The 6 Best Coffee Spots in Groningen – Tips from Our Team (2026)

Personal favourites from our team · updated March 2026

Whether you're spending a weekend in Groningen or exploring the city during the week, a good cup of coffee makes every visit complete. Some of our team members simply need to make coffee before they can start their day. We completely understand that. Here in the Netherlands, we have a coffee culture to be proud of. The fact that you can find a coffee spot roughly every 100 metres says it all. If you're visiting Groningen for a weekend, it pays to come prepared as a true coffee lover! If you're staying at one of the hotels we recommend, you'll have some really great coffee cafés right on your doorstep.

Book with us, at Hotel Schimmelpenninck Huys, The Market Hotel or The Happy Traveler and we'll cover your first cup of coffee at one of the six spots below. Just send us your booking number via WhatsApp and we'll take care of the rest.

6 x Our Favourite Coffee Spots in Groningen

Below you'll find our six favourite spots, each with its own character and run by passionate baristas. The kind of places you walk past and think, that looks cosy — somewhere you'd happily take a friend or your mum. Because we are a booking platform for Groningen, but above all for the people of Groningen themselves, we want to send you to spots run by local entrepreneurs who truly appreciate it! No chains on our list!

Coffee Culture in the Netherlands: We Are Serious Coffee Lovers

The history of coffee in the Netherlands dates back to the 17th century, when the VOC (Dutch East India Company) established trade routes with the East Indian islands. The VOC was the first European company to import coffee beans to Europe on a large scale, and subsequently planted coffee trees in Java and Suriname to meet growing demand. Amsterdam grew into the coffee capital of Europe. In less than eighty years, coffee transformed from an elite drink to an indispensable part of Dutch culture. By 1750, more coffee was already being consumed than beer — and that has remained the case to this day. It is even said that the Netherlands ranks fifth in the world! Drinking coffee in the Netherlands (and often worldwide) is all about connection, cosiness and routine. Many Dutch people drink coffee at fixed times: around ten in the morning and again at three in the afternoon. This koffietijd (coffee time) is a set ritual, at home and at work. Words like koffie verkeerd (literally "wrong coffee", the Dutch latte) and bakkie troost ("cup of comfort") reveal how much cultural significance coffee carries in the Netherlands. And if you ask a Dutch person for a "coffee shop", you may get a surprising reaction — Dutch people tend to think of something entirely different. A café where you simply drink coffee is called a koffietent, koffiebar or simply café here. And fortunately there are more than enough of those, especially in Groningen.

Groningen and Coffee: A City with Taste, History and Pride

That Groningen has a special relationship with coffee and craftsmanship is proven by two Groningen brands that have been making their mark for generations. In 1870, Klaas Tiktak laid the foundation for what would become one of the most quintessentially Dutch coffee and tea brands in the Netherlands, with a factory in Groningen and a branch in Amsterdam. His coffee was known as suyvere koffij: honest, pure and of good quality. Tiktak already had an early fair trade line in coffee and tea, holds the title of Royal Supplier, and has never changed its composition to this day. Old-fashionedly honest and good, as it should be. And of course, coffee needs something tasty alongside it — and here too Groningen has a proud answer. Knol's Koek has been baking the authentic Groninger cake at the Hoendiep since 1923: artisanal, without artificial additives, always fresh and exactly as founder Egge Knol once intended. In 2024 the family business received the royal designation of Supplier to the Royal Household, an honour granted only to companies that have existed for at least 100 years and play an important role in the region. And as if that weren't enough: in 2025 the book Knol's koek, since 1923 was published, written by grandson Egge Knol, former curator of archaeology at the Groninger Museum. A wonderful tribute to more than a century of Groningen baking craftsmanship. Two brands, a century and a half of tradition, one city. Groningen has known what's good for a very long time. We previously wrote an article about the history of Knol's Koek.

