Cafe Gollem, Amsterdamback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Im very glad to say Cafe Gollem in Ramsteeg re-opened in December 2012. Its been closed for far too long. Hopefully heading over in February so will post a review then. Fingers crossed that it remains as good as it was before.
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The Overtoom branch is worth a visit. I called there in March after seeing the same sign on the Raamsteeg pub. The interior is rather more modern than the original, but the venue has a good fridge and a wide range of beers on tap.
Like everyone else, I also wish this bar all the best in its licensing battles and was sad to see it closed on my trip this year.
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It's still closed. There is some talk of licensing problems that the owner is still trying to solve. A great shame, I hope he succeeds.
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A word of warning - both Caf� Gollem and Biercaf� Gollem were displaying notices in the window on my visit on 14/02/2011 stating that they had closed, but that Gollem�s Proeflokaal (Overtoom 160-162, Amsterdam) was still open and serving beers.
As such, I didn't get to try these places out, which is a shame. I didn't get to try Gollem's Proeflokaal as it was a little further out.
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I've been going to this pub now since 1977 when I first moved to Amsterdam. In all this time it hasnt changed at all. Apart from getting rid of the piano and creating 3 more seats that is.
Every visit is a dilemma. So many beers to choose from! I usually drink one of the guest beers on tap, never been disappointed yet. Was in there on Monday for the first time in a year. Guest beer: Charles Quint brewed near Gent in Belgium. Dark and strong (9%), the way I like beer best.
If you are in Amsterdam then dont miss this pub!
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For help in finding this delectable little drinking establishment I've noted how to get there from Dam Square.
Face the palace in Dam Square and walk down to the left of the palace. You will be faced with an Albert Heijn supermarket, walk along the street to the left of the Albert Heijn and you will pass O'Reillys Irish Bar (I recommend a pit stop), walk past O'Reillys (with bar on left hand side) turn left at end of street and walk for 2-3 minutes, you will see a Croissant shop on the right hand side of the road (Spuistraat), walk down the alleyway next to this bakery and Gollem is on the right hand side.
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Visited last Thursday (27/03/08) and had another thoroughly enjoyable end to the night. Lovely to be recognised by the publican. Unchanged since last spring; atmosphere, beer range and discerning music choice are all top-notch. Once more, I was there to the end and loved every minute.
Regarding difficulty finding this pub, mentioned by previous reviewers: I agree, it is hard to find, best get off the tram at Spui (routes 1, 2 and 5 from Centraal station will get you there) and walk up Spuistraat, keeping to the left - you will spot it on one of the passages - look out for a "Leeuw" beer sign.
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A wonderful night on Thursday 22/03/07. Was not quite so packed as on other visits which enabled me to secure a stool at the bar on arrival. Enjoyed De Koninck plus some bottled beers recommended by a local, including a special beer from Brouwerij 't IJ. I thank him for his recommendation as the flavour was head and shoulders above anything else I had tasted in the session. Again, Gollem proved impossible to leave until chucking-out time, and the bill was reduced (yet again) by friendly locals buying me a beer!
Not sure why I only gave it 8/10 last time - an undisputed 10 is deserved.
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A cosy little slice of beer heaven located down a side street that doesn't see much sunlight.
Small but perfectly formed pub with limited seating and tables but an unbelievable selection of draft and bottled beers. Barman when I visited was very professional but relaxed and made myself and my companions welcome.
Prices as you'd expect and given the choice and haven from the harsh realities of the outside world vibe, that represents superb value.
Worth seeking out, but I'd take a map or you might miss it.
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Yup, as stated below, a great place. Beer selection second to none, with about 8 drafts on, and around 200 beers in total, all served correctly, mostly in their own branded glasses.
Is very small and can understand it might be packed out on weekend, but sure this would only make it more interesting, staff friendly, and regulars fairly welcoming.
Nothing more to say, except its a bu%g*r to find, but worth the effort.
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small cozy 'brown' cafe serves 200 kinds of (mostly) belgium beer. Bartenders know what they're talking about when it comes to beer. Nice mixture of tourists and locals.
Jack Johnson - 23 Mar 2005 21:44 |
Excellent - one of Amsterdam's best brown cafe type pubs in a little alley off Spuistraat, north of Leidseplein. A huge range of beers on bottle and draught, including De Koninck and Pawel Kwak beer (yes, served in that special glass!). The bottled beer range runs into the hundreds. The staff are very friendly and informative, conversant in English. The locals are just as friendly. I walked in on Friday night (18/03/05) and ended up staying until almost closing time as regulars began chatting and we exchanged beers.
The atmosphere in Gollem is superb, and music on CD is kept at a level which allows conversation to flourish. The pub often gets packed, but is well worth a visit. Go there, you will not be disappointed.
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Stonking bar, off the beaten track. Very dark with a taste of Goth, but well worth the visit. Some really strong beers, up to 11%, mostly belgian, if you feel up to it. Also has the best barmaid for miles.
Its strange that the best beers in the Netherlands are brewed in Belgium, although a 10 O'Clock tour of the Heineken brewery, with 3 free drinks skewes the thought pattern before lunch.
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