Best Pancake Houses in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
pancakes amsterdam

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake? Not you, that's for sure, or you wouldn't be here reading these words. Those fluffy, sweet, tasty treats are championed in lands far and wide, including the Netherlands. So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you'll want to know which are the best pancake houses in the city? Right you are, and read on to find out our picks!

Including:

  • Pancakes Amsterdam
  • The Pancake Bakery
  • Moak Pancakes
  • The Breakfast Club
  • Coffee & Coconuts
  • and more!

 

Pancakes Amsterdam

If you're looking for the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, why not first try one that's literally named after the city? That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and their selection of tasty battered treats will nd easily sort your fix.

Rather than sticking to the tried and tested Dutch style of pancakes, they take influences from pancake styles across the globe. That's just as true for their kitchen too, which is opened up to visitors. That way, you can see your delicious sweet treats being created in real-time, just how the gods intended.

Oh, and why not indulge in a free pancake tasting session - on us, of course. You're free to choose anything from their massive selection. And, if one's simply not enough, go grab a table and tuck into many, many more.

 

The Pancake Bakery

After nearly 50 years in the egg, flour, and butter business, it's no wonder that The Pancake Bakery has made quite the name for itself in Amsterdam.

Offering a selection of international pancakes from the likes of America, Chile, Norway, and Mexico, in a variety of sweet and savory varieties, you're certainly not spoiled for choice. Couple that with a massive omelet menu, starters, desserts, and even a kid's menu, and you've got yourself one handy pancake paradise.

Oh, and if none of the menu options take your fancy, you can even create your own masterpiece. Ham, mushrooms, and cherries? Why not, you absolute grot monster.

 

Moak Pancakes

Moak started out in Oud-West, but has now made its way to multiple locations across Amsterdam. Its humble facade may betray its awesomeness, but the inevitable queue outside should put those fears to rest.

Over two floors, you'll find packed tables full of guzzling pancake fanatics. A relatively new joint, having only popped up in 2016, they still smash it left, right, and center. The focus here is on the classic American pancake, with an entire subsection of the menu dedicated to various sweet and savory American delights. If you're feeling fruity, you can also partake in a glass of Champagne, or mix it up with a Mimosa.

Their piece de resistance is unarguably The Gold Digger - a huge stack of pancakes topped with three 22-carat gold leaves, Champagne on the side, and served with Versace cutlery. This testament to American extravagance will set you back €100, mind.

Definitely one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!

 

The Breakfast Club

Cheekily named after the classic 80s hit, The Breakfast Club is a worldwide brand at this point. You'll find them in cities all over the world, so it's hardly surprising they've made their way to Amsterdam's shores.

With a massive offering of breakfast treats, from full English breakfasts to eggs of all shapes and sizes, you can really take your pick. But we're talking about pancakes here, so focus, guys. They have a pretty solid offering of American-style pancakes, with a bevy of toppings to get your sweet tooth truly tweaked.

However, it's worth mentioning that pancakes is hardly The Breakfast Club's specialty, so you won't have the limitless options you do at the other places on this list. Having said that, if you're with a group and they're not looking to dip their toe in the pancake game. The Breakfast Club will likely serve their needs too.

 

Coffee & Coconuts

One of the fancier joints on this list, Coffee & Coconuts is one of De Pijp's trendy hotspots. The setting - an old 20s theater. The cuisine - divine. Like The Breakfast Club, Coffee & Coconuts caters to feeders of all sorts, and their pancake offerings may amount to a single choice. However, this choice is one of the best on this list.

The appropriately named Coconut Pancakes mix almond and buckwheat flour for the base, then dollop on some banana, berry compote, coconut chips, coconut cream, and top it all off with lashes of maple syrup. Sign us up.

Plus, with three pages of menus dedicated to coffee, teas, wines, beer, and anything else worth drinking, you can be sure to pair your pancake with the perfect beverage.

 

Photo courtesy of StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock

The Pancake Boat

Yes, you read that right. They didn't just pick that name out of a hat. It's called The Pancake Boat because it's located on a freaking boat. But wait, there's more!

Not only will you sail the seven seas (or canals in this case) while you eat, you'll be eating whatever you can, because this bad boy is an all-you-can-eat cruise.

Set your phone's stopwatch to 75 minutes, start your engines, and then eat, eat, eat. Just make sure you're belly is seaworthy - the last thing anyone wants is for you to bring all the fluffy, syrupy goodness back up. What a disappointment you'd be. Easily one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, if you can call a boat a house. Well, houseboats exist...so, yes?

 

Bakers and Roasters

With locations near the Rijksmuseum and in De Pijp, Bakers and Roasters are just getting started. The brainchild of a New Zealander and a Brazilian, the franchise's great food and commitment to hospitality will surely see them reach all corners of the city and beyond before long.

But enough flirting, what about the pancakes? Well, they only have room on the menu for one choice, but it's a choice you won't soon forget. American-style blueberry pancakes cooked to perfection, glazed with syrup, and topped with blueberries and chopped bananas.