1. Koffiestation, 3 Locations in a Unique Concept

Groningen micro-roastery with three unique locations, including an iconic listed building

Location Koffiestation Books & Coffee (in collaboration with Boekhandel Riemer): Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 21, 9712 EA Groningen
Location Koffiestation Dudok aan het Diep: Turfsingel 4, Groningen
Location Koffiestation Vismarkt: every Friday and Saturday at the Vismarkt

Koffiestation started in 2012 by roasting coffee beans on the hob in their own kitchen. It has since grown into one of the most remarkable coffee companies in the north of the Netherlands, with its own micro-roastery and three different locations in Groningen.

Koffiestation Books & Coffee (in collaboration with Boekhandel Riemer) on the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat combines specialty coffee with a collection of English-language books — a concept that exists nowhere else in the city. Koffiestation Dudok aan het Diep on the Turfsingel is housed in a restored listed petrol station designed by architect Willem Dudok, with a spacious terrace by the water and an in-house bakery serving cinnamon buns and banana bread. And at the Vismarkt, you'll find Koffiestation every Friday and Saturday with the full bean collection.

Our tip: On a sunny day, head to Dudok aan het Diep for coffee and pastries by the water — one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Koffiestation Books & Coffee is open Mon–Fri 08:45–17:30, Sat 09:30–17:30, Sun 10:30–17:00.

2. G Corner Café

A taste of Greece in the heart of Groningen — experience Greek coffee in Groningen

Location: Carolieweg 32, 9711 LS Groningen

G Corner Café is one of a kind in Groningen: this is the place for Greek coffee. Not the standard cappuccino or latte, but authentic preparations as you'd find them on the Mediterranean coast. Anyone who walks in here is welcomed with warmth and hospitality, just as we've come to expect during our own holidays on our favourite island of Kythira, Greece. This is the favourite of our Greece enthusiast on the team, Diet Daleman. And she always pairs it with a spanakopita, the authentic spinach and feta puff pastry.

The Rich Greek Coffee Tradition

Greek coffee culture is unique in the world, and at G Corner Café you notice that immediately. It starts with Ellinikos Kafes, the traditional Greek coffee. This is a strong, thick black coffee prepared in a small copper pot called a briki. Ground coffee is slowly heated with water — and optionally sugar — to just below boiling point. The result: an intense coffee with a rich aroma and a layer of fine foam, the kaimaki, on top. The coffee is served in small demitasse cups, always accompanied by a glass of cold water and often with a piece of loukoumi, the Greek version of Turkish Delight. You specify how sweet you'd like it when ordering: sketo (without sugar), metrio (medium sweet) or glykos (sweet). Drink slowly, and note: do not drink the grounds at the bottom. These are the basis for kafemandeia, Greek coffee ground fortune-telling. Alongside traditional coffee, Greece is also the birthplace of the freddo espresso. The freddo was invented in 1991 as a response to hot Greek summers: a double espresso shaken with ice in a shaker, served over extra ice. Creamy, cold and full of flavour. With cold frothed milk added, it becomes a freddo cappuccino. Drinking coffee in Greece is never rushed — it is a social ritual. You sit, you talk, you enjoy. G Corner Café brings that philosophy to Groningen.

Insider's tip: Don't hesitate to ask for a traditional Ellinikos Kafes or a freddo espresso — the owner is happy to tell you all about it.

3. Revista Coffee, 100% Vegan Coffee

Minimalist, 100% vegan and specialty coffee with character

Location: Carolieweg 11, 9711 LP Groningen (corner of Gelkingestraat, just behind the Grote Markt)

Revista started as a blue vintage coffee bus on the Hereplein (impossible to miss!) and has since found a permanent home in a stylish corner building on the Carolieweg. The name refers to the Spanish word for magazine, and that combination is reflected throughout the shop: alongside specialty coffee you'll find a carefully curated selection of international magazines on art, culture and design. Everything at Revista is 100% plant-based, from the oat milk in your cappuccino to the delicious vegan pastries from local bakers. Coffee beans come from renowned Dutch roasters such as Friedhats and Uncommon.

