The Most Unique Tap House In Haarlem Is In A Church

One thing we do when we travel is look up what the local beer is and what it’s all about. There’s inevitably some interesting story or culture aspect related which makes it fun. Traveling in Europe means we’re always finding something different. In Cologne, Germany we were drinking Kölsch in .2L glasses and when we came to Haarlem, Netherlands, we learned about Jopen.

What struck me about Jopen most, and the beer is good to be sure, was that they have the must unique tap house space I’ve ever seen. Have you ever wanted to drink beer in a church? Well you can in Haarlem, Netherlands.

On the search for a memorable place for a meal in Haarlem, Netherlands? Find Jopen Brewery.

• Basic Info
• What To Know About Jopen Brewery
• The Most Unique Place For A Beer In The Netherlands
• Good Beer and Food Pairings
• Why Jopen Tap House is a Must-Visit

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Basic Info

• Address: Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, Haarlem, Netherlands
• Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am ~ 11:30pm; Friday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 1:00am

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What To Know About Jopen Brewery

Brouwerij Jopen, opened in 1992, is a brewery with roots deeply embedded in Haarlem’s brewing history. The brewery’s name was inspired by the 112-liter barrels used for transporting Haarlem beer in bygone days and is a nod to its rich heritage.

Initially, Jopen revitalized ancient recipes found in the city archives, including a gruit beer from 1407 named Koyt and the Hoppenbier from 1501, marking a renaissance of Haarlem’s traditional beers.

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The Most Unique Place For A Beer In The Netherlands

Jopen Tap House, or Jopenkerk Haarlem is not your ordinary restaurant and tap house. Some might even say it’s a bit blasphemous. Housed in a beautifully converted church in the Raakskwartier, the venue is a perfect blend of historical ambiance and contemporary flair.

I give props to the Dutch who waste not want not. As of 2019, about 25% of Dutch churches built between 1800 and 1970 were being used for nonreligious purposes, including as apartment complexes, offices and cultural centers as more of the public has realized that in order to keep these beautiful buildings, they need to repurpose them.

Since November 11, 2010, the Jopenkerk Haarlem has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene and draws a lot of attention not just for it’s unique building, but of course for the drinks they brew as well. Suffice to say, every time we have a visitor, we make sure to take them to Jopen.

The Jopen beers are brewed on-site, offering guests a unique place to drink in Haarlem, with the brewing process in view from the restaurant’s ‘floating’ dining area on the first floor. When it’s summer and the best seats are really outside, you’ll still want to walk inside to take in the stained glass and brewery-church decor.

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Good Beer and Food Pairings

For those seeking a place to drink in Haarlem, Jopenkerk offers a number of activities and packages, including the popular High Beer. This experience includes three tasting glasses of Jopen beer, each accompanied by six homemade snacks. If you don’t know much about Jopen, just ask the waitstaff to help you pick something to drink and eat. They’ll have you covered.

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Why Jopen Tap House is a Must-Visit

Whether you’re a beer aficionado or a food lover, Jopen offers an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical dining outing. Also since it’s a bit down the road from the centrum area where most of the tourists are, you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists-in-the-know at Jopen. It’s a great place to eat and drink and have a good time. Definitely check it out.

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