Feeling fancy? Add an unusual side to go with it. Sure, you can lean on the ol' reliable bacon. But why not try chorizo, jalapenos, and cottage cheese? Or don't, you know, you do you.

 

Carousel Pancake House

Located on a former fairground carousel, and a stone's throw from the Heineken Experience, you'll find the appropriately named Carousel Pancake House. A unique setting, for sure, but what about the pancakes?

Well, they have a delicious menu full of the beauties, including a whole section dedicated to Nutella variants. Delightful. Couple that with a burgeoning menu of waffles, baguettes, burgers, and beers, and you've got yourself a top place.

And that's our list of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Cheap Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, you say? Yes, it's one of Europe's finest cities, with a canal-load of things to do, see, hear, and taste. But, after a few days of sampling the city's many delights, your wallet might be suffering somewhat. You want cheap things to do in Amsterdam? You've got cheap things to do in Amsterdam! Without further ado, here's our guide to the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam! Including: Museums Bike hire Pedal boats See a new movie Cocktail tours and more!   Get Cultural Unlike some European cities, practically all of Amsterdam's museums require an entry fee. Some of these can set you back a fair price, while others are a lot more reasonable. In the spirit of our topic, let's discuss the latter! Something that makes Amsterdam stand out is its Red Light District. The city's progressive approach to sex work draws both admiration and ire from different parts of the world, but if you're interested in its erotic history, check out the Erotic Museum. Inside, you'll find art pieces, sculptures, and some hilarious forms of media that shine a light on Amsterdam's kinkier side. It's only €7 to get in, so even visitors with a passing interest may find it hard to pass up. Another big draw for tourists is Amsterdam's legalization of cannabis. While many cities, states, and even countries have now followed suit, a decade ago, Dam led the charge. Of course, the plant has a rich history with humanity, one that you can explore at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum. It's just €9 for entry, and you'll be able to explore multiple exhibits that show hemp's use throughout the centuries.   Get riding! Amsterdam is known for many things; progressive policies, beautiful landscapes, and the abundance of canals and rivers, to name but a few. Another of the city's most unique traits is the way it has embraced cycling. You'll find dedicated cycle lanes on nearly every main road, plenty of car-free streets, and even the city's food delivery services tend to use bikes over cars or mopeds. So why not hire a bike and see more of the city! With the fresh air in your face, you'll get the chance to avoid what little traffic Amsterdam has, and dart about the city to see the sights! Plus, plenty of cycle lanes run alongside the myriad canals and rivers, ensuring you'll have great views along the way.   Puss N Boats Recently, you may have seen a rise in the 'animal cafe' scene. For the uninitiated, these cafes are often full of adorable, fluffy friends such as dogs, cats, or other acceptable critters. Patrons can interact with them while they eat, drink, or whatever else they feel like doing there. But Amsterdam is a progressive city of the future. They don't need cat cafes anymore. They've upgraded...to cat boats. De Poezenboot, or Cat Boat, is a state-of-the-art boat full of cats. Cats that you can go and see right now. It's free to board the SS Meowsly (not the real name, but it should be), but they do accept donations from visitors who want to keep this floating cat shelter afloat. Pun intended because all puns are, whether people want to admit it or not.   Pedal to the wood If you want to actually ride those sweet canal waves at breakneck speed, you'll need a boat. But throw your motorboats out, get rid of your jetskis, and certainly ditch your luxury yachts. We're going analog, baby. As analog as it gets. Channel your inner cyclist and hire a pedal boat to burn around Amsterdam's snaking canal system. Split the cost, and the effort, with three friends, and you can hire one for just over €6 an hour. It's easily one of the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam, and a great way to see the city from a different angle!   Pancakes! The Dutch pride themselves on their pancakes. It's as simple as that. It's an infectious desire that's made its way to all corners of the Earth. There's nothing quite like those fluffy, joyous things. So, when in Rome, why not indulge in them yourself? Pancake Amsterdam offers a tasting session for a very reasonable price. €5 will get you the pancake of your choice from their wide selection of multicultural offerings. Then, if one just isn't enough, you can grab a table and order from their diverse menu of delicious treats.   Movie Magic Sure, sitting in a movie theater on your vacation might be a strange idea, but bear with us. Amsterdam's weather can be unpredictable at best, and downright alarming at worst. Should the heavens open up a split second after the sun was shining, you might yearn for the safety, comfort, and dryness of a theater. Thankfully, Filmhuis Cavia has you covered. This snug, 40-seater theater is an underground, non-profit cinema that shows arthouse films. So, if you're in the mood to delve into the mind of strange creators who live in the leftfield, then why not give it ago? Each screening will only set you back €5, so even if you tire of the sepia-toned film about hats that definitely has a deeper meaning, you can always hop up and out when the rain inevitably passes in 10-15 minutes!   Pick and Mix The spirit aficionados out there will be of gin's resurgence as one of the hottest drinks on the scene. The craft beer revolution of the past 15 years has also seen gin ride its coattails to become the de-facto spirit for the young and restless. But did you know that before gin came genever? Does the name genever fill your mind with questions? Well, have them answered at the House of Bols. For just €16, you can enter this genever distillery, tour the premises, learn all about the history of this curious spirit, and then sample some of the brand's premium spirit. What a deal. And who knows, maybe genever will usurp your love of gin and take its place as the rightful ruler? And that's our guide to the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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3 Top Amsterdam Attractions You Can’t Miss

