I’ve lived in Haarlem for years, and I can tell you — this city takes its coffee seriously. What started as a handful of good spots has turned into a proper specialty coffee scene that rivals anything in Amsterdam. I’ve tested every café on this list personally (some of them hundreds of times), and these are the 20 best coffee spots in Haarlem. Whether you need a quiet corner to work, a sunny terrace for Saturday brunch, or just a flat white that actually tastes like it should, Haarlem has you covered. These are the best cafes in Haarlem for coffee lovers — ranked by a local who’s had way too much caffeine.
Coffee Spots in Haarlem
- Coffee Spot
- Barista Cafe
- Coffee Habits
- Le Petit Cafe
- Native
- Mogador Cafe
- Cleeff
- Toast
- Ax
- Jules
- Frankie Local
- Blend
- Meneer Frans
- La Maru
- NES71
- Westhoff
- Maeva
- De Overkant
- Pip’s Deli
- Mica Coffee Bar
1. Coffee Spot
What started as a single café on the Spaarne has become Haarlem‘s biggest coffee success story. The Coffee Spot now has four locations across the city — the flagship on Spaarne 38, a quieter spot on Turfmarkt 16, a neighbourhood café in Rozenprieel (Kamperstraat 84), and a take-away kiosk at Marnixplein in the Bomenbuurt. The Spaarne terrace is the one to sit on: sun all day, boats drifting past, and a resident cat who’ll judge your latte art. Easily one of the best cafes in Haarlem.
If you’re planning to explore more local spots, check out our guide to the 10x most romantic and luxurious restaurants in Haarlem.
2. Barista Cafe
Barista Cafe sits in the middle of the action on the Grote Markt, and it’s the kind of place where you pop in for a quick coffee and end up staying for two hours. The pastries are baked fresh, the sandwiches are solid, and the staff remember your order if you come often enough. Good starting point before a day of exploring.
♥ After your coffee, you might want to discover more about the best day trips from Haarlem
3. Coffee Habits
Coffee Habits is a trendy spot with a modern vibe. Located in Haarlem Noord, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a quiet morning or to work remotely. Their cold brews are particularly refreshing. If you’re a fan of good food, don’t miss our article on the best restaurants in Haarlem.
4. Le Petit Cafe | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
Le Petit Cafe is a charming little spot that feels like a home away from home. The decor is quaint, and the coffee is delightful. They serve excellent croissants and other pastries, making it an ideal place for breakfast. Located near the central market, it’s perfect for a cozy coffee experience. It doubles as one of the best cafes in Haarlem for a proper French-style breakfast.
» You might also enjoy reading about the best places for seafood in Haarlem.
5. Native
Native is a favorite among locals for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious coffee. Located in Haarlem Zuid, this spot offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Their homemade cakes are a must-try.
6. Mogador Cafe | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
Mogador Cafe offers a unique blend of Moroccan and Dutch influences. Located in Haarlem Noord, the coffee is robust, and the ambiance is warm and inviting. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a book or chat with friends.
7. Cleeff
Cleeff is known for its minimalist design and excellent coffee. Situated in Haarlem Noord, the clean, modern decor provides a peaceful environment perfect for focusing on work or enjoying a quiet moment.
If you’re there, try out their cakes, fresh juices & they have great breakfast options. And your dog is welcome too!
8. Toast | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
Toast is not just about great coffee; it’s also a fantastic place for brunch. If brunch is your thing, Toast is among the best cafes in Haarlem for it. Located in the city center, the menu features a variety of toasts and sandwiches that pair perfectly with their expertly brewed coffee. It’s always buzzing with energy.
» After your visit, consider exploring more about the best tapas in Haarlem.
9. Ax
Ax is the smallest coffee bar in Haarlem — and possibly the best. Owner Axel trained in Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene and brought that obsession back to a tiny space on the Kruisstraat. Stooker beans, artisan pastries from Bakkerij MAMA next door, and a flat white that people cross the city for. This is the definition of a specialty coffee Haarlem bar — no frills, just exceptional coffee. Dog-friendly too.
10. Jules
Jules is a stylish cafe known for its artisanal coffee and friendly service. The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring every cup is brewed to perfection. Located near the central market, the chic interior makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
» Read my guide to discover the most romantic & luxurious restaurants in Haarlem
11. Frankie Local | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
Frankie Local calls itself an espresso bar — and that’s exactly what it is. Small menu, zero fuss, excellent coffee. The space is compact but the quality is consistent, and if you’re the type who judges a café by its espresso rather than its avocado toast, this is your place. One of the more underrated coffee spots in Haarlem.
12. Blend
Blend is a vibrant cafe with a focus on sustainability. The coffee is organic and sourced from ethical producers. Located in Haarlem Zuid, the atmosphere is lively, and the staff is always welcoming.
