Travel

These are the most beautiful and fun beach bars in the Netherlands

Say wine, snacks or haute cuisine and the gourmands at online food magazine FavorFlav know where to drink, how to eat it and what to cook. This time our cheffies serve you: these are the most beautiful and fun beach tents in the Netherlands.

The days are getting longer, the temperature is rising, the sun is shining brightly, and so we want to rush to the beach. And we can do that in our country like no other. From the southern Zeeland beach to the beach of Vlieland in the north; these beach tents all over the Netherlands have everything for an unforgettable day at the beach.

Noorderlicht, Bergen aan Zee
Favorite of FavorFlavs Sabina: “In Bergen aan Zee there are all kinds of nice beach tents, like Bruintje aan Zee and Blooming, but my favorite is Noorderlicht. You have to walk a bit further for this piece of beach called ‘Het Stille Strand’. A bit alternative, super tasty food with many vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu and nice beers. A bit messy, no thumping music and nice people in the service. It’s close to the nude beach so don’t be shocked by naked butts in the distance.”

Strandpaviljoen Noord, Bergen aan Zee
Severine Verhallen, author of Aan de kust: “With its light interior, this beach tent reminds you a bit of a place on the French Riviera. The design is by Piet Hein Eek and Iggie Dekkers. They have mixed new and old elements, et voilà! The result is a cool beach tent that is open all year round.”

Republiek, Bloemendaal
FavorFlavs Wieke actually doesn’t like the beach at all (huh, does this exist?): “I generally don’t think Bloemendaal has a very nice beach and I don’t think the beach tents are that great either. Except for Republiek, because that place is nice. Not so long ago, this spot got a gigantic makeover and wow, it has really become beautiful. Oh yes: Republiek in Bloemendaal is also open all year round.”

Pure C, Cadzand
Don’t expect simple beach snacks at Pure C, but a star meal from chef Syrco Bakker. Syrco was raised under the wings of Sergio Herman, so here you are served only the very best. The accompanying hotel is currently being renovated, so soon you can also sleep at star level.

Club Zand, Castricum aan Zee
If you like more liveliness, then you are definitely in the right place at this spot. Every Friday is Food Market Friday, where you can choose your own ingredients and your meal is prepared fresh right in front of you. And with live music too.

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Lodge/Branding, Noordwijk
Lodge in Noordwijk is open all year round, but in the summer it’s called Branding Beach Club. Next to the beach tent, a greenhouse has been built so you can sit comfortably warm all year round. The menu features changing dishes every day.

Strandclub Witsand, Noordwijk
Severine: “Via the dune path at the Zeereep, you walk straight onto the spacious beach with Witsand as the first stop. This chill beach club has a huge terrace and you quickly get the ultimate vacation feeling here. At the ‘beach front tables’ you literally eat with your feet in the sand. With a view of the setting sun and a bottle of Provence rosé in the cooler, you have all the ingredients for a great evening.”

B.E.A.C.H., Noordwijk
Severine: “Luxurious wooden lounge beds, swings on the beach, and cozy Balinese lanterns and umbrellas are the decor of this large beach club. Around the gigantic outdoor bar, it quickly becomes cozy, and that is further enhanced during the weekly events. So if you like a bit of liveliness and a hefty dose of excitement? Then you have to be at B.E.A.C.H. this summer.”

Sea Food Bar KW106, Katwijk
Severine: “In the summer, this is the place to be in Katwijk if you’re in the mood for fresh fish or shellfish. This seafood bar from Schuitemaker is located on the beach and is open throughout the entire beach season. First settle down here for an aperitif on the terrace, then enjoy everything the North Sea has to offer at the table.”

Timboektoe, Wijk aan Zee
FavorFlavs Wieke: “What I don’t have with Bloemendaal, I do have with Wijk aan Zee. In the high season (or the scarce real beach days we have in the Netherlands each year), it’s busy here too, but always just a bit less busy than, for example, in Bloemendaal or Zandvoort. And it attracts a different crowd, perhaps a bit more alternative, a bit less ‘look at me now’. I find more peace here, at Timboektoe for example, whether I’m there in winter or summer. It’s just a really nice spot, this one.”.

Aloha Beach, Wijk aan Zee
Yes, I mentioned it above, but I really like Wijk aan Zee, hence two tips in this list. In the colder months like February and March, they still organize plenty of events here, such as movie nights or sports classes (boxing. On the beach. So heavy.), but also comedy nights. Never a dull moment at Aloha. And the food is also top-notch. Definitely order: the Glory Bowl, a delicious quinoa salad with a tasty topping including tempeh, edamame beans, nuts, carrots, and, well, just try it yourself.

Hart Beach, Scheveningen
I can’t surf and I’m not planning to ever be able to, but that whole surfer vibe is always so cool, right? If you love that too, then you absolutely want to go to Hart Beach in Scheveningen. You’ll find a nice homey atmosphere and there’s a surf school nearby. Inside it’s nice and warm and you have a great view of the sea and the surfers who brave the waves even in the coldest weather. And then I’m inside with a glass of red wine. Totally fine.

Barbarossa Beach, Scheveningen
Both during the day and in the evening, I find this one of the nicest places to sit in Scheveningen. There’s a very relaxed vibe, the food is super tasty, AIX rosé, and in the evenings there are also parties. If you go during the day, definitely grab one of those beach beds, because they are super comfortable.

The Fat Mermaid, Scheveningen
Hilarious name, so that’s already a plus. Besides, it’s very child-friendly and they have a DJ who plays nice music every Friday and Saturday. Very relaxed and cozy. In terms of food, they have a very changing menu; just what’s available in the season. They serve as much sustainable and organic food as possible; another plus, as far as I’m concerned.

