The 5 Best Cocktail Bars in Rotterdam

Combine your weekend getaway in Rotterdam with a night out! And what better way to end the day than with a delicious cocktail in your hands? Whether you opt for a gin and tonic or a classic mojito, these bars definitely have the cocktail for you. For adventurous types and for everyone who loves a special ambiance: look no further. Below are the 5 best cocktail bars in Rotterdam.

1. Spikizi

The name refers to the ‘speakeasy’ bars during the Prohibition in America. At that time, alcohol consumption was prohibited, but it was done secretly behind closed doors and with hushed voices :). In Spikizi, you certainly don’t have to be quiet anymore, it’s perfectly ok to let out a scream of pleasure when you indulge in their White Choco Pornstar or Henny Houseman.

On weekends, don’t be surprised if someone gets behind the turntables for a night of dancing fun.

2. NY Basement

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties when men were gentlemen, women were ladies and highballs were really, really strong. Every detail of this cocktail bar-cum-restaurant is authentic, right down to the bartenders’ black tie outfits and the swing era jazz. Mainly serving drinks that were in vogue a century ago, but certainly able to pull off a modern twist as well.

Tip: if the old-fashioned brews start getting the better of you, NY Basement also has a first-class food menu to soak it all up.

3. Ballroom

Not officially a cocktail bar, but with over 160 different types of gin and many different tonics, the knowledgeable staff at candle-lit Ballroom certainly know how to mix a mean drink or two. If you’re having a hard time choosing, bartenders can advise and surprise, so don’t be afraid to ask. The food is remarkably sophisticated too and features the best meatballs in town.

Tip: do your best to get a seat in the charming garden where walls of creeping greenery and low-hanging lightbulbs dangle above the shiny checkerboard floor.

4. The Rumah

“Rumah” means ‘home’ in Indonesian, and you feel it immediately when you walk in here. It’s cozy, it’s welcoming, good music is playing, and not to forget: the cocktails are fan-tas-tic! Edward and Darryl are familiar faces in the Rotterdam (and Dutch) cocktail scene, and their combined expertise guarantees a unique cocktail experience.

Ask about their rum collection, and then try to walk home straight afterwards :).

5. LaBru

With scuffed tables, creaking leather sofas, slowly flickering candles and a mismatched collection of upside down photography, this cosy bar invites drinkers to do some serious chilling. But cosiness hasn’t led to complacency and LaBru’s mixologists offer an array of classic cocktails. Try the dry martini special, mixed 007-style.

Live jazz acts play each Wednesday.

More of a beer person? Try our Boat & Beer tour and discover the authentic breweries of Rotterdam.