It’s here! Eurosonic Noorderslag week has started! This week (and this week only) Groningen is the buzzing center of the international music industry. I’ve lived in Groningen for over four years, and let me tell you how amazing it is to finally have everyone come to our city, rather then us always having to travel. For one week, people from the cosmopolitan area of the Netherlands (and beyond) understand all the travel the Northern Dutchies have to go through in order to get to the civilized world. That sympathy often quickly wears off once they are back in their neck of the woods, but we’ll take it. Because for one week we get to show off our city. I am assuming you’ve got the music part down, so I’m about to share with you all the good places to go. This is a result of four years of trying different kinds of coffees, getting drunk on all different kinds of booze and tons of meals. You’re welcome.

Where to go for your morning coffee (or afternoon, or evening)

Doppio Espresso (Brugstraat 6)
It’s really easy. Coffee is good or bad. There’s no middle when it comes to coffee, because if it’s mediocre, it’s bad, that’s just the way it is. But at Doppio, no matter which coffee you order, you’ll be happy. And that’s a promise. I’m in investor at Doppio, as a large chunk of my student debt has been spent at this place, as well as many, many hours in which I should have been studying (now that I come to think of it, it might be the reason it took me four years to finish a three year bachelor degree). Go there, have a coffee and thank me later.
Alternative: Coffee United (Herestraat 7)

Where to go for a good beer


Oblomov (Poelestraat 11)
Of course Groningen is full of bars that can get you a beer, but if you’re looking for the experience that goes beyond your Heineken or Grolsch you need to find a next level beer bar. One of the best ones in Groningen is called Oblomov and has almost 50 beers on their menu.
Alternative: De Pintelier (Kleine Kromme Elleboog 9) (nicest staff you’ll ever encounter at a bar!)

Where to go for a cocktail


Mr. Mofongo’s (Oude Boteringestraat 26)
In the Groningen city center, on the corner of the beautiful university Academy building, there’s a bar called Mr. Mofongo’s. In that bar there’s a staircase to the first floor that leads to alcohol magic. Ascend the stairs and you will find a wall of booze. Name it – it’s there. Tell the bartender what kind of flavors you like and he or she’ll come of with the best cocktail of your life. But here’s the cool part – there’s a robot arm that will poor the shots of booze that need to go in your cocktail. Oh – and there’s also in in-house distillery.
Alternative: Australian Pub Pacific (Oosterstraat 65) (on Wednesdays two for one cocktails)

Where to go for a glass of wine


Barrel Wijnlokaal (Haddingestraat 27)
There’s wine, a cozy atmosphere, and we’ll be there (at least on Friday) – need we say more? At Barrel they have over 250 wines on the menu, so get ready to have some serious choice-anxiety. And like I said, on Friday we’ll be there! We’ve narrowed down the choices of wine for that night, but we’ll make up for it with our company and some live music.
Alternative: Wijnkelder van ‘t Huys (Oosterstraat 53)

Where to go to get some work done

De Uurwerker (Uurwerkersplein 1)
Conveniently located next to the Arts department of the university, De Uurwerker was always my go-to spot during the exam weeks. During the day they have coffee, tea and a brilliant hot chocolate. They serve lunch and dinner, and have a nice selection of alcohol. It’s almost impossible to find a good glass of wine cheaper than at De Uurwerker. But whether it’s 10AM or 9PM, there are always people with laptops and tired faces trying to get their work done. If I were cool enough to use the word city hot-spot, De Uurwerker would definitely fall under that category. Be sure to ask the bartender about the WI-FI code – if nothing else they are usually pretty funny.
Alternative: Simon Levelt (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 2)

Where to go for a cheap meal

De Eerste Kamer (Peperstraat 9)
Since Groningen is a student city there’s tons of places with cheap food. Burger places, student deals, student meals, there’s a lot. But I usually take friends to De Eerste Kamer, where the menu is cheap and classy. But more importantly they have a killer dessert. Profiteroles that are worth do die for. Really.
Alternative: Irish Pub O’Malleys (Oosterstraat 67) (but ask for their student meals!)

Where to go to cure your hangover

Het Concerthuis (Poelestraat 30)
Every Sunday Het Concerthuis organizes something called the ‘Hangover Brunch’ and it will be one of the best experiences of your life. For only eleven euros you get an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet (drinks excluded). And it’s everything you have ever dreamed of. They have fries, bacon, sausage, salads, breads, spreads, fruits, pies, yogurt, cereal – basically everything your hung-over brain needs.
Alternative: Stay in bed and sleep it off. There’s nothing better.

Need any other recommendations? You know how to get in touch with us! Or just meet us at De Barrel on Friday! See you at ESNS!