Beachclub Indigo, Scheveningen
I love the look of this hotspot on the Scheveningen beach (the Zwarte Pad). Super colorful, all kinds of different styles mixed together, and a bit of a hippie vibe. They see themselves as a mix of everything and that is reflected in the menu: honest and healthy food with a quirky twist, according to their own words. One of my favorite spots to catch that late afternoon sun with a drink.

WHOOSAH Beachclub, Scheveningen
When I was still a novice regarding beach tents in Scheveningen, this was the recommendation that kept coming my way. Renowned for the (techno) parties especially. Now I have mostly left my party days behind, but this place is also very nice during the day. Especially if you can grab a lounge sofa or bed.

Manta Beach, Scheveningen
An ideal place if you are with a group. Picnic tables, regular tables, lounge sofas, bar stools… It’s a large tent with a very light appearance. Very beachy and very relaxed. The menu has many vegetarian options (like an avocado burger that I’m very curious about), but also pizza and an extensive kids' menu.

Naturel, Scheveningen
The name says it all: don’t expect any frills or exaggerated fuss here. Although their menu has surprising – and super fun – dishes. How about a special frikandel? It’s really special: it contains coral fish with Balinese spices, coconut, and tempura. Give me such a frikandel, please. DELICIOUS.

The Shore, Scheveningen
Not only at Hart Beach can you learn to surf, but at The Shore in Scheveningen they also have a surf school. Surfing is central here and in addition, it’s a meeting place with an all-day restaurant. Everything here is organic, without refined sugars, and they are especially proud of their coffees and pancakes. Shall we test it then?

De Pit, ’s Gravenzande
The hangout of FavorFlavs Sharon: “Super relaxed place, you know, with that nice surf vibe. The menus are in original record covers and they have incredibly delicious wood-fired pizzas and other Italian dishes. The pizzaioli (pizza makers) and chefs put their heart and soul into the dough, the tomato sauce, and the pesto, and the cheese & San Daniele ham is extra delicious here. Maybe because everything is as organic and local as possible; tomatoes come from the greenhouse behind the dunes, there are organic wines, homemade soft drinks, sustainable fish, (sparkling) water from the tap… What a top place!”

Tijn Akersloot, Zandvoort
For years one of the most popular beach bars in the Netherlands and I understand why. Not too much fuss or special things, and I mean that positively. Just a nice no-nonsense place where there's always a nice atmosphere. And by the way, this one is really open all year round, so if my winter depression gets too much, I can come here in November and/or December to blow off some steam.

Gastropaviljoen XV, Texel
Severine: “This gastropavilion really stands out. The interior here is something to behold, with many warm and natural elements. The fireplace is also striking and makes the pavilion a nice place to visit even in winter. The name says it all: in culinary terms, Gastropaviljoen offers just a bit more than the average beach pavilion. So indulge yourself with an extensive menu, a good bottle of wine, and enjoy island life.”

The Whale, Terschelling
Here you see the most beautiful sunset of the Wadden island. This cozy beach pavilion is just like a living room, with rugs on the floor and large wooden tables where you can sit with all your friends or family. The Whale is the favorite spot of many islanders, but also loved by people from the mainland.

The Botanist by the Sea, Koudekerke
FavorFlavs Lauretta: “The Botanist by the Sea (the sister of Bar and Restaurant The Botanist in Breda) opened its doors for the first time this year on the beach in Zeeland. The menu is filled with delicious dishes to share, such as ceviche and seacuterie with salmon, tuna, oysters, and lobster croquettes. Add an Aperol Spritz and you can stay here all day.”

Beach Pole 21, Texel
FavorFlavs Adeline would prefer to head to Texel weekly for the flammkuchen, a Texel white, and especially for the relaxed and friendly team. She was on the island for five days and spent four of those on the terrace, which says enough.

The Sunset, Ameland
We're staying on the Wadden for a bit. It almost seems like I'm here every weekend. That's not the case, but I know my addresses. At The Sunset, you sit with your feet in the sand and the nachos are divine. All the holiday feeling is packed into this one spot.

Beach Club Perry’s, Brouwersdam
It's almost always a fight for a spot here when the weather is nice, but I have a tip. You can reserve a beach bed for a day on the rooftop. It's like sitting with your backside on the costa. Cheers!

Hippie Fish, Zandvoort
FavorFlavs Marcus: “Zandvoort is pretty much my backyard. Plenty of choices, but if I have to name one of my favorites, it's Hippie Fish. First of all, the concise, compact basic beach menu from which you want to order everything. Thai beef salad, pasta with scampi, and mussels (my favorite), good snack platters, and also the necessary veggie options can be found here. If you want something a bit fancier, you can order oysters or langoustines. Everything is reasonably priced and of a quality you desire. Very important: the kitchen and service are super organized, so you don't have to wait hours on an overcrowded terrace for a lukewarm burger or beer (a problem many beach places struggle with during peak hours). Relaxed vibe, an interior of rattan, wood, and natural materials. Call it Ibiza-bohemian-chic meets Ibiza. All the furniture in the place can be purchased from the nearby warehouse with interior design, tables, and chairs. It's open from 8:30 AM, a pleasant spot for breakfast before the crowd hits the beach. With great Eggs Benedict, fresh juices, and (just in case) a choice of hangover drinks (Bloody Mary). Hippie Fish is usually full all day, so reservations are handy. Otherwise, you can head to the older sister Ubuntu (of the same owner), a hundred meters further. Same nice vibe and similar menu.”

More nice addresses along the Dutch coast? You can find them in the new book by Severine Verhallen, 'On the Coast'.

Title: On the Coast
Author: Severine Verhallen
Price: €22