Cafe DeRat Utrecht
Old-fashioned craft beer pub
Cafe DeRat (‘The Rat’) is a great, old-fashioned little pub. There has been a cafe on this corner for as long as people can remember. When it changed owners in 1978, they found an ancient rat in the cellar that had turned to stone. Hence, the name. Apparently, the stone rat is still in the cafe, but I’ve never seen it. What I have seen is many, many great beers, regulars, friendly staff and two cafe cats (Josefien & Stip)!
This is a great place to grab some beers with a friend and enjoy the brown tavern ambience. I like that it attracts quite a diverse crowd. Young and old, all beer lovers. They don’t have outside seating, so this is definitely a rainy or cold weather spot. Let the bartender advise you on the beers if you’re unsure of what to get. They have a huge selection (also a selection of gluten-free beers). And oh yeah, come early! The place is very tiny, so it fills up quickly, especially on Friday or Saturday evenings.
About this spot
Find your way with 55 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Utrecht
Fort aan de Klop
Outdoor terrace on an island
Just 15 minutes from downtown Utrecht by bike, Fort aan de Klop offers sunny terraces, food trucks, and Friday DJ sets. Come for a laid-back escape!
by
Laura
Brosi
Klautereiland (Zuidhaven)
Climbing for kids
Bouldering with kids in Utrecht? Zuidhaven’s Klautereiland offers child-friendly climbing, slides and tunnels, plus a cozy café and lounge for parents.
by
Laura
Brosi
Kleine Max
Where taste meets history
Kleine Max offers fair prices, a lively terrace on bustling Kanaalstraat. It has a cozy atmosphere with historic tile paintings inside. Worth a visit!
by
Laura
Brosi
Bar Barak
Behind the prisonwall
Once a prison, Bar Barak in Utrecht is now a hotspot serving shared plates and wine in a cozy dining room or on a hidden terrace. Drop by for lunch!
by
Laura
Brosi
Landhuis in de Stad
Countryhouse in the city
A hidden country house in Oog in Al with a beautiful river view, friendly staff, fair prices, and a sunny terrace. Perfect spot for coffee, lunch or dinner!
by
Laura
Brosi
Graffexperience
Graffiti workshop
Graffexperience is a raw, creative, and 100% customizable graffiti workshop in central Utrecht. No rules, just spray cans and expression yourself!
by
Laura
Brosi
Outdoor skatepark Ruigenhoek
Free urban pumptrack
Free pump track in Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, Utrecht, in a green recreation area. Ready to roll through hills and curves? Bring bikes, scooters and boards!
by
Laura
Brosi
Peuzel
Chill restaurant at a creative hotspot
Peuzel is place for arts and creative energy at De Nijverheid in Utrecht. Eat, drink, unwind. Here, culture is all around. Try their vegetable-focused menu!
by
Laura
Brosi
Cafe Keet
Coffee and kitchen
Cafe Keet at Kanaal30 offers lunch, drinks besides games and a chill atmosphere by the canal, both indoors or on the terrace. Check for live music & events!
by
Laura
Brosi
Los Amigos
A taste of Barcelona
Champañeria Los Amigos brings Barcelona vibes to Utrecht: cheap cava, tasty tapas, and a simple setting done right. Come in for Spanish treats!
by
Lévi
Smulders
Kartoffel
Unpretentious, simple and solid
Really hungry? Head to Kartoffel for hearty German food, cheap drinks & liter beers in a cozy wharf cellar on Utrecht’s scenic Oudegracht.
by
Lévi
Smulders
Heading to Utrecht?
55 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 55 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Utrecht
Get to know our other Spotters from Utrecht
As featured on:
