De Brandweerkantine — Restaurant in Maastricht

Only go here when you have an awful lot of time!

We were in Maastricht for just a couple of hours and decided to grab a quick lunch at the Brandweerkantine. When we arrived, we got a table and after about ten minutes we were told that it was very busy at the bar so ordering a drink would take a while. The food was no problem, we were told.

We decided to order some food and coffee. Surprisingly, 30 minutes later our coffee arrived, not the food. We asked when our food would be ready, because we wanted to walk around in Maastricht and not sit at the Brandweerkantine all day. Nearly an hour after we sat down at our table, the food was served. It was very tasty, that I must say, but since we were waiting so long for our food, we were so hungry, frustrated and in a hurry to see something of Maastricht that we just ate it without really enjoying it. As a compensation for the inconvenience we got a piece of carrotcake on the house, which was a nice gesture.

As an explenation we got that it was 'very busy'. I agree most of the tables were occupied, but because of COVID19 there are less tables then usual. Maybe there were not enough workers, which, in my opinion, cannot happen on a sunny saturday afternoon. Ps. We were not the only ones complaining about the slowness.

When the Brandweerkantine improves their service, I would recommened this place. Or you must have an awful lot of time to wait for your food...

Honestly an amazing spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Maastricht. The brandweerkantine is a unique place, and I’m not saying this lightly. As a repurposed fireman’s station it is pretty big, making it suitable for groups and families. To counter this, they installed a whole back area where students or solitary visitors and can sit at a long bar to study or work. The kitchen works together with a local bakery and brings fresh plates, many of them vegetarian and all of them delicious. They offer some decent breakfast options and a wide variety of drinks. About the drinks, I’ve never visited in the evening but I did take a look at the back bar and was pleasantly surprised by the selection of spirits on display. Many of them are for specific cocktails and are not generally found in brunch spots, let alone restaurants that also have cocktails on the menu. Think Gaillano, Drambuie, .. the likes. So I assume their drinks are up there too. Service is a bit slow depending on the level of attendance, but it’s a laid back atmosphere so don’t expect 4-star attention...

I believe Brandweerkantine is one of the special spots of the city. It is in an old building of the fire-department, so high ceiling and plenty of space! The furniture are simple: chairs similar as the school chairs, tables, armchairs and sofas seem that they came out of the 60's-70's. There is also a big side by side space which is useful for the cinema or ping pong nights (on specific days of the week) or for the events that are taking place here. It is open most hours of the day for a coffee, a brunch, a snack or a drink and dinner. We personally had a couple of Brand beers with a tasteful bowl of nachos. Also another day we had the menu of a (big) schnitzel with two sauces, French fries and a 500 ml bottle of beer (for 17 euros). Both times the staff was very friendly and polite and the owner was around. Most of the customers are young people. A place with very good vibes, mostly because...