Grand Café Brinkmann is a classic "brown cafe" in the Center of Haarlem. This has become one of my favorite places in Haarlem as a classic Dutch cafe. Arriving here from the market side it brings back memories from visiting Haarlem 20 years ago with family. It sits in full afternoon sun with an amazing view of the St. Bavo Church in the Grote Markt. It's about as centrum of Haarlem as it gets.
The bar, cafe and restaurant is GROTE indeed (large). It has two floors of tables and the bar is very sizable. The outdoor has a really nice terrace area, under cover and outside of the canopy. There is a beautiful green shrub that is majestic which acts as a nice divider.
The service is quite good for such a large place. I can't call it "gezellig" but I'm sure it has its moments depending on where you sit and who you are with.
The food I've had there is quite good. This would be a great venue for parties since I saw several large banquet type rooms upstairs, or just a quick coffee on the terrace in the wonderful afternoon sunshine. Get the sun whenever...
Read moreGrand Cafe Brinkmann in Haarlem offers an extraordinary combination of stunning views and outstanding coffee that left us thoroughly impressed. This charming café surpassed our expectations, providing a memorable experience for both the eyes and the taste buds. The view from Grand Cafe Brinkmann is nothing short of incredible. Nestled in the heart of Haarlem, the café overlooks a picturesque square, allowing guests to soak in the beauty of the surrounding architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It was a pleasure to sit back, relax, and enjoy our coffee while taking in the captivating surroundings. The coffee quality at Grand Cafe Brinkmann was exceptional. The baristas demonstrated their skill and passion, serving up a rich and aromatic cup of coffee that was a true delight to savor. The beans were expertly roasted, resulting in a smooth and flavorful brew that awakened our senses. We highly recommend stopping by to enjoy a cup of coffee while immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this...
Read moreThis was a great place to stop and have a nice lunch for the afternoon. The wait staff arrived 5-7 minutes after we had taken out seats, so make sure to look at the menu quickly. Speaking of the menu, it's written in Dutch and in English which is helpful for foreigners. The waiters also speak English and Dutch.
Once you have ordered, as is custom in Europe, the wait for the food was approximately 35 minutes, which is quite fast. This is enough time to enjoy the restaurant and your dining guests as well. I recommend that you bring person(s) along as this is not a restaurant to be alone in. I got the Spicy Chicken Sandwich which includes a sourdough bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and chicken. I enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant as it helped to enhance the experience there.
Overall, I highly recommend you visit this Café if you are in Haarlem and need an...
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