Zatte is Brouwerij 't IJ's flagship dark beer, rich and malty with subtle sweetness. The unfiltered, unpasteurized approach means each pour tastes fresh. Reviewers consistently call out the beer's balance and complexity for its strength.
Tips from diners
Zatte is the beer to start with — it's the brewery's most distinctive and flagship pour.
Brouwerij 't IJ serves traditional beer snacks. Boiled eggs are the classic pairing with beer — the salt helps refresh your palate between sips. The simplicity is the point.
Tips from diners
Order a basket of boiled eggs for the table (€3-5) to share while drinking. They're the perfect beer pairing.
Roasted, salted peanuts in their shells.
Tips from diners
Peanuts are the cheapest snack option and traditional with beer culture in Amsterdam.
Plzen is the lighter option for beer-curious first-timers. It's refreshing and approachable, but maintains the unfiltered quality that gives Brouwerij 't IJ beers their fresh character. Pairs well with the salty and savory snacks available.
Tips from diners
If dark beer isn't your style, Plzen is approachable and lets you experience what Brouwerij 't IJ does well.
Belgian-style wheat beer at 7% ABV, cloudy and aromatic.
Tips from diners
The wheat beer is lighter in body than Zatte but more complex than Plzen. It's the middle ground.
Brouwerij 't IJ opened in 1985 and launched Amsterdam's craft beer renaissance. The brewery is located beside the iconic De Gooyer windmill, which is itself a Amsterdam landmark dating to 1814. All beers are organic, unfiltered, non-pasteurized, and brewed on-site. The beer names are puns based on the Dutch pronunciation of 'IJ' (the big river) sounding like 'ei' (egg) — expect names like Zatte, Struis, Columbus, and Vlo.
Arrive early (before 3 PM) if you want a seat on the outdoor terrace. The large beer garden fills up quickly on weekends and stays crowded until closing.
Hours are short (2 PM - 8 PM daily) and the brewery is closed only on rare holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
No reservations — it's first-come, first-served. The terrace seats about 150 people. Come with a group before 2 PM for the best odds of seating together.
Ask the staff for a tasting flight if you want to try multiple beers. They're knowledgeable about the brewing process and happy to explain the differences.
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