Located roughly fifteen miles west of Amsterdam, Haarlem is a fascinating city that gloriously, and almost equally, attracts coffee lovers. This beautiful city of the Netherlands with its picturesque streets especially with cobbled stones, historic buildings, and all, is not all about aesthetic pleasure; There is a lot more to it – outstanding coffee. But the question arises, what is it that is special about the coffee culture in Haarlem? Let’s take a delightful tour of the top coffee shops in the city, discreetly revel in the magic of each satisfying sip, and explore what has made them so unique.
There is nothing wrong with explaining the recent developments in the aspect of Haarlem becoming a perfect coffee city – this situation is deliberately constructed. There is a nice combination of reasons: deep historical roots, established culinary direction, and eager patrons of quality and respect for craftsmanship. The geographical limits of the city make it possible to create an eclectic mix of coffee shops, each with its own offerings and character.
Sustainability and ethically sourced products that are available within a country are some of the things that represent the stand-out traits of Haarlem. A lot of the great coffee shops in the city go for direct trade with the coffee growers to guarantee good income to the farmers and healthy agricultural practices. This quest for quality and ethics impresses the residents and then tourists, resulting in a delicious and thoughtful coffee culture.
The development of coffee culture in Haarlem is a story worth telling. Changes have happened worldwide towards utmost coffee in recent history. In the past ten years, for instance, the generic picture of a typical Dutch coffee house that served only drip coffee has dramatically shifted to diverse coffee shops that are quite creative in quenching caffeine cravings.
This evolution can be traced through several key phases:
As is the case with most coffee capitals of the world, Haarlem is able to adopt worldwide coffee trends at the same time being able to retain some aspects within the culture that make it different. One such practice is the koffietafel or coffee table which takes place in the middle of the afternoon when coffee is served with assorted hors d’oeuvres. Modern coffee shops have transformed this practice into serving knitted versions of Dutch pancakes with coffee.
Another unique aspect of the city of Haarlem is the presence of coffee combined with the city's vibrant art and design. Most of the cafes are also galleries or expose work of local artists and this helps combine the two forms of art that is food and art through the use of the visual form. This rare combination of coffee with art and design makes it possible to go beyond just drinking coffee.
There are some remarkable places, that must be positioned separately for all those who are in search of the best in Haarlem coffee. These cafes have distinguished themselves not only in terms of the coffee served there but also in the way the art and the experience of both customers and employees is approached.
Coffee Habits deserves particular attention as one of the best cafes in Haarlem. This place is a great combination of delicious coffee and a homely atmosphere. It is only a short distance from the central square and this nice place acts as an escape from the noise and busy routine of a city.
What makes Coffee Habits stand out from the competition is their commitment to the craft called coffee making. The baristas here are artisans, each undergoing rigorous training in respect of brewing techniques and flavour combinations. They have in place an ever-changing assortment of beans sourced from leading coffee roasters on earth, such that every new visit means a new experience of taste. But that is not all, the coffee alone is not the only reason businesses at Coffee Habits enjoy a high customer return rate. One regular customer aptly put it – ‘It is like walking into your friend’s house, who is a great coffee lover and happens to be the best barista.
With the opening of the second outlet in Coffee Habits, patrons are very receptive to these changes according to coffee lovers across the city of Haarlem. Though the new spot retains the same orientation in terms of the quality and service extended, the place offers a slightly different atmosphere. The first one is homey and warmly old and cosy, perfect for one's monologue or only two-person dialogue or for work with a laptop. The newer facility however comes with an open and contemporary feel ideal for a bigger crowd and more noise for more energetic patrons.
Both locations are equally committed to quality coffee, but each has its exceptionalities. The original venue is famous for its pour-over precision, while the new venue has advanced espresso machines and therefore more cow-milking drinks can be created. As noted by One of the owners of Coffee Habits, “We care for making 2 different experiences with only one brand. We want our customers to have the full range of options while fully understanding the standard that we have set.”
Ax Specialty Coffee has become such a kind of in-house coffee that committed coffee lovers consider this a place to pilgrimage every day. Located in a picturesque historic building in Haarlem, Ax is not only about coffee but also offers interesting classes for its guests. ‘The café’s owner, Alex, has many years of experience in the Australian coffee industry and brought a little bit of Melbourne to Haarlem.’
