Where to eat, drink and cycle in Groningen

We fell in love with Groningen almost as soon as we arrived. We spent all our free time sitting outside cafes ordering drinks in the sunshine and watching cyclists coast by, carefree students tanned from their summer travels, older women with colorful cropped hair, parent’s in suits with kids sat happily swinging their legs in front of them. We had worried that no place would live up to Brooklyn, we were after all, accustomed to having a wealth of restaurants, bars, parties, and shows at our fingertips. It’s a special kind of freedom knowing you can have whatever you want whenever you want it, and although we felt ready for a slower pace, what if we discovered we weren’t when it was too late? Fortunately, while the pace is slower, it doesn’t drag, and we’re never really at a loss for things to do. Like most small, student cities, Groningen is what you make of it; a Friday night could consist of a romantic dinner and a movie as much as it could end in a strobe lit, smoke filled club. It’s a versatile city, young and vibrant as much as it is old and beautiful.

So here’s a little guide to our favourite spots in the city we’ve loved calling home, if even just for a short time.

Morning

It’s difficult to find a bad coffee in Groningen, maybe we’ve just had great luck, or terrible taste. Anyway, Black and Bloom is probably the most popular spot for truly artisan coffee, and the closest thing to our old Brooklyn haunts complete with slow-drip and organic beans. MASMAS is another funky spot we frequented, but we found ourselves at Spaak almost every Saturday morning - mostly because we lived around the corner, but more so because it’s always a good strong coffee in a charming cafe meets cyclist shop that feels like a true community hub. (Plus, Adam loves their Apple Pie for breakfast.)

Midday Meal

Wadapartja is a kooky place with simple, tasty food and is usually bustling with that perfect late morning energy. (It’s also right near the Groninger Museum if you’re feeling artsy after your meal.) No. 25 is another good option, it’s a small place with cute decor and a hearty chicken and avocado sandwich that when you add bacon to is truly what hunger dreams are made of. (BTW both Wadapartja and No. 25 do a killer gin and tonic for those who enjoy a refreshing midday pick-me-up.) If you’re looking for something clean and a little classy but still relaxed, Food Matterz has a fresh selection of sandwiches and salads in a bright minimalist setting. But, FLFL is probably the place I'll miss the most. It’s a tiny place, but there’s usually a couple of seats to squeeze into, and although their menu is short, their falafel is ridiculously good.

After Food

Groninger Museum hosts some impressive exhibitions, so if you’re up for some art and Dutch history, it’s worth seeing. If you’re up for something a little more modern, Dot is a very cool spot, especially if you are able to catch one of their Space and Sound shows in their cinema, or live music in their bar. In the warmer months they usually have outdoor events that are the perfect place to relax with a drink. If you’re hoping to explore try a boat tour through the canals. If it’s not raining there’s an uncovered boat tour that feels a little more personal. Then I’d highly recommend taking a stroll through town and if it’s the right day, meander through the farmers market. Noorderplantsoen park is a lovely place to end up, with plenty of pretty paths to explore, and there’s a little cafe in the center of it called Zondag with outdoor seating for a quick drink and some people watching.

Dinner

There are so many good restaurants in Groningen, so please don’t take my word as gospel, but I will say our favourite date spot so far has been Bellami’s. It’s cozy and romantic without feeling too fussy, and their staff is really friendly, attentive, and helpful. I’d recommend kicking off the meal with either a glass of Cava or a Campari Spritz and their Iberico ribs with crumbled blue cheese are a hearty and decadent appetiser for those who like a pre-meal meal. De Betere Tijden is another slightly upscale date night option, and their “surprise menu” is really good.

If you’re feeling something lowkey, Traiterie en Ouzerie De Olijfboom is easily one of our favourite spots, with reasonably priced authentic Greek food and a super friendly staff in an unfussy, cozy atmosphere packed with locals. Block and Barrels is also worth mentioning if you’re in the mood for steak and mac n’ cheese, or if you’re on the other side of the spectrum, Bla Bla is a noteworthy vegan mediterranean place. Hemingway’s Cuba has a great deal on Saturday nights - 20 euros for two cocktails (each) and a platter of tapas. Usually this plus a couple extra tapas dishes is more than enough for us. (The chicken thighs and/or goat cheese are especially delicious.)

Cocktails/Drinks

Mr. Mofongo has a restaurant on their ground floor, a cocktail bar on their second, and a wine bar on their third. While most establishments that take on that much tend to crumble under the pressure and make a mess of at least one of those undertakings, Mr. Mofongo is the rare exception. The bartenders that whip up their cocktails are actual magicians, their wine bar has something for everyone with a knowledgeable and unstuffy staff, and they do tasty bites that make coming for one pre-dinner cocktail and staying till 2am all too easy. Oh, and did I mention they distill their own gins and they’re delicious? We have ended up at Mr. Mofongo many a night, it may be a bit of a tourist spot, but for good reason.

Uurwerker is another good spot for drinks if you’re looking for something not at all fussy, and fairly inexpensive. In the summer they set up picnic benches outside and it’s the perfect place for day-drinking on a Saturday. Speaking of drinks outside, Three Sisters is a must; their Gin and Tonics are served in actual fishbowls and if you like a challenge drink one or two of those and then try finding their restroom which feels like a mile-long meandering journey through their enormous restaurant and bar which stretches the length of three townhouses and is decked out in very regal old-school red velvet, leather, and mahogany. If you’re looking for a pub-type atmosphere with live music, try The Crown, which is usually overflowing and a fun place to rub shoulders with students and locals. Or Dog’s Bollocks, which has an extensive beer menu, and happens to have really good burgers and fries.

Koffieshops

I’ll come clean, I haven’t done much of this in Groningen. I can recommend Metamorphose, which is a lowkey shop with good music, a friendly staff, and a warm, inviting vibe especially in the evenings.

Nightlife

I’m definitely no expert when it comes to Groningen’s nightlife. (When I go to these places everything’s too fuzzy to report on accurately.) But I do know that if you’re feeling the need for loud music and strobe lights to cap the night off (or get it started) head in the direction of Poelestraat. There you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs to stumble in and out of in search of dancing, balloons, cheap beer, and new friends.

We’re sad to be leaving Groningen, but we know we’ll be back someday - if only for the