"Open for: Lunch, dinner Price range: $$ Pubs known as brown cafes, named for their dark wood interiors (or the remnant nicotine stains on their walls, depending on who you ask), are found across the Low Countries. This prime example has been open since 1978, but occupies a distillery building from the 1800s, lending the dark wood and stained glass bar some aged charm. In the summer, you can sit by the canal, and in winter, locals and visitors pile into the cozy interior. The beer is surprisingly affordable, given its central location, and the cafe offers a small but reliable menu of Dutch classics: bitterballen (crunchy balls of deep fried meat stew), meatballs, and snert (pea soup). Vibe check: Despite the central location, Café ‘t Smalle is popular with locals." - Katharine Khamhaengwong