13. Meneer Frans
Meneer Frans is a unique cafe that combines history, design and coffee. The eclectic decor and creative ambiance make it a fun place to visit. Between the terrace, the design, and the food, Meneer Frans ranks among the best cafes in Haarlem for a full afternoon out.
» For more dining options, explore the Spanish cuisine in Haarlem.
14. La Maru | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
La Maru is a cozy spot with a focus on quality coffee and healthy snacks. Located near Spaarne, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is friendly. It’s a great place to start your day or take a break from shopping in the city center.
» Exploring the city with little ones? Pair your coffee stop with my guide to family-friendly things to do in Haarlem, from playful cafés to parks, museums and easy local activities. ♥
15. NES71
NES71 is a modern cafe with a sleek design. The coffee is strong and flavorful, and the pastries are fresh and delicious. Located in Haarlem Noord, it’s a great spot to grab a quick coffee or linger with friends. It feels like home here and the food is exceptional while still making me feel at home.
16. Westhoff
Westhoff is a small, charming cafe with a laid-back vibe located in Haarlem close to Haarlem Station. The coffee is excellent, and the baristas are always friendly. They also have a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your coffee in the sun. You can work here for €5,- hour / €25,- a day and you can also buy cute office supplies and there’s food & snacks to go as well.
17. Maeva
Maeva is known for its unique coffee blends and cozy atmosphere. The cafe is beautifully decorated, and the coffee is always top-notch. Located near the central market, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.
18. De Overkant | Coffee Spots in Haarlem
De Overkant is a popular spot for its great coffee and vibrant atmosphere. The cafe is always bustling with people, and the coffee is consistently good. They have a tiny tiny kitchen, but what comes out of it is grand! The prices are also fair and you can also stay for dinner if you want.
19. Pip’s Deli
Pip’s Deli is a delightful cafe with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The coffee is excellent, and the food is delicious. Located in Haarlem Zuid, it’s perfect for a cozy meal. They are open Wednesday untill Sunday untill 17:00 and Friday for a petit dejeuner. They also have a sunny terrace.
20. Mica Coffee Bar
Mica was started by two sisters — Sophie and Annemarie — who spent time in Copenhagen, Berlin, and Amsterdam before bringing their vision back to Haarlem. The result: a plant-filled café on Kleine Houtstraat serving specialty coffee, vegan croissants that could convert anyone, and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat. Heads up: laptops aren’t welcome here, which I think is always so annoying. I mean, I’m not bothering anyone? Anyways – coffee is good.
21. Bar Gast
Bar Gast started life as a coffee bar and grew into something bigger — which tells you everything about the quality. Located on Gasthuislaan in Haarlem Zuid, it now serves breakfast and lunch alongside specialty coffee from Stooker (the same Amsterdam roasters you’ll find at Ax and Mogador). The space has that effortlessly cool energy where freelancers settle in for the morning and friends meet for weekend brunch. The food menu is genuinely good — not an afterthought like at some coffee-first places. If you’re exploring beyond the city centre, Bar Gast is one of the best cafes in Haarlem that most visitors never find.
22. Kohi Koffiebar
Tucked inside the historic De Greiner building in Haarlem Noord, Kohi is run by Anne, a certified barista who sources organic beans from Gosling Coffee and milk from local Haarlem meadows. That level of care shows in every cup. The space itself is warm and community-driven — the kind of neighbourhood café where everyone seems to know each other. It’s a bit out of the centre, but if you care about specialty coffee in Haarlem and want something off the beaten path, Kohi is worth the walk.
Conclusion | The best Coffee Spots in Haarlem
Haarlem’s coffee scene has come a long way — and honestly, it keeps getting better. New spots open every year, roasters keep pushing quality higher, and the city’s café culture now genuinely rivals Amsterdam’s, without the crowds and the tourist markup. I’ll keep updating this list as new places earn their spot, so bookmark it and check back.
If you’re planning a full day in Haarlem, pair this with our Haarlem insider guide for the complete picture — or check our best restaurants in Haarlem if the coffee makes you hungry.
♥ Want to make a full day of it? Our best day trips from Haarlem guide covers everything within easy reach — from Zandvoort’s beach to the tulip fields.
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Hi, I’m Lisa, the Dutch blogger behind Dutchbloggeronthemove — a luxury slow travel platform built on the belief that the best journeys happen at a pace that lets you actually remember them.
She has lived in Mallorca for over three years, visited Lake Garda 35+ times since childhood, and spent years exploring South Africa’s wine regions until she knew them the way locals do. She travels with her partner and her Labrador Buddy, and she still returns to her favourite destinations four or more times a year — because one visit is never enough to write about a place honestly.
Everything published here starts from personal experience. That’s the only kind worth reading. ♥