The best part about Ax that makes it to the list of places to visit is its constant pursuit of quality and transparency. Every single cup of coffee has its own narrative - about the country, it has come from, the person who has cultivated it and lastly, the roasting process which revealed all that multifarious taste. The café also organizes regular cupping sessions along with brewing workshops for those interested in getting deeper into the coffee culture. As Alex puts it, “We are not only selling coffee, we are bringing a feeling and a story in every single cup of it.”
Ax has been involved with Stooker Specialty Coffee and this shows that unity is strength in the coffee industry. Stooker, which is careful of the type and in what way they will be sourcing and roasting the coffee, provides Ax with a different type of beans every rotation. This partnership means Ax can provide a wide range of coffees as new ones are introduced with varying flavour profiles and stories.
The partnership does not stop at providing supply alone. Axe and Stooker also cooperate in the creation of the roast profiles, containing a specific set of coffee bean characteristics to achieve the highest quality in combination with the methods of Ax’s brewing. This degree of modification to coffee and the subsequent attention paid is unusual in today’s coffee industry and leads to coffee cups that are truly unique from any other coffee cup. In the words of one coffee reviewer, “In every sip you can feel the symbiosis between Ax and Stooker. This is a union that makes both brands better but most importantly offers a unique coffee to the customer.”
Ultimately, although the coffee is of utmost importance, the actual venue where it is served can also improve the overall experience. Haarlem has many coffee places that not only have good coffee but also offer a comfortable and productive working work environment.
For those who are planning to hunker down and carry out their work requirements, The Coffee Spot is a wonderful place to do so. The roomy area, natural light and good Wi-Fi make it popular with freelancers and telecommuters. The owner of this coffee shop was once working in IT, and so he knows the requirements of the digital nomads. "What we've done is make it so that people can sit down for a couple of hours whether they're coding, writing or having a business meeting," he says.
As far as the other extreme is concerned, if relaxation is what you seek, then Blue Zone Espresso gives you an escape even in the city center. The Zen interior complemented by a non-coffee offering of diverse herbal teas and healthy snacks makes it an exquisite place to relax in and recharge.
| Café | Specialty | Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Habits | Rotating selection of global beans | Cozy and intimate | Quiet conversations, solo work |
| Ax Specialty Coffee | Educational experience, partnership with Stooker | Modern and vibrant | Coffee enthusiasts, learning about coffee |
| The Coffee Spot | Workspace-friendly environment | Spacious and bright | Remote work, business meetings |
As we complete the tour of this inviting coffee corner in Haarlem, one can hardly deny that this gorgeous city in The Netherlands has a lot to offer them when it comes to coffee. From quiet nooks ideal for indulging in your thoughts to crowded places full of bustle and the intoxication of ideas and words, the coffee establishments in Haarlem have almost everything suited for each person and every emotion. Whether you’re a hardcore coffee drinker, or you are one of those people who enjoy coffee, get ready to be impressed by the multicultural and active coffee scene in Haarlem.
So, for example, if the next time you go to this beautiful place, you would want to look for a new thing to do, why don't you consider going and finding coffee for yourself? Check these sweet places, try these nice tastes and when in the end you would like to ask what’s so special about Amsterdam coffee culture, you would already know that there is something. Because every cup of coffee in Haarlem has a different story, and you are part of it.
The Coffee Spot transformed into a creative cozy corner with the alternation in relation to coffee and the community. It’s quite evident that this is not just a spot where you come to sip a coffee and rush out; it is an ecosystem where ideas, people and things amalgamate and ideas are tested.
Brew Bottom is one such feature of The Coffee Spot where customers can watch the brewing process and try their hand at being part of the process too. Marco, the head of baristas in the café says "As a result of it, we wish to make coffee preparation accessible and understandable. And we educate customers, while not simply presenting excellent coffee – it is a process which includes the interaction of both sides."
Getting the perfect shot of the barista in action seems just as important as the quality of the coffee itself in the times of social networks. In Haarlem, there are quite many cafes, which not only brew great coffee but also are a wonderful background for the pictures you will post on Instagram.
