The 3 best coffee shops in Den Bosch
Coffee Culture
Nestled in the medieval heart of Noord-Brabant, ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) enchants visitors with cobblestone lanes, Gothic cathedrals, and serene canals. Yet beyond its fairy-tale architecture lies a modern coffee scene where tradition collides with innovation. Den Bosch’s cafés are community hubs—spaces where slow-brewed rituals meet cutting-edge specialty techniques. Locals take pride in koffiemomenten (coffee moments), pairing steaming cups with buttery Bossche Bollen (chocolate cream puffs) from iconic bakeries like Jan de Groot . As specialty roasters revive historic spaces and baristas experiment with nitro infusions, the city brews a java renaissance. Discover below three exceptional coffee shops that are shaping the third wave coffee movement.
Drab
Address : Kruisstraat 12, Den Bosch,, Netherlands / Web : drabdenbosch.nl / Ig : @drabdenbosch
Tucked into a moody alley near Market Square, Drab captures its charm from the first glance with the tagline “coffee, crumbs and comfort.” This specialty coffee shop in Den Bosch offers an industrial-chic space with raw brick walls, exposed beams, and vintage leather stools that invite you to linger. Despite its minimalist vibe, the café is spacious with plenty of seating options. The coffee at Drab truly stands out. Their nutty house blend delivers a well-balanced cappuccino—smooth, flavorful, and never overly milky. The menu includes a full range of caffeinated favorites, from flat whites and cortados to an espresso ginger, alongside a curated tea selection. The name “Drab” playfully mocks its pared-back design philosophy, proving that comfort can come from simplicity. With its focus on quality coffee, satisfying food, and an unpretentious atmosphere, Drab is a must visit café in Den Bosch for anyone seeking authentic coffee experience.
La Jeu
Address : Hinthamerstraat 190, Den Bosch, Netherlands / Web : www.lajeucoffee.com / Ig : @lajeucoffee
Nestled in a historic 200-year-old former roastery in Den Bosch, La Jeu Coffee captivates with its distinctive vintage style and wonderfully cozy atmosphere showcasing original cast-iron grinders and copper kettles. From the moment you step inside, the attention to detail is apparent, from the handmade ceramic cups that add a personal and artisanal touch to each beverage, to the tables which incorporate coffee beans within their legs, subtly reinforcing the establishment's core passion for coffee. Described as "gezellig klein" (cozy small), La Jeu offers an intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for a personal coffee moment. They were using a specialty blend made from beans sourced from Brazil and Colombia, which creates a well-balanced cappuccino with a chocolaty aftertaste. The latte art is also impressive. The coffee is roasted in-house weekly, ensuring both freshness and quality. What truly makes La Jeu stand out is its commitment to farm-to-cup integrity. The beans are 100% Specialty Grade and are sourced directly from women-led farms through the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA). Each bag sold contributes to supporting female growers’ education, highlighting La Jeu’s dedication to ethical and sustainable coffee practices. This cozy café’s authentic vintage charm, superior specialty coffee, and ethical sourcing make it a must-visit destination for coffee lovers who appreciate both quality and sustainability.
Fortin
Address : Ridderstraat 6, Den Bosch, Netherlands / Web : fortin.nl / Ig : @cafefortin
Fortin has two branches in Den Bosch, located on Ridderstraat and Visstraat, with this review focusing on the Ridderstraat location, the very first Fortin coffee bar. Established from a deep passion for coffee and service, Fortin proudly brands itself as the “Home of Specialty Coffee” with an exceptional commitment to quality. They use only coffee scoring 85 or higher in cupping tests—above the specialty coffee standard of 80+—and enforce strict quality controls, limiting defective beans to five per 350 grams. Most beans come from the “coffee belt”, sourced with meticulous care to provide a superior experience for serious coffee lovers. The café’s ambiance is cozy, featuring a variety of seating options from tables and chairs to intimate sofas at the back, with walls decorated by paintings. Their bean menu offers a diverse range, including the Ethiopia washed with dark chocolate and hazelnut notes, the Brazil/Panama anaerobic blend with candied orange and praline, and the Nicaragua washed featuring green apple and caramel. Other favorites include the Ethiopia natural’s berry compote flavors, the Kenya washed with lemon and cherry notes, and the exclusive Costa Rica natural #1 Cup of Excellence, known for its red licorice and cola flavors. This rich selection and dedication to quality make Fortin a true specialty coffee destination in Den Bosch.
FAQ
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While Den Bosch's coffee scene has embraced international coffee trends, you might enjoy trying "Koffie Verkeerd." This traditional Dutch variation is similar to a latte, made with equal parts coffee and warm milk, offering a smooth and comforting experience.
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Den Bosch, generally offers a vibrant coffee culture throughout its charming city center. The North Brabant Province, where Den Bosch is a key city, is increasingly recognized as a hidden gem for cafe enthusiasts, featuring a delightful array of establishments from cozy corners to lively spots. The cafes highlighted in this guide, such as Drab on Kruisstraat, La Jeu on Hinthamerstraat, and Fortin on Ridderstraat, are all centrally located, contributing to the city's overall inviting coffee atmosphere.
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Yes, Den Bosch has a history with coffee roasting. De Drie Mollen, for instance, is a historical coffee and tea manufacturing company based in 's-Hertogenbosch that developed into an international coffee roasting business, becoming one of the largest coffee roasters in Europe. Additionally, establishments like Kaldi Den Bosch, while primarily a store and tasting room, offer a wide selection of coffee beans and even host barista workshops, indicating a strong focus on quality coffee. Fortin also roasts their own beans.
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While the major Amsterdam Coffee Festival is a national highlight for coffee enthusiasts , Den Bosch also hosts various food and drink festivals throughout the year where coffee is likely to be featured. For example, Festival TREK, a traveling food festival, has a stop in 's-Hertogenbosch, offering a lively atmosphere with good food and drinks. Keep an eye on local event listings for specific dates and details during your visit.
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In a cafe in Den Bosch, a regular cup of coffee typically ranges between €2.75 and €3.50. For specialty drinks like cappuccinos, prices often fall between €3.75 and €4.20.