queer bar in Holland!

Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.0
549 reviews

Neighbourhood

Amsterdam

Category

Bars

Vibe

Cocktails

Official website

About Café 't Mandje

Nestled on the vibrant Zeedijk street in Amsterdam, Café 't Mandje is not just a bar but a landmark of LGBTQ+ history and Dutch culture. Since its inception in 1927 by the spirited Bet van Beeren, a lesbian icon in her own right, the café has been a sanctuary of inclusivity and fun. Known for its welcoming atmosphere to a diverse crowd of tourists and locals alike, 't Mandje blends a rich historical essence with a lively, contemporary vibe​​. After a temporary closure, the café was passionately restored and reopened in 2008 by Bet's niece, Diana van Laar, ensuring that its legacy as a cornerstone of Amsterdam's gay community continued. The interior, a repository of memories and artifacts, was even replicated in the Amsterdam Museum, emphasizing its significance in the city's social fabric​​. Café 't Mandje's ambiance is characterized by its eclectic mix of patrons, from sailors and artists to tourists exploring the old city. The bar offers a variety of drinks and often features nights with singing bartenders and disco tunes, creating an environment where everyone can feel free to be themselves​. The café also holds a unique position in the heart of Amsterdam’s (little) China Town on Zeedijk, making it an ideal spot to start or end an evening after dining at nearby Asian restaurants​. For those interested in the convergence of history, culture, and nightlife, Café 't Mandje offers a quintessential Amsterdam experience that celebrates diversity and history in one of Europe's most free-spirited cities.

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Café 't Mandje

Café 't Mandje, Zeedijk, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.5

549 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    4.0
  • Google Maps
    4.5

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Mine Osan
Mine Osan

2 months ago

Café ’t Mandje is one of Amsterdam’s most historic bars, originally opened in 1927 by Bet van Beeren, and known as one of the first openly LGBTQ+ friendly bars in the city. It has a really rich history and you can still feel that character inside. The interior is full of old objects and memorabilia, which gives it a very authentic and slightly chaotic charm. It feels very Dutch, even the music adds to that local vibe. Although it might look a bit touristy from the outside, it was actually mostly locals inside, which made it even more interesting. I’d definitely recommend stopping by for a pint and just soaking up the atmosphere

Review from Google Maps

Miss Undercover
Miss Undercover

3 weeks ago

Very small, filled with cut of ties and other memories, though one of the oldest and legendary bars in Amsterdam with an interesting history. Read the beautiful history on their website or just visit to hear the full story the. Even the story of how the current owner took over this bar. I did not have to pay anything, because there was a meeting of volunteers of the Salvation Army Clothing Stores. The Salvation Army that certainly has been and is still having a close tie with this ,certainly worth to visit, typical Dutch bar. I had a great time. Located at the famous Zeedijk. At the edge of the Red Lights District. Just a few 100 meters.from Amsterdam Central Station.

Review from Google Maps

Adrian F.
Adrian F.

4 months ago

Had a lovely time here just sitting down and making conversation with the bartenders and patrons. They entertained my silly tourists questions and were kind enough to write in my journal with thoughtfulness. Was a highlight of mine, and would like to return if life ever gives me the chance

Review from Google Maps

Rosa Castro
Rosa Castro

8 months ago

It was a rainy day and we had about a 40 minute wait for our table at a restaurant. A group of six popped in and we were welcomed and served drinks. Being tourist, of course we did not know it is a gay bar but they welcomed us, too. I would go back if I was in Amsterdam again. They have a good selection of draught beers and cocktails. The bartender is handsome and friendly.

Review from Google Maps

Arash Soltani
Arash Soltani

3 months ago

Cool bar with a great vibe and good drinks

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
20 July 2025
Listed in
Amsterdam › Netherlands
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google