GUUS Koffie is among them with a Scandinavian interior design where minimalist is out-shined by the drinks does art. Continuing on the list, The Coffee Spot captivates with its industrial interior and stunning latte art. Just bear in mind that yes, such places might be categorized as “Instagrammable”, but their twist in popularity comes from the depth behind the image - great coffee and hospitable staff at all times.
GUUS Koffie has succeeded in wowing its patrons not only with excellent coffee but also its immaculate presentation. The café’s surroundings are rather pleasing to the eye, with straight lines, natural fabrics, and many greens – all of which evoke an effortlessly relaxing atmosphere and enhance the experience of enjoying a great cup of coffee.
However, the first impression that the visitors will get inside the GUUS Koffie is not only from the interior elements. The conception of a cup of coffee offered by them borders on art. From the elaborative latte art to the well-dressed desserts, almost all the items that come out of the counter are very cute. Apparently, as it is the case with the director of JOUS Koffie, Lotte, ‘we think that successful coffee is the coffee that makes you feel like the experience is a tad bit more than multi-dimensional, it should be appealing as well. We aim to create nanoseconds of delight in our customers, nanoseconds that they will want to document and circulate’.
For those prepared to look at coffee from a different angle, it is possible to risk the firmly maintained stereotype in Haarlem. The majority of the best cafes in the district provide classes and tastings on a regular basis. These developments can take the form of entry-level coffee-making demonstrations or may progress with more complex presentations on coffee varieties and their taste nuances.
One of the coffee education options that stands out is GUUS Koffie, which is well known not only for great coffee but also for its comprehensive barista courses. Whether you are an absolute beginner needing the basics or an advanced home brewing enthusiast wanting to perfect your skills, GUUS Koffie has a course that will cater for you.
GUUS Koffie offers a range of barista courses designed to cater to different skill levels and interests. Their most popular offerings include:
What makes GUUS Koffie’s courses different from, say, standard professional training is that the learning process is as hands-on as possible. He is also a trainer, Pieter most simply put says “It is through doing that we learn”. Ours is a practical course where all the participants are expected to have enough time to work with the industrial blenders and other equipment. At the end of the course, you do not just read about coffee but you make good coffee.”
To truly experience Haarlem's coffee scene, consider embarking on a self-guided coffee tour. This allows you to explore at your own pace, savoring the unique offerings of each café. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your coffee adventure:
Remember, the key to a successful coffee tour is pacing yourself. Don't feel pressured to try everything in one day. Take your time, engage with the baristas, and truly savour each unique coffee experience.
The timing can be important too if you are planning to visit a coffee shop in Haarlem. On average, weekday mornings are the quietest, which is good for those who wish to drink their coffee in peace or talk to the baristas. But, if you looking for the hustle and bustle of a packed café atmosphere, reach for the weekends
For the best experience at each spot:
Once you have sampled the various types of coffee joints in Haarlem, we are sure that you have areas of preference. For example, you may have developed a liking for the warm atmosphere of Coffee Habits, or the more experimental Ax Specialty Coffee may have left you pleased. Simply put, each one of the Haarlem has to offer coffee lovers a unique experience.
We would also like to ask what your impression of the cafés is and share some of your impressions with us. Is it any of the cafes that really grabbed your affection? Was it because of the exquisite variety of flavours that you tasted in a single origin pour over or maybe the perfectly smooth textured flat white? Or it could be the nice comfort of a local coffee neighbourhood? Please leave your comments and suggestions below. You never know, your opinion can be useful in the search for coffee places in Haarlem for other enthusiasts.
Do not forget that the best coffee experience also depends solely on the individual and this may not leave much to be desired if it is only about the quality of the coffee themselves quality- yes, really good in some places here. It's about the experiences you have, the people you meet, and the joy you feel. So if you are in Haarlem at home or just on a visit go around and find these coffee treasures. These places must be visited and once there, coffee must be drunk, because every cup has a story accompanying it, and in the case of cups in Haarlem, it is a story worth knowing.
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the vibrant life of Haarlem. For more stories, tips, and local insights, keep exploring HaarlemToday. Don’t forget to share your favourite articles with friends and join the conversation on our social media channels. Until next time, keep discovering the unique flavors and experiences that make our city special.
