De Zotte Belgium Bierproeflokaal

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 29 Raamstraaat, Amsterdam, 1016 XL, Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 626 8694
Website: view De Zotte Belgium Bierproeflokaal’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Beer bar
Food: Bar Snacks

Review

De Zotte is a wonderfully traditional beer joint with a bare wooden floor, varnished plywood panelled walls covered in tin beer signs, chalk boards and beer advertisements adding to its rustic charm.

De Zotte literally means crazy and late on weekend evenings that pretty accurately sums up the atmosphere. The 'Belgium Bierproeflokaal' part of the name translates as 'Belgium test room' and refers to the real reason to come here, Belgian beer, which along with Dutch brews dominate De Zotte's staggering list of well over 100 bottled and seven draught beers. Racks and shelves of branded, variously shaped, glassware appropriate to each beer wait to be filled and put to service.

Mismatched old tables, chairs and bench seating accommodates a mixed bunch of local students, the odd suit and tourists who've strayed from the beaten path or actively searched out this back street venue.

The food is cheap and worth the quest with everything from chunky chips to more wholesome offerings such as escargot with calvados. Belgium-style hunks of bread and semi-soft cheese served on rustic round wooden cutting boards with celery salt to season should not be missed.