Ready for sky-high views, spooky thrills, and A-list selfies? Tick off these thrilling Amsterdam attractions all in one day.
Beth Levicki
Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal
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Amsterdam in October

At the peak of fall, Amsterdam finds itself in the middle of its late-year shoulder season. Just as the weather begins to make way for the colder climates of winter, so too do tourism rates reach some of their lowest. With that, a trip to Amsterdam in October guarantees you’ll be able to experience the capital’s famous mix of history and hedonism at its most genuine. Visiting Amsterdam in October Average Temperature: 46 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day Marking the height of Amsterdam’s fall shoulder season, October sees some of the year’s lowest turnover of tourists, with the summertime masses now long gone and the brief waves of Christmas vacationers still a good way off. While the Dutch capital is never truly quiet, this temporary lull offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the city at its most genuine. Many of Amsterdam’s top attractions and activities are evergreen, meaning you can enjoy them at just about any time of year. However, lower tourism rates mean you’ll get to experience these attractions much more at your leisure, often without having to battle such large crowds. And if that’s not enough to convince you, then perhaps the low-season hotel rates and airfare will be. With fall now in full swing, Amsterdam’s weather takes a fairly noticeable dip in October. With typically mild highs and rather cool lows, you’re likely to find yourself – quite rightfully – leaning more toward indoor attractions and cozy cafés. If you’re looking to spend more of your time exploring the city’s iconic streets and squares, then just be sure to pack some slightly warmer clothes, and don’t forget your umbrella. Things to do in October Few things represent Amsterdam better than its wealth of renowned historical and cultural hubs. Taking pride of place, the Rijksmuseum stretches along the Museumplein, housing its vast selection of some of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artworks and historical artifacts. The Amsterdam Museum takes a much more direct approach to history, chronicling the development of the Dutch capital from the middle ages to present day. However, easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where a museum dedicated to the famous wartime diarist immortalizes the very place she and her family evaded German capture. Should you have an eye for art, you’ll know that some of history’s most notable artists were Dutch through and through. In tribute to these famed painters, Amsterdam is dotted with a variety of art galleries, such as the Van Gogh Museum, along with hotspots like the Rembrandt House, frozen in time, where enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of one of Europe’s greatest creatives. Alongside art, culture and history, Amsterdam is particularly famous for its hedonistic delights, and nothing reflects that more than its bustling nightlife scene. As a general rule of thumb, Jordaan is a particularly popular area with young people for its selection of trendy bars, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a great place to continue the night. For a unique way to explore the city while you still have the weather for it, a canal boat tour can offer a fantastic view of some of Amsterdam’s top attractions from along its iconic waterways. Alternatively, a hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers somewhat the same experience, while also offering a great way to get from A to B. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a few hours, whether it be with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty slice of homemade cake or a few beers over a friendly game, a number of specialty venues throughout the city can deliver just that. The homely atmosphere and wide library of board games and books at Checkpoint Charlie makes it a great place to spend a few hours, while Mooie Boules has visitors sinking a few drinks while playing or watching a few rounds of French boules. Events in October Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival Over the course of a week in October, filmmakers and film fanatics alike come together to celebrate their shared passion for the medium at the Lift-Off Film Festival. The event invites upcoming talent to submit films of any genre to be vetted and subsequently screened in various iconic locations across the city. Throughout the festival, submissions will be subject to audience choice awards, in which viewers vote on their choice for the best candidate in various categories. Some of the largest categories include Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Director, with other awards specific to genres, techniques and media. The festival serves to provide a platform for rising creators to gain recognition and further opportunities in the film industry and related professional circles. Amsterdam Dance Event The Amsterdam Dance Event is the world’s leading electronic music festival. Taking place over a little under a week, the event features over 300 performances from more than 2,000 DJs throughout more than 80 venues and clubs throughout Amsterdam. With an immense program of events featuring both the biggest international names and fresh talent, the festival briefly transforms Amsterdam into the world’s busiest and most thriving nightlife hub. The event attracts over 350,000 visitors from around the globe each year to revel in performances covering the full spectrum of electronic sub-genres. Camera Japan Festival Camera Japan is another lauded film festival with a Japanese twist. Beginning in Rotterdam often in late September before moving to Amsterdam, the event features a vast program of Japanese film screenings. From short films to top animated pieces, many of these screenings offer English subtitles, attracting thousands of fans of world cinema each year. Alongside the impressive array of movies is also a plethora of cultural events and activities. Visitors with an interest in Japanese art can join a calligraphy class, while foodies can indulge in some of the best Japanese cuisine in the region and watch a traditional dance or Japanese fashion demonstration.
Robert Heaney

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