Insider's tip: Come early — Revista opens at 08:00 (on Saturdays from 09:00 and on Sundays from 12:00), earlier than most other coffee spots in the city. Perfect for an early start to your Groningen day. Every day there is a filter coffee + toast deal for €6 between 08:00 and 10:30. Breakfast options are available until 13:00.

4. Bij Roel: Coffee & Barista Workshops

Where coffee and art come together, including barista workshops

Location: Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 27, 9712 EB Groningen

Bij Roel feels like a living room where all of Groningen comes together. Owner Roel graduated from the art academy and is also a passionate barista. The result is a wonderfully colourful and characterful space — every corner of the café is a delight! The paintings on the walls? Made by him. The coffee? Carefully prepared, with attention to every detail.

In addition to serving coffee, Bij Roel also offers barista workshops, available for groups of 4 or more. Want to learn how to pull a perfect espresso or create beautiful latte art? This is the place. Open daily from 07:30 (weekends from 09:30), every day until 17:00.

Insider's tip: Book a barista workshop in advance (from 4 persons, scheduled after 17:00) — a unique souvenir from your Groningen trip if you're visiting with a group. Outside, you have a view of the Academy Building and De Harmonie.

5. Pure Groningen, Delicious Coffee with a One-of-a-Kind Donut

Homemade pastries, great coffee and a warm atmosphere at the Vismarkt

Location: Vismarkt 10, 9711 KS Groningen

Pure Groningen is perfectly located: on the Vismarkt, right next to the Herestraat. Anyone who walks in is welcomed by a display case full of homemade pastries — from flavourful cakes to donuts, poffertjes and toasties. The coffee is excellent, the atmosphere is cosy, and the team makes everything themselves with care and passion. Pure is the spot for anyone who wants to combine a coffee break with something delicious. Whether you're looking for a moment of rest after a morning of shopping or want to start the day here, you're always in good hands.

Insider's tip: Pair your coffee with one of their freshly baked pastries. Open Mon–Sat from 09:30, Sundays from 11:00.

6. Black & Bloom: Specialty Coffee Bar in Groningen

Groningen's first specialty coffee bar, and still a favourite for many

Location: Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 32, 9712 EK Groningen

Black & Bloom opened in 2012 as the very first specialty coffee bar in Groningen and has set the bar high for everything that followed. Owner Gerben Engelkes roasts his own beans in a micro-roastery. The espresso has character, the filter coffee tastes of the season, and the homemade treats are not overly sweet but full of flavour. He also supplies his beans to top restaurants! The interior is cosy: a handful of tables, expertly arranged equipment and a barista who is happy to take you into the world of specialty coffee. Black & Bloom won the Misset Horeca Coffee Top 100 in 2016, but regular guests have known that for a long time. You can also buy Black & Bloom coffee online.

Insider's tip: Ask about the bean of the month for a surprising flavour combination. Laptops are not welcome here, so come purely to enjoy your coffee. And the humour on the chalkboard outside the location is absolutely hilarious — worth enjoying as you cycle past too ;-)

Book a Hotel Through Us and Receive a Free Cup of Coffee at One of Our Favourites

Visiting Groningen soon? Book a stay at one of our recommended hotels and we'll cover your first cup of coffee at one of the six coffee spots in this blog.

Here's how it works: after your booking, send us your booking number via WhatsApp. We at StayinGroningen will cover your first cup of coffee at one of the six coffee spots. That simple. That good.

Hotel Schimmelpenninck Huys  ·  The Market Hotel  ·  The Happy Traveler

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This blog was written by the StayinGroningen team. We visit all these spots ourselves and only select favourites we can wholeheartedly recommend. We receive no payment from the coffee bars mentioned. Addresses and opening hours were updated in March 2026 — always check the latest details with the café itself